Fine-scale application of the WRF-CMAQ modeling system to the 2013 DISCOVER-AQ San Joaquin Valley study

EPA Science Inventory

The DISCOVER-AQ project (Deriving Information on Surface conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality), is a joint collaboration between NASA, U.S. EPA and a number of other local organizations with the goal of characterizing air quality in ...

AQS-20 through-the-sensor environmental data sharing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steed, Chad A.; Sample, John; Harris, Mike; Avera, Will; Bibee, L. Dale

2005-05-01

The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has developed an advanced architecture for connecting many maturing Through-The-Sensor (TTS) efforts for an end-to-end demonstration using the AQS-20 mine hunting sensor. The goal of TTS technologies is to exploit tactical sensors to characterize the battlespace environment for Navy Fleet Tactical Decision Aids (TDAs) with minimal impact on tactical systems. The AQS-20 Rapid Transition Process (RTP) will utilize the AQS-20 to demonstrate sensor data collection, processing, fusion, storage, distribution and use in a tactical decision aid. In recent years, NRL has shown that the AQS-20 can be used to obtain swath bathymetry and bottom sediment information in a single flight. In the AQS-20 RTP, these data will be processed and fused with historical databases to provide an improved environmental picture. The RTP will also utilize the Geophysical Data Base Variable resolution (GDBV) dynamic format for storing local datasets. The GDBV dynamic has been developed in prior years to provide an extensible, efficient data storage format for TTS systems. To provide the interconnectivity that is critical to Network Centric Warfare (NCW), the GDBV will be connected to the SPAWAR funded Tactical Environmental Data Services (TEDServices). To complete the flow of information from sensor to user, the RTP will transmit information to the MEDAL TDA through existing connections in The Naval Oceanographic Office"s (NAVOCEANO) Bottom Mapping Workstation (BMW). In addition, TEDServices will handle transmission of the AQS-20 data to NAVOCEANO who serves as the domain authority for oceanographic datasets in the U.S. Navy.

4 km Forecasting System to Support DISCOVER-AQ Campaigns: Model Configuration, Testing and Evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, P.; Pan, L.; Kim, H. C.; Chai, T.; Hu, Y.; Tong, D.; Ngan, F.; Wong, D.; Dornblaser, B.; Tanrikulu, S.; Pickering, K. E.

2012-12-01

This work presents the development and evaluation of a high-resolution air quality forecasting system to support two NASA Earth Venture campaigns (DISCOVER-AQ) in 2013. These campaigns aim to further understanding of column-integrated and vertically resolved observations in determining air pollution conditions near the surface (http://science.nasa.gov/missions/discover-aq/). The first one will be carried out in San Joaquin Valley (SJV) in winter and the second one in Houston (HOU) area in late summer. Accurate forecast of pollution plumes is critical for on-site deployment and co-ordination of the various observation platforms. We develop of a fine resolution forecasting system to provide dynamic prediction of the chemical fields over these regions. This system utilizes meteorology fields from the US National Centers for Environmental Prediction North American Model (NAM) that is equipped with an elaborative NAM Data Assimilation System (NDAS) for its Land Surface Model (LSM) and initialization processes. NAM output is used to drive the US EPA Community Multi-scale Air Quality Model (CMAQ) with identical horizontal resolution. The SJV campaign is believed to be subjected to rather high particulate matter loading and possible frequent occurrence of multiple-day fog. NDAS provides advanced methodology to constrain atmospheric stability and soil moisture characteristics. These meteorological parameters are critical for the winter campaign. Special attention is paid to emission modeling for agricultural dust aerosols, which were found important for the SJV area. In contrast to the winter campaign where strong atmospheric stability will likely be a challenge, the HOU campaign in September of 2013 will be challenged with strong atmospheric convection and rather rapid growth of and a sustained deep Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) during mid-morning and afternoon, respectively. Convection often results in lightning. Wild-fires can contribute significantly to pollution

Stories from OpenAQ, a Global and Grassroots Open Air Quality Community

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasenkopf, C. A.; Flasher, J. C.; Veerman, O.; Scalamogna, A.; Silva, D.; Salmon, M.; Buuralda, D.; DeWitt, L. H.

2016-12-01

Air pollution, responsible for more deaths each year than HIV/AIDS and malaria, combined, is a global public health crisis. Yet many scientific questions, including those directly relevant for policy, remain unanswered when it comes to the impact of air pollution on health in highly polluted environments. Often, specific solutions to improving air quality are local and sustained through public engagement, policy and monitoring. Both the overarching science of air quality and health and local solutions rely on access to reliable, timely air quality data. Over the past year, the OpenAQ community has opened up existing disparate air quality data in 24 countries through an open source platform (openaq.org) so that communities around the world can use it to advance science, public engagement, and policy. We will share stories of communities, from Delhi to Ulaanbaatar and from scientists to journalists, using open air quality data from our platform to advance their fight against air inequality. We will share recent research we have conducted on best practices for engaging different communities and building tools that enable the public to fully unleash the power of open air quality data to fight air inequality. The subsequent open-source tools (github.com/openaq) we have developed from this research and our entire data-sharing platform may be of interest to other open data communities.

A New Era of Air Quality Monitoring from Space in East Asia: Korea's Geostationary Environmental Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS) and an Integrated Korea-US Air Quality (KORUS-AQ) Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, J.; Hong, Y.; Song, C. K.; Kim, S. K.; Chang, L. S.; Lim, J.; Ahn, J.; Park, J. H.; Kim, J. Y.; Han, Y. J.; Kim, J.; Park, R.; Lee, G.; Lefer, B. L.; Al-Saadi, J. A.; Crawford, J. H.

2015-12-01

Due to remarkable economic growth over the last two decades, East Asia has become a region experiencing some of the poorest air quality in the world. In addition to local sources of pollution, the Korea peninsula is downwind of the largest emission sources in East Asia, complicating the understanding of air quality over Korea. Thus, knowing the factors controlling changes in air pollution across urban-rural and marine-continental interfaces, in addition to the contributions from local emissions and transboundary transport, is important for building effective management strategies and improving air quality in East Asia. GEMS (Geostationary Environmental Monitoring Spectrometer) is a satellite instrument planned for launch in 2019 by the Republic of Korea. The instrument will observe East Asia and the western Pacific region, providing real-time monitoring of air quality (e.g. O3, NO2, SO2, HCHO, AOD, etc.) and enabling better scientific understanding of the transboundary transport of air pollutants. The KORUS-AQ (the Korea and U.S. Air Quality) field campaign will take place in May - June 2016 and will employ an integrated observing strategy including multiplatform observations (i.e. ground stations, aircraft, ships, and satellites) and chemical transport models. This mission aims to not only strengthen our knowledge of atmospheric chemistry but also provide important data sets for validating GEMS retrieval algorithms. In preparation for KORUS-AQ, a pre-campaign has been successfully conducted in Korea during early summer 2015 with observations from multiple ground sites and a small aircraft. A brief summary of pre-field campaign results will be presented. Moving forward, the GEMS mission and KORUS-AQ study will lead to a new era of air quality monitoring in East Asia. GEMS will also make critical contributions to the global air quality perspective working in concert with geostationary missions launched by the U.S. (TEMPO: Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of

DISCOVER-AQ SJV Surface Measurements and Initial Comparisons with Photochemical Model Simulations

EPA Science Inventory

NASA’s DISCOVER-AQ (Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality) campaign studied the air quality throughout California’s San Joaquin Valley (SJV) during January and February of 2013. The SJV is a...

DISCOVER-AQ Aircraft insitu TraceGas Data (ICT)

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2018-03-28

DISCOVER-AQ Aircraft insitu TraceGas Data (ICT) Project Title:  N/A Platform:  NASA ... Relevant Documents:  DISCOVER-AQ - Airborne Science Data for Atmospheric Composition DISCOVER-AQ - NASA Earth ...

DISCOVER AQ Research Plane Arrives

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-06-28

An unidentified researcher works aboard the P-3B NASA research aircraft at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Tuesday, June 28, 2011, in Baltimore, Md. The aircraft is part of a month-long field campaign designed to improve satellite measurements of air pollution. The name of the experiment -- Deriving Information on Surface conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality (DISCOVER -- AQ) -- is a mouthful, but its purpose is simple. Come July, the aircraft will be flying spirals over six ground stations in Maryland. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

Modeling Air Quality in the San Joaquin Valley during the 2013 DISCOVER-AQ Field Campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, J.; Zhao, Z.; Cai, C.; Avise, J.; DaMassa, J.; Kaduwela, A. P.

2014-12-01

The San Joaquin Valley (SJV) in California frequently experiences elevated PM2.5 concentrations during winter months. The DISCOVER-AQ (Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality) field campaign conducted by NASA took place in the SJV from January 16 to February 06, 2013. This campaign captured two elevated PM2.5 events in Bakersfield where the 24-hour surface PM2.5 exceeded 70 μg/m3 (more than double the 24-hour PM2.5 Standard of 35 μg/m3). The campaign provided unparalleled surface, vertical and column measurements of a suite of gaseous and particulate pollutants in the SJV, which have not been available for over a decade since the last major PM field campaign (CRPAQS in 2000-2001). The U.S. EPA CMAQ model was used to investigate PM formation and buildup throughout the DISCOVER-AQ time period. Model performance will be presented for both surface and vertical profiles of a variety of gases (e.g., O3, NOx, PAN, HNO3, NH3, HCHO and other selected VOCs) and PM species (e.g., nitrate, sulfate, ammonium, black carbon, and organic compounds (OC)), as well as the sensitivity of PM formation and buildup to the simulated meteorological fields. Areas for future model improvements will be also highlighted.

Sharing Lessons-Learned on Effective Open Data, Open-Source Practices from OpenAQ, a Global Open Air Quality Community.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasenkopf, C. A.

2017-12-01

Increasingly, open data, open-source projects are unearthing rich datasets and tools, previously impossible for more traditional avenues to generate. These projects are possible, in part, because of the emergence of online collaborative and code-sharing tools, decreasing costs of cloud-based services to fetch, store, and serve data, and increasing interest of individuals to contribute their time and skills to 'open projects.' While such projects have generated palpable enthusiasm from many sectors, many of these projects face uncharted paths for sustainability, visibility, and acceptance. Our project, OpenAQ, is an example of an open-source, open data community that is currently forging its own uncharted path. OpenAQ is an open air quality data platform that aggregates and universally formats government and research-grade air quality data from 50 countries across the world. To date, we make available more than 76 million air quality (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, O3, CO and black carbon) data points through an open Application Programming Interface (API) and a user-customizable download interface at https://openaq.org. The goal of the platform is to enable an ecosystem of users to advance air pollution efforts from science to policy to the private sector. The platform is also an open-source project (https://github.com/openaq) and has only been made possible through the coding and data contributions of individuals around the world. In our first two years of existence, we have seen requests for data to our API skyrocket to more than 6 million datapoints per month, and use-cases as varied as ingesting data aggregated from our system into real-time models of wildfires to building open-source statistical packages (e.g. ropenaq and py-openaq) on top of the platform to creating public-friendly apps and chatbots. We will share a whirl-wind trip through our evolution and the many lessons learned so far related to platform structure, community engagement, organizational model type

DISCOVER AQ Research Plane Arrives

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-06-28

A 117-foot P-3B NASA research aircraft is seen on the tarmac at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Tuesday, June 28, 2011, in Baltimore, Md. The aircraft is part of a month-long field campaign designed to improve satellite measurements of air pollution. The name of the experiment -- Deriving Information on Surface conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality (DISCOVER -- AQ) -- is a mouthful, but its purpose is simple. Come July, the aircraft will be flying spirals over six ground stations in Maryland. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

DISCOVER AQ Research Plane Arrives

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-06-28

Pilots Shane Dover, left, and Mike Singer are seen on the flight deck of the P-3B NASA research aircraft at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Tuesday, June 28, 2011, in Baltimore, Md. The aircraft is part of a month-long field campaign designed to improve satellite measurements of air pollution. The name of the experiment -- Deriving Information on Surface conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality (DISCOVER -- AQ) -- is a mouthful, but its purpose is simple. Come July, the aircraft will be flying spirals over six ground stations in Maryland. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

Utilizing NASA DISCOVER-AQ Data to Examine Spatial Gradients in Complex Emission Environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buzanowicz, M. E.; Moore, W.; Crawford, J. H.; Schroeder, J.

2017-12-01

Although many regulations have been enacted with the goal of improving air quality, many parts of the US are still classified as `non-attainment areas' because they frequently violate federal air quality standards. Adequately monitoring the spatial distribution of pollutants both within and outside of non-attainment areas has been an ongoing challenge for regulators. Observations of near-surface pollution from space-based platforms would provide an unprecedented view of the spatial distribution of pollution, but this goal has not yet been realized due to fundamental limitations of satellites, specifically because the footprint size of satellite measurements may not be sufficiently small enough to capture true gradients in pollution, and rather represents an average over a large area. NASA's DISCOVER-AQ was a multi-year field campaign aimed at improving our understanding of the role that remote sensing, including satellite-based remote sensing, could play in air quality monitoring systems. DISCOVER-AQ data will be utilized to create a metric to examine spatial gradients and how satellites can capture those gradients in areas with complex emission environments. Examining horizontal variability within a vertical column is critical to understanding mixing within the atmosphere. Aircraft spirals conducted during DISCOVER-AQ were divided into octants, and averages of a given a species were calculated, with certain points receiving a flag. These flags were determined by calculating gradients between subsequent octants. Initial calculations have shown that over areas with large point source emissions, such as Platteville and Denver-La Casa in Colorado, and Essex, Maryland, satellite retrievals may not adequately capture spatial variability in the atmosphere, thus complicating satellite inversion techniques and limiting our ability to understand human exposure on sub-grid scales. Further calculations at other locations and for other trace gases are necessary to determine

Calculation of boron-isotope fractionation between B(OH) 3(aq) and B(OH)4-(aq)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rustad, James R.; Bylaska, Eric J.; Jackson, Virgil E.; Dixon, David A.

2010-05-01

Density functional and correlated molecular orbital calculations (MP2) are carried out on B(OH) 3· nH 2O clusters ( n = 0, 6, 32), and B(OH)4-· nH 2O ( n = 0, 8, 11, 32) to estimate the equilibrium distribution of 10B and 11B isotopes between boric acid and borate in aqueous solution. For the large 32-water clusters, multiple conformations are generated from ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to account for the effect of solvent fluctuations on the isotopic fractionation. We provide an extrapolated value of the equilibrium constant α34 for the isotope exchange reaction 10B(OH) 3(aq) + 11B(OH)4- (aq) = 11B(OH) 3(aq) + 11B(OH)4- (aq) of 1.026-1.028 near the MP2 complete basis set limit with 32 explicit waters of solvation. With some exchange-correlation functionals we find potentially important contributions from a tetrahedral neutral B(OH) 3·H 2O Lewis acid-base complex. The extrapolations presented here suggest that DFT calculations give a value for 10 3ln α34 about 15% higher than the MP2 calculations.

Development of the GEM-MACH-FireWork System: An Air Quality Model with On-line Wildfire Emissions within the Canadian Operational Air Quality Forecast System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pavlovic, Radenko; Chen, Jack; Beaulieu, Paul-Andre; Anselmp, David; Gravel, Sylvie; Moran, Mike; Menard, Sylvain; Davignon, Didier

2014-05-01

A wildfire emissions processing system has been developed to incorporate near-real-time emissions from wildfires and large prescribed burns into Environment Canada's real-time GEM-MACH air quality (AQ) forecast system. Since the GEM-MACH forecast domain covers Canada and most of the U.S.A., including Alaska, fire location information is needed for both of these large countries. During AQ model runs, emissions from individual fire sources are injected into elevated model layers based on plume-rise calculations and then transport and chemistry calculations are performed. This "on the fly" approach to the insertion of the fire emissions provides flexibility and efficiency since on-line meteorology is used and computational overhead in emissions pre-processing is reduced. GEM-MACH-FireWork, an experimental wildfire version of GEM-MACH, was run in real-time mode for the summers of 2012 and 2013 in parallel with the normal operational version. 48-hour forecasts were generated every 12 hours (at 00 and 12 UTC). Noticeable improvements in the AQ forecasts for PM2.5 were seen in numerous regions where fire activity was high. Case studies evaluating model performance for specific regions and computed objective scores will be included in this presentation. Using the lessons learned from the last two summers, Environment Canada will continue to work towards the goal of incorporating near-real-time intermittent wildfire emissions into the operational air quality forecast system.

A Multiplatform Observations of Air Quality in Korea as the Pre-campaign of Korea and US Air Quality (KORUS-AQ) Study.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, J. H.; Hong, J.; Hong, Y.; Song, C. K.; Kim, S. K.; Chang, L. S.; Lim, J.; Ahn, J.; Kim, J. Y.; Han, Y. J.; Kim, J.; Park, R.; Lee, G.; Park, J.

2015-12-01

Despite the Korea government's efforts to regulate air pollutant emission for attaining the national air quality standard, current serious dust events and high ozone episodes in summer time remain important societal issues in Korea. In order to make effective policy for air quality attainment, it is contingent upon a thorough understanding of chemical production/loss mechanism of air pollutants and their precursors which drive air quality such as nitrogen oxides (NOX), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and oxidants (e.g. OH, HO2, RO, RO2, etc.). At present, policy development is constrained by a lack of data for broad suite of chemical species which significantly affect on air quality.During 4 weeks between May and June 2013, the pre-campaign for the Korea and U.S. Air Quality (KORUS-AQ) study took place in multiplatform including fifteen ground sites, one mobile laboratory, and one small air crafts. An integrated research activity covering field observations, chemical transport models, and remote sensing has been intensively conducted. This study was focused on studying photochemistry and nighttime chemistry in urban area and transboundary transport of air pollutants from upwind. Scientific overview and outcomes from the campaign will be presented.

DISCOVER AQ Research Plane Arrives

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-06-28

WFF Pilots Mike Singer, left, and Shane Dover stand in front of the 117-foot P-3B NASA research aircraft on the tarmac at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Tuesday, June 28, 2011, in Baltimore, Md. The aircraft is part of a month-long field campaign designed to improve satellite measurements of air pollution. The name of the experiment -- Deriving Information on Surface conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality (DISCOVER -- AQ) -- is a mouthful, but its purpose is simple. Come July, the aircraft will be flying spirals over six ground stations in Maryland. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

Quantum chemical study, spectroscopic investigations, NBO and HOMO-LUMO analyses of 3-aminoquinoline (3AQ) and [Ag(3AQ)2(TCA)] complex (TCA = Trichloroacetate)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soliman, Saied M.; Kassem, Taher S.; Badr, Ahmed M. A.; Abu Youssef, Morsy A.; Assem, Rania

2014-09-01

The new [Ag(3AQ)2(TCA)]; (3AQ = 3-aminoquinoline and TCA = Trichloroacetate) complex is synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, FTIR, NMR and mass spectroscopy. The molecular geometry, vibrational frequencies, gauge-including atomic orbital (GIAO) 1H chemical shift values of the free and coordinated 3AQ in the ground state have been calculated by using DFT/B3LYP method. The TD-DFT results of the [Ag(3AQ)2(TCA)] complex showed a π-π* transition band at 240.3-242.6 nm (f = 0.1334-0.1348) which has longer wavelength and lower absorption intensity than that for the free 3AQ (233.2 nm, f = 0.3958). Dipole moment, polarizability and HOMO-LUMO gap values predicted better nonlinear optical properties (NLO) for the [Ag(3AQ)2(TCA)] than the 3AQ ligand. NBO analysis has been used to predict the most accurate Lewis structure of the studied molecules. The energies of the different intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) interactions within the studied molecules were estimated using second order perturbation theory.

Towards an operational high-resolution air quality forecasting system at ECCC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munoz-Alpizar, Rodrigo; Stroud, Craig; Ren, Shuzhan; Belair, Stephane; Leroyer, Sylvie; Souvanlasy, Vanh; Spacek, Lubos; Pavlovic, Radenko; Davignon, Didier; Moran, Moran

2017-04-01

Urban environments are particularly sensitive to weather, air quality (AQ), and climatic conditions. Despite the efforts made in Canada to reduce pollution in urban areas, AQ continues to be a concern for the population, especially during short-term episodes that could lead to exceedances of daily air quality standards. Furthermore, urban air pollution has long been associated with significant adverse health effects. In Canada, the large percentage of the population living in urban areas ( 81%, according to the Canada's 2011 census) is exposed to elevated air pollution due to local emissions sources. Thus, in order to improve the services offered to the Canadian public, Environment and Climate Change Canada has launched an initiative to develop a high-resolution air quality prediction capacity for urban areas in Canada. This presentation will show observed pollution trends (2010-2016) for Canadian mega-cities along with some preliminary high-resolution air quality modelling results. Short-term and long-term plans for urban AQ forecasting in Canada will also be described.

Development of On-line Wildfire Emissions for the Operational Canadian Air Quality Forecast System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pavlovic, R.; Menard, S.; Chen, J.; Anselmo, D.; Paul-Andre, B.; Gravel, S.; Moran, M. D.; Davignon, D.

2013-12-01

An emissions processing system has been developed to incorporate near-real-time emissions from wildfires and large prescribed burns into Environment Canada's real-time GEM-MACH air quality (AQ) forecast system. Since the GEM-MACH forecast domain covers Canada and most of the USA, including Alaska, fire location information is needed for both of these large countries. Near-real-time satellite data are obtained and processed separately for the two countries for organizational reasons. Fire location and fuel consumption data for Canada are provided by the Canadian Forest Service's Canadian Wild Fire Information System (CWFIS) while fire location and emissions data for the U.S. are provided by the SMARTFIRE (Satellite Mapping Automated Reanalysis Tool for Fire Incident Reconciliation) system via the on-line BlueSky Gateway. During AQ model runs, emissions from individual fire sources are injected into elevated model layers based on plume-rise calculations and then transport and chemistry calculations are performed. This 'on the fly' approach to the insertion of emissions provides greater flexibility since on-line meteorology is used and reduces computational overhead in emission pre-processing. An experimental wildfire version of GEM-MACH was run in real-time mode for the summers of 2012 and 2013. 48-hour forecasts were generated every 12 hours (at 00 and 12 UTC). Noticeable improvements in the AQ forecasts for PM2.5 were seen in numerous regions where fire activity was high. Case studies evaluating model performance for specific regions, computed objective scores, and subjective evaluations by AQ forecasters will be included in this presentation. Using the lessons learned from the last two summers, Environment Canada will continue to work towards the goal of incorporating near-real-time intermittent wildfire emissions within the operational air quality forecast system.

“Application and evaluation of the two-way coupled WRF-CMAQ modeling system to the 2011 DISCOVER-AQ campaign in the Baltimore-Washington D.C. area.”

EPA Science Inventory

The DISCOVER-AQ project (Deriving Information on Surface conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality), is a joint collaboration between NASA, U.S. EPA and a number of other local organizations with the goal of characterizing air quality in ...

Evaluation and intercomparison of air quality forecasts over Korea during the KORUS-AQ campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Seungun; Park, Rokjin J.; Kim, Soontae; Song, Chul H.; Kim, Cheol-Hee; Woo, Jung-Hun

2017-04-01

We evaluate and intercompare ozone and aerosol simulations over Korea during the KORUS-AQ campaign, which was conducted in May-June 2016. Four global and regional air quality models participated in the campaign and provided daily air quality forecasts over Korea to guide aircraft flight paths for detecting air pollution events over Korean peninsula and its nearby oceans. We first evaluate the model performance by comparing simulated and observed hourly surface ozone and PM2.5 concentrations at ground sites in Korea and find that the models successfully capture intermittent air pollution events and reproduce the daily variation of ozone and PM2.5 concentrations. However, significant underestimates of peak ozone concentrations in the afternoon are also found in most models. Among chemical constituents of PM2.5, the models typically overestimate observed nitrate aerosol concentrations and underestimate organic aerosol concentrations, although the observed mass concentrations of PM2.5 are seemingly reproduced by the models. In particular, all models used the same anthropogenic emission inventory (KU-CREATE) for daily air quality forecast, but they show a considerable discrepancy for ozone and aerosols. Compared to individual model results, the ensemble mean of all models shows the best performance with correlation coefficients of 0.73 for ozone and 0.57 for PM2.5. We here investigate contributing factors to the discrepancy, which will serve as a guidance to improve the performance of the air quality forecast.

Evaluation of ODS-AQ stationary phase for use in capillary electrochromatography.

PubMed

Djordjevic, N M; Fitzpatrick, F; Houdiere, F

2001-04-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of ODS-AQ packing material as a stationary phase in capillary electrochromatography (CEC). The electroosmotic flow created on an ODS-AQ stationary phase was measured at different mobile phase compositions and at different column temperatures. It was observed that the electroosmotic flow generated in the column increased by 50% when the temperature of the system was raised from 20 degrees C to 60 degrees C, while all other conditions were kept constant. The electroosmotic flow produced by the ODS-AQ stationary phase was found to be comparable to the flow generated in a column packed with Nucleosil bare-silica material. In addition, a set of polar compounds (D-lysergic acid diethylamide derivatives) was utilized to determine the influence of temperature and mobile phase composition on their chromatographic behavior on an ODS-AQ stationary phase in a CEC mode. A linear relationship between the solute retention factor and column temperatures was seen over the temperature range studied (20 degrees C to 60 degrees C). A quadratic function was used to describe the changes in the solute retention factors with variation of acetonitrile concentration in the mobile phase.

The first orbital parameters and period variation of the short-period eclipsing binary AQ Boo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shuai; Zhang, Liyun; Pi, Qingfeng; Han, Xianming L.; Zhang, Xiliang; Lu, Hongpeng; Wang, Daimei; Li, TongAn

2016-10-01

We obtained the first VRI CCD light curves of the short-period contact eclipsing binary AQ Boo, which was observed on March 22 and April 19 in 2014 at Xinglong station of National Astronomical Observatories, and on January 20, 21 and February 28 in 2015 at Kunming station of Yunnan Observatories of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China. Using our six newly obtained minima and the minima that other authors obtained previously, we revised the ephemeris of AQ Boo. By fitting the O-C (observed minus calculated) values of the minima, the orbital period of AQ Boo shows a decreasing tendency P˙ = - 1.47(0.17) ×10-7 days/year. We interpret the phenomenon by mass transfer from the secondary (more massive) component to the primary (less massive) one. By using the updated Wilson & Devinney program, we also derived the photometric orbital parameters of AQ Boo for the first time. We conclude that AQ Boo is a near contact binary with a low contact factor of 14.43%, and will become an over-contact system as the mass transfer continues.

Observations of Radical Precursors during TexAQS II: Findings and Implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olaguer, E. P.; Lefer, B. L.; Rappenglueck, B.; Pinto, J. P.

2009-12-01

The Texas Environmental Research Consortium (TERC) sponsored and helped organize significant components of the Second Texas Air Quality Study (TexAQS II). Some of the TERC-sponsored experiments, most notably those associated with the TexAQS II Radical and Aerosol Measurement Project (TRAMP) sited on top of the Moody Tower at the University of Houston, found evidence for the importance of short-lived radical sources such as formaldehyde (HCHO) and nitrous acid (HONO) in increasing ozone productivity. During TRAMP, daytime HCHO pulses as large as 32 ppb were observed and attributed to industrial activities upwind in the Houston Ship Channel (HSC), and HCHO peaks as large as 52 ppb were detected by in-situ surface monitors in the HSC. In addition, an instrumented Piper Aztec aircraft observed plumes of apparent primary formaldehyde in flares from petrochemical facilities in the HSC. In one such combustion plume, depleted of ozone by large NOx emissions, the Piper Aztec measured an HCHO-to-CO ratio three times that of mobile sources. HCHO from uncounted primary sources or ozonolysis of underestimated olefin emissions could significantly increase ozone productivity in Houston beyond previous expectations. Simulations with the CAMx model show that additional emissions of HCHO from industrial flares can increase peak ozone in Houston by up to 30 ppb, depending on conditions in the planetary boundary layer. Other findings from TexAQS II include significant concentrations of HONO throughout the day, well in excess of current air quality model predictions, with large nocturnal vertical gradients indicating a surface or near-surface source of HONO, and large concentrations of night-time radicals (~30 ppt HO2). Additional HONO sources could increase daytime ozone by more than 10 ppb. Improving the representation of primary and secondary HCHO and HONO in air quality models could enhance the effectiveness of simulated control strategies, and thus make ozone attainment

TTI CM/AQ evaluation model user`s guide and workshop training materials. Interim research report, September 1993-August 1996

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

NONE

1995-08-01

The TTI CM/AQ Evaluation Model evaluates potential projects based on the following criteria: eligibility, travel impacts, emission impacts, and cost-effectiveness. To compare independent projects within a region during the decision process for CM/AQ funding, each project evaluated with this model is given an overall score based on the project`s effects for the criteria listed above. Training workshops were held by TTI in the first quarter of 1995 to teach metropolitan planning organization, state department of transportation, and regional air quality organization staff how to use this model. Basics of sketch-planning applications were also taught. The DRCOG and TTI CM/AQ Evaluationmore » Models represent significant steps toward the development of analytical methodologies for selecting projects for CM/AQ funding. Because the needs of nonattainment and attainment areas change over time, this model is particularly useful as key evaluation criteria can be modified to reflect the changing needs of a metropolitan area.« less

The Autism Spectrum Quotient: Children's Version (AQ-Child)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Auyeung, Bonnie; Baron-Cohen, Simon; Wheelwright, Sally; Allison, Carrie

2008-01-01

The Autism Spectrum Quotient-Children's Version (AQ-Child) is a parent-report questionnaire that aims to quantify autistic traits in children 4-11 years old. The range of scores on the AQ-Child is 0-150. It was administered to children with an autism spectrum condition (ASC) (n = 540) and a general population sample (n = 1,225). Results showed a…

The role of FeS(aq) molecular clusters in microbial redox cycling and iron mineralization.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Druschel, G.; Oduro, H.; Sperling, J.; Johnson, C.

2008-12-01

Iron sulfide molecular clusters, FeS(aq), are a group of polynuclear Fe-S complexes varying in size between a few and a few hundred molecules that occur in many environments and are critical parts of cycling between soluble iron and iron sulfide minerals. These clusters react uniquely with voltammetric Au-amalgam electrodes, and the signal for these molecules has now been observed in many terrestrial and marine aquatic settings. FeS(aq) clusters form when aqueous sulfide and iron(II) interact, but the source of those ions can come from abiotic or microbial sulfate and iron reduction or from the abiotic non-oxidative dissolution of iron sulfide minerals. Formation of iron sulfide minerals, principally mackinawite as the first solid nanocrystalline phase in many settings, is necessarily preceeded by formation and evolution of these molecular clusters as mineralization proceeds, and the clusters have been suggested to additionally be part of the pyritization process (Rickard and Luther, 1997; Luther and Rickard, 2005). In several systems, we have also observed FeS(aq) clusters to be the link between Fe-S mineral dissolution and oxidation of iron and sulfide, with important implications for changes to the overall oxidation pathway. Microorganisms can clearly be involved in the formation of FeS(aq) through iron and sulfate reduction, but it is not clear to date if organisms can utilize these clusters either as metabolic components or as anabolic 'building blocks' for enzyme production. Cycling of iron in the Fe-S system linked to FeS(aq) would clearly be a critical part of understanding iron isotope dynamics preserved in iron sulfide minerals. We will review ongoing work towards understanding the role of FeS(aq) in iron cycling and isotope fractionation as well as the measurement and characterization of this key class of iron complexes using environmental voltammetry.

Spatiotemporal Variability in Observations of Urban Mixed-Layer Heights from Surface-based Lidar Systems during DISCOVER-AQ 2011

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lewis, J. R.; Banks, R. F.; Berkoff, T.; Welton, E. J.; Joseph, E.; Thompson, A. M.; Decola, P.; Hegarty, J. D.

2015-12-01

Accurate characterization of the planetary boundary layer height is crucial for numerical weather prediction, estimating pollution emissions and modeling air quality. More so, given the increasing trend in global urban populations, there is a growing need to improve our understanding of the urban boundary layer structure and development. The Deriving Information on Surface conditions from COlumn and VERtically resolved observations relevant to Air Quality (DISCOVER-AQ) 2011 field campaign, which took place in the Baltimore-Washington DC region, offered a unique opportunity to study boundary layer processes in an urban area using a geographically dense collection of surface-based lidar systems (see figure). Lidars use aerosols as tracers for atmospheric boundary layer dynamics with high vertical and temporal resolutions. In this study, we use data from two permanent Micropulse Lidar Network (MPLNET) sites and five field deployed Micropulse lidar (MPL) systems in order to observe spatiotemporal variations in the daytime mixed layer height. We present and compare lidar-derived retrievals of the mixed layer height using two different methods. The first method uses the wavelet covariance transform and a "fuzzy logic" attribution scheme in order to determine the mixed layer height. The second method uses an objective approach utilizing a time-adaptive extended Kalman filter. Independent measurements of the boundary layer height are obtained using profiles from ozonesonde launches at the Beltsville and Edgewood sites for comparison with lidar observations.

Improving Air Quality (and Weather) Predictions using Advanced Data Assimilation Techniques Applied to Coupled Models during KORUS-AQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carmichael, G. R.; Saide, P. E.; Gao, M.; Streets, D. G.; Kim, J.; Woo, J. H.

2017-12-01

Ambient aerosols are important air pollutants with direct impacts on human health and on the Earth's weather and climate systems through their interactions with radiation and clouds. Their role is dependent on their distributions of size, number, phase and composition, which vary significantly in space and time. There remain large uncertainties in simulated aerosol distributions due to uncertainties in emission estimates and in chemical and physical processes associated with their formation and removal. These uncertainties lead to large uncertainties in weather and air quality predictions and in estimates of health and climate change impacts. Despite these uncertainties and challenges, regional-scale coupled chemistry-meteorological models such as WRF-Chem have significant capabilities in predicting aerosol distributions and explaining aerosol-weather interactions. We explore the hypothesis that new advances in on-line, coupled atmospheric chemistry/meteorological models, and new emission inversion and data assimilation techniques applicable to such coupled models, can be applied in innovative ways using current and evolving observation systems to improve predictions of aerosol distributions at regional scales. We investigate the impacts of assimilating AOD from geostationary satellite (GOCI) and surface PM2.5 measurements on predictions of AOD and PM in Korea during KORUS-AQ through a series of experiments. The results suggest assimilating datasets from multiple platforms can improve the predictions of aerosol temporal and spatial distributions.

TOLNet ozone lidar intercomparison during the discover-aq and frappé campaigns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newchurch, Michael J.; Alvarez, Raul J.; Berkoff, Timothy A.; Carrion, William; DeYoung, Russell J.; Ganoe, Rene; Gronoff, Guillaume; Kirgis, Guillaume; Kuang, Shi; Langford, Andy O.; Leblanc, Thierry; McGee, Thomas J.; Pliutau, Denis; Senff, Christoph; Sullivan, John T.; Sumnicht, Grant; Twigg, Laurence W.; Wang, Lihua

2018-04-01

The Tropospheric Ozone Lidar Network (TOLNet) is a unique network of lidar systems that measure atmospheric profiles of ozone and aerosols, to contribute to air-quality studies, atmospheric modeling, and satellite validation efforts. The accurate characterization of these lidars is of critical interest, and is necessary to determine cross-instrument calibration uniformity. From July to August 2014, three lidars, the TROPospheric OZone (TROPOZ) lidar, the Tunable Optical Profiler for Aerosol and oZone (TOPAZ) lidar, and the Langley Mobile Ozone Lidar (LMOL), of TOLNet participated in the "Deriving Information on Surface conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality" (DISCOVER-AQ) mission and the "Front Range Air Pollution and Photochemistry Éxperiment" (FRAPPÉ) to measure sub-hourly ozone variations from near the surface to the top of the troposphere. Although large differences occur at few individual altitudes in the near field and far field range, the TOLNet lidars agree with each other within ±4%. These results indicate excellent measurement accuracy for the TOLNet lidars that is suitable for use in air-quality and ozone modeling efforts.

Orientamento della prima fase della moschea al-Aqşā di Gerusalemme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Cesare, Michelina

2017-07-01

A new interpretation of the archaeological data regarding the first of the three pre-Crusader structural phases of al-Aqşā mosque in Jerusalem (Aqşā I) is proposed. It suggests that the building had an astronomical orientation like other 7th-century and early 8th-century mosques. Thus, Aqşā I would have been oriented towards the East rather than the South, as believed so far. This hypothesis would allow to solve the anomalies of the plan of Aqşā I. Indeed, by identifying the eastern wall rather than the southern as the qiblī wall, the aisles would not result perpendicular but parallel to it and running along the long side, as usual in Umayyad mosques. Consequently, the precocious appearance of the transept in Aqşā II would be due to the re-orientation of the previous structure.

Markers for Chinese and Korean Air Masses: Halocarbons and Other Trace Gases Measured During KORUS-AQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blake, N. J.; Blake, D. R.; Meinardi, S.; Simpson, I. J.; Hughes, S.; Barletta, B.; Fleming, L.; Vizenor, N.; Schroeder, J.; Emmons, L. K.; Knote, C. J.

2017-12-01

The UC-Irvine Whole Air Sampler (WAS) collected a total of 2650 samples aboard the NASA DC-8 aircraft in support of the May-June 2016 field deployment phase of the KORUS-AQ mission: An International Cooperative Air Quality Field Study in Korea. Here we employ our trace gas measurements, along with CAM-chem tracers and back-trajectories to identify source regions during KORUS-AQ, with a focus on air masses which indicate Chinese and/or Korean origin. During KORUS-AQ we flew mostly over and around the Korean Peninsula with the intent of characterising Korean sources, but Chinese influence was observed offshore near the surface of the West Sea during several KORUS-AQ flights - in accord with forecast predictions from CAM-chem model runs. Unlike previous missions in the Asian region such as TRACE-P (2001), we found that halon-1211 (H-1211) is no longer a useful indicator of air masses from China because of production decline. By contrast, mixing ratios of the long-lived halocarbons carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and chlorofluorocarbon-113 (CFC-113) were more strongly enhanced in air masses intercepted from China compared to Korea. We will use these tracers, the shorter-lived halocarbons, dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) and methyl chloride (CH3Cl), as well as the sulfur gas carbonyl sulfide (COS) and others, to characterize different regional air mass origins and their sources.

Multi-perspective observations of NO2 over the Denver area during DISCOVER-AQ: Insights for future monitoring

EPA Science Inventory

The final deployment in the DISCOVER-AQ1 series of air quality field campaigns focused on the Northern Front Range of Colorado including the Denver Metropolitan Area in July-August 2014. The overarching goal of these campaigns was to improve the interpretation of satellite observ...

Asperger syndrome and schizophrenia: Overlap of self-reported autistic traits using the Autism-spectrum Quotient (AQ).

PubMed

Lugnegård, Tove; Hallerbäck, Maria Unenge; Gillberg, Christopher

2015-05-01

In clinical practice, the differential diagnosis of Asperger syndrome (AS) versus schizophrenia can be a challenge. Some self-report instruments-such as the Autism-spectrum Quotient (AQ)-have been portrayed as proxies for the diagnosis of AS. However, it has not been demonstrated to what extent autistic traits-as measured by the AQ-separate AS from schizophrenia. To examine the AS-schizophrenia discriminating ability of the AQ. The AQ is a 50-item self-administered questionnaire (with score range 0-50) for measuring "autistic traits" in adults. Here, it was completed by 136 individuals: 36 with schizophrenic psychosis, 51 with AS and 49 non-clinical comparison cases. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for the total AQ score was performed to examine the discriminating power of the instrument. Both individuals with schizophrenia and individuals with AS scored significantly higher on AQ than the non-clinical group. The mean total AQ score (± standard deviation) of the AS group (26.7 ± 8.9; range 9-44) was significantly higher than that of the schizophrenia group (22.7 ± 6.2; range 10-35) (P = 0.041). However, when using the full Likert scale for scoring, the difference did not reach significance. In the ROC analysis of total AQ scores for AS versus schizophrenia, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.65 (P = 0.02). Although mean AQ scores separated AS and schizophrenia at a group comparison level, significant overlap of AQ scores across the two diagnostic groups clearly reduces the discriminating power of the AQ in the separation of schizophrenia from AS.

Performance assessment of retrospective meteorological inputs for use in air quality modeling during TexAQS 2006

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ngan, Fong; Byun, Daewon; Kim, Hyuncheol; Lee, Daegyun; Rappenglück, Bernhard; Pour-Biazar, Arastoo

2012-07-01

To achieve more accurate meteorological inputs than was used in the daily forecast for studying the TexAQS 2006 air quality, retrospective simulations were conducted using objective analysis and 3D/surface analysis nudging with surface and upper observations. Model ozone using the assimilated meteorological fields with improved wind fields shows better agreement with the observation compared to the forecasting results. In the post-frontal conditions, important factors for ozone modeling in terms of wind patterns are the weak easterlies in the morning for bringing in industrial emissions to the city and the subsequent clockwise turning of the wind direction induced by the Coriolis force superimposing the sea breeze, which keeps pollutants in the urban area. Objective analysis and nudging employed in the retrospective simulation minimize the wind bias but are not able to compensate for the general flow pattern biases inherited from large scale inputs. By using an alternative analyses data for initializing the meteorological simulation, the model can re-produce the flow pattern and generate the ozone peak location closer to the reality. The inaccurate simulation of precipitation and cloudiness cause over-prediction of ozone occasionally. Since there are limitations in the meteorological model to simulate precipitation and cloudiness in the fine scale domain (less than 4-km grid), the satellite-based cloud is an alternative way to provide necessary inputs for the retrospective study of air quality.

DISCOVER-AQ: An Overview and Initial Comparisons of NO2 with OMI Observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pickering, Kenneth; Crawford, James; Krotkov, Nickolay; Bucsela, Eric; Lamsal, Lok; Celarier, Edward; Herman, Jay; Janz, Scott; Cohen, Ron; Weinheimer, Andrew

2011-01-01

The first deployment of the Earth Venture -1 DISCOVER-AQ (Deriving Information on Surface conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality) project was conducted during July 2011 in the Baltimore-Washington region. Two aircraft (a P-3B for in-situ sampling and a King Air for remote sensing) were used along with an extensive array of surface-based in-situ and remote sensing instrumentation. Fourteen flight days were accomplished by both aircraft and over 250 profiles of trace gases and aerosols were performed by the P-3B over surface air quality monitoring stations, which were specially outfitted with sunphotometers and Pandora UV/Vis spectrometers. The King Air flew with the High Spectral Resolution Lidar for aerosols and the ACAM UV/Vis spectrometer for trace gases. This suite of observations allows linkage of surface air quality with the vertical distributions of gases and aerosols, with remotely-sensed column amounts observed from the surface and from the King Air, and with satellite observations from Aura (OMI and TES), GOME-2, MODIS and GOES. The DISCOVER-AQ data will allow determination of under what conditions satellite retrievals are indicative of surface air quality, and they will be useful in planning new satellites. In addition to an overview of the project, a preliminary comparison of tropospheric column NO2 densities from the integration of in-situ P-3B observations, from the Pandoras and ACAM, and from the new Goddard OMI NO2 algorithm will be presented.

Overview of Ground Air Quality Measurements and Their Links to Airborne, Remote Sensing and Model Studies during the KORUS-AQ Campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, G.; Ahn, J. Y.; Chang, L. S.; Kim, J.; Park, R.

2017-12-01

During the KORUS-AQ, extensive sets of chemical measurements for reactive gases and aerosol species were made at 3 major sites on upwind island (Baengyeong Island), urban (Olympic Park in Seoul) and downwind rural forest location (Taewha Forest). Also, intensive aerosol size and composition observations from 5 NIER super sites, 3 NIMR monitoring sites, and 5 other university sites were currently facilitated in the KORUS-AQ data set. In addition, air quality criteria species data from 264 nation-wide ground monitoring sites with 5 minute temporal resolution during the whole campaign period were supplemented to cover mostly in densely populated urban areas, but sparsely in rural areas. The specific objectives of these ground sites were to provide highly comprehensive data set to coordinate the close collaborations among other research platforms including airborne measurements, remote sensing, and model studies. The continuous measurements at ground sites were well compared with repetitive low-level aircraft observations of NASA's DC-8 over Olympic Park and Taewha Forest site. Similarly, many ground measurements enabled the validation of chemical transport models and the remote sensing observations from ground and NASA's King Air. The observed results from inter-comparison studies in many reactive gases and aerosol compositions between different measurement methods and platforms will be presented. Compiling data sets from ground sites, source-wise analysis for ozone and aerosol, their in-situ formations, and transport characteristics by local/regional circulation will be discussed, too.

76 FR 72097 - Air Quality Designations for the 2008 Lead (Pb) National Ambient Air Quality Standards

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-22

... broad range of adverse health effects. These may include damage to the central nervous system...) Meteorology (weather/transport patterns); (6) Geography/topography (mountain ranges or other air basin... to the EPA's Air Quality System (AQS), or otherwise available to the EPA, and meeting the...

Significance of solvated electrons (e(aq)-) as promoters of life on earth.

PubMed

Getoff, Nikola

2014-01-01

Based on the present state of knowledge a new hypothesis concerning the origin of life on Earth is presented, and emphasizes the particular significance of solvated electrons (e(aq)(-)). Solvated electrons are produced in seawater, mainly by (40)K radiation and in atmospheric moisture by VUV light, electrical discharges and cosmic ray. Solvated electrons are involved in primary chemical processes and in biological processes. The conversion of aqueous CO2 and CO into simple organic substances, the generation of ammonia from N2 and water, the formation of amines, amino acids and simple proteins under the action of e(aq)(-) has been experimentally proven. Furthermore, it is supposed that the generation of the primitive cell and equilibria of primitive enzymes are also realized due to the strong reducing property of e(aq)(-). The presented hypothesis is mainly founded on recently obtained experimental results. The involvement of e(aq)(-) in such mechanisms, as well as their action as an initiator of life is also briefly discussed.

DISCOVER-AQ Acoustics : Measurement and Data Report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-09-01

The following report documents the acoustic measurements that supplemented the September 2013 NASA DISCOVER-AQ flight tests in Houston, Texas and the corresponding data set developed from those measurements. These data include aircraft performance an...

Sex and STEM Occupation Predict Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Scores in Half a Million People.

PubMed

Ruzich, Emily; Allison, Carrie; Chakrabarti, Bhismadev; Smith, Paula; Musto, Henry; Ring, Howard; Baron-Cohen, Simon

2015-01-01

This study assesses Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) scores in a 'big data' sample collected through the UK Channel 4 television website, following the broadcasting of a medical education program. We examine correlations between the AQ and age, sex, occupation, and UK geographic region in 450,394 individuals. We predicted that age and geography would not be correlated with AQ, whilst sex and occupation would have a correlation. Mean AQ for the total sample score was m = 19.83 (SD = 8.71), slightly higher than a previous systematic review of 6,900 individuals in a non-clinical sample (mean of means = 16.94) This likely reflects that this big-data sample includes individuals with autism who in the systematic review score much higher (mean of means = 35.19). As predicted, sex and occupation differences were observed: on average, males (m = 21.55, SD = 8.82) scored higher than females (m = 18.95; SD = 8.52), and individuals working in a STEM career (m = 21.92, SD = 8.92) scored higher than individuals non-STEM careers (m = 18.92, SD = 8.48). Also as predicted, age and geographic region were not meaningfully correlated with AQ. These results support previous findings relating to sex and STEM careers in the largest set of individuals for which AQ scores have been reported and suggest the AQ is a useful self-report measure of autistic traits.

The Essential Role of Tethered Balloons in Characterizing Boundary Layer Structure and Evolution during Discover-AQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, R. D.

2014-12-01

The NASA DISCOVER-AQ (Deriving Information on Surface conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality) provided the opportunity to observe the influence of local and regional circulations on the structure and evolution of the boundary layer (BL) and in turn study the associated effects on air quality and aerosol trends within four different airsheds. An extended network of ground-based instruments, balloon-borne profilers, and remote sensing instruments supported the in-situ airborne measurements made by the NASA aircraft in capturing the structure and evolution of the daytime BL. The Millersville University Atmospheric Research and Aerostat Facility (MARAF) is one of many assets deployed for DISCOVER-AQ. Central to MARAF is a heavy-lift-capacity tethered balloon (aerostat) used to obtain high resolution profiles of meteorological variables, trace gases, and particulates in the BL. The benefit of including a tethered balloon is that it can fill a data void between the surface and the lowest altitudes flown by the aircraft and provide critical time-height series for ground-based remote sensing instruments in the layer below their first range gate. MARAF also includes an acoustic sodar with RASS, MPL4 micropulse Lidar, 4-meter flux tower, rawinsonde system, and a suite of trace gas analyzers (O3, NOx/NO2/NO, CO, and SO2), 3-wavelength nephelometer, and particle sizers/counters spanning the range from 10 nm to 10 microns. MARAF is capable of providing a detailed and nearly continuous Eulerian characterization of the surface layer and lower BL, and with proper FAA airspace authorization, can be deployed both day and night. Three case studies will be presented that incorporate the MARAF into the combined assets of DISCOVER-AQ to better characterize: 1) bay breeze convergence, recirculation, and ramp-up events in Edgewood, MD in July 2011; 2) aerosol transport over Central Valley, CA in January 2013; and 3) multiple sea-bay breeze

An Overview of Atmospheric Chemistry and Air Quality Modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Matthew S.

2017-01-01

This presentation will include my personal research experience and an overview of atmospheric chemistry and air quality modeling to the participants of the NASA Student Airborne Research Program (SARP 2017). The presentation will also provide examples on ways to apply airborne observations for chemical transport (CTM) and air quality (AQ) model evaluation. CTM and AQ models are important tools in understanding tropospheric-stratospheric composition, atmospheric chemistry processes, meteorology, and air quality. This presentation will focus on how NASA scientist currently apply CTM and AQ models to better understand these topics. Finally, the importance of airborne observation in evaluating these topics and how in situ and remote sensing observations can be used to evaluate and improve CTM and AQ model predictions will be highlighted.

The organic trace gas composition over South Korea as measured by PTR-ToF-MS during KORUS-AQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wisthaler, A.; Eichler, P.; Kaser, L.; Mikoviny, T.; Müller, M.

2017-12-01

Nonmethane organic gases (NMOGs) are important air quality constituents. Many of them act as precursors to ozone and fine particles and some NMOGs (e.g. benzene) are classified as air toxics. During the Korea-United States Air Quality (KORUS-AQ) study in May and June of 2016, we deployed a proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS) aboard the NASA DC-8 for measuring NMOGs at high speed (10 Hz) and sensitivity (ppt levels). The aircraft sampled emissions from a variety of point and area sources (e.g. urban emissions from Seoul and Daegu, industrial emission from the Daesan and Ulsan complexes, biogenic emissions over central South Korea and agricultural fire emissions in the Western provinces) as well as the pollution inflow from the Yellow Sea. We will provide an overview of NMOG profiles associated with these sources, give an estimate of emission rates where possible, and discuss potential implications for local and regional air quality. We will further give examples on how NMOG tracers can be used for source characterization and highlight findings that should undergo future collaborative analyses within the KORUS-AQ Science Team.

Evaluation of the validity of the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) in differentiating high-functioning autistic spectrum disorder from schizophrenia.

PubMed

Naito, Kenichi; Matsui, Yusuke; Maeda, Kiyoshi; Tanaka, Kiwamu

2010-09-30

The aim of this study is to examine the validity of the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) to differentiate high-functioning autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) from schizophrenia (SCH). The AQ was developed by Baron-Cohen et al. to measure autistic traits. In addition to the original AQ items, we created self-administered questions about psychotic symptoms (S-scale). We administered the modified AQ to 51 ASD patients and 46 SCH patients, and we compared these two groups in terms of total AQ score, AQ subscale scores and S-scale score. We applied receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to examine the discriminating power of the AQ. The mean total AQ score of the ASD group (32.6; SD=6.8; range: 8-48) was significantly higher than that of the SCH group (21.8; SD=7.4; range: 10-39) (p<0.001). All AQ subscale scores of the ASD group were significantly higher than those of the SCH group. By using a cut-off score of 29 for the AQ total score, we were able to correctly classify 80% of the subjects. At this cut-off, the positive and negative predictive values were 0.83 and 0.78, respectively. Inclusion of additional questions of the S-scale did not increase the power of differentiation. These results indicate that the usefulness of the AQ in differentiating high-functioning ASD from SCH is limited.

Comparison of CMAQ Modeling Study with Discover-AQ 2014 Aircraft Measurements over Colorado

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Y.; Pan, L.; Lee, P.; Tong, D.; Kim, H. C.; Artz, R. S.

2014-12-01

NASA and NCAR jointly led a recent multiple platform-based (space, air and ground) measurement intensive to study air quality and to validate satellite data. The Discover-AQ/FRAPPE field experiment took place along the Colorado Front Range in July and August, 2014. The air quality modeling team of the NOAA Air Resources Laboratory was one of the three teams that provided real-time air quality forecasting for the campaign. The U.S. EPA Community Multi-scale Air Quality (CMAQ) Model was used with emission inventories based on the data set used by the NOAA National Air Quality Forecasting Capacity (NAQFC). By analyzing the forecast results calculated using aircraft measurements, it was found that CO emissions tended to be overestimated, while ethane emissions were underestimated. Biogenic VOCs were also underpredicted. Due to their relatively high altitude, ozone concentrations in Denver and the surrounding areas are affected by both local emissions and transported ozone. The modeled ozone was highly dependent on the meteorological predictions over this region. The complex terrain over the Rocky Mountains also contributed to the model uncertainty. This study discussed the causes of model biases, the forecast performance under different meteorology, and results from using different model grid resolutions. Several data assimilation techniques were further tested to improve the "post-analysis" performance of the modeling system for the period.

A computerized system to measure and predict air quality for emission control

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

Crooks, G.; Ciccone, A.; Frattolillo, P.

1997-12-31

A Supplementary Emission Control (SEC) system has been developed on behalf of the Association Industrielle de l`Est de Montreal (AIEM). The objective of the SEC is to avoid exceedences of the Montreal Urban Community (MUC) 24 hour ambient Air Quality Standard (AQS) for sulphur dioxide in the industrial East Montreal area. The SEC system is comprised of: 3 continuous SO{sub 2} monitoring stations with data loggers and remote communications; a meteorological tower with data logger and modem for acquiring local meteorology; communications with Environment Canada to download meteorological forecast data; a polling PC for data retrieval; and Windows NT basedmore » software running on the AIEM computer server. The SEC software utilizes relational databases to store and maintain measured SO{sub 2} concentration data, emission data, as well as observed and forecast meteorological data. The SEC system automatically executes a numerical dispersion model to forecast SO{sub 2} concentrations up to six hours in the future. Based on measured SO{sub 2} concentrations at the monitoring stations and the six hour forecast concentrations, the system determines if local sources should reduce their emission levels to avoid potential exceedences of the AQS. The SEC system also includes a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for user access to the system. The SEC system and software are described, and the accuracy of the system at forecasting SO{sub 2} concentrations is examined.« less

Characterization of the genome of the dairy Lactobacillus helveticus bacteriophage {Phi}AQ113.

PubMed

Zago, Miriam; Scaltriti, Erika; Rossetti, Lia; Guffanti, Alessandro; Armiento, Angelarita; Fornasari, Maria Emanuela; Grolli, Stefano; Carminati, Domenico; Brini, Elena; Pavan, Paolo; Felsani, Armando; D'Urzo, Annalisa; Moles, Anna; Claude, Jean-Baptiste; Grandori, Rita; Ramoni, Roberto; Giraffa, Giorgio

2013-08-01

The complete genomic sequence of the dairy Lactobacillus helveticus bacteriophage ΦAQ113 was determined. Phage ΦAQ113 is a Myoviridae bacteriophage with an isometric capsid and a contractile tail. The final assembled consensus sequence revealed a linear, circularly permuted, double-stranded DNA genome with a size of 36,566 bp and a G+C content of 37%. Fifty-six open reading frames (ORFs) were predicted, and a putative function was assigned to approximately 90% of them. The ΦAQ113 genome shows functionally related genes clustered together in a genome structure composed of modules for DNA replication/regulation, DNA packaging, head and tail morphogenesis, cell lysis, and lysogeny. The identification of genes involved in the establishment of lysogeny indicates that it may have originated as a temperate phage, even if it was isolated from natural cheese whey starters as a virulent phage, because it is able to propagate in a sensitive host strain. Additionally, we discovered that the ΦAQ113 phage genome is closely related to Lactobacillus gasseri phage KC5a and Lactobacillus johnsonii phage Lj771 genomes. The phylogenetic similarities between L. helveticus phage ΦAQ113 and two phages that belong to gut species confirm a possible common ancestral origin and support the increasing consideration of L. helveticus as a health-promoting organism.

Characterization of the Genome of the Dairy Lactobacillus helveticus Bacteriophage ΦAQ113

PubMed Central

Scaltriti, Erika; Rossetti, Lia; Guffanti, Alessandro; Armiento, Angelarita; Fornasari, Maria Emanuela; Grolli, Stefano; Carminati, Domenico; Brini, Elena; Pavan, Paolo; Felsani, Armando; D'Urzo, Annalisa; Moles, Anna; Claude, Jean-Baptiste; Grandori, Rita; Ramoni, Roberto; Giraffa, Giorgio

2013-01-01

The complete genomic sequence of the dairy Lactobacillus helveticus bacteriophage ΦAQ113 was determined. Phage ΦAQ113 is a Myoviridae bacteriophage with an isometric capsid and a contractile tail. The final assembled consensus sequence revealed a linear, circularly permuted, double-stranded DNA genome with a size of 36,566 bp and a G+C content of 37%. Fifty-six open reading frames (ORFs) were predicted, and a putative function was assigned to approximately 90% of them. The ΦAQ113 genome shows functionally related genes clustered together in a genome structure composed of modules for DNA replication/regulation, DNA packaging, head and tail morphogenesis, cell lysis, and lysogeny. The identification of genes involved in the establishment of lysogeny indicates that it may have originated as a temperate phage, even if it was isolated from natural cheese whey starters as a virulent phage, because it is able to propagate in a sensitive host strain. Additionally, we discovered that the ΦAQ113 phage genome is closely related to Lactobacillus gasseri phage KC5a and Lactobacillus johnsonii phage Lj771 genomes. The phylogenetic similarities between L. helveticus phage ΦAQ113 and two phages that belong to gut species confirm a possible common ancestral origin and support the increasing consideration of L. helveticus as a health-promoting organism. PMID:23728811

Evaluation of the two-way coupled WRF-CMAQ modeling system to the 2011 DISCOVER-AQ campaign at 12-km, 4-km and 1-km resolutions

EPA Science Inventory

At the 12th Annual CMAS Conference initial results from the application of the coupled WRF-CMAQ modeling system to the 2011 Baltimore-Washington D.C. DISCOVER-AQ campaign were presented, with the focus on updates and new methods applied to the WRF modeling for fine-scale applicat...

A Transport Analysis of In Situ Airborne Ozone Measurements from the 2011 DISCOVER-AQ Campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arkinson, H. L.; Brent, L. C.; He, H.; Loughner, C.; Stehr, J. W.; Weinheimer, A. J.; Dickerson, R. R.

2013-12-01

Baltimore and Washington are currently designated as nonattainment areas with respect to the 2008 EPA National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for 8-hour Ozone (O3). Tropospheric O3 is the dominant component of summertime photochemical smog, and at high levels, has deleterious effects on human health, ecosystems, and materials. The University of Maryland (UMD) Regional Atmospheric Measurement Modeling and Prediction Program (RAMMPP) strives to improve understanding of air quality in the Mid-Atlantic States and to elucidate contributions of pollutants such as O3 from regional transport versus local sources through a combination of modeling and in situ measurements. The NASA Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality (DISCOVER-AQ) project investigates the connection between column measurements and surface conditions to explore the potential of remote sensing observations in diagnosing air quality at ground level where pollutants can affect human health. During the 2011 DISCOVER-AQ field campaign, in situ airborne measurements of trace gases and aerosols were performed along the Interstate 95 corridor between Baltimore and Washington from the NASA P3B aircraft. To augment this data and provide regional context, measurements of trace gases and aerosols were also performed by the RAMMPP Cessna 402B aircraft over nearby airports in Maryland and Virginia. This work presents an analysis of O3 measurements made by the Ultraviolet (UV) Photometric Ambient O3 Analyzer on the RAMMPP Cessna 402B and by the NCAR 4-Channel Chemiluminescence instrument on the NASA P3B. In this analysis, spatial and temporal patterns of O3 data are examined within the context of forward and backward trajectories calculated from 12-km North American Mesoscale (NAM) meteorological data using the NOAA Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) Model and from a high resolution Weather Research and

Quantifying a Relationship between Place-Based Learning and Environmental Quality

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Brian; Duffin, Michael; Murphy, Michael

2012-01-01

The goal of this study was to investigate the degree to which school-based and nonformal education programs that focus on air quality (AQ) achieved measurable AQ improvements, and whether specific instructional methods were associated with those improvements. We completed a standardized telephone interview with representatives of 54 AQ education…

Evaluating WRF Simulations of Urban Boundary Layer Processes during DISCOVER-AQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hegarty, J. D.; Henderson, J.; Lewis, J. R.; McGrath-Spangler, E. L.; Scarino, A. J.; Ferrare, R. A.; DeCola, P.; Welton, E. J.

2015-12-01

The accurate representation of processes in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) in meteorological models is of prime importance to air quality and greenhouse gas simulations as it governs the depth to which surface emissions are vertically mixed and influences the efficiency by which they are transported downwind. In this work we evaluate high resolution (~1 km) WRF simulations of PBL processes in the Washington DC - Baltimore and Houston urban areas during the respective DISCOVER-AQ 2011 and 2013 field campaigns using MPLNET micro-pulse lidar (MPL), mini-MPL, airborne high spectral resolution lidar (HSRL), Doppler wind profiler and CALIPSO satellite measurements along with complimentary surface and aircraft measurements. We will discuss how well WRF simulates the spatiotemporal variability of the PBL height in the urban areas and the development of fine-scale meteorological features such as bay and sea breezes that influence the air quality of the urban areas studied.

Do Solvated Electrons (e(aq)⁻) Reduce DNA Bases? A Gaussian 4 and Density Functional Theory-Molecular Dynamics Study.

PubMed

Kumar, Anil; Adhikary, Amitava; Shamoun, Lance; Sevilla, Michael D

2016-03-10

The solvated electron (e(aq)⁻) is a primary intermediate after an ionization event that produces reductive DNA damage. Accurate standard redox potentials (E(o)) of nucleobases and of e(aq)⁻ determine the extent of reaction of e(aq)⁻ with nucleobases. In this work, E(o) values of e(aq)⁻ and of nucleobases have been calculated employing the accurate ab initio Gaussian 4 theory including the polarizable continuum model (PCM). The Gaussian 4-calculated E(o) of e(aq)⁻ (-2.86 V) is in excellent agreement with the experimental one (-2.87 V). The Gaussian 4-calculated E(o) of nucleobases in dimethylformamide (DMF) lie in the range (-2.36 V to -2.86 V); they are in reasonable agreement with the experimental E(o) in DMF and have a mean unsigned error (MUE) = 0.22 V. However, inclusion of specific water molecules reduces this error significantly (MUE = 0.07). With the use of a model of e(aq)⁻ nucleobase complex with six water molecules, the reaction of e(aq)⁻ with the adjacent nucleobase is investigated using approximate ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulations including PCM. Our MD simulations show that e(aq)⁻ transfers to uracil, thymine, cytosine, and adenine, within 10 to 120 fs and e(aq)⁻ reacts with guanine only when a water molecule forms a hydrogen bond to O6 of guanine which stabilizes the anion radical.

Trace gas retrievals from Airborne Compact Atmospheric Mapper (ACAM) observations during the 2011 DISCOVER-AQ flight campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, X.; Kowalewski, M. G.; Janz, S. J.; Bhartia, P. K.; Chance, K.; Krotkov, N. A.; Pickering, K. E.; Crawford, J. H.

2011-12-01

The DISCOVER-AQ (Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality) mission has just finished its first flight campaign in the Baltimore-Washington D.C. area in July 2011. The ACAM, flown on board the NASA UC-12 aircraft, includes two spectrographs covering the spectral region 304-900 nm and a high-definition video camera, and is expected to provide column measurements of several important air quality trace gases and aerosols for the DISCOVER-AQ mission. The quick look results for NO2 have been shown to very useful in capturing the strong spatiotemporal variability of NO2. Preliminary fitting of UV/Visible spectra has shown that ACAM measurements have adequate signal to noise ratio to measure the trace gases O2, NO2, HCHO, and maybe SO2 and CHOCHO, at individual pixel resolution, although a great deal of effort is needed to improve the instrument calibration and derive proper reference spectrum for retrieving absolute trace gas column densities. In this study, we present analysis of ACAM instrument calibration including slit function, wavelength registration, and radiometric calibration for both nadir-viewing and zenith-sky measurements. Based on this analysis, an irradiance reference spectrum at ACAM resolution will be derived from a high-resolution reference spectrum with additional correction to account for instrument calibration. Using the derived reference spectrum and/or the measured zenith sky measurements, we will perform non-linear least squares fitting to investigate the retrievals of slant column densities of these trace gases from ACAM measurements, and also use an optimal estimation based algorithm including full radiative transfer calculations to derive the vertical column densities of these trace gases. The initial results will be compared with available in-situ and ground-based measurements taken during the DISCOVER-AQ campaign.

“Fine-Scale Application of the coupled WRF-CMAQ System to ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The DISCOVER-AQ project (Deriving Information on Surface conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality), is a joint collaboration between NASA, U.S. EPA and a number of other local organizations with the goal of characterizing air quality in urban areas using satellite, aircraft, vertical profiler and ground based measurements (http://discover-aq.larc.nasa.gov). In July 2011, the DISCOVER-AQ project conducted intensive air quality measurements in the Baltimore, MD and Washington, D.C. area in the eastern U.S. To take advantage of these unique data, the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model, coupled with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is used to simulate the meteorology and air quality in the same region using 12-km, 4-km and 1-km horizontal grid spacings. The goal of the modeling exercise is to demonstrate the capability of the coupled WRF-CMAQ modeling system to simulate air quality at fine grid spacings in an urban area. Development of new data assimilation techniques and the use of higher resolution input data for the WRF model have been implemented to improve the meteorological results, particularly at the 4-km and 1-km grid resolutions. In addition, a number of updates to the CMAQ model were made to enhance the capability of the modeling system to accurately represent the magnitude and spatial distribution of pollutants at fine model resolutions. Data collected during the 2011 DISCOVER-AQ campa

Top-down constraints of regional emissions for KORUS-AQ 2016 field campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bae, M.; Yoo, C.; Kim, H. C.; Kim, B. U.; Kim, S.

2017-12-01

Accurate estimations of emission rates form local and international sources are essential in regional air quality simulations, especially in assessing the relative contributions from international emission sources. While bottom-up constructions of emission inventories provide detailed information on specific emission types, they are limited to cover regions with rapid change of anthropogenic emissions (e.g. China) or regions without enough socioeconomic information (e.g. North Korea). We utilized space-borne monitoring of major pollutant precursors to construct a realistic emission inputs for chemistry transport models during the KORUS-AQ 2016 field campaign. Base simulation was conducted using WRF, SMOKE, and CMAQ modeling frame using CREATE 2015 (Asian countries) and CAPSS 2013 (South Korea) emissions inventories. NOx, SO2 and VOC model emissions are adjusted using the column density comparisons ratios (between modeled and observed NO2, SO2 and HCHO column densities) and emission-to-density conversion ratio (from model). Brute force perturbation method was used to separate contributions from North Korea, China and South Korea for flight pathways during the field campaign. Backward-Tracking Model Analyzer (BMA), based on NOAA HYSPLIT trajectory and dispersion model, are also utilized to track histories of chemical processes and emission source apportionment. CMAQ simulations were conducted over East Asia (27-km) and over South and North Korea (9-km) during KORUS-AQ campaign (1st May to 10th June 2016).

Determining Boundary Layer Mixing State based on NASA DISCOVER-AQ Airborne Soundings over the Baltimore/Washington Area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, G.; Crawford, J. H.; Silverman, M. L.; Anderson, B. E.; Barrick, J. D.; Diskin, G. S.; Fried, A.; Yang, M. M.; Weinheimer, A. J.; Lenschow, D. H.

2012-12-01

The DISCOVER-AQ (Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality) mission conducted its first field deployment in the Washington D.C./Baltimore region during July 2011. The overarching goal is to better understand how remotely-sensed column measurements can be used to diagnose near-surface air quality. To achieve this objective, the DISCOVER-AQ sampling strategy requires extensive probing of the vertical structure of the lower troposphere as it relates to both trace gases and aerosols. This strategy was implemented by using the NASA P-3B aircraft to spiral from 0.3 to ~3 km over 6 MDE (Maryland Department of the Environment) ground monitoring sites. A total of 254 spirals were flown which generated detailed vertical distributions for a large variety of trace gases, aerosol properties, and meteorological variables. This data set allows a detailed assessment of vertical mixing state, which can be estimated by the changes of the measured variables with height within the boundary layer. The data set was further filtered to minimize the influence of the horizontal inhomogeneity. To be presented are cases under different atmospheric stability classes to show the actual observed atmospheric structure and vertical distributions of the aerosols and trace gases which have a wide range of lifetimes.

76 FR 77739 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Massachusetts and New Hampshire...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-14

... in EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) database. To account for missing data, the procedures found in... determination is based upon complete, certified, quality-assured ambient air quality monitoring data for the... proposing? II. What is the background for this proposed action? III. What is EPA's analysis of data for...

The physico-chemical evolution of atmospheric aerosols and the gas-particle partitioning of inorganic aerosol during KORUS-AQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, T.; Park, T.; Lee, J. B.; Lim, Y. J.; Ahn, J.; Park, J. S.; Soo, C. J.; Desyaterik, Y.; Collett, J. L., Jr.

2017-12-01

Aerosols influence climate change directly by scattering and absorption and indirectly by acting as cloud condensation nuclei and some of the effects of aerosols are reduction in visibility, deterioration of human health, and deposition of pollutants to ecosystems. Urban area is large source of aerosols and aerosol precursors. Aerosol sources are both local and from long-range transport. Long-range transport processed aerosol are often dominant sources of aerosol pollution in Korea. To improve our knowledge of aerosol chemistry, Korea and U.S-Air Quality (KORUS-AQ) of Aircraft-based aerosol measurement took place in and around Seoul, Korea during May and June 2016. KORUS-AQ campaigns were conducted to study the chemical characterization and processes of pollutants in the Seoul Metropolitan area to regional scales of Korean peninsula. Aerodyne High Resolution Time of Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) was deployed on aircraft platforms on-board DC-8 (NASA) aircraft. We characterized aerosol chemical properties and mass concentrations of sulfate, nitrate, ammonium and organics in polluted air plumes and investigate the spatial and vertical distribution of the species. The results of studies show that organics is predominant in Aerosol and a significant fraction of the organics is oxygenated organic aerosol (OOA) at the high altitude. Both Nitrate and sulfate can partition between the gas and particle phases. The ratios for HNO3/(N(V) (=gaseous HNO3 + particulate Nitrate) and SO2/(SO2+Sulfate) were found to exhibit quite different distributions between the particles and gas phase for the locations during KORUS-AQ campaign, representing potential for formation of additional particulate nitrate and sulfate. The results of those studies can provide highly resolved temporal and spatial air pollutant, which are valuable for air quality model input parameters for aerosol behaviour.

Performance and diagnostic evaluation of ozone predictions by the Eta-Community Multiscale Air Quality Forecast System during the 2002 New England Air Quality Study.

PubMed

Yu, Shaocai; Mathur, Rohit; Kang, Daiwen; Schere, Kenneth; Eder, Brian; Pleim, Jonathan

2006-10-01

A real-time air quality forecasting system (Eta-Community Multiscale Air Quality [CMAQ] model suite) has been developed by linking the National Centers for Environmental Estimation Eta model to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) CMAQ model. This work presents results from the application of the Eta-CMAQ modeling system for forecasting ozone (O3) over the Northeastern United States during the 2002 New England Air Quality Study (NEAQS). Spatial and temporal performance of the Eta-CMAQ model for O3 was evaluated by comparison with observations from the EPA Air Quality System (AQS) network. This study also examines the ability of the model to simulate the processes governing the distributions of tropospheric O3 on the basis of the intensive datasets obtained at the four Atmospheric Investigation, Regional Modeling, Analysis, and Estimation (AIRMAP) and Harvard Forest (HF) surface sites. The episode analysis reveals that the model captured the buildup of O3 concentrations over the northeastern domain from August 11 and reproduced the spatial distributions of observed O3 very well for the daytime (8:00 p.m.) of both August 8 and 12 with most of normalized mean bias (NMB) within +/- 20%. The model reproduced 53.3% of the observed hourly O3 within a factor of 1.5 with NMB of 29.7% and normalized mean error of 46.9% at the 342 AQS sites. The comparison of modeled and observed lidar O3 vertical profiles shows that whereas the model reproduced the observed vertical structure, it tended to overestimate at higher altitude. The model reproduced 64-77% of observed NO2 photolysis rate values within a factor of 1.5 at the AIRMAP sites. At the HF site, comparison of modeled and observed O3/nitrogen oxide (NOx) ratios suggests that the site is mainly under strongly NOx-sensitive conditions (>53%). It was found that the modeled lower limits of the O3 production efficiency values (inferred from O3-CO correlation) are close to the observations.

Iterative Inverse Modeling for Reconciliation of Emission Inventories during the 2006 TexAQS Intensive Field Campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, X.; Cohan, D. S.

2009-12-01

Substantial uncertainties in current emission inventories have been detected by the Texas Air Quality Study 2006 (TexAQS 2006) intensive field program. These emission uncertainties have caused large inaccuracies in model simulations of air quality and its responses to management strategies. To improve the quantitative understanding of the temporal, spatial, and categorized distributions of primary pollutant emissions by utilizing the corresponding measurements collected during TexAQS 2006, we implemented both the recursive Kalman filter and a batch matrix inversion 4-D data assimilation (FDDA) method in an iterative inverse modeling framework of the CMAQ-DDM model. Equipped with the decoupled direct method, CMAQ-DDM enables simultaneous calculation of the sensitivity coefficients of pollutant concentrations to emissions to be used in the inversions. Primary pollutant concentrations measured by the multiple platforms (TCEQ ground-based, NOAA WP-3D aircraft and Ronald H. Brown vessel, and UH Moody Tower) during TexAQS 2006 have been integrated for the use in the inverse modeling. Firstly pseudo-data analyses have been conducted to assess the two methods, taking a coarse spatial resolution emission inventory as a case. Model base case concentrations of isoprene and ozone at arbitrarily selected ground grid cells were perturbed to generate pseudo measurements with different assumed Gaussian uncertainties expressed by 1-sigma standard deviations. Single-species inversions have been conducted with both methods for isoprene and NOx surface emissions from eight states in the Southeastern United States by using the pseudo measurements of isoprene and ozone, respectively. Utilization of ozone pseudo data to invert for NOx emissions serves only for the purpose of method assessment. Both the Kalman filter and FDDA methods show good performance in tuning arbitrarily shifted a priori emissions to the base case “true” values within 3-4 iterations even for the nonlinear

Characteristics and Kinetic Analysis of AQS Transformation and Microbial Goethite Reduction:Insight into "Redox mediator-Microbe-Iron oxide" Interaction Process.

PubMed

Zhu, Weihuang; Shi, Mengran; Yu, Dan; Liu, Chongxuan; Huang, Tinglin; Wu, Fengchang

2016-03-29

The characteristics and kinetics of redox transformation of a redox mediator, anthraquinone-2-sulfonate (AQS), during microbial goethite reduction by Shewanella decolorationis S12, a dissimilatory iron reduction bacterium (DIRB), were investigated to provide insights into "redox mediator-iron oxide" interaction in the presence of DIRB. Two pre-incubation reaction systems of the "strain S12- goethite" and the "strain S12-AQS" were used to investigate the dynamics of goethite reduction and AQS redox transformation. Results show that the concentrations of goethite and redox mediator, and the inoculation cell density all affect the characteristics of microbial goethite reduction, kinetic transformation between oxidized and reduced species of the redox mediator. Both abiotic and biotic reactions and their coupling regulate the kinetic process for "Quinone-Iron" interaction in the presence of DIRB. Our results provide some new insights into the characteristics and mechanisms of interaction among "quinone-DIRB- goethite" under biotic/abiotic driven.

Quantifying TOLNet Ozone Lidar Accuracy During the 2014 DISCOVER-AQ and FRAPPE Campaigns

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Lihua; Newchurch, Michael J.; Alvarez, Raul J., II; Berkoff, Timothy A.; Brown, Steven S.; Carrion, William; De Young, Russell J.; Johnson, Bryan J.; Ganoe, Rene; Gronoff, Guillaume;

Quantifying TOLNet ozone lidar accuracy during the 2014 DISCOVER-AQ and FRAPPÉ campaigns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Lihua; Newchurch, Michael J.; Alvarez, Raul J., II; Berkoff, Timothy A.; Brown, Steven S.; Carrion, William; De Young, Russell J.; Johnson, Bryan J.; Ganoe, Rene; Gronoff, Guillaume; Kirgis, Guillaume; Kuang, Shi; Langford, Andrew O.; Leblanc, Thierry; McDuffie, Erin E.; McGee, Thomas J.; Pliutau, Denis; Senff, Christoph J.; Sullivan, John T.; Sumnicht, Grant; Twigg, Laurence W.; Weinheimer, Andrew J.

2017-10-01

The Tropospheric Ozone Lidar Network (TOLNet) is a unique network of lidar systems that measure high-resolution atmospheric profiles of ozone. The accurate characterization of these lidars is necessary to determine the uniformity of the network calibration. From July to August 2014, three lidars, the TROPospheric OZone (TROPOZ) lidar, the Tunable Optical Profiler for Aerosol and oZone (TOPAZ) lidar, and the Langley Mobile Ozone Lidar (LMOL), of TOLNet participated in the Deriving Information on Surface conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality (DISCOVER-AQ) mission and the Front Range Air Pollution and Photochemistry Éxperiment (FRAPPÉ) to measure ozone variations from the boundary layer to the top of the troposphere. This study presents the analysis of the intercomparison between the TROPOZ, TOPAZ, and LMOL lidars, along with comparisons between the lidars and other in situ ozone instruments including ozonesondes and a P-3B airborne chemiluminescence sensor. The TOLNet lidars measured vertical ozone structures with an accuracy generally better than ±15 % within the troposphere. Larger differences occur at some individual altitudes in both the near-field and far-field range of the lidar systems, largely as expected. In terms of column average, the TOLNet lidars measured ozone with an accuracy better than ±5 % for both the intercomparison between the lidars and between the lidars and other instruments. These results indicate that these three TOLNet lidars are suitable for use in air quality, satellite validation, and ozone modeling efforts.

Linguistic adaptation and psychometric evaluation of original Oral Health Literacy-Adult Questionnaire (OHL-AQ).

PubMed

Vyas, Shaleen; Nagarajappa, Sandesh; Dasar, Pralhad L; Mishra, Prashant

2016-10-01

levels of oral health literacy with self-reported oral health established significant concurrent validity (p=0.01). Significant predictive validity was observed between OHL-AQ-H scores and clinical parameters like oral hygiene status (p=0.005) and dentition status (p=0.001). The translated and culturally adapted Oral Health Literacy Adult Questionnaire - Hindi Version indicated good reliability and validity among primary school teachers to assess oral health literacy among Hindi speaking population. Hence, improving OHL levels and implementing education oriented policies can improve the quality of life.

Factor Structure, Reliability and Criterion Validity of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ): A Study in Dutch Population and Patient Groups

PubMed Central

Bartels, Meike; Cath, Danielle C.; Boomsma, Dorret I.

2008-01-01

The factor structure of the Dutch translation of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ; a continuous, quantitative measure of autistic traits) was evaluated with confirmatory factor analyses in a large general population and student sample. The criterion validity of the AQ was examined in three matched patient groups (autism spectrum conditions (ASC), social anxiety disorder, and obsessive–compulsive disorder). A two factor model, consisting of a “Social interaction” factor and “Attention to detail” factor could be identified. The internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the AQ were satisfactory. High total AQ and factor scores were specific to ASC patients. Men scored higher than women and science students higher than non-science students. The Dutch translation of the AQ is a reliable instrument to assess autism spectrum conditions. PMID:18302013

75 FR 39635 - Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans and Designation of Areas for Air Quality...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-12

..., quality-assured and certified ambient air quality monitoring data for the 2006-2008 ozone seasons that... data for the 2009 ozone season have been recorded in the EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) and show that... NAAQS through 2020 in the areas. EPA is approving the 2005 base year emissions inventories for the...

Sensitive fluorescence HPLC assay for AQ-13, a candidate aminoquinoline antimalarial, that also detects chloroquine and N-dealkylated metabolites.

PubMed

Deng, Haiyan; Liu, Huayin; Krogstad, Frances M; Krogstad, Donald J

2006-04-03

A sensitive, specific and reproducible fluorescence high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay has been developed for the separate or simultaneous measurement of AQ-13 (a candidate 4-aminoquinoline antimalarial), chloroquine (CQ), and their metabolites in whole blood. After liquid-solid extraction using commercially available extraction cartridges, these two aminoquinolines (AQs) and their metabolites were separated on C18 (Xterra RP18) columns using a mobile phase containing 60% borate buffer (20 mM, pH 9.0) and 40% acetonitrile with isocratic elution at a flow-rate of 1.0 ml/min. The assay uses a biologically inactive 8-chloro-4-aminoquinoline (AQ-18) as its internal standard (IS). There is a linear relationship between the concentrations of these AQs and the peak area ratio (ratio between the peak area of the AQ or metabolite and the peak area of the IS) on the chromatogram. Linear calibration curves with correlation coefficients > or = 0.997 (r2 > or = 0.995, p < 0.001) were obtained for AQ-13, CQ and their N-dealkylated metabolites. Reproducibility of the assay was excellent with coefficients of variation (CVs) < or = 3.8% for AQ-13 and its metabolites, and < or =2.5% for CQ and its metabolites. The sensitivity of the assay is 5 nM using 1.0 ml of blood and a 20 microl injection volume, and can be increased by using 5.0 ml of blood with an injection volume of 40 microl.

The FireWork air quality forecast system with near-real-time biomass burning emissions: Recent developments and evaluation of performance for the 2015 North American wildfire season

PubMed Central

Pavlovic, Radenko; Chen, Jack; Anderson, Kerry; Moran, Michael D.; Beaulieu, Paul-André; Davignon, Didier; Cousineau, Sophie

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Environment and Climate Change Canada’s FireWork air quality (AQ) forecast system for North America with near-real-time biomass burning emissions has been running experimentally during the Canadian wildfire season since 2013. The system runs twice per day with model initializations at 00 UTC and 12 UTC, and produces numerical AQ forecast guidance with 48-hr lead time. In this work we describe the FireWork system, which incorporates near-real-time biomass burning emissions based on the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System (CWFIS) as an input to the operational Regional Air Quality Deterministic Prediction System (RAQDPS). To demonstrate the capability of the system we analyzed two forecast periods in 2015 (June 2–July 15, and August 15–31) when fire activity was high, and observed fire-smoke-impacted areas in western Canada and the western United States. Modeled PM2.5 surface concentrations were compared with surface measurements and benchmarked with results from the operational RAQDPS, which did not consider near-real-time biomass burning emissions. Model performance statistics showed that FireWork outperformed RAQDPS with improvements in forecast hourly PM2.5 across the region; the results were especially significant for stations near the path of fire plume trajectories. Although the hourly PM2.5 concentrations predicted by FireWork still displayed bias for areas with active fires for these two periods (mean bias [MB] of –7.3 µg m−3 and 3.1 µg m−3), it showed better forecast skill than the RAQDPS (MB of –11.7 µg m−3 and –5.8 µg m−3) and demonstrated a greater ability to capture temporal variability of episodic PM2.5 events (correlation coefficient values of 0.50 and 0.69 for FireWork compared to 0.03 and 0.11 for RAQDPS). A categorical forecast comparison based on an hourly PM2.5 threshold of 30 µg m−3 also showed improved scores for probability of detection (POD), critical success index (CSI), and false alarm rate (FAR

The FireWork air quality forecast system with near-real-time biomass burning emissions: Recent developments and evaluation of performance for the 2015 North American wildfire season.

PubMed

Pavlovic, Radenko; Chen, Jack; Anderson, Kerry; Moran, Michael D; Beaulieu, Paul-André; Davignon, Didier; Cousineau, Sophie

2016-09-01

Environment and Climate Change Canada's FireWork air quality (AQ) forecast system for North America with near-real-time biomass burning emissions has been running experimentally during the Canadian wildfire season since 2013. The system runs twice per day with model initializations at 00 UTC and 12 UTC, and produces numerical AQ forecast guidance with 48-hr lead time. In this work we describe the FireWork system, which incorporates near-real-time biomass burning emissions based on the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System (CWFIS) as an input to the operational Regional Air Quality Deterministic Prediction System (RAQDPS). To demonstrate the capability of the system we analyzed two forecast periods in 2015 (June 2-July 15, and August 15-31) when fire activity was high, and observed fire-smoke-impacted areas in western Canada and the western United States. Modeled PM2.5 surface concentrations were compared with surface measurements and benchmarked with results from the operational RAQDPS, which did not consider near-real-time biomass burning emissions. Model performance statistics showed that FireWork outperformed RAQDPS with improvements in forecast hourly PM2.5 across the region; the results were especially significant for stations near the path of fire plume trajectories. Although the hourly PM2.5 concentrations predicted by FireWork still displayed bias for areas with active fires for these two periods (mean bias [MB] of -7.3 µg m(-3) and 3.1 µg m(-3)), it showed better forecast skill than the RAQDPS (MB of -11.7 µg m(-3) and -5.8 µg m(-3)) and demonstrated a greater ability to capture temporal variability of episodic PM2.5 events (correlation coefficient values of 0.50 and 0.69 for FireWork compared to 0.03 and 0.11 for RAQDPS). A categorical forecast comparison based on an hourly PM2.5 threshold of 30 µg m(-3) also showed improved scores for probability of detection (POD), critical success index (CSI), and false alarm rate (FAR). Smoke from wildfires

77 FR 3417 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Massachusetts; Determination of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-24

... recorded in EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) database. To account for missing data, the procedures found in... three-year period and then adjusts for missing data. In short, if the three-year average expected... ambient air quality monitoring data for the 2001-2003 monitoring period showing that the area had an...

Postprocessing for Air Quality Predictions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delle Monache, L.

2017-12-01

In recent year, air quality (AQ) forecasting has made significant progress towards better predictions with the goal of protecting the public from harmful pollutants. This progress is the results of improvements in weather and chemical transport models, their coupling, and more accurate emission inventories (e.g., with the development of new algorithms to account in near real-time for fires). Nevertheless, AQ predictions are still affected at times by significant biases which stem from limitations in both weather and chemistry transport models. Those are the result of numerical approximations and the poor representation (and understanding) of important physical and chemical process. Moreover, although the quality of emission inventories has been significantly improved, they are still one of the main sources of uncertainties in AQ predictions. For operational real-time AQ forecasting, a significant portion of these biases can be reduced with the implementation of postprocessing methods. We will review some of the techniques that have been proposed to reduce both systematic and random errors of AQ predictions, and improve the correlation between predictions and observations of ground-level ozone and surface particulate matter less than 2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5). These methods, which can be applied to both deterministic and probabilistic predictions, include simple bias-correction techniques, corrections inspired by the Kalman filter, regression methods, and the more recently developed analog-based algorithms. These approaches will be compared and contrasted, and strength and weaknesses of each will be discussed.

Observation-based modelling and analysis of O3 Production in the Seoul Metropolitan Area during KORUS-AQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schroeder, J.; Crawford, J. H.; Fried, A.; Weinheimer, A. J.; Blake, D. R.; Blake, N. J.; Wisthaler, A.; Lee, G.; Ahn, J. Y.

2017-12-01

The Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA) has a population of 24 million and frequently experiences unhealthy levels of ozone (O3). In this work, data from the Korea-United States Air Quality Study (KORUS-AQ, May 2 - June 11, 2016) were used to constrain a 0-D photochemical box model, allowing for calculation of key photochemical parameters related to O3 chemistry in the SMA. During KORUS-AQ, the NASA DC-8 flew 20 research flights over the Korean Peninsula. Routine overflights of the SMA in the morning, midday, and afternoon allowed for evaluation of diurnal photochemical tendencies in both the urban core of Seoul and surrounding areas. During KORUS-AQ, the SMA experienced 39 days where the max 8-hour O3 exceeded the Korean AQS value of 60 ppbv. Box model calculations constrained with high-frequency data from the DC-8 show that rates of net O3 production (P(O3)) in urban Seoul were similar to outlying metropolitan areas across all times of day, with the highest median values occurring around midday in both cases ( 15 ppbv/hr). Although mixing ratios of key ozone precursors such as NOx and reactive VOCs were substantially higher in urban Seoul than outlying areas, net P(O3) was sustained across the region due to non-linearities in O3 chemistry. Box model calculations show that urban Seoul was strongly radical-limited, while outlying areas were either slightly NOx-limited or near the `transition' area. This suggests that P(O3) can be mitigated in urban Seoul by reducing VOC emissions, but regional air quality would benefit from reductions in both NOx and VOCs. Box model simulations of the response of P(O3) to omitting select VOCs suggest that reactive aromatics - particularly toluene, which had a median mixing ratio of 2 ppbv across SMA - contributed most to radical abundances ( 60%) and P(O3), and reductions in aromatic emissions would be most effective towards reducing P(O3). Biogenics and light alkenes account for 25% and 10% of radical abundances in the SMA, respectively

CDC25AQ110del: A Novel Cell Division Cycle 25A Isoform Aberrantly Expressed in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

PubMed Central

Younis, Rania H.; Cao, Wei; Lin, Ruxian; Xia, Ronghui; Liu, Zhenqiu; Edelman, Martin J.; Mei, Yuping; Mao, Li; Ren, Hening

2012-01-01

Objective Lung cancer remains number one cause of cancer related deaths worldwide. Cell cycle deregulation plays a major role in the pathogenesis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). CDC25A represents a critical cell cycle regulator that enhances cell cycle progression. In this study we aimed to investigate the role of a novel CDC25A transcriptional variant, CDC25AQ110del, on the regulation of the CDC25A protein, and its impact on prognosis of NSCLC patients. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we report a novel CDC25A transcript variant with codon 110 (Glutamine) deletion, that we termed CDC25AQ110del in NSCLC cells. In 9 (75%) of the 12 NSCLC cell lines, CDC25AQ110del expression accounted for more than 20% of the CDC25A transcripts. Biological effects of CDC25AQ110del were investigated in H1299 and HEK-293F cells using UV radiation, flowcytometry, cyclohexamide treatment, and confocal microscopy. Compared to CDC25Awt, CDC25AQ110del protein had longer half-life; cells expressing CDC25AQ110del were more resistant to UV irradiation and showed more mitotic activity. Taqman-PCR was used to quantify CDC25AQ110del expression levels in 88 primary NSCLC tumor/normal tissue pairs. In patients with NSCLC, Kaplan Meier curves showed tumors expressing higher levels of CDC25AQ110del relative to the adjacent lung tissues to have significantly inferior overall survival (P = .0018). Significance Here we identified CDC25AQ110del as a novel transcriptional variant of CDC25A in NSCLC. The sequence-specific nature of the abnormality could be a prognostic indicator in NSCLC patients as well as a candidate target for future therapeutic strategies. PMID:23071577

Air Quality uFIND: User-oriented Tool Set for Air Quality Data Discovery and Access

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoijarvi, K.; Robinson, E. M.; Husar, R. B.; Falke, S. R.; Schultz, M. G.; Keating, T. J.

2012-12-01

Historically, there have been major impediments to seamless and effective data usage encountered by both data providers and users. Over the last five years, the international Air Quality (AQ) Community has worked through forums such as the Group on Earth Observations AQ Community of Practice, the ESIP AQ Working Group, and the Task Force on Hemispheric Transport of Air Pollution to converge on data format standards (e.g., netCDF), data access standards (e.g., Open Geospatial Consortium Web Coverage Services), metadata standards (e.g., ISO 19115), as well as other conventions (e.g., CF Naming Convention) in order to build an Air Quality Data Network. The centerpiece of the AQ Data Network is the web service-based tool set: user-oriented Filtering and Identification of Networked Data. The purpose of uFIND is to provide rich and powerful facilities for the user to: a) discover and choose a desired dataset by navigation through the multi-dimensional metadata space using faceted search, b) seamlessly access and browse datasets, and c) use uFINDs facilities as a web service for mashups with other AQ applications and portals. In a user-centric information system such as uFIND, the user experience is improved by metadata that includes the general fields for discovery as well as community-specific metadata to narrow the search beyond space, time and generic keyword searches. However, even with the community-specific additions, the ISO 19115 records were formed in compliance with the standard, so that other standards-based search interface could leverage this additional information. To identify the fields necessary for metadata discovery we started with the ISO 19115 Core Metadata fields and fields that were needed for a Catalog Service for the Web (CSW) Record. This fulfilled two goals - one to create valid ISO 19115 records and the other to be able to retrieve the records through a Catalog Service for the Web query. Beyond the required set of fields, the AQ Community added

Rural southeast Texas air quality measurements during the 2006 Texas Air Quality Study.

PubMed

Schade, Gunnar W; Khan, Siraj; Park, Changhyoun; Boedeker, Ian

2011-10-01

The authors conducted air quality measurements of the criteria pollutants carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and ozone together with meteorological measurements at a park site southeast of College Station, TX, during the 2006 Texas Air Quality Study II (TexAQS). Ozone, a primary focus of the measurements, was above 80 ppb during 3 days and above 75 ppb during additional 8 days in summer 2006, suggestive of possible violations of the ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) in this area. In concordance with other air quality measurements during the TexAQS II, elevated ozone mixing ratios coincided with northerly flows during days after cold front passages. Ozone background during these days was as high as 80 ppb, whereas southerly air flows generally provided for an ozone background lower than 40 ppb. Back trajectory analysis shows that local ozone mixing ratios can also be strongly affected by the Houston urban pollution plume, leading to late afternoon ozone increases of as high as 50 ppb above background under favorable transport conditions. The trajectory analysis also shows that ozone background increases steadily the longer a southern air mass resides over Texas after entering from the Gulf of Mexico. In light of these and other TexAQS findings, it appears that ozone air quality is affected throughout east Texas by both long-range and regional ozone transport, and that improvements therefore will require at least a regionally oriented instead of the current locally oriented ozone precursor reduction policies.

Chemical data assimilation of geostationary aerosol optical depth and PM surface observations on regional aerosol modeling over the Korean Peninsula during KORUS-AQ campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, J.; Choi, Y.; Souri, A.; Jeon, W.

2017-12-01

Particle matter(PM) has played a significantly deleterious role in affecting human health and climate. Recently, continuous high concentrations of PM in Korea attracted public attention to this critical issue, and the Korea-United States Air Quality Study(KORUS-AQ) campaign in 2016 was conducted to investigate the causes. For this study, we adjusted the initial conditions in the chemical transport model(CTM) to improve its performance over Korean Peninsula during KORUS-AQ period, using the campaign data to evaluate our model performance. We used the Optimal Interpolation(OI) approach and used hourly surface air quality measurement data from the Air Quality Monitoring Station(AQMS) by NIER and the aerosol optical depth(AOD) measured by a GOCI sensor from the geostationary orbit onboard the Communication Ocean and Meteorological Satellite(COMS). The AOD at 550nm has a 6km spatial resolution and broad coverage over East Asia. After assimilating the surface air quality observation data, the model accuracy significantly improved compared to base model result (without assimilation). It reported very high correlation value (0.98) and considerably decreased mean bias. Especially, it well captured some high peaks which was underpredicted by the base model. To assimilate satellite data, we applied AOD scaling factors to quantify each specie's contribution to total PM concentration and find-mode fraction(FMF) to define vertical distribution. Finally, the improvement showed fairly good agreement.

GEM-AQ, an On-line Global Multiscale Chemical Weather System: Model Description and Evaluation of Gas Phase Chemistry Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neary, L.; Kaminski, J. W.; Struzewska, J.; Ainslie, B.; McConnell, J. C.

2007-12-01

Tropospheric chemistry and air quality processes were implemented on-line in the Global Environmental Multiscale model. The integrated model, GEM-AQ, has been developed as a platform to investigate chemical weather at scales from global to urban. On the global scale, the model was exercised for five years (2001-2005) to evaluate its ability to simulate seasonal variations and regional distributions of trace gases such as ozone, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. The model results are compared with observations from satellites, aircraft measurement campaigns and balloon sondes. The same model has also been evaluated on the regional (~15km resolution) and urban scale (~3km resolution). A simulation of the formation and transport of photooxidants during the European heat wave of 2006 was performed and compared with surface observations throughout central and eastern Europe. The complex topographic region of the Lower Fraser Valley in British Columbia was the focus of another model evaluation during the PACIFIC 2001 field campaign. Comparison of model results with observations during this period will be shown.

NASA Tropospheric Composition Program field campagins as prototypes to advance the Integrated Observing System for Air Quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lefer, B. L.; Crawford, J. H.; Pierce, R. B.; Berkoff, T.; Swap, R.; Janz, S. J.; Ahn, J.; Al-Saadi, J. A.

2017-12-01

With the launch over the virtual constellation of earth observing satellites for atmospheric composition (e.g., TROPOMI, GEMS, TEMPO, and Sentinel-4) over the next several years, we have a unique opportunity to develop an Integrated Observing System (IOS) for air quality in the northern hemisphere. Recently, NASA's Tropospheric Composition Program (TCP) has participated in several different air quality related field campaigns as an effort to explore various prototypes of the IOS for Air Quality. The IOS for air quality could be a system were space-based observations of air quality (generally, column abundances of NO2, HCHO, O3, SO2, and AOD) are given added "value" by being integrated with: a) long-term ground-based observations;b) regional and global air quality and chemical transport models; as well as c) measurements from targeted airborne field campaigns. The recent Korea-US Air Quality Study (KORUS-AQ), the Lake Michigan Ozone Study 2017 (LMOS), and the Ozone Water-Land Environmental Transition Study (OWLETS) field campaigns were held in different locations and made measurements over different scale. However, all of these provide an opportunity to learn about how a future integrated air quality observing system can be implemented to serve a variety of air quality related objectives. NASA TCP is also exploring enchancements to our routine observations to strengthen the IOS for air quality in the future.

Assessing Attachment Security With the Attachment Q Sort: Meta-Analytic Evidence for the Validity of the Observer AQS

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van I Jzendoorn,Marinus H.; Vereijken, Carolus M.J.L.; Bakermans-Kranenburg, Marian J.; Riksen-Walraven, Marianne J.

2004-01-01

The reliability and validity of the Attachment Q Sort (AQS; Waters & Deane, 1985) was tested in a series of meta-analyses on 139 studies with 13,835 children. The observer AQS security score showed convergent validity with Strange Situation procedure (SSP) security (r=31) and excellent predictive validity with sensitivity measures (r=39). Its…

Ozone production in remote oceanic and industrial areas derived from ship based measurements of peroxy radicals during TexAQS 2006

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sommariva, R.; Brown, S. S.; Roberts, J. M.; Brookes, D. M.; Parker, A. E.; Monks, P. S.; Bates, T. S.; Bon, D.; de Gouw, J. A.; Frost, G. J.; Gilman, J. B.; Goldan, P. D.; Herndon, S. C.; Kuster, W. C.; Lerner, B. M.; Osthoff, H. D.; Tucker, S. C.; Warneke, C.; Williams, E. J.; Zahniser, M. S.

2011-03-01

During the Texas Air Quality Study II (TexAQS 2006) campaign, a PEroxy Radical Chemical Amplifier (PERCA) was deployed on the NOAA research vessel R/V Brown to measure total peroxy radicals (HO2+Σ RO2). Day-time mixing ratios of HO2+Σ RO2 between 25 and 110 ppt were observed throughout the study area - the Houston/Galveston region and the Gulf coast of the US - and analyzed in relation to measurements of nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOC) and photolysis rates to assess radical sources and sinks in the region. The measurements of HO2+Σ RO2 were used to calculate the in-situ net photochemical formation of ozone. Measured median values ranged from 0.6 ppb/h in clean oceanic air masses up to several tens of ppb/h in the most polluted industrial areas. The results are consistent with previous studies and generally agree with observations made during the previous TexAQS 2000 field campaign. The net photochemical ozone formation rates determined at Barbours Cut, a site immediately south of the Houston Ship Channel, were analyzed in relation to local wind direction and VOC reactivity to understand the relationship between ozone formation and local VOC emissions. The measurements of HO2+Σ RO2 made during the R/V Brown TexAQS 2006 cruise indicate that ozone formation is NOx-limited in the Houston/Galveston region and influenced by highly reactive hydrocarbons, especially alkenes from urban and industrial sources and their photo-oxidation products, such as formaldehyde.

Ozone production in remote oceanic and industrial areas derived from ship based measurements of peroxy radicals during TexAQS 2006

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sommariva, R.; Brown, S. S.; Roberts, J. M.; Brookes, D. M.; Parker, A. E.; Monks, P. S.; Bates, T. S.; Bon, D.; de Gouw, J. A.; Frost, G. J.; Gilman, J. B.; Goldan, P. D.; Herndon, S. C.; Kuster, W. C.; Lerner, B. M.; Osthoff, H. D.; Tucker, S. C.; Warneke, C.; Williams, E. J.; Zahniser, M. S.

2010-10-01

During the Texas Air Quality Study II (TexAQS 2006) campaign, a PEroxy Radical Chemical Amplifier (PERCA) was deployed on the NOAA research vessel R/V Brown to measure total peroxy radicals (HO2+ΣRO2). Day-time mixing ratios of HO2+ΣRO2 between 25 and 110 ppt were observed throughout the study area - the Houston/Galveston region and the Gulf coast of the U.S. - and analyzed in relation to measurements of nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOC) and photolysis rates to assess radical sources and sinks in the region. The measurements of HO2+ΣRO2 were used to calculate the in-situ net photochemical formation of ozone. Measured median values ranged from 0.6 ppb/h in clean oceanic air masses up to several tens of ppb/h in the most polluted industrial areas. The results are consistent with previous studies and generally agree with observations made during the previous TexAQS 2000 field campaign. The net photochemical ozone formation rates determined at Barbours Cut, a site immediately south of the Houston Ship Channel, were analyzed in relation to local wind direction and VOC reactivity to understand the relationship between ozone formation and local VOC emissions. The measurements of HO2+ΣRO2 made during the R/V Brown TexAQS 2006 cruise indicate that ozone formation is NOx-limited in the Houston/Galveston region and influenced by highly reactive hydrocarbons, especially alkenes from urban and industrial sources and their photooxidation products, such as formaldehyde.

The autism-spectrum quotient (AQ): evidence from Asperger syndrome/high-functioning autism, males and females, scientists and mathematicians.

PubMed

Baron-Cohen, S; Wheelwright, S; Skinner, R; Martin, J; Clubley, E

2001-02-01

Currently there are no brief, self-administered instruments for measuring the degree to which an adult with normal intelligence has the traits associated with the autistic spectrum. In this paper, we report on a new instrument to assess this: the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Individuals score in the range 0-50. Four groups of subjects were assessed: Group 1: 58 adults with Asperger syndrome (AS) or high-functioning autism (HFA); Group 2: 174 randomly selected controls. Group 3: 840 students in Cambridge University; and Group 4: 16 winners of the UK Mathematics Olympiad. The adults with AS/HFA had a mean AQ score of 35.8 (SD = 6.5), significantly higher than Group 2 controls (M = 16.4, SD = 6.3). 80% of the adults with AS/HFA scored 32+, versus 2% of controls. Among the controls, men scored slightly but significantly higher than women. No women scored extremely highly (AQ score 34+) whereas 4% of men did so. Twice as many men (40%) as women (21%) scored at intermediate levels (AQ score 20+). Among the AS/HFA group, male and female scores did not differ significantly. The students in Cambridge University did not differ from the randomly selected control group, but scientists (including mathematicians) scored significantly higher than both humanities and social sciences students, confirming an earlier study that autistic conditions are associated with scientific skills. Within the sciences, mathematicians scored highest. This was replicated in Group 4, the Mathematics Olympiad winners scoring significantly higher than the male Cambridge humanities students. 6% of the student sample scored 32+ on the AQ. On interview, 11 out of 11 of these met three or more DSM-IV criteria for AS/HFA, and all were studying sciences/mathematics, and 7 of the 11 met threshold on these criteria. Test-retest and interrater reliability of the AQ was good. The AQ is thus a valuable instrument for rapidly quantifying where any given individual is situated on the continuum from autism to

Standard state thermodynamic properties of Ba2+(aq), Co2+(aq), and Cu2+(aq) up to 598.15 K, and temperature effect on ligand field.

PubMed

Djamali, Essmaiil; Chen, Keith; Murray, Richard C; Turner, Peter J; Cobble, James W

2009-02-26

Integral heat of solution measurements of barium chloride to 619.81 K, copper oxide in an excess of perrhenic acid to 585 K, and cobalt perrhenate in perrhenic acid to 573 K were measured in a high dilution calorimeter (< or =10(-3) m) at psat, from which the high temperature thermodynamic properties of aqueous barium chloride, copper perrhenate, and cobalt perrhenate were obtained. From the known differences between the corresponding properties for aqueous perrhenate and chloride ions, the thermodynamic properties of completely ionized aqueous copper and cobalt chloride were obtained from ionic additivity. The enthalpy and derived heat capacity data at higher temperatures (T > 473.15 K) suggest that the ligand field stabilization energy of Co2+(aq) may be disappearing.

A microphysical parameterization of aqSOA and sulfate formation in clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McVay, Renee; Ervens, Barbara

2017-07-01

Sulfate and secondary organic aerosol (cloud aqSOA) can be chemically formed in cloud water. Model implementation of these processes represents a computational burden due to the large number of microphysical and chemical parameters. Chemical mechanisms have been condensed by reducing the number of chemical parameters. Here an alternative is presented to reduce the number of microphysical parameters (number of cloud droplet size classes). In-cloud mass formation is surface and volume dependent due to surface-limited oxidant uptake and/or size-dependent pH. Box and parcel model simulations show that using the effective cloud droplet diameter (proportional to total volume-to-surface ratio) reproduces sulfate and aqSOA formation rates within ≤30% as compared to full droplet distributions; other single diameters lead to much greater deviations. This single-class approach reduces computing time significantly and can be included in models when total liquid water content and effective diameter are available.

Evaluating ammonia (NH3) predictions in the NOAA National Air Quality Forecast Capability (NAQFC) using in situ aircraft, ground-level, and satellite measurements from the DISCOVER-AQ Colorado campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Battye, William H.; Bray, Casey D.; Aneja, Viney P.; Tong, Daniel; Lee, Pius; Tang, Youhua

2016-09-01

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is responsible for forecasting elevated levels of air pollution within the National Air Quality Forecast Capability (NAQFC). The current research uses measurements gathered in the DISCOVER-AQ Colorado field campaign and the concurrent Front Range Air Pollution and Photochemistry Experiment (FRAPPE) to test performance of the NAQFC CMAQ modeling framework for predicting NH3. The DISCOVER-AQ and FRAPPE field campaigns were carried out in July and August 2014 in Northeast Colorado. Model predictions are compared with measurements of NH3 gas concentrations and the NH4+ component of fine particulate matter concentrations measured directly by the aircraft in flight. We also compare CMAQ predictions with NH3 measurements from ground-based monitors within the DISCOVER-AQ Colorado geographic domain, and from the Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) on the Aura satellite. In situ aircraft measurements carried out in July and August of 2014 suggest that the NAQFC CMAQ model underestimated the NH3 concentration in Northeastern Colorado by a factor of ∼2.7 (NMB = -63%). Ground-level monitors also produced a similar result. Average satellite-retrieved NH3 levels also exceeded model predictions by a factor of 1.5-4.2 (NMB = -33 to -76%). The underestimation of NH3 was not accompanied by an underestimation of particulate NH4+, which is further controlled by factors including acid availability, removal rate, and gas-particle partition. The average measured concentration of NH4+ was close to the average predication (NMB = +18%). Seasonal patterns measured at an AMoN site in the region suggest that the underestimation of NH3 is not due to the seasonal allocation of emissions, but to the overall annual emissions estimate. The underestimation of NH3 varied across the study domain, with the largest differences occurring in a region of intensive agriculture near Greeley, Colorado, and in the vicinity of Denver. The

76 FR 72377 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Connecticut; Determinations of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-23

... recorded in EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) database. To account for missing data, the procedures found in... Site Year exceedance exceedance expected days over days for exceedance 0.124 ppm missing data rate... for exceedance 0.124 ppm missing data rate 090050006 Cornwall........ 2006 0 0.0 0.3 2007 1 1.0 2008 0...

[Cu(aq)]2+ is structurally plastic and the axially elongated octahedron goes missing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frank, Patrick; Benfatto, Maurizio; Qayyum, Munzarin

2018-05-01

High resolution (k = 18 Å-1 or k = 17 Å-1) copper K-edge EXAFS and MXAN (Minuit X-ray Absorption Near Edge) analyses have been used to investigate the structure of dissolved [Cu(aq)]2+ in 1,3-propanediol (1,3-P) or 1,5-pentanediol (1,5-P) aqueous frozen glasses. EXAFS analysis invariably found a single axially asymmetric 6-coordinate (CN6) site, with 4×Oeq = 1.97 Å, Oax1 = 2.22 Å, and Oax2 = 2.34 Å, plus a second-shell of 4×Owater = 3.6 Å. However, MXAN analysis revealed that [Cu(aq)]2+ occupies both square pyramidal (CN5) and axially asymmetric CN6 structures. The square pyramid included 4×H2O = 1.95 Å and 1×H2O = 2.23 Å. The CN6 sites included either a capped, near perfect, square pyramid with 5×H2O = 1.94 ± 0.04 Å and H2Oax = 2.22 Å (in 1,3-P) or a split axial configuration with 4×H2O = 1.94, H2Oax1 = 2.14 Å, and H2Oax2 = 2.28 Å (in 1,5-P). The CN6 sites also included an 8-H2O second-shell near 3.7 Å, which was undetectable about the strictly pyramidal sites. Equatorial angles averaging 94° ± 5° indicated significant departures from tetragonal planarity. MXAN assessment of the solution structure of [Cu(aq)]2+ in 1,5-P prior to freezing revealed the same structures as previously found in aqueous 1M HClO4, which have become axially compressed in the frozen glasses. [Cu(aq)]2+ in liquid and frozen solutions is dominated by a 5-coordinate square pyramid, but with split axial CN6 appearing in the frozen glasses. Among these phases, the Cu-O axial distances vary across 1 Å, and the equatorial angles depart significantly from the square plane. Although all these structures remove the dx2-y2, dz2 degeneracy, no structure can be described as a Jahn-Teller (JT) axially elongated octahedron. The JT-octahedral description for dissolved [Cu(aq)]2+ should thus be abandoned in favor of square pyramidal [Cu(H2O)5]2+. The revised ligand environments have bearing on questions of the Cu(i)/Cu(ii) self-exchange rate and on the mechanism for ligand exchange

77 FR 21690 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plan for 1997 8-Hour Ozone Standard; Arizona

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-11

... and emissions input data preparation, model performance evaluation, interpreting modeling results, and... standard based on ambient ozone monitoring data for the 2006- 2008 period. EPA has not yet acted on this... ppm) and years thereafter were at or below the standard. See EPA Air Quality System (AQS) data...

77 FR 21663 - Air Quality Implementation Plans; Kentucky; Attainment Plan for the Kentucky Portion of the...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-11

... available, but not yet certified, in the Air Quality System (AQS) database for 2011 show that this Area.... Moreover, there is no support for the Commenter's contention, based on the flawed premise that allowance... strong legal basis. To the extent that the current status of CAIR and the Transport Rule affect any of...

The Influence of AQ on the Academic Achievement among Malaysian Polytechnic Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matore, Mohd Effendi Ewan Mohd; Khairani, Ahmad Zamri; Razak, Nordin Abd

2015-01-01

This study aimed to examine the influence of Adversity Quotient (AQ) on the academic achievement among Malaysian polytechnic students. A total of 1,845 students from five polytechnics in Malaysia participated in this study and these polytechnic was selected from five different zones, namely Nouthern, Southern, Eastern, Western and Borneo. The…

Application of OMI NO2 for Regional Air Quality Model Evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holloway, T.; Bickford, E.; Oberman, J.; Scotty, E.; Clifton, O. E.

2012-12-01

To support the application of satellite data for air quality analysis, we examine how column NO2 measurements from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) aboard the NASA Aura satellite relate to ground-based and model estimates of NO2 and related species. Daily variability, monthly mean values, and spatial gradients in OMI NO2 from the Netherlands Royal Meteorological Institute (KNMI) are compared to ground-based measurements of NO2 from the EPA Air Quality System (AQS) database. Satellite data is gridded to two resolutions typical of regional air quality models - 36 km x 36 km over the continental U.S., and 12 km x 12 km over the Upper Midwestern U.S. Gridding is performed using the Wisconsin Horizontal Interpolation Program for Satellites (WHIPS), a publicly available software to support gridding of satellite data to model grids. Comparing daily OMI retrievals (13:45 daytime local overpass time) with ground-based measurements (13:00), we find January and July 2007 correlation coefficients (r-values) generally positive, with values higher in the winter (January) than summer (July) for most sites. Incidences of anti-correlation or low-correlation are evaluated with model simulations from the U.S. EPA Community Multiscale Air Quality Model version 4.7 (CMAQ). OMI NO2 is also used to evaluate CMAQ output, and to compare performance metrics for CMAQ relative to AQS measurements. We compare simulated NO2 across both the U.S. and Midwest study domains with both OMI NO2 (total column CMAQ values, weighted with the averaging kernel) and with ground-based observations (lowest model layer CMAQ values). 2007 CMAQ simulations employ emissions from the Lake Michigan Air Directors Consortium (LADCO) and meteorology from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Over most of the U.S., CMAQ is too high in January relative to OMI NO2, but too low in January relative to AQS NO2. In contrast, CMAQ is too low in July relative to OMI NO2, but too high relative to AQS NO2. These

Deriving Surface NO2 Mixing Ratios from DISCOVER-AQ ACAM Observations: A Method to Assess Surface NO2 Spatial Variability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silverman, M. L.; Szykman, J.; Chen, G.; Crawford, J. H.; Janz, S. J.; Kowalewski, M. G.; Lamsal, L. N.; Long, R.

2015-12-01

Studies have shown that satellite NO2 columns are closely related to ground level NO2 concentrations, particularly over polluted areas. This provides a means to assess surface level NO2 spatial variability over a broader area than what can be monitored from ground stations. The characterization of surface level NO2 variability is important to understand air quality in urban areas, emissions, health impacts, photochemistry, and to evaluate the performance of chemical transport models. Using data from the NASA DISCOVER-AQ campaign in Baltimore/Washington we calculate NO2 mixing ratios from the Airborne Compact Atmospheric Mapper (ACAM), through four different methods to derive surface concentration from column measurements. High spectral resolution lidar (HSRL) mixed layer heights, vertical P3B profiles, and CMAQ vertical profiles are used to scale ACAM vertical column densities. The derived NO2 mixing ratios are compared to EPA ground measurements taken at Padonia and Edgewood. We find similar results from scaling with HSRL mixed layer heights and normalized P3B vertical profiles. The HSRL mixed layer heights are then used to scale ACAM vertical column densities across the DISCOVER-AQ flight pattern to assess spatial variability of NO2 over the area. This work will help define the measurement requirements for future satellite instruments.

Further Evidence on the Factorial Structure of the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) for Adults with and without a Clinical Diagnosis of Autism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lau, Winnie Yu Pow; Kelly, Adrian B.; Peterson, Candida Clifford

2013-01-01

The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) has been widely used for measuring autistic traits however its factor structure has been primarily determined from nonclinic populations. This study aimed to establish an internally coherent and reliable factor structure for the AQ using a sample of 455 Australian adults of whom 141 had autism spectrum disorder…

the Underestimation of Isorene in Houston during the Texas 2013 DISCOVER-AQ Campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Y.; Diao, L.; Czader, B.; Li, X.; Estes, M. J.

2014-12-01

This study applies principal component analysis to aircraft data from the Texas 2013 DISCOVER-AQ (Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality) field campaign to characterize isoprene sources over Houston during September 2013. The biogenic isoprene signature appears in the third principal component and anthropogenic signals in the following two. Evaluations of the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model simulations of isoprene with airborne measurements are more accurate for suburban areas than for industrial areas. This study also compares model outputs to eight surface automated gas chromatograph (Auto-GC) measurements near the Houston ship channel industrial area during the nighttime and shows that modeled anthropogenic isoprene is underestimated by a factor of 10.60. This study employs a new simulation with a modified anthropogenic emissions inventory (constraining using the ratios of observed values versus simulated ones) that yields closer isoprene predictions at night with a reduction in the mean bias by 56.93%, implying that model-estimated isoprene emissions from the 2008 National Emission Inventory are underestimated in the city of Houston and that other climate models or chemistry and transport models using the same emissions inventory might also be underestimated in other Houston-like areas in the United States.

Characteristics and kinetic analysis of AQS transformation and microbial goethite reduction: Insight into “redox mediator-microbe-iron oxide” interaction process

DOE PAGES

Zhu, Weihuang; Shi, Mengran; Yu, Dan; ...

2016-03-29

Here, the characteristics and kinetics of redox transformation of a redox mediator, anthraquinone-2-sulfonate (AQS), during microbial goethite reduction by Shewanella decolorationis S12, a dissimilatory iron reduction bacterium (DIRB), were investigated to provide insights into “redox mediator-iron oxide” interaction in the presence of DIRB. Two pre-incubation reaction systems of the “strain S12-goethite” and the “strain S12-AQS” were used to investigate the dynamics of goethite reduction and AQS redox transformation. Results show that the concentrations of goethite and redox mediator, and the inoculation cell density all affect the characteristics of microbial goethite reduction, kinetic transformation between oxidized and reduced species of themore » redox mediator. Both abiotic and biotic reactions and their coupling regulate the kinetic process for “Quinone-Iron” interaction in the presence of DIRB. Our results provide some new insights into the characteristics and mechanisms of interaction among “quinone-DIRB- goethite” under biotic/abiotic driven.« less

Defective prevention of immune precipitation in autoimmune diseases is independent of C4A*Q0

PubMed Central

Arason, G J; Kolka, R; Hreidarsson, A B; Gudjonsson, H; Schneider, P M; Fry, L; Arnason, A

2005-01-01

Increased prevalence of C4 null alleles is a common feature of autoimmune diseases. We have shown previously that complement-dependent prevention of immune precipitation (PIP) is defective in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and correlated this defect with C4A*Q0 and low levels of the C4A isotype. To further clarify the role of C4A in the aetiology of SLE, we now extend our studies to other diseases which have been associated with C4A*Q0. The frequency of C4A*Q0 was increased in Icelandic patients with coeliac disease (0·50; P < 0·001), Grave's disease (0·30; P = 0·002) and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (0·23; P = 0·04) and in British patients with dermatitis herpetiformis (0·42; P = 0·002) and this was reflected in low levels of C4A. In spite of this, PIP was normal in these patients, and in marked contrast to our previous observations on connective tissue diseases, PIP measurements in these patient groups correlated more strongly with levels of C4B (r = 0·51, P = 0·0000004) than C4A. Patients with increased levels of anti-C1q antibodies had significantly lower PIP than patients without such antibodies (P < 0·01) and a negative association of PIP with anti-C1q antibodies was also reflected in an increased prevalence (P = 0·006) and levels (P = 0·006) of anti-C1q antibodies in patients with subnormal PIP, as well as a negative correlation between PIP and anti-C1q antibodies (r = − 0·25, P = 0·02). These results show that the PIP defect cannot be explained by low levels of C4A alone and suggest that measurements of anti-C1q antibodies may be useful in future studies on the molecular cause of the PIP defect in autoimmune connective tissue disease. PMID:15932521

Archaeological investigations at Sample Unit U19aq, Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada

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

Jones, R.C.; DuBarton, A.; Holz, B.A.

1992-12-31

This report documents the methods and results of archaeological investigations at sample unit U19aq on Pahute Mesa. Seven sites were studied: two lithic artifact scatters (26NY4577 and 26NY4584), two temporary camps (26NY4585 and 26NY4588), two rock rings (26NY4592 and 26NY4593), and two flakes (26NY7855). Surface artifacts were collected from all seven sites. Excavations were confined to one test pit at 26NY4584 and two test pits at 26NY4585. The data retrieved from these investigations include over eight thousand artifacts, such as projectile points, bifaces, debitage, groundstone, pottery and beads. The temporally diagnostic materials indicate periodic use of sample unit U19aq frommore » 3250 B.P. to historic times. Most of the cultural remains reflect the specialized activities of hunters and gatherers occupying temporary camps.« less

Archaeological investigations at Sample Unit U19aq, Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada

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

Jones, R.C.; DuBarton, A.; Holz, B.A.

1992-01-01

This report documents the methods and results of archaeological investigations at sample unit U19aq on Pahute Mesa. Seven sites were studied: two lithic artifact scatters (26NY4577 and 26NY4584), two temporary camps (26NY4585 and 26NY4588), two rock rings (26NY4592 and 26NY4593), and two flakes (26NY7855). Surface artifacts were collected from all seven sites. Excavations were confined to one test pit at 26NY4584 and two test pits at 26NY4585. The data retrieved from these investigations include over eight thousand artifacts, such as projectile points, bifaces, debitage, groundstone, pottery and beads. The temporally diagnostic materials indicate periodic use of sample unit U19aq frommore » 3250 B.P. to historic times. Most of the cultural remains reflect the specialized activities of hunters and gatherers occupying temporary camps.« less

The solubility of strontianite (SrCO3) in CO2-H2O solutions between 2 and 91°C, the association constants of SrHCO+3(aq) and SrCO03(aq) between 5 and 80°C, and an evaluation of the thermodynamic properties of Sr2+(aq) and SrCO3(cr) at 25°C and 1 atm total pressure

USGS Publications Warehouse

Busenberg, Eurybiades; Plummer, Niel; Parker, Vivian B.

1984-01-01

Our new data for strontianite have been used in an evaluation of the thermodynamic properties of Sr2+(aq), SrCO3(cr) and related compounds. The following values are recommended for the standard enthalpy (kJ · mol−1), Gibbs energy (kJ · mol−1), and entropy (J · mol−1 · K−1), respectively, of Sr2+aq): −550.90 ± 0.50, −563.83 ± 0.8 and −31.50 ± 2.0, and for SrCO3(cr): −1225.77 ± 1.1, −1144.73 ± 1.0 and 97.2.

Experimental determination of iron isotope fractionations among Fe aq 2 + -FeSaq-Mackinawite at low temperatures: Implications for the rock record

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Lingling; Druschel, Greg; Findlay, Alyssa; Beard, Brian L.; Johnson, Clark M.

2012-07-01

The Fe isotope fractionation factors among aqueous ferrous iron (Fe aq 2 +), aqueous FeS clusters (FeSaq), and nanoparticulate mackinawite under neutral and mildly acidic and alkaline pH conditions have been determined using the three-isotope method. Combined voltammetric analysis and geochemical modeling were used to determine the Fe speciation in the experimental systems. The equilibrium 56Fe/54Fe fractionation factor at 20 °C and pH 7 has been determined to be -0.32 ± 0.29 (2σ)‰ between Fe aq 2 + (minor FeSaq also present in the experiment) and mackinawite. This fractionation factor was essentially constant when pH was changed to 6 or 8. When equal molarity of HS- and Fe aq 2 + were added to the system, however, the isotopic fractionation at pH 7 changed to -0.64 ± 0.36 (2σ)‰, correlating with a significant increase in the proportion of FeHS+ and FeSaq. These results highlight a more important role of aqueous Fe-S speciation in the equilibrium Fe isotope fractionation factor than recognized in previous studies. The isotopic fractionation remained constant when temperature was increased from 20 °C to 35 °C for fractionation factors between Fe aq 2 + , and mackinawite and between dominantly FeHS+ and mackinawite. Synthesis experiments similar to those of Butler et al. (2005) and Guilbaud et al. (2010) at pH 4 show consistent results: over time, the aqueous Fe-mackinawite fractionation decreases but even after 38 days of aging the fractionation factor is far from the equilibrium value inferred using the three-isotope method. In contrast, at near-neutral pH the fractionation factor for the synthesis experiment reached the equilibrium value in 38 days. These differences are best explained by noting that at low pH the FeS mackinawite particles coarsen more rapidly via particle aggregation, which limits isotopic exchange, whereas at higher pH mackinawite aggregation is limited, and Fe isotope exchange

Measurements of Extensive Aerosol Optical Properties During TexAQS II: Implications for PM Compliance and Planning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wright, M. E.; Atkinson, D. B.; Luke, W. T.

2007-12-01

In 2000, the Houston-Galveston Area (HGA) was designated as a non-attainment area for several criteria air pollutants by the US EPA. In order to meet the requirements of the federal Clean Air Act, the Second Texas Air Quality Study (TexAQS II) was designed to update the State Implementation Plan (SIP) by providing scientific air quality data over 18 months from June 2005 to October 2006. The data presented here was collected as part of the Texas Radical and Aerosol Measurement Program (TRAMP), a substudy of TexAQS II. Bulk aerosol optical properties were measured for six weeks atop the 60 m high Southwest Moody Tower on the University of Houston campus. The measurements were collected using a cavity ring-down transmissometer/nephelometer (CRDT/N) and consisted of the extensive aerosol coefficients: extinction (bext) at 532 and 1064 nm and scattering (bscat) at 530nm. In addition to daily and whole study averages and calculated mass values, positive correlations between the 1064 nm extinction and 532 nm absorption (babs = bext - bscat) values are displayed for this study period for the first time. Correlation between the particle scattering coefficient and the sum of AMS measured (UNH - PI: R. Griffin) sulfate and organic particle mass concentrations as well as covariance between optical properties and O3, CO and NOx values (ARL/NOAA - PI: W. Luke) are also examined. No correlation is expected between coarse particles (PM10), which are typically primary biogenic suspended soil minerals or windblown dust, and high ozone concentrations. Ozone levels are highest during periods of low wind when coarse particulate is likely to be at a minimum. On the other hand, secondary particles and O3 should be correlated on short time scales because both species tend to have the same precursors, NOx and VOC's, and formation of particles is favored during stagnant conditions. Fine particles (PM2.5) should also correlate with CO since both species have a common emission source. Wind

AQ-13, an investigational antimalarial, versus artemether plus lumefantrine for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria: a randomised, phase 2, non-inferiority clinical trial.

PubMed

Koita, Ousmane A; Sangaré, Lansana; Miller, Haiyan D; Sissako, Aliou; Coulibaly, Moctar; Thompson, Trevor A; Fongoro, Saharé; Diarra, Youssouf; Ba, Mamadou; Maiga, Ababacar; Diallo, Boubakar; Mushatt, David M; Mather, Frances J; Shaffer, Jeffrey G; Anwar, Asif H; Krogstad, Donald J

2017-12-01

Chloroquine was used for malaria treatment until resistant Plasmodium falciparum was identified. Because 4-aminoquinolines with modified side chains, such as AQ-13, are active against resistant parasites, we compared AQ-13 against artemether plus lumefantrine for treatment of uncomplicated P falciparum malaria. We did a randomised, non-inferiority trial. We screened men (≥18 years) with uncomplicated malaria in Missira (northeast Mali) and Bamako (capital of Mali) for eligibility (≥2000 asexual P falciparum parasites per μL of blood). Eligible participants were randomly assigned to either the artemether plus lumefantrine group or AQ-13 group by permuting blocks of four with a random number generator. Physicians and others caring for the participants were masked, except for participants who received treatment and the research pharmacist who implemented the randomisation and provided treatment. Participants received either 80 mg of oral artemether and 480 mg of oral lumefantrine twice daily for 3 days or 638·50 mg of AQ-13 base (two oral capsules) on days 1 and 2, and 319·25 mg base (one oral capsule) on day 3. Participants were monitored for parasite clearance (50 μL blood samples twice daily at 12 h intervals until two consecutive negative samples were obtained) and interviewed for adverse events (once every day) as inpatients during week 1. During the 5-week outpatient follow-up, participants were examined for adverse events and recurrent infection twice per week. All participants were included in the intention-to-treat analysis and per-protocol analysis, except for those who dropped out in the per-protocol analysis. The composite primary outcome was clearance of asexual parasites and fever by day 7, and absence of recrudescent infection by parasites with the same molecular markers from days 8 to 42 (defined as cure). Non-inferiority was considered established if the proportion of patients who were cured was higher for artemether plus lumefantrine than for

Understanding Particulate Matter Dynamics in the San Joaquin Valley during DISCOVER-AQ, 2013

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prabhakar, G.; Zhang, X.; Kim, H.; Parworth, C.; Pusede, S. E.; Wooldridge, P. J.; Cohen, R. C.; Zhang, Q.; Cappa, C. D.

2015-12-01

Air quality in the California San Joaquin Valley (SJV) during winter continues to be the worst in the state, failing EPA's 24-hour standard for particulate matter. Despite our improved understanding of the sources of particulate matter (PM) in the valley, air-quality models are unable to predict PM concentrations accurately. We aim to characterize periods of high particulate matter concentrations in the San Joaquin Valley based on ground and airborne measurements of aerosols and gaseous pollutants, during the DISCOVER-AQ campaign, 2013. A highly instrumented aircraft flew across the SJV making three transects in a repeatable pattern, with vertical spirals over select locations. The aircraft measurements were complemented by ground measurements at these locations, with extensive chemically-speciated measurements at a ground "supersite" at Fresno. Hence, the campaign provided a comprehensive three-dimensional view of the particulate and gaseous pollutants around the valley. The vertical profiles over the different sites indicate significant variability in the concentrations and vertical distribution of PM around the valley, which are most likely driven by differences in the combined effects of emissions, chemistry and boundary layer dynamics at each site. The observations suggest that nighttime PM is dominated by surface emissions of PM from residential fuel combustion, while early morning PM is strongly influenced by mixing of low-level, above-surface, nitrate-rich layers formed from dark chemistry overnight to the surface.

Atmospheric CH₄ and N₂O measurements near Greater Houston area landfills using a QCL-based QEPAS sensor system during DISCOVER-AQ 2013.

PubMed

Jahjah, Mohammad; Jiang, Wenzhe; Sanchez, Nancy P; Ren, Wei; Patimisco, Pietro; Spagnolo, Vincenzo; Herndon, Scott C; Griffin, Robert J; Tittel, Frank K

2014-02-15

A quartz-enhanced photoacoustic absorption spectroscopy (QEPAS)-based gas sensor was developed for methane (CH₄) and nitrous-oxide (N₂O) detection. The QEPAS-based sensor was installed in a mobile laboratory operated by Aerodyne Research, Inc. to perform atmospheric CH₄ and N₂O detection around two urban waste-disposal sites located in the northeastern part of the Greater Houston area, during DISCOVER-AQ, a NASA Earth Venture during September 2013. A continuous wave, thermoelectrically cooled, 158 mW distributed feedback quantum cascade laser emitting at 7.83 μm was used as the excitation source in the QEPAS gas sensor system. Compared to typical ambient atmospheric mixing ratios of CH₄ and N₂O of 1.8 ppmv and 323 ppbv, respectively, significant increases in mixing ratios were observed when the mobile laboratory was circling two waste-disposal sites in Harris County and when waste disposal trucks were encountered.

High Spectral Resolution LIDAR as a Tool for Air Quality Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eloranta, E. W.; Spuler, S.; Hayman, M. M.

2017-12-01

Many aspects of air quality research require information on the vertical distribution of pollution. Traditional measurements, obtained from surface based samplers, or passive satellite remote sensing, do not provide vertical profiles. Lidar can provide profiles of aerosol properties. However traditional backscatter lidar suffers from uncertain calibrations with poorly constrained algorithms. These problems are avoided using High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) which provides absolutely calibrated vertical profiles of aerosol properties. The University of Wisconsin HSRL systems measure 532 nm wavelength aerosol backscatter cross-sections, extinction cross-sections, depolarization, and attenuated 1064 nm backscatter. These instruments are designed for long-term deployment at remote sites with minimal local support. Processed data is provided for public viewing and download in real-time on our web site "http://hsrl.ssec.wisc.edu". Air pollution applications of HSRL data will be illustrated with examples acquired during air quality field programs including; KORUS-AQ, DISCOVER-AQ, LAMOS and FRAPPE. Observations include 1) long range transport of dust, air pollution and smoke. 2) Fumigation episodes where elevated pollution is mixed down to the surface. 3) visibility restrictions by aerosols and 4) diurnal variations in atmospheric optical depth. While HSRL is powerful air quality research tool, its application in routine measurement networks is hindered by the high cost of current systems. Recent technical advances promise a next generation HSRL using telcom components to greatly reduce system cost. This paper will present data generated by a prototype low cost system constructed at NCAR. In addition to lower cost, operation at a non-visible near 780 nm infrared wavelength removes all FAA restrictions on the operation.

Measured and Modeled Hydroxyl (OH) and Hydroperoxyl (HO2) During KORUS-AQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brosius, A. L.; Brune, W. H.; Thames, A. B.; Miller, D. O.

2017-12-01

In the troposphere, hydroxyl (OH) reacts with most atmospheric pollutants, initiating their removal from the atmosphere and in some cases creating other atmospheric pollutants, such as ozone and small particles. Hydroperoxyl (HO2) also plays a role in oxidation chemistry by producing tropospheric ozone (O3). Air pollution in Korea is a combination of locally generated pollution, aged pollution from China, and the interaction of local pollution with forest emissions. Thus, OH and HO2 interact with a complex soup of chemical species over Korea, providing a stringent test for the understanding of atmospheric oxidation chemistry. During KORUS-AQ, we measured OH and HO2 using the Airborne Tropospheric Hydrogen Oxides Sensor (ATHOS) as part of a large instrument suite installed on the NASA DC-8 aircraft. We use the Master Chemical Mechanism (MCM), constrained by the simultaneous measurement of many of chemical species to calculate OH and HO2. While the measured and modeled OH and HO2 generally agree within combined uncertainties, there are substantial discrepancies. We will discuss possible reasons for the discrepancies and the implications for air quality regulatory policy.

Vertical Profiles of Light-Absorbing Aerosol: A Combination of In-situ and AERONET Observations during NASA DISCOVER-AQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ziemba, L. D.; Beyersdorf, A. J.; Chen, G.; Corr, C.; Crumeyrolle, S.; Giles, D. M.; Holben, B. N.; Hudgins, C.; Martin, R.; Moore, R.; Shook, M.; Thornhill, K. L., II; Winstead, E.; Anderson, B. E.

2014-12-01

Understanding the vertical profile of atmospheric aerosols plays a vital role in utilizing spaceborne, column-integrated satellite observations. The properties and distribution of light-absorbing aerosol are particularly uncertain despite significant air quality and climate ramifications. Advanced retrieval algorithms are able to derive complex aerosol properties (e.g., wavelength-dependent absorption coefficient and single scattering albedo) from remote-sensing measurements, but quantitative relationships to surface conditions remain a challenge. Highly systematic atmospheric profiling during four unique deployments for the NASA DISCOVER-AQ project (Baltimore, MD, 2011; San Joaquin Valley, CA, 2013; Houston, TX, 2013; Denver, CO, 2014) allow statistical assessment of spatial, temporal, and source-related variability for light-absorbing aerosol properties in these distinct regions. In-situ sampling in conjunction with a dense network of AERONET sensors also allows evaluation of the sensitivity, limitations, and advantages of remote-sensing data products over a wide range of conditions. In-situ aerosol and gas-phase observations were made during DISCOVER-AQ aboard the NASA P-3B aircraft. Aerosol absorption coefficients were measured by a Particle Soot Absorption Photometer (PSAP). Approximately 200 profiles for each of the four deployments were obtained, from the surface (25-300m altitude) to 5 km, and are used to calculate absorption aerosol optical depths (AAODs). These are quantitatively compared to AAOD derived from AERONET Level 1.5 retrievals to 1) explore discrepancies between measurements, 2) quantify the fraction of AAOD that exists directly at the surface and is often missed by airborne sampling, and 3) evaluate the potential for deriving ground-level black carbon (BC) concentrations for air quality prediction. Aerosol size distributions are used to assess absorption contributions from mineral dust, both at the surface and aloft. SP2 (Single Particle Soot

The role of refinery flaring events and bay breezes on a high surface ozone episode during the Houston, Texas DISCOVER-AQ field campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loughner, C.; Follette-Cook, M. B.; Fried, A.; Pickering, K. E.

2015-12-01

The highest observed surface ozone concentrations in the Houston metropolitan area in 2013 occurred on September 25, which coincided with the Texas DISCOVER-AQ (Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality) field campaign. Surface ozone was elevated throughout the Houston metropolitan area with maximum 8-hour average ozone peaking along the western shore of Galveston Bay, reaching 124 ppbv, almost 50 ppbv above the current EPA standard of 75 ppbv. The NASA P-3B aircraft observed plumes from refinery flares west and northwest of Galveston Bay that were transported over the water. Continental air pollution from the north was transported into the Houston metropolitan area where it mixed with locally generated emissions. A bay breeze circulation formed causing pollutants that were transported out over the water in the morning to recirculate back inland where they mixed with freshly emitted pollution near the bay breeze convergence zone. The highest surface ozone concentrations were reported near the bay breeze front. This ozone episode will be presented using measurements made during the DISCOVER-AQ field campaign and a CMAQ model simulation with integrated source apportionment, which tracks the contribution of emissions source groups and regions on ozone concentrations.

The solubility of BaCO3(cr) (witherite) in CO2-H2O solutions between 0 and 90°C, evaluation of the association constants of BaHCO3+(aq) and BaCO30(aq) between 5 and 80°C, and a preliminary evaluation of the thermodynamic properties of Ba2+(aq)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Busenberg, Eurybiades; Plummer, Niel

1986-01-01

Problems in the thennodynamic selections of Ba compounds are considered. Newer data require the revision of ΔfH° and ΔfG° of Ba2+(aq) to −532.5 and −555.36 kJ · mol−1, respectively, for agreement with solubility data.

Projection of Changes in Regional Climate and Air Quality in the Great Lakes Basin between 2000 and 2050 for the RCP8.5 Emissions Scenario using the GEM-AQ Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lupu, A.; Semeniuk, K.; McConnell, J. C.; Kaminski, J. W.; Toyota, K.; Neary, L.

2012-12-01

The Global Environmental Multiscale Air Quality (GEM-AQ) model was run in global and limited area model (LAM) modes for the baseline year 2000 and one future year, 2050, on three different horizontal grids of increasing resolution from global (1.5°) to North American (LAM, 0.45°) to Ontario regional scale (LAM, 0.15°). For the future simulation we used the high greenhouse emissions scenario RCP8.5. Boundary conditions for the LAM runs were taken from the coarser resolution runs. All simulations had 54 vertical sigma-pressure hybrid levels from the ground to the stratopause (˜50 km), which should give a good representation of ozone injection to the troposphere from the stratosphere. The model uses the interactive land surface scheme ISBA. Sea surface and lake temperatures are prescribed, but ice cover is partially interactive based on prescribed fields. A lake model, FLAKE, was coupled to GEM-AQ in order to capture the impacts of the Great Lakes on the meteorology when the model is run at high resolution. For the Ontario regional simulation the interactive lake model allowed for self-consistent water temperatures and moisture fluxes. The simulation for the year 2000 shows that the model is able to reproduce the observed monthly surface temperatures across the US. The monthly surface ozone is reproduced at the level of detail of most other air quality models with year 2000 weather as opposed to a free run forced by SSTs. Our year 2050 simulation shows that ozone levels during the summer throughout most of Ontario and Canada will increase. Regions south of the latitude of Lake Superior will generally see decreased levels of summer (JJA) ozone, except for around large urban areas such as Toronto, Chicago and Montreal. However, NOx levels will decrease during the summer, reflecting decreased emissions. Ozone levels in the US will generally improve. Other indices rather than simple averages yield a different perspective. If the MDA8 ozone metric and NO2 one-hour 98th

Camx Ozone Source Attribution in the Eastern United States Using Guidance from Observations During DISCOVER-AQ Maryland

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldberg, Daniel L.; Vinciguerra, Timothy P.; Anderson, Daniel C.; Hembeck, Linda; Canty, Timothy P.; Ehrman, Sheryl H.; Martins, Douglas K.; Stauffer, Ryan M.; Thompson, Anne M.; Salawitch, Ross J.;

Sources and composition of PM2.5 in the Colorado Front Range during the DISCOVER-AQ study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valerino, M. J.; Johnson, J. J.; Izumi, J.; Orozco, D.; Hoff, R. M.; Delgado, R.; Hennigan, C. J.

2017-01-01

Measurements of particulate matter (PM2.5) chemical composition were carried out in Golden, CO, during the Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality (DISCOVER-AQ) field study. Chemical composition was dominated by organic compounds, which comprised an average of 75% of the PM2.5 mass throughout the study. Most of the organic matter was secondary (i.e., secondary organic aerosol) and appears to derive predominantly from regional sources, rather than the Denver metropolitan area. The concentration and composition of PM2.5 in Golden were strongly influenced by highly regular wind patterns and the site's close proximity to the mountains ( 5 km). This second factor may be the cause of distinct differences between observations in Golden and those in downtown Denver, despite a distance between the sites of only 15 km. Concentrations of aerosol nitrate, ammonium, and elemental carbon increased significantly during the daytime when the winds were from the northeast, indicating a strong local source for these compounds. Local sources of dust appeared to minimally impact the Golden site, although this was not likely representative of other conditions in the Colorado Front Range. Conversely, dust that had undergone long-range transport from the southwestern U.S. likely impacted the entire Colorado Front Range, including Golden. During this event, water-soluble Ca2+ concentrations exceeded 1 µg m-3, and the PM2.5/PM10 ratio reached its lowest level throughout the study. The long-range transport of wildfire emissions also impacted the Colorado Front Range for 1-2 days during DISCOVER-AQ. The smoke event was characterized by high concentrations of organics and water-soluble K+. The results show a complex array of sources, and atmospheric processes influence summertime PM in the Colorado Front Range.

Development and Evaluation of a Reactive-Dispersive Plume Model: TexAQS II 2006 Case Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Yong Hoon; Kim, Hyun Soo; Song, Chul Han

2015-04-01

We describe the development and evaluation of a reactive-dispersive plume model (RDPM) that combines a photo-chemistry model with a plume dilution driven by turbulent dispersion of a power-plant plume. The plume transport and turbulent dispersion are derived from a Gaussian plume model and the plume chemistry model uses 71 HxOy-NxOy-CH4 chemistry-related reactions and 184 NMHC-related reactions. Emissions from large-scale point sources have continuously increased due to the rapid industrial growth. To extensively understand and assess atmospheric impacts of the power-plant emissions, a general RDPM was applied to simultaneously simulate the dynamics and photo-chemistry of the Texas power-plant plumes. During the second Texas Air Quality Study 2006 (TexAQS II 2006) on 16 September 2006, pollutant concentrations were measured by NOAA WP-3D aircraft with successive transects across power-plant plumes in Texas, USA. The simulation performances of the RDPM were evaluated by a comparison study, using the observation data obtained from the measurements of a NOAA WP-3D flight during TexAQS II 2006 airborne field campaign. On 16 September, the WP-3D aircraft observed mainly meteorological parameters and particulate species concentrations, traversing the Monticello and Welsh power-plant plumes four times from transects A to D. In addition, some meteorological variables in an initial condition for model simulation were obtained from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model output for the specific objects. These power-plant plume cases were selected in this study, because a large number of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide concentrations inside the power-plant plumes were measured without any interruption of other emission sources. For the Monticello and Welsh power-plant plumes, the model-predicted concentrations showed good agreements with the observed concentrations of ambient species (e.g., nitrogen oxides, ozone, sulfur dioxide, etc.) at the four transects. Based

Lexical Effects on Children's Speech Processing: Individual Differences Reflected in the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ota, Mitsuhiko; Stewart, Mary E.; Petrou, Alexandra M.; Dickie, Catherine

2015-01-01

Purpose: This study was undertaken to examine whether children exhibit the same relationship that adults show between lexical influence on phoneme identification and individual variation on the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Method: Data from 62 4- to 7-year-olds with no diagnosis of autism were analyzed. The main task involved identification of…

Subsurface Pressure-Temperature Conditions and H2(aq) Generation at the Piccard Hydro-Thermal Field, Mid-Cayman Rise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scheuermann, P. P.; Seyfried, W. E.

2018-05-01

The subsurface pressure-temperature conditions at the Piccard hydrothermal field are constrained using the Si-Cl geothermobarometer. Ol-Mgt and Opx-Mgt are proposed as assemblages that buffer H2(aq) at Piccard.

Integration of the Mini-Sulfide Sulfite Anthraquinone (MSS-AQ) Pulping Process and Black Liquor Gasification in a Pulp Mill

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

Hasan Jameel, North Carolina State University; Adrianna Kirkman, North Carolina State University; Ravi Chandran,Thermochem Recovery International Brian Turk Research Triangle Institute

2010-01-27

As many of the recovery boilers and other pieces of large capital equipment of U.S. pulp mills are nearing the end of their useful life, the pulp and paper industry will soon need to make long-term investments in new technologies. The ability to install integrated, complete systems that are highly efficient will impact the industry’s energy use for decades to come. Developing a process for these new systems is key to the adoption of state-of-the-art technologies in the Forest Products industry. This project defined an integrated process model that combines mini-sulfide sulfite anthraquinone (MSS-AQ) pulping and black liquor gasification withmore » a proprietary desulfurization process developed by the Research Triangle Institute. Black liquor gasification is an emerging technology that enables the use of MSS-AQ pulping, which results in higher yield, lower bleaching cost, lower sulfur emissions, and the elimination of causticization requirements. The recently developed gas cleanup/absorber technology can clean the product gas to a state suitable for use in a gas turbine and also regenerate the pulping chemicals needed to for the MSS-AQ pulping process. The combination of three advanced technologies into an integrated design will enable the pulping industry to achieve a new level of efficiency, environmental performance, and cost savings. Because the three technologies are complimentary, their adoption as a streamlined package will ensure their ability to deliver maximum energy and cost savings benefits. The process models developed by this project will enable the successful integration of new technologies into the next generation of chemical pulping mills. When compared to the Kraft reference pulp, the MSS-AQ procedures produced pulps with a 10-15 % yield benefit and the ISO brightness was 1.5-2 times greater. The pulp refined little easier and had a slightly lower apparent sheet density (In both the cases). At similar levels of tear index the MSS-AQ pulps also

HD-SP2 Measurements of Black Carbon Containing Aerosols in South Korea during KORUS-AQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamb, K. D.; Perring, A. E.; Ahn, J.; Schwarz, J. P.

2016-12-01

Black carbon (BC) is a light-absorbing aerosol with strong anthropogenic sources that has important climatic and health impacts, both regionally and globally. Materials internally mixed with BC, including water, affect its optical properties and lifetime in the atmosphere, and thus are critical to determining BC's ultimate impacts. The NASA KORUS-AQ campaign during the spring/summer of 2016 was a multi-platform research campaign focused on air quality over South Korea, in a region with particularly high BC emissions and loadings. The NOAA Humidified-Dual Single Particle Soot Photometer (HD-SP2) was deployed on the NASA DC-8 aircraft to measure the optical size and refractory BC content of individual particles under dry and humidified conditions as well as the BC mass mixing ratio. We focus on evaluating BC MMR in the free troposphere up to 400 hPa in the context of previous measurements; assessing the optical impacts of observed internal mixtures with BC at different times of day; and evaluating the contribution of water uptake on BC absorption and atmospheric lifetime over Korea in ambient conditions.

Verification of CMAQ modeling with Discover-AQ campaigns against measurements and efficacy of emission inversion modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, P.; Tang, Y.; Pan, L.; Szykman, J.; Plessel, T.; Tong, D.; Liu, Q.

2015-12-01

NASA has led a few DISCOVER-AQ campaigns in recent years: (1) Baltimore/Washington in July 2011, (2) Central valley, CA in January - February 2013, (3) Houston, TX in September 2013, and co-led with NCAR (4) Front Range, CO in July - August 2014. NOAA Air Resources Laboratory has participated in all these campaigns in the role of air quality forecasting support. For some of these campaigns post analyses were performed with the possible help of after-the-fact observed data from satellite retrieved radiances to constrain emissions through the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM) developed at the Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation. It is our experience that despite the vastly different chemical regime, season, terrain, and meteorological conditions of the domain for the campaigns, we found that the emissions input and the U.S. EPA Community Air Quality model (CMAQ), the forecasting chemical transport model used to generate the forecast had severely under-estimated formaldehyde (HCHO), and carbon monoxide (CO) aloft between surface and the middle of the free troposphere - 500 hPa. Post analyses point to two strong suspects of these deficiencies: (a) emission projection fed into CMAQ, and/or (b) erroneously fast removal of the species. We investigate both of these potential deficiencies and for the former possible reason we looked into data assimilation and possible inverse modeling to adjust emission projection for CMAQ. We will elaborate more on the CRTM which plays a critical role in this aspect of remedying erroneous inputs to CMAQ. In addition, we will utilize some satellite products to improve initial fields of aerosols and CO for air quality forecasting. Suomi NPP VIIRS aerosol optical depth (AOD) environmental data record (EDR) delivers global aerosol information daily. The Unique CrIS/ATMS Processing System (NUCAPS) operationally generates vertical profiles of atmospheric carbonate EDRs (CO, CO2, and CH4) and ozone during day and night. The AOD

The dissociation mechanism and thermodynamic properties of HCl(aq) in hydrothermal fluids (to 700 °C, 60 kbar) by ab initio molecular dynamics simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mei, Yuan; Liu, Weihua; Brugger, Joël; Sherman, David M.; Gale, Julian D.

2018-04-01

studies, and between different studies, becomes smaller as the degree of HCl association increases. The MD simulations and available experimental studies show consistent results at hydrothermal conditions (300-700 °C, up to 5 kbar). The new thermodynamic properties based on the MD results provide an independent check of the dissociation constants for HCl(aq), and the first dataset on HCl dissociation in high P-T fluids (up to 60 kbar, 700 °C) beyond available experimental conditions. Our results will enable prediction of the role of HCl in controlling element mobility in deep earth hydrothermal systems, including fluids associated with ultra-high pressure metasomatism in subduction zones.

The Construction and Validation of an Abridged Version of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ-Short)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoekstra, Rosa A.; Vinkhuyzen, Anna A. E.; Wheelwright, Sally; Bartels, Meike; Boomsma, Dorret I.; Baron-Cohen, Simon; Posthuma, Danielle; van der Sluis, Sophie

2011-01-01

This study reports on the development and validation of an abridged version of the 50-item Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), a self-report measure of autistic traits. We aimed to reduce the number of items whilst retaining high validity and a meaningful factor structure. The item reduction procedure was performed on data from 1,263 Dutch students and…

The Application of a Novel Pressurized Liquid Extraction Method to Quantify Organic Tracers Combined with Historic and Novel Organic Contaminants for the Discover-AQ Houston Field Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, A. E.; Yoon, S.; Sheesley, R. J.; Usenko, S.

2014-12-01

DISCOVER-AQ is a NASA mission seeking to better understand air quality in cities across the United States. In September 2013, flight, satellite and ground-based data was collected in Houston, TX and the surrounding metropolitan area. Over 300 particulate matter filter samples were collected as part of the ground-based sampling efforts, at four sites across Houston. Samples include total suspended particle matter (TSP) and fine particulate matter (less than 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter; PM2.5). For this project, an analytical method has been developed for the pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) of a wide variety of organic tracers and contaminants from quartz fiber filters (QFFs). Over 100 compounds were selected including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), hopanes, levoglucosan, organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs). Currently, there is no analytical method validated for the reproducible extraction of all seven compound classes in a single automated technique. Prior to extraction, QFF samples were spiked with known amounts of target analyte standards and isotopically-labeled surrogate standards. The QFF were then extracted with methylene chloride:acetone at high temperatures (100˚C) and pressures (1500 psi) using a Thermo Dionex Accelerated Solvent Extractor system (ASE 350). Extracts were concentrated, spiked with known amounts of isotopically-labeled internal standards, and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry utilizing electron ionization and electron capture negative ionization. Target analytes were surrogate recovery-corrected to account for analyte loss during sample preparation. Ambient concentrations of over 100 organic tracers and contaminants will be presented for four sites in Houston during DISCOVER-AQ.

Galex and Pan-STARRS1 Discovery of SN IIP 2010aq: The First Few Days After Shock Breakout in a Red Supergiant Star

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

compare the late- time (φ > 3 d) UV/optical light curve of SN 2010aq with two nearby Type IIP SNe well studied in the UV and optical with the Swift satellite ...following SN shock breakout in a red supergiant star. SN 2010aq was discovered in joint monitoring between the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) Time ...simultaneous UV and optical photometry allows us to fit for a progenitor star radius of 700± 200R, the size of a red supergiant star. An excess in UV emission

CAMx Ozone Source Attribution in the Eastern United States using Guidance from Observations during DISCOVER-AQ Maryland

PubMed Central

Goldberg, Daniel L.; Vinciguerra, Timothy P.; Anderson, Daniel C.; Hembeck, Linda; Canty, Timothy P.; Ehrman, Sheryl H.; Martins, Douglas K.; Stauffer, Ryan M.; Thompson, Anne M.; Salawitch, Ross J.; Dickerson, Russell R.

2018-01-01

A Comprehensive Air-Quality Model with Extensions (CAMx) version 6.10 simulation was assessed through comparison with data acquired during NASA’s 2011 DISCOVER-AQ Maryland field campaign. Comparisons for the baseline simulation (CB05 chemistry, EPA 2011 National Emissions Inventory) show a model overestimate of NOy by +86.2% and an underestimate of HCHO by −28.3%. We present a new model framework (CB6r2 chemistry, MEGAN v2.1 biogenic emissions, 50% reduction in mobile NOx, enhanced representation of isoprene nitrates) that better matches observations. The new model framework attributes 31.4% more surface ozone in Maryland to electric generating units (EGUs) and 34.6% less ozone to on-road mobile sources. Surface ozone becomes more NOx-limited throughout the eastern United States compared to the baseline simulation. The baseline model therefore likely underestimates the effectiveness of anthropogenic NOx reductions as well as the current contribution of EGUs to surface ozone. PMID:29618849

CAMx Ozone Source Attribution in the Eastern United States using Guidance from Observations during DISCOVER-AQ Maryland.

PubMed

Goldberg, Daniel L; Vinciguerra, Timothy P; Anderson, Daniel C; Hembeck, Linda; Canty, Timothy P; Ehrman, Sheryl H; Martins, Douglas K; Stauffer, Ryan M; Thompson, Anne M; Salawitch, Ross J; Dickerson, Russell R

2016-03-16

A Comprehensive Air-Quality Model with Extensions (CAMx) version 6.10 simulation was assessed through comparison with data acquired during NASA's 2011 DISCOVER-AQ Maryland field campaign. Comparisons for the baseline simulation (CB05 chemistry, EPA 2011 National Emissions Inventory) show a model overestimate of NO y by +86.2% and an underestimate of HCHO by -28.3%. We present a new model framework (CB6r2 chemistry, MEGAN v2.1 biogenic emissions, 50% reduction in mobile NO x , enhanced representation of isoprene nitrates) that better matches observations. The new model framework attributes 31.4% more surface ozone in Maryland to electric generating units (EGUs) and 34.6% less ozone to on-road mobile sources. Surface ozone becomes more NO x -limited throughout the eastern United States compared to the baseline simulation. The baseline model therefore likely underestimates the effectiveness of anthropogenic NO x reductions as well as the current contribution of EGUs to surface ozone.

Hydration of Kr(aq) in dilute and concentrated solutions

DOE PAGES

Chaudhari, Mangesh I.; Sabo, Dubravko; Pratt, Lawrence R.; ...

2014-10-13

Molecular dynamics simulations of water with both multi-Kr and single Kr atomic solutes are carried out to implement quasi-chemical theory evaluation of the hydration free energy of Kr(aq). This approach obtains free energy differences reflecting Kr–Kr interactions at higher concentrations. Those differences are negative changes in hydration free energies with increasing concentrations at constant pressure. The changes are due to a slight reduction of packing contributions in the higher concentration case. The observed Kr–Kr distributions, analyzed with the extrapolation procedure of Krüger et al., yield a modestly attractive osmotic second virial coefficient, B2 ≈ -60 cm 3/mol. Moreover, the thermodynamicmore » analysis interconnecting these two approaches shows that they are closely consistent with each other, providing support for both approaches.« less

Aerosol Optical Thickness comparisons between NASA LaRC Airborne HSRL and AERONET during the DISCOVER-AQ field campaigns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scarino, A. J.; Ferrare, R. A.; Burton, S. P.; Hostetler, C. A.; Hair, J. W.; Rogers, R. R.; Berkoff, T.; Cook, A. L.; Harper, D. B.; Hoff, R. M.; Holben, B. N.; Schafer, J.; McGill, M. J.; Yorks, J. E.; Lantz, K. O.; Michalsky, J. J.; Hodges, G.

2013-12-01

The first- and second-generation NASA airborne High Spectral Resolution Lidars (HSRL-1 and HSRL-2) have been deployed on board the NASA Langley Research Center King Air aircraft during the Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and VERtically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality (DISCOVER-AQ) field campaigns. These included deployments during July 2011 over Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD and during January and February 2013 over the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) of California and also a scheduled deployment during September 2013 over Houston, TX. Measurements of aerosol extinction, backscatter, and depolarization are available from both HSRL-1 and HSRL-2 in coordination with other participating research aircraft and ground sites. These measurements constitute a diverse data set for use in characterizing the spatial and temporal distribution of aerosols, aerosol optical thickness (AOT), as well as the Mixing Layer Height (MLH). HSRL AOT is compared to AOT measured by the Distributed Regional Aerosol Gridded Observation Networks (DRAGON) and long-term AERONET sites. For the 2011 campaign, comparisons of AOT at 532nm between HSRL-1 and AERONET showed excellent agreement (r = 0.98, slope = 1.01, intercept = 0.037) when the King Air flights were within 2.5 km of the ground site and 10 min from the retrieval time. The comparison results are similar for the 2013 DISCOVER-AQ campaign in the SJV. Additional ground-based (MPL) and airborne (CPL) lidar data were used to help screen for clouds in the AERONET observations during the SJV portion. AOT values from a Multi-Filter Rotating Shadowband Radiometer (MFRSR) located at the Porterville, CA site during the SJV campaign are also compared to HSRL-2 AOT. Lastly, using the MLH retrieved from HSRL aerosol backscatter profiles, we describe the distribution of AOT relative to the MLH.

76 FR 42159 - Lifting of Sanctions on Person Associated With the A.Q. Khan Nuclear Procurement Network

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-18

... DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice: 7525] Lifting of Sanctions on Person Associated With the A.Q. Khan Nuclear Procurement Network AGENCY: Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, Department of State. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: A determination has been made to lift the measures imposed on...

Monitoring Indoor Air Quality for Enhanced Occupational Health.

PubMed

Pitarma, Rui; Marques, Gonçalo; Ferreira, Bárbara Roque

2017-02-01

Indoor environments are characterized by several pollutant sources. Because people spend more than 90% of their time in indoor environments, several studies have pointed out the impact of indoor air quality on the etiopathogenesis of a wide number of non-specific symptoms which characterizes the "Sick Building Syndrome", involving the skin, the upper and lower respiratory tract, the eyes and the nervous system, as well as many building related diseases. Thus, indoor air quality (IAQ) is recognized as an important factor to be controlled for the occupants' health and comfort. The majority of the monitoring systems presently available is very expensive and only allow to collect random samples. This work describes the system (iAQ), a low-cost indoor air quality monitoring wireless sensor network system, developed using Arduino, XBee modules and micro sensors, for storage and availability of monitoring data on a web portal in real time. Five micro sensors of environmental parameters (air temperature, humidity, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and luminosity) were used. Other sensors can be added for monitoring specific pollutants. The results reveal that the system can provide an effective indoor air quality assessment to prevent exposure risk. In fact, the indoor air quality may be extremely different compared to what is expected for a quality living environment. Systems like this would have benefit as public health interventions to reduce the burden of symptoms and diseases related to "sick buildings".

Using Satellite Aerosol Retrievals to Monitor Surface Particulate Air Quality

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levy, Robert C.; Remer, Lorraine A.; Kahn, Ralph A.; Chu, D. Allen; Mattoo, Shana; Holben, Brent N.; Schafer, Joel S.

2011-01-01

The MODIS and MISR aerosol products were designed nearly two decades ago for the purpose of climate applications. Since launch of Terra in 1999, these two sensors have provided global, quantitative information about column-integrated aerosol properties, including aerosol optical depth (AOD) and relative aerosol type parameters (such as Angstrom exponent). Although primarily designed for climate, the air quality (AQ) community quickly recognized that passive satellite products could be used for particulate air quality monitoring and forecasting. However, AOD and particulate matter (PM) concentrations have different units, and represent aerosol conditions in different layers of the atmosphere. Also, due to low visible contrast over brighter surface conditions, satellite-derived aerosol retrievals tend to have larger uncertainty in urban or populated regions. Nonetheless, the AQ community has made significant progress in relating column-integrated AOD at ambient relative humidity (RH) to surface PM concentrations at dried RH. Knowledge of aerosol optical and microphysical properties, ambient meteorological conditions, and especially vertical profile, are critical for physically relating AOD and PM. To make urban-scale maps of PM, we also must account for spatial variability. Since surface PM may vary on a finer spatial scale than the resolution of standard MODIS (10 km) and MISR (17km) products, we test higher-resolution versions of MODIS (3km) and MISR (1km research mode) retrievals. The recent (July 2011) DISCOVER-AQ campaign in the mid-Atlantic offers a comprehensive network of sun photometers (DRAGON) and other data that we use for validating the higher resolution satellite data. In the future, we expect that the wealth of aircraft and ground-based measurements, collected during DISCOVER-AQ, will help us quantitatively link remote sensed and ground-based measurements in the urban region.

Current State of the Evidence: Air Pollution Impacts on Human Health

EPA Science Inventory

Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated a consistent association between ambient levels of air pollution and adverse human health effects, including mortality and morbidity. Many of these studies have relied on the US Air Quality System (AQS) for exposure assessment. The AQS is a...

Submicron aerosol distributions and CCN activity measured in and around the Korean Peninsula during KORUS-AQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, M.; Kim, N.; Yum, S. S.; Thornhill, K. L., II; Anderson, B. E.; Kim, D. S.; Kim, H. J.; Jeon, H. E.; Park, Y. S.; Lee, S. B.

2017-12-01

KORUS-AQ is a field campaign aimed at investigating formation of ozone and aerosol and interactions between chemistry, transport and various sources in the Korean Peninsula which is the region affected both by long-range transport and local emission. Aerosol number concentration and size distribution, and CCN number concentration were measured on board the NASA DC-8 research aircraft and at a ground site at Olympic Park in Seoul, capital city of Korea during the KORUS-AQ campaign (May 2nd to June 10th, 2017). There were 20 flights during the KORUS-AQ campaign and total flight time was about 150 hours. CCN counter (CCNC) on the airborne platform was operated at the fixed internal supersaturation of 0.6% and CCNC at the ground site was operated at five different supersaturations (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1.0%). Aerosol hygroscopic parameter κ was also estimated from CCN number concentration and aerosol size distribution. Airborne measurements showed a large spatio-temporal variation of aerosol number concentration and CCN activity in and around the Korean peninsula, and the ground measurements also showed a large temporal variation. The campaign period can be classified into long-range transport dominant cases, local emission dominant cases due to stagnant air mass, and others. Aerosol number concentration in the Korean Peninsula measured in stagnant air mass period was higher than those in long-range transport period, but CCN number concentration showed an opposite tendency. Both aerosol and CCN number concentrations over the Yellow Sea in local emission period were slightly higher than those in long-range transport period. Since CCN activity is different depending on time and space, our focus is on understanding how CCN activity and aerosol hygroscopicity vary with the source of aerosol. Comprehensive analysis results will be shown at the conference.

76 FR 6056 - Additional Air Quality Designations for the 2006 24-Hour Fine Particle National Ambient Air...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-03

...-9261-3] RIN 2060-AQ30 Additional Air Quality Designations for the 2006 24-Hour Fine Particle National..., and Decisions Related to the 1997 Air Quality Designations and Classifications for the Annual Fine... nationwide for all but three areas for the 2006 24-hour fine particle (PM 2.5 ) National Ambient Air Quality...

Evaluation of the GEM-AQ air quality model during the Québec smoke event of 2002: Analysis of extensive and intensive optical disparities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Neill, N. T.; Campanelli, M.; Lupu, A.; Thulasiraman, S.; Reid, J. S.; Aubé, M.; Neary, L.; Kaminski, J. W.; McConnell, J. C.

The root-mean-square (rms) differences between the Canadian air quality model GEM-AQ and measurements for intensive and extensive optical variables (aerosol optical depth or AOD and Ångström exponent or α) were investigated using data from the July 2002 Québec smoke event. In order to quantify regional differences between model and measurements we employed a three component analysis of rms differences. The behaviour of the two absolute amplitude rms components of AOD (difference of the means and the difference of the standard deviations) enabled us to infer emission properties which would otherwise have been masked by the larger 'anti-correlation' component. We found the inferred emission fluxes to be significantly higher than the original geostationary, satellite-derived FLAMBÉ (fire locating and modelling of burning emissions) emissions flux estimates employed as inputs to the simulations. The model captured the regional decrease of the intensive α exponent (increase of particle size with trajectory time), while the agreement with the extensive AOD parameter was marginal but clearly dependent on the nature of the spatio-temporal statistical tools employed to characterize model performance. In establishing the α versus trajectory time trend, the modelled AOD data was filtered in the same way as the measured data (very large AODs are eliminated). This processing of modelled results was deemed necessary in order to render the α results comparable with the measurements; in the latter case it was difficult, if not impossible, to discriminate between measured α trends due to instrumental artifacts (non-linearities at low signal strength) versus trends due to coagulative effects.

Interpreting Lidar Measurements to Better Estimate Surface PM2.S in Study Regions of DISCOVER-AQ

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chu, D. A.; Ferrare, Richard; Welton, Judd; Hostetler, Chris; Hair, John; Szykman, James; Al-Saadi, Jay; Tsai, Tzuchin

2011-01-01

The use of satellite AOD data to estimate surface PM2.5 has been broadly studied in various regions. Some showed good results while some showed relatively poor with the simple relationship between AOD and PM2.5. The key factor is the aerosol vertical distribution. Lidar extinction profiles provide insights into the aerosol mixing not only in the boundary layer but also quantifying residual aerosol abundance above boundary layer with e-folding scale height. The normalizing AOD by hazy layer height is proven better in correlating with PM2.5. In other words, extinction measurements near the surface can be a proxy for surface PM2.5. In this study, we will use NASA airborne HSRL (High Spectral Resolution Lidar) during SJV2007 (San Joaquin Valley, February 2007) and surface MPLNet (Micropulse Lidar Network) at GSFC between 2007 and 2010 to characterize the relationship for the DISCOVER-AQ (Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from COlumn and VERtically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality) field experiments; the first over Baltimore-Washington was conducted in July 2011.

The relationship between delta C-13 of organic matter and (CO2(aq)) in ocean surface water - Data from the JGOFS site in the northeast Atlantic Ocean and a model. [Joint Global Ocean Flux Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rau, G. H.; Takahashi, T.; Des Marais, D. J.; Repeta, D. J.; Martin, J. H.

1992-01-01

Consistent with the hypothesis that plankton delta C-14 and (CO2(aq)) are inversely related, increases in both sinking and suspended particulate organic matter (POM) delta C-13 detected by the Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (JGOFS) were highly negatively correlated with mixed-layer (CO2(aq)). A model of plant delta C-13 by Farquhar et al. (1982) is adapted to show that under a constant phytoplankton demand for CO2 an inverse nonlinear suspended POM delta C-13 response to ambient (CO2(aq)) is expected. Differences between predicted and observed suspended POM delta C-13 vs. (CO2(aq)) trends and among observed relationships can be reconciled if biological CO2 demand is allowed to vary.

Evaluation and Comparison of Methods for Measuring Ozone and NO2 Concentrations in Ambient Air during DISCOVER-AQ

EPA Science Inventory

Ambient evaluations of the various ozone and NO2 methods were conducted during field intensive studies as part of the NASA DISCOVER-AQ project conducted during July 2011 near Baltimore, MD; January – February 2013 in the San Juaquin valley, CA; September 2013 in Houston, TX...

New directions: Time for a new approach to modeling surface-atmosphere exchanges in air quality models?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saylor, Rick D.; Hicks, Bruce B.

2016-03-01

Just as the exchange of heat, moisture and momentum between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere are critical components of meteorological and climate models, the surface-atmosphere exchange of many trace gases and aerosol particles is a vitally important process in air quality (AQ) models. Current state-of-the-art AQ models treat the emission and deposition of most gases and particles as separate model parameterizations, even though evidence has accumulated over time that the emission and deposition processes of many constituents are often two sides of the same coin, with the upward (emission) or downward (deposition) flux over a landscape depending on a range of environmental, seasonal and biological variables. In this note we argue that the time has come to integrate the treatment of these processes in AQ models to provide biological, physical and chemical consistency and improved predictions of trace gases and particles.

An Indoor Monitoring System for Ambient Assisted Living Based on Internet of Things Architecture

PubMed Central

Marques, Gonçalo; Pitarma, Rui

2016-01-01

The study of systems and architectures for ambient assisted living (AAL) is undoubtedly a topic of great relevance given the aging of the world population. The AAL technologies are designed to meet the needs of the aging population in order to maintain their independence as long as possible. As people typically spend more than 90% of their time in indoor environments, indoor air quality (iAQ) is perceived as an imperative variable to be controlled for the inhabitants’ wellbeing and comfort. Advances in networking, sensors, and embedded devices have made it possible to monitor and provide assistance to people in their homes. The continuous technological advancements make it possible to build smart objects with great capabilities for sensing and connecting several possible advancements in ambient assisted living systems architectures. Indoor environments are characterized by several pollutant sources. Most of the monitoring frameworks instantly accessible are exceptionally costly and only permit the gathering of arbitrary examples. iAQ is an indoor air quality system based on an Internet of Things paradigm that incorporates in its construction Arduino, ESP8266, and XBee technologies for processing and data transmission and micro sensors for data acquisition. It also allows access to data collected through web access and through a mobile application in real time, and this data can be accessed by doctors in order to support medical diagnostics. Five smaller scale sensors of natural parameters (air temperature, moistness, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and glow) were utilized. Different sensors can be included to check for particular contamination. The results reveal that the system can give a viable indoor air quality appraisal in order to anticipate technical interventions for improving indoor air quality. Indeed indoor air quality might be distinctively contrasted with what is normal for a quality living environment. PMID:27869682

An Indoor Monitoring System for Ambient Assisted Living Based on Internet of Things Architecture.

PubMed

Marques, Gonçalo; Pitarma, Rui

2016-11-17

The study of systems and architectures for ambient assisted living (AAL) is undoubtedly a topic of great relevance given the aging of the world population. The AAL technologies are designed to meet the needs of the aging population in order to maintain their independence as long as possible. As people typically spend more than 90% of their time in indoor environments, indoor air quality (iAQ) is perceived as an imperative variable to be controlled for the inhabitants' wellbeing and comfort. Advances in networking, sensors, and embedded devices have made it possible to monitor and provide assistance to people in their homes. The continuous technological advancements make it possible to build smart objects with great capabilities for sensing and connecting several possible advancements in ambient assisted living systems architectures. Indoor environments are characterized by several pollutant sources. Most of the monitoring frameworks instantly accessible are exceptionally costly and only permit the gathering of arbitrary examples. iAQ is an indoor air quality system based on an Internet of Things paradigm that incorporates in its construction Arduino, ESP8266, and XBee technologies for processing and data transmission and micro sensors for data acquisition. It also allows access to data collected through web access and through a mobile application in real time, and this data can be accessed by doctors in order to support medical diagnostics. Five smaller scale sensors of natural parameters (air temperature, moistness, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and glow) were utilized. Different sensors can be included to check for particular contamination. The results reveal that the system can give a viable indoor air quality appraisal in order to anticipate technical interventions for improving indoor air quality. Indeed indoor air quality might be distinctively contrasted with what is normal for a quality living environment.

The End-Stage Renal Disease Adherence Questionnaire (ESRD-AQ): testing the psychometric properties in patients receiving in-center hemodialysis.

PubMed

Kim, Youngmee; Evangelista, Lorraine S; Phillips, Linda R; Pavlish, Carol; Kopple, Joel D

2010-01-01

Reported treatment adherence rates of patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) have been extremely varied due to lack of reliable and valid measurement tools. This study was conducted to develop and test an instrument to measure treatment adherence to hemodialysis (HD) attendance, medications, fluid restrictions, and diet prescription among patients with ESRD. This article describes the methodological approach used to develop and test the psychometric properties (such as reliability and validity) of the 46-item ESRD-Adherence Questionnaire (ESRD-AQ) in a cohort of patients receiving maintenance HD at dialysis centers in Los Angeles County. The ESRD-AQ is the first self-report instrument to address all components of adherence behaviors of patients with ESRD. The findings support that the instrument is reliable and valid and is easy to administer. Future studies are needed in a larger sample to determine whether additional modifications are needed.

Evaluation of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Simulations with the GEOS-5/ GOCART Model during the Frostburg/DISCOVER-AQ Field Campaigns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buchard-Marchant, V.; da Silva, A.; Colarco, P. R.; Krotkov, N. A.; Dickerson, R. R.; Stehr, J. W.; Spinei, E.; Mount, G. H.; Krask, D.

2011-12-01

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a major atmospheric pollutant, with a strong anthropogenic component mostly produced by the combustion of fossil fuel and other industrial activities. As a precursor of sulfate aerosols that affect climate, air quality and human health, this gas needs to be monitored on a global scale. Global climate and chemistry models including aerosol processes along with their radiative effects are important tools for climate and air quality research. Validation of these models against in-situ and satellite measurements are essential to ascertain the credibility of these models and to guide model improvements. In this study the Goddard Chemistry, Aerosol, Radiation, and Transport (GOCART) module running on-line inside the Goddard Earth Observing System version 5 (GEOS-5) model is used to simulate aerosol and SO2 concentrations. The global GEOS-5 system runs at a nominal 25 km horizontal resolution with 72 vertical levels; a comprehensive atmospheric data assimilation system is used to constrain the meteorological state of the model. Data taken over Maryland in the UM's Frostburg (November 2010) and NASA DISCOVER-AQ (July 2011) field campaigns are used to evaluate the GEOS-5 SO2 concentrations. In this presentation we show comparisons of simulated and measured SO2 concentration, using airborne and ground-based data sets, as well as data from the space-based OMI instrument. Preliminary data analysis indicated the model's overestimation of SO2 concentration at the surface, leading to a close examination of mixing processes in the model and the specification of SO2 anthropogenic emission rates. As a result of this analysis, we have implemented a revision of anthropogenic emission inventories in GEOS-5, and updated the vertical placement of SO2 sources. In this presentation we show how these revisions improve the model agreement with observations not only locally but also in regions outside the area of these field campaigns. In particular, we use the ground

Multitemporal Monitoring of the Air Quality in Bulgaria by Satellite Based Instruments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikolov, Hristo; Borisova, Denitsa

2015-04-01

Nowadays the effect on climate changes on the population and environment caused by air pollutants at local and regional scale by pollution concentrations higher than allowed is undisputable. Main sources of gas releases are due to anthropogenic emissions caused by the economic and domestic activities of the inhabitants, and to less extent having natural origin. Complementary to pollutants emissions the local weather parameters such as temperature, precipitation, wind speed, clouds, atmospheric water vapor, and wind direction control the chemical reactions in the atmosphere. It should be noted that intrinsic property of the air pollution is its "transboundary-ness" and this is why the air quality (AQ) is not affecting the population of one single country only. This why the exchange of information concerning AQ at EU level is subject to well established legislation and one of EU flagship initiatives for standardization in data exchange, namely INSPIRE, has to cope with. It should be noted that although good reporting mechanism with regard to AQ is already established between EU member states national networks suffer from a serious disadvantage - they don't form a regular grid which is a prerequisite for verification of pollutants transport modeling. Alternative sources of information for AQ are the satellite observations (i.e. OMI, TOMS instruments) providing daily data for ones of the major contributors to air pollution such as O3, NOX and SO2. Those data form regular grids and are processed the same day of the acquisition so they could be used in verification of the outputs generated by numerical modeling of the AQ and pollution transfer. In this research we present results on multitemporal monitoring of several regional "hot spots" responsible for greenhouse gases emissions in Bulgaria with emphasis on satellite-based instruments. Other output from this study is a method for validation of the AQ forecasts and also providing feedback to the service that prepares

76 FR 14812 - Additional Air Quality Designations for the 2006 24-Hour Fine Particle National Ambient Air...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-18

... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 81 [EPA-HQ-OAR-2007-0562; EPA-HQ-OAR-2010-0163; FRL-9261-3] RIN-2060-AQ30 Additional Air Quality Designations for the 2006 24-Hour Fine Particle National... Particles National Ambient Air Quality Standards Correction In rule document 2011-2269 appearing on pages...

Brief Report: An Evaluation of the AQ-10 as a Brief Screening Instrument for ASD in Adults

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Booth, Tom; Murray, Aja Louise; McKenzie, Karen; Kuenssberg, Renate; O'Donnell, Michael; Burnett, Hollie

2013-01-01

There is a need for brief screening instruments for autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) that can be used by frontline healthcare professionals to aid in the decision as to whether an individual should be referred for a full diagnostic assessment. In this study we evaluated the ability of a short form of the autism spectrum quotient (AQ)…

Using aircraft and satellite observations to improve regulatory air quality models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Canty, T. P.; Vinciguerra, T.; Anderson, D. C.; Carpenter, S. F.; Goldberg, D. L.; Hembeck, L.; Montgomery, L.; Liu, X.; Salawitch, R. J.; Dickerson, R. R.

2014-12-01

Federal and state agencies rely on EPA approved models to develop attainment strategies that will bring states into compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). We will describe modifications to the Community Multi-Scale Air Quality (CMAQ) model and Comprehensive Air Quality Model with Extensions (CAMx) frameworks motivated by analysis of NASA satellite and aircraft measurements. Observations of tropospheric column NO2 from OMI have already led to the identification of an important deficiency in the chemical mechanisms used by models; data collected during the DISCOVER-AQ field campaign has been instrumental in devising an improved representation of the chemistry of nitrogen species. Our recent work has focused on the use of: OMI observations of tropospheric O3 to assess and improve the representation of boundary conditions used by AQ models, OMI NO2 to derive a top down NOx emission inventory from commercial shipping vessels that affect air quality in the Eastern U.S., and OMI HCHO to assess the C5H8 emission inventories provided by bioegenic emissions models. We will describe how these OMI-driven model improvements are being incorporated into the State Implementation Plans (SIPs) being prepared for submission to EPA in summer 2015 and how future modeling efforts may be impacted by our findings.

Open Imaging Nephelometer Scattering Measurements from the 2014 Discover-AQ Field Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Espinosa, R.; Orozco, D.; Dolgos, G.; Martins, J. V.

2014-12-01

After greenhouse gases, aerosols are thought to have the largest contribution to total atmospheric radiative forcing, but they are frequently cited as the single largest source of uncertainty among all anthropogenic radiative forcing components. Remote sensing allows for global measurements of aerosol properties, however validation of these measurements and the climatological assumptions used in their retrieval algorithms require high quality in situ sampling. The Laboratory for Aerosols, Clouds and Optics (LACO) at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) has developed the Imaging Nephelometer, a novel and highly accurate instrument concept designed to significantly aid in situ optical scattering measurements. Imaging Nephelometers allow for measurements of scattering coefficient, phase function and polarized phase function over a wide angular range of 2 to 178 degrees with an angular resolution of less than half of a degree. The simple layout of these devices also permits the construction of an instrument that is compact enough to be deployed on a variety of airborne platforms. Additionally, a version of this instrument that is capable of in situ sampling in open-air, free from sample biases potentially introduced by an inlet or containment apparatus, has recently been constructed. This instrument, known as the Open Imaging NEPHelometer (OI-NEPH), was flown on the P3 aircraft in the summer of 2014 during the Colorado portion of the Discover-AQ field mission (Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality). This presentation will focus on the results of the OI-NEPH's successful science flights during this field experiment. The P3's flights during this mission focused primarily on vehicle, agriculture, biomass burning and industrial processing emissions over the Colorado Front Range. Emphasis will be placed on any observed differences in scattering properties between the measurements

Multi-pollutant surface objective analyses and mapping of air quality health index over North America.

PubMed

Robichaud, Alain; Ménard, Richard; Zaïtseva, Yulia; Anselmo, David

2016-01-01

Air quality, like weather, can affect everyone, but responses differ depending on the sensitivity and health condition of a given individual. To help protect exposed populations, many countries have put in place real-time air quality nowcasting and forecasting capabilities. We present in this paper an optimal combination of air quality measurements and model outputs and show that it leads to significant improvements in the spatial representativeness of air quality. The product is referred to as multi-pollutant surface objective analyses (MPSOAs). Moreover, based on MPSOA, a geographical mapping of the Canadian Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is also presented which provides users (policy makers, public, air quality forecasters, and epidemiologists) with a more accurate picture of the health risk anytime and anywhere in Canada and the USA. Since pollutants can also behave as passive atmospheric tracers, they provide information about transport and dispersion and, hence, reveal synoptic and regional meteorological phenomena. MPSOA could also be used to build air pollution climatology, compute local and national trends in air quality, and detect systematic biases in numerical air quality (AQ) models. Finally, initializing AQ models at regular time intervals with MPSOA can produce more accurate air quality forecasts. It is for these reasons that the Canadian Meteorological Centre (CMC) in collaboration with the Air Quality Research Division (AQRD) of Environment Canada has recently implemented MPSOA in their daily operations.

77 FR 45965 - Determination of Attainment for the Paul Spur/Douglas PM10

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-02

... plans, and based on the findings of our technical system audit report, ADEQ's monitoring network meets... to EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) database as quality- assured. Next, we reviewed the ambient PM 10...

78 FR 57631 - Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Ambient...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-19

..., tribal entities, environmental groups, academic institutions, industrial groups) use the ambient air... System (AQS) database. Quality assurance/quality control records and monitoring network documentation are...

Synthesis and electrospinning carboxymethyl cellulose lithium (CMC-Li) modified 9,10-anthraquinone (AQ) high-rate lithium-ion battery.

PubMed

Qiu, Lei; Shao, Ziqiang; Liu, Minglong; Wang, Jianquan; Li, Pengfa; Zhao, Ming

2014-02-15

New cellulose derivative CMC-Li was synthesized, and nanometer CMC-Li fiber was applied to lithium-ion battery and coated with AQ by electrospinning. Under the protection of inert gas, modified AQ/carbon nanofibers (CNF)/Li nanometer composite material was obtained by carbonization in 280 °C as lithium battery anode materials for the first time. The morphologies and structures performance of materials were characterized by using IR, (1)H NMR, SEM, CV and EIS, respectively. Specific capacity was increased from 197 to 226.4 mAhg(-1) after modification for the first discharge at the rate of 2C. Irreversible reduction reaction peaks of modified material appeared between 1.5 and 1.7 V and the lowest oxidation reduction peak of the difference were 0.42 V, the polarization was weaker. Performance of cell with CMC-Li with the high degree of substitution (DS) was superior to that with low DS. Cellulose materials were applied to lithium battery to improve battery performance by electrospinning. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

“Application and evaluation of the two-way coupled WRF ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The DISCOVER-AQ project (Deriving Information on Surface conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality), is a joint collaboration between NASA, U.S. EPA and a number of other local organizations with the goal of characterizing air quality in urban areas using satellite, aircraft, vertical profiler and ground based measurements (http://discover-aq.larc.nasa.gov). In July 2011, the DISCOVER-AQ project conducted intensive air quality measurements in the Baltimore, MD and Washington, D.C. area in the eastern U.S. To take advantage of these unique data, the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model, coupled with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is used to simulate the meteorology and air quality in the same region using 12-km, 4-km and 1-km horizontal grid spacings. The goal of the modeling exercise is to demonstrate the capability of the coupled WRF-CMAQ modeling system to simulate air quality at fine grid spacings in an urban area. Development of new data assimilation techniques and the use of higher resolution input data for the WRF model have been implemented to improve the meteorological results, particularly at the 4-km and 1-km grid resolutions. In addition, a number of updates to the CMAQ model were made to enhance the capability of the modeling system to accurately represent the magnitude and spatial distribution of pollutants at fine model resolutions. Data collected during the 2011 DISCOVER-AQ campa

Applications of Satellite Observations to Aerosol Analyses and Forecasting using the NAAPS Model and the DataFed Distributed Data System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Husar, R. B.; Hoijarvi, K.; Westphal, D. L.; Scheffe, R.; Keating, T.; Frank, N.; Poirot, R.; DuBois, D. W.; Bleiweiss, M. P.; Eberhard, W. L.; Menon, R.; Sethi, V.; Deshpande, A.

2012-12-01

(EE) as defined by EPA; i.e., Sahara dust impact on Texas and Florida, local dusts events in the Southwestern U.S. and Canadian smoke events over the Northeastern U.S. Recent applications include the impact analysis of a major Saudi Arabian dust event on Mumbai, India air quality. The NAAPS model and the DataFed tools can visualize the dynamic AQ events as they are manifested through the different sensors. Satellite-derived aerosol observations assimilated into NAAPS provide estimates of daily emission rates for dust and biomass fire sources. Tuning and reconciliation of the observations, emissions and models constitutes a key and novel contribution yielding a convergence toward the true five-dimensional (X, Y, Z, T, Composition) characterization of the atmospheric aerosol data space. This observation-emission-model reconciliation effort is aided by model evaluation tools and supports the international HTAP program. The report will also discuss some of the challenges facing multi-disciplinary, multi-agency, multi-national applications of integrated observation-modeling system of systems that impede the incorporation of satellite observations into AQ management decision support systems.

Molecular Characteristics of Kraft-AQ Pulping Lignin Fractionated by Sequential Organic Solvent Extraction

PubMed Central

Wang, Kun; Xu, Feng; Sun, Runcang

2010-01-01

Kraft-AQ pulping lignin was sequentially fractionated by organic solvent extractions and the molecular properties of each fraction were characterized by chemical degradation, GPC, UV, FT-IR, 13C-NMR and thermal analysis. The average molecular weight and polydispersity of each lignin fraction increased with its hydrogen-bonding capacity (Hildebrand solubility parameter). In addition, the ratio of the non-condensed guaiacyl/syringyl units and the content of β-O-4 linkages increased with the increment of the lignin fractions extracted successively with hexane, diethylether, methylene chloride, methanol, and dioxane. Furthermore, the presence of the condensation reaction products was contributed to the higher thermal stability of the larger molecules. PMID:21152286

Performance assessment of future thermal infrared geostationary instruments to monitor air quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sellitto, P.; Dauphin, P.; Dufour, G.; Eremenko, M.; Cuesta, J.; Coman, A.; Forêt, G.; Beekmann, M.; Gaubert, B.; Flaud, J.-M.

2012-04-01

Air quality (AQ) has a recognized onerous impact on human health and the environment, and then on society. It is more and more clear that constantly and efficiently monitoring AQ from space is a valuable step forward towards a more thorough comprehension of pollution processes that can have a relevant impact on the biosphere. In recent years, important progresses in this field have been made, e.g., reliable observations of several pollutants have been obtained, proving the feasibility of monitoring atmospheric composition from space. In this sense, low Earth orbit (LEO) thermal infrared (TIR) space-borne instruments are widely regarded as a useful tool to observe targeted AQ parameters like tropospheric ozone concentrations [1]. However, limitations remain with the current observation systems in particular to observe ozone in the lowermost troposphere (LmT) with a spatial and temporal resolution relevant for monitoring pollution processes at the regional scale. Indeed, LEO instruments are not well adapted to monitor small scale and short term phenomena, owing to their unsatisfactory revisit time. From this point of view, a more satisfactory concept might be based on geostationary (GEO) platforms. Current and planned GEO missions are mainly tailored on meteorological parameters retrieval and do not have sufficient spectral resolutions and signal to noise ratios (SNR) to infer information on trace gases in the LmT. New satellite missions are currently proposed that can partly overcome these limitations. Here we present a group of simulation exercises and sensitivity analyses to set-up future TIR GEO missions adapted to monitor and forecast AQ over Europe, and to evaluate their technical requirements. At this aim, we have developed a general simulator to produce pseudo-observations for different platform/instrument configurations. The core of this simulator is the KOPRA radiative transfer model, including the KOPRAfit inversion module [2]. Note that to assess the

The impact of frequency and duration of air quality monitoring: Atlanta, GA, data modeling of air pollution and mortality.

PubMed

Klemm, Rebecca J; Thomas, Eddie L; Wyzga, Ronald E

2011-11-01

The purpose of this analysis is threefold. We first examine the extent to which a longer series of data improves our understanding of air pollution on human mortality in the Atlanta, GA, area by updating the findings presented in Klemm and Mason (J. Air Waste Manage. Assoc. 2000, 50, 1433-1439) and Klemm et al. (Inhal. Toxicol. 2004, 16 (Suppl 1), 131-141) with 7.5 additional years of data. We explore estimated effects on two age groups (<65 and 65+) and four categories of cause of death. Second, we investigate how enlarging the geographic area of inquiry influences the estimated effects. Third, because some air quality (AQ) measures are monitored less frequently than daily, we investigate the extent to which AQ measurement frequency can influence estimates of relationships with human mortality. Our analytical approach employs a Poisson regression model using generalized linear modeling in S-Plus to estimate the relationship between daily AQ measures and daily mortality counts. We show that the estimated effects and their associated t values vary by year for nine AQ measures (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter < or =2.5 microm [PM2.5], elemental carbon [EC], organic carbon [OC], NO3, SO4, O3, NO2, CO, and SO2). Several of the estimated AQ effects show downward trends during the 9-year period of study. The estimated effects tend to be strongest for the AQ measurement during the day of death and tend to decrease with additional lags. Enlarging the geographic area from two to four counties in the metropolitan area decreased the estimated effects, perhaps partly due to the fact that the measurement site is located in one of the two original counties. Estimated effects utilizing data as if the AQ were only measured every 3rd or every 6th day each week or twice per week vary from lower to higher than that estimated with daily measurements, although the t values are lower, as expected.

The reliability-quality relationship for quality systems and quality risk management.

PubMed

Claycamp, H Gregg; Rahaman, Faiad; Urban, Jason M

2012-01-01

Engineering reliability typically refers to the probability that a system, or any of its components, will perform a required function for a stated period of time and under specified operating conditions. As such, reliability is inextricably linked with time-dependent quality concepts, such as maintaining a state of control and predicting the chances of losses from failures for quality risk management. Two popular current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) and quality risk management tools, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and root cause analysis (RCA) are examples of engineering reliability evaluations that link reliability with quality and risk. Current concepts in pharmaceutical quality and quality management systems call for more predictive systems for maintaining quality; yet, the current pharmaceutical manufacturing literature and guidelines are curiously silent on engineering quality. This commentary discusses the meaning of engineering reliability while linking the concept to quality systems and quality risk management. The essay also discusses the difference between engineering reliability and statistical (assay) reliability. The assurance of quality in a pharmaceutical product is no longer measured only "after the fact" of manufacturing. Rather, concepts of quality systems and quality risk management call for designing quality assurance into all stages of the pharmaceutical product life cycle. Interestingly, most assays for quality are essentially static and inform product quality over the life cycle only by being repeated over time. Engineering process reliability is the fundamental concept that is meant to anticipate quality failures over the life cycle of the product. Reliability is a well-developed theory and practice for other types of manufactured products and manufacturing processes. Thus, it is well known to be an appropriate index of manufactured product quality. This essay discusses the meaning of reliability and its linkages with quality

Characterization of an organic phase peroxide biosensor based on horseradish peroxidase immobilized in Eastman AQ.

PubMed

Konash, Anastassija; Magner, Edmond

2006-07-15

Due to their frequent occurrence in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products, and their poor solubility in water, the detection of peroxides in organic solvents has aroused significant interest. For diagnostics or on-site testing, a fast and specific experimental approach is required. Although aqueous peroxide biosensors are well known, they are usually not suitable for nonaqueous applications due to their instability. Here we describe an organic phase biosensor for hydrogen peroxide based on horseradish peroxidase immobilized in an Eastman AQ 55 polymer matrix. Rotating disc amperometry was used to examine the effect of the solvent properties, the amount and pH of added buffer, the concentration of peroxide and ferrocene dimethanol, and the amount of Eastman AQ 55 and of enzyme on the response of the biosensor to hydrogen peroxide. The response of the biosensor was limited by diffusion. Linear responses (with detection limits to hydrogen peroxide given in parentheses) were obtained in methanol (1.2 microM), ethanol (0.6 microM), 1-propanol (2.8 microM), acetone (1.4 microM), acetonitrile (2.6 microM), and ethylene glycol (13.6 microM). The rate of diffusion of ferrocene dimethanol was more constrained than the rate of diffusion of hydrogen peroxide, resulting in a comparatively narrow linear range. The main advantages of the sensor are its ease of use and a high degree of reproducibility, together with good operational and storage stability.

40 CFR 58.1 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... QUALITY SURVEILLANCE General Provisions § 58.1 Definitions. As used in this part, all terms not defined... his or her authorized representative. Air Quality System (AQS) means EPA's computerized system for storing and reporting of information relating to ambient air quality data. Approved regional method (ARM...

Aerosol Composition and Variability in Baltimore Measured during DISCOVER-AQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beyersdorf, A. J.; Ziemba, L. D.; Chen, G.; Thornhill, K. L.; Winstead, E. L.; Diskin, G. S.; Chatfield, R. B.; Natraj, V.; Anderson, B. E.

2012-12-01

In order to relate satellite-based measurements of aerosols to ground-level air quality, the correlation between aerosol optical properties (wavelength-dependent scattering and absorption measured by satellites) and mass measurements of aerosol loading (i.e. PM2.5 used for air quality monitoring) must be understood. This connection varies with many factors including those specific to the aerosol type (such as composition, size, hygroscopicity, and mass scattering and absorption efficiencies) and to the surrounding atmosphere (such as temperature, relative humidity and altitude). The DISCOVER-AQ (Deriving Information on Surface conditions from COlumn and VERtically resolved observations relevant to Air Quality) project was designed to provide a unique dataset for determining variability in and correlations between aerosol loading, composition, optical properties and meteorological conditions. Extensive in-situ profiling of the lower atmosphere in the Baltimore-Washington D.C. region was performed during fourteen flights during July 2011. Identical flight plans and profile locations throughout the campaign provide meaningful statistics for analysis. Measured aerosol mass was composed primarily of ammonium sulfate (campaign average of 36%) and water-soluble organics (58%). A distinct difference in composition was related to aerosol loading with high-loading days having a proportionally larger percentage of ammonium sulfate (up to 60%). This composition shift causes a change in the water-uptake potential (hygroscopicity) of the aerosols with higher relative organic composition decreasing water-uptake. On average, sulfate mass increased during the day due to increased photochemistry, while organics decreased. Analysis of the linkage between aerosol loading and optical properties was also performed. The absorption by black carbon was dependent on the amount of organic coating with an increase in mass absorption efficiency from 7.5 m2/g for bare soot to 16 m2/g at an

Site Location Details, Air Pollution Monitoring Equipment Used, Aircraft Flight Path Information, and Deployment Configuration for the DISCOVER-AQ (Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from COlumn and VERtically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality) Field Campaign in Colorado: Summer 2014

EPA Science Inventory

For EPA, this Summer 2014, Denver CO, DISCOVER-AQ field research activity focused on assessing Federal Reference Methods (FRMs) and Federal Equivalent Methods (FEMs) for ozone (O3) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), while comparing their operational performance to each other and to smal...

Multinuclear NMR study of the pressure dependence for carbonate exchange in the [UO2(CO3)3]4- (aq) ion

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

Johnson, Rene L.; Harley, S. J.; Ohlin, C. A.

2011-09-16

Rates of carbonate exchange by two pH-sensitive pathways between aqueous carbonate ion and UO₂(CO₃)₃⁴⁻(aq) are measured by high-pressure NMR. To accomplish this, a custom pulse sequence is employed to achieve selective inversion. Rates of chemical exchange are determined by modeling the return to equilibrium.

78 FR 25078 - Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Ambient...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-29

..., environmental groups, academic institutions, industrial groups) use the ambient air quality data for many... requested in this ICR submit these data electronically to the U.S. EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) database...

Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Majumdar, M.

1985-01-01

One of the major problems facing researchers in the design of a life support system is to construct it so that it will be capable of regulating waste materials and gases, while at the same time supporting the inhabitants with adequate food and oxygen. The basis of any gaseous life supporting cycle is autotrophs (plants that photosynthesize). The major problem is to get the respiratory quotient (RQ) of the animals to be equivalent to the assimilatory quotient (AQ) of the plants. A technique is being developed to control the gas exchange. The goal is to determine the feasibility of manipulating the plant's AQ by altering the plants environment in order to eliminate the mismatch between the plant's AQ and the animal's RQ.

Diagnostics of sources of tropospheric ozone using data assimilation during the KORUS-AQ campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaubert, B.; Emmons, L. K.; Miyazaki, K.; Buchholz, R. R.; Tang, W.; Arellano, A. F., Jr.; Tilmes, S.; Barré, J.; Worden, H. M.; Raeder, K.; Anderson, J. L.; Edwards, D. P.

2017-12-01

Atmospheric oxidative capacity plays a crucial role in the fate of greenhouse gases and air pollutants as well as in the formation of secondary pollutants such as tropospheric ozone. The attribution of sources of tropospheric ozone is a difficult task because of biases in input parameters and forcings such as emissions and meteorology in addition to errors in chemical schemes. We assimilate satellite remote sensing observations of ozone precursors such as carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the global coupled chemistry-transport model: Community Atmosphere Model with Chemistry (CAM-Chem). The assimilation is completed using an Ensemble Adjustment Kalman Filter (EAKF) in the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART) framework which allows estimates of unobserved parameters and potential constraints on secondary pollutants and emissions. The ensemble will be constructed using perturbations in chemical kinetics, different emission fields and by assimilating meteorological observations to fully assess uncertainties in the chemical fields of targeted species. We present a set of tools such as emission tags (CO and propane), combined with diagnostic analysis of chemical regimes and perturbation of emissions ratios to estimate a regional budget of primary and secondary pollutants in East Asia and their sensitivity to data assimilation. This study benefits from the large set of aircraft and ozonesonde in-situ observations from the Korea-United States Air Quality (KORUS-AQ) campaign that occurred in South Korea in May-June 2016.

Multinuclear NMR Study of the Pressure Dependence for Carbonate Exchange in the UO 2(CO 3) 3 4-(aq) Ion

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

Johnson, Rene L.; Harley, Stephen J.; Ohlin, C. André

2011-09-16

Rates of carbonate exchange by two pH-sensitive pathways between aqueous carbonate ion and UO 2(CO 3) 3 4-(aq) (see picture) are measured by high-pressure NMR. To accomplish this, a custom pulse sequence is employed to achieve selective inversion. Rates of chemical exchange are determined by modeling the return to equilibrium.

Hydrogen Cyanide in the Upper Troposphere: GEM-AQ Simulation and Comparison with ACE-FTS Observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lupu, A.; Kaminski, J. W.; Neary, L.; McConnell, J. C.; Toyota, K.; Rinsland, C. P.; Bernath, P. F.; Walker, K. A.; Boone, C. D.; Nagahama, Y.;

Do new concepts for deriving permissible limits for analytical imprecision and bias have any advantages over existing consensus?

PubMed

Petersen, Per Hyltoft; Sandberg, Sverre; Fraser, Callum G

2011-04-01

The Stockholm conference held in 1999 on "Strategies to set global analytical quality specifications (AQS) in laboratory medicine" reached a consensus and advocated the ubiquitous application of a hierarchical structure of approaches to setting AQS. This approach has been widely used over the last decade, although several issues remain unanswered. A number of new suggestions have been recently proposed for setting AQS. One of these recommendations is described by Haeckel and Wosniok in this issue of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. Their concept is to estimate the increase in false-positive results using conventional population-based reference intervals, the delta false-positive rate due to analytical imprecision and bias, and relate the results directly to the current analytical quality attained. Thus, the actual estimates in the laboratory for imprecision and bias are compared to the AQS. These values are classified in a ranking system according to the closeness to the AQS, and this combination is the new idea of the proposal. Other new ideas have been proposed recently. We wait, with great interest, as should others, to see if these newer approaches become widely used and worthy of incorporation into the hierarchy.

Identification of loop D domain amino acids in the human Aquaporin-1 channel involved in activation of the ionic conductance and inhibition by AqB011

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kourghi, Mohamad; De Ieso, Michael L.; Nourmohammadi, Saeed; Pei, Jinxin V.; Yool, Andrea J.

2018-04-01

Aquaporins are integral proteins that facilitate the transmembrane transport of water and small solutes. In addition to enabling water flux, mammalian Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) channels activated by cyclic GMP can carry non-selective monovalent cation currents, selectively blocked by arylsulfonamide compounds AqB007 (IC50 170 µM) and AqB011 (IC50 14 µM). In silico models suggested that ligand docking might involve the cytoplasmic loop D (between AQP1 transmembrane domains 4 and 5), but the predicted site of interaction remained to be tested. Work here shows that mutagenesis of two conserved arginine residues in loop D slowed the activation of the AQP1 ion conductance and impaired the sensitivity of the channel to block by AqB011. Substitution of residues in loop D with proline showed effects on ion conductance amplitude that varied with position, suggesting that the structural conformation of loop D is important for AQP1 channel gating. Human AQP1 wild type, AQP1 mutant channels with alanines substituted for two arginines (R159A+R160A), and mutants with proline substituted for single residues threonine (T157P), aspartate (D158P), arginine (R159P, R160P) or glycine (G165P) were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Conductance responses were analyzed by two-electrode voltage clamp. Optical osmotic swelling assays and confocal microscopy were used to confirm mutant and wild type AQP1-expressing oocytes were expressed in the plasma membrane. After application of membrane-permeable cGMP, R159A+R160A channels had a significantly slower rate of activation as compared with wild type, consistent with impaired gating. AQP1 R159A+R160A channels showed no significant block by AqB011 at 50 µM, in contrast to the wild type channel which was blocked effectively. T157P, D158P and R160P mutations had impaired activation compared to wild type; R159P showed no significant effect; and G165P appeared to augment the conductance amplitude. These findings provide evidence for the role of the

Theoretical estimates of equilibrium sulfur isotope effects in aqueous sulfur systems: Highlighting the role of isomers in the sulfite and sulfoxylate systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eldridge, D. L.; Guo, W.; Farquhar, J.

2016-12-01

We present theoretical calculations for all three isotope ratios of sulfur (33S/32S, 34S/32S, 36S/32S) at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) level of theory for aqueous sulfur compounds modeled in 30-40H2O clusters spanning the range of sulfur oxidation state (Sn, n = -2 to +6) for estimating equilibrium fractionation factors in aqueous systems. Computed 34β values based on major isotope (34S/32S) reduced partition function ratios (RPFRs) scale to a first order with sulfur oxidation state and coordination, where 34β generally increase with higher oxidation state and increasing coordination of the sulfur atom. Exponents defining mass dependent relationships based on β values (x/34κ = ln(xβ)/ln(34β), x = 33 or 36) conform to tight ranges over a wide range of temperature for all aqueous compounds (33/34κ ≈ 0.5148-0.5159, 36/34κ ≈ 1.89-1.90 from T ⩾ 0 °C). The exponents converge near a singular value for all compounds at the high temperature limit (33/34κT→∞ = 0.51587 ± 0.00003 and 36/34κT→∞ = 1.8905 ± 0.0002; 1 s.d. of all computed compounds), and typically follow trends based on oxidation state and coordination similar to those seen in 34β values at lower temperatures. Theoretical equilibrium fractionation factors computed from these β-values are compared to experimental constraints for HSO3-T(aq)/SO2(g, aq), SO2(aq)/SO2(g), H2S(aq)/H2S(g), H2S(aq)/HS-(aq), SO42-(aq)/H2ST(aq), S2O32-(aq) (intramolecular), and S2O32-(aq)/H2ST(aq), and generally agree within a reasonable estimation of uncertainties. We make predictions of fractionation factors where other constraints are unavailable. Isotope partitioning of the isomers of protonated compounds in the sulfite and sulfoxylate systems depend strongly on whether protons are bound to either sulfur or oxygen atoms. The magnitude of the HSO3-T/SO32- major isotope (34S/32S) fractionation factor is predicted to increase with temperature from 0 to 70 °C due to the combined effects of the large magnitude (HS)O3

Improved Satellite-based Photosysnthetically Active Radiation (PAR) for Air Quality Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pour Biazar, A.; McNider, R. T.; Cohan, D. S.; White, A.; Zhang, R.; Dornblaser, B.; Doty, K.; Wu, Y.; Estes, M. J.

2015-12-01

One of the challenges in understanding the air quality over forested regions has been the uncertainties in estimating the biogenic hydrocarbon emissions. Biogenic volatile organic compounds, BVOCs, play a critical role in atmospheric chemistry, particularly in ozone and particulate matter (PM) formation. In southeastern United States, BVOCs (mostly as isoprene) are the dominant summertime source of reactive hydrocarbon. Despite significant efforts in improving BVOC estimates, the errors in emission inventories remain a concern. Since BVOC emissions are particularly sensitive to the available photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), model errors in PAR result in large errors in emission estimates. Thus, utilization of satellite observations to estimate PAR can help in reducing emission uncertainties. Satellite-based PAR estimates rely on the technique used to derive insolation from satellite visible brightness measurements. In this study we evaluate several insolation products against surface pyranometer observations and offer a bias correction to generate a more accurate PAR product. The improved PAR product is then used in biogenic emission estimates. The improved biogenic emission estimates are compared to the emission inventories over Texas and used in air quality simulation over the period of August-September 2013 (NASA's Discover-AQ field campaign). A series of sensitivity simulations will be performed and evaluated against Discover-AQ observations to test the impact of satellite-derived PAR on air quality simulations.

Utility of brief questionnaires of health-related quality of life (Airways Questionnaire 20 and Clinical COPD Questionnaire) to predict exacerbations in patients with asthma and COPD

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background There is some evidence that quality of life measured by long disease-specific questionnaires may predict exacerbations in asthma and COPD, however brief quality of life tools, such as the Airways Questionnaire 20 (AQ20) or the Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ), have not yet been evaluated as predictors of hospital exacerbations. Objectives To determine the ability of brief specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaires (AQ20 and CCQ) to predict emergency department visits (ED) and hospitalizations in patients with asthma and COPD, and to compare them to longer disease-specific questionnaires, such as the St George´s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ) and the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). Methods We conducted a two-year prospective cohort study of 208 adult patients (108 asthma, 100 COPD). Baseline sociodemographic, clinical, functional and psychological variables were assessed. All patients completed the AQ20 and the SGRQ. COPD patients also completed the CCQ and the CRQ, while asthmatic patients completed the AQLQ. We registered all exacerbations that required ED or hospitalizations in the follow-up period. Differences between groups (zero ED visits or hospitalizations versus ≥ 1 ED visits or hospitalizations) were tested with Pearson´s X2 or Fisher´s exact test for categorical variables, ANOVA for normally distributed continuous variables, and Mann–Whitney U test for non-normally distributed variables. Logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the predictive ability of each HRQoL questionnaire. Results In the first year of follow-up, the AQ20 scores predicted both ED visits (OR: 1.19; p = .004; AUC 0.723) and hospitalizations (OR: 1.21; p = .04; AUC 0.759) for asthma patients, and the CCQ emerged as independent predictor of ED visits in COPD patients (OR: 1.06; p = .036; AUC 0.651), after adjusting for sociodemographic, clinical, and

Hygroscopic Measurements of Aerosol Particles in Colorado during the Discover AQ Campaign 2014

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orozco, D.; Delgado, R.; Espinosa, R.; Martins, J. V.; Hoff, R. M.

2014-12-01

In ambient conditions, aerosol particles experience hygroscopic growth due to the influence of relative humidity (RH), scattering more light than when the particles are dry. The quantitative knowledge of the RH effect and its influence on the light scattering and, in particular, on the phase function and polarization of aerosol particles is of substantial importance when comparing ground observations with other optical aerosol measurements such satellite and sunphotometric retrievals of aerosol optical depth and their inversions. In the summer of 2014, the DISCOVER-AQ campaign was held in Colorado, where systematic and concurrent observations of column- integrated surface, and vertically-resolved distributions of aerosols and trace gases relevant to air quality and their evolution during the day were observed. Aerosol optical properties were measured in the UMBC trailer at the city of Golden using a TSI-3563 nephelometer and an in-situ Polarized Imaging Nephelometer (PI-NEPH) designed and built by the LACO group at UMBC. The PI-NEPH measures aerosol phase matrix components in high angular range between 2 and 178 degrees scattering angle at three wavelengths (λ=473, 532 and 671nm). The two measured elements of the phase matrix, intensity (P11) and linear polarization (P12) provide extensive characterization of the scattering properties of the studied aerosol. The scattering coefficient, P11 and P12 were measured under different humidity conditions to obtain the enhancement factor f(RH) and the dependence of P11 and P12 to RH using a humidifier dryer system covering a RH range from 20 to 90%. The ratio between scattering coefficients at high and low humidity in Golden Colorado showed relatively low hygroscopic growth in the aerosol particles f(RH=80%) was 1.27±0.19 for the first three weeks of sampling. According to speciated measurements performed at the UMBC trailer, the predominance of dust and organic aerosols over more hygroscopic nitrate and sulfate in the

Reactivity of OHrad and e-aq from electron beam irradiation of aqueous solutions of EDTA and aminopolycarboxylic acids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vel Leitner, N. Karpel; Guilbault, I.; Legube, B.

2003-05-01

Electron beam irradiation of aqueous solutions of EDTA, EDDA NN‧, NTA, IDA and Cu-EDTA was performed in the presence of scavengers for the hydroxyl radicals (methanol) or for the solvated electrons (hydrogen peroxide). Experiments showed that for each molecule, the G-value decreases as the radiation dose increases from 1 to 25 kGy, and for EDTA, when the initial concentration decreases from 10 to 0.1 mmol l-1. At pH 8 and for 5 kGy, the G-values of NTA, IDA, EDTA and EDDA NN‧ removal ascribed to OHrad radicals are, respectively, 0.06, 0.06, 0.15 and 0.20 μmol J-1, whereas for the solvated electrons the G-values were, respectively, 0.01, 0.01, 0.06 and 0.04 μmol J-1. The rate constants of hydroxyl radicals and solvated electrons were determined by comparison with one competitor. For each active species (hydroxyl radical or solvated electron), the reactivity is connected to the number of nitrogen atoms and acetate groups. The rate constants of OHrad radicals are above 1010 and 8.6×109 l mol-1 s-1 for EDDA NN‧ and EDTA, respectively, 2.1×109 l mol-1 s-1 for IDA and 6.1×108 l mol-1 s-1 for NTA. The reactivity of solvated electrons is smaller and the rate constants are in the range 1.9×106-3.7×106 l mol-1 s-1 for NTA, IDA and EDDA NN‧ and equal 1.4×107 l mol-1 s-1 for EDTA. The reactivity of the complex Cu-EDTA towards OHrad does not differ to a large extent from EDTA whereas with e-aq the reactivity of Cu-EDTA is better than EDTA since ke-/Cu-EDTA reaches 2.2×109 l mol-1 s-1. It follows that when both active entities (OHrad and e-aq) are involved in the electron beam irradiation process, the removal of free aminopolycarboxylic acids is mainly due to OHrad radicals. However, the complex Cu-EDTA is concerned by both e-aq and OHrad radicals.

[Compatibility of different quality control systems].

PubMed

Invernizzi, Enrico

2002-01-01

Management of the good laboratory practice (GLP) quality system presupposes its linking to a basic recognized and approved quality system, from which it can draw on management procedures common to all quality systems, such as the ISO 9000 set of norms. A quality system organized in this way can also be integrated with other dedicated quality systems, or parts of them, to obtain principles or management procedures for specific topics. The aim of this organization is to set up a reliable, recognized quality system compatible with the principles of GLP and other quality management systems, which provides users with a simplified set of easily accessible management tools and answers. The organization of this quality system is set out in the quality assurance programme, which is actually the document in which the test facility incorporates the GLP principles into its own quality organization.

Higher Surface Ozone Concentrations Over the Chesapeake Bay than Over the Adjacent Land: Observations and Models from the DISCOVER-AQ and CBODAQ Campaigns

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldberg, Daniel L.; Loughner, Christopher P.; Tzortziou, Maria; Stehr, Jeffrey W.; Pickering, Kenneth E.; Marufu, Lackson T.; Dickerson, Russell R.

2013-01-01

Air quality models, such as the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model, indicate decidedly higher ozone near the surface of large interior water bodies, such as the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay. In order to test the validity of the model output, we performed surface measurements of ozone (O3) and total reactive nitrogen (NOy) on the 26-m Delaware II NOAA Small Research Vessel experimental (SRVx), deployed in the Chesapeake Bay for 10 daytime cruises in July 2011 as part of NASA's GEO-CAPE CBODAQ oceanographic field campaign in conjunction with NASA's DISCOVER-AQ air quality field campaign. During this 10-day period, the EPA O3 regulatory standard of 75 ppbv averaged over an 8-h period was exceeded four times over water while ground stations in the area only exceeded the standard at most twice. This suggests that on days when the Baltimore/Washington region is in compliance with the EPA standard, air quality over the Chesapeake Bay might exceed the EPA standard. Ozone observations over the bay during the afternoon were consistently 10-20% higher than the closest upwind ground sites during the 10-day campaign; this pattern persisted during good and poor air quality days. A lower boundary layer, reduced cloud cover, slower dry deposition rates, and other lesser mechanisms, contribute to the local maximum of ozone over the Chesapeake Bay. Observations from this campaign were compared to a CMAQ simulation at 1.33 km resolution. The model is able to predict the regional maximum of ozone over the Chesapeake Bay accurately, but NOy concentrations are significantly overestimated. Explanations for the overestimation of NOy in the model simulations are also explored

Higher surface ozone concentrations over the Chesapeake Bay than over the adjacent land: Observations and models from the DISCOVER-AQ and CBODAQ campaigns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goldberg, Daniel L.; Loughner, Christopher P.; Tzortziou, Maria; Stehr, Jeffrey W.; Pickering, Kenneth E.; Marufu, Lackson T.; Dickerson, Russell R.

2014-02-01

Air quality models, such as the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model, indicate decidedly higher ozone near the surface of large interior water bodies, such as the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay. In order to test the validity of the model output, we performed surface measurements of ozone (O3) and total reactive nitrogen (NOy) on the 26-m Delaware II NOAA Small Research Vessel experimental (SRVx), deployed in the Chesapeake Bay for 10 daytime cruises in July 2011 as part of NASA's GEO-CAPE CBODAQ oceanographic field campaign in conjunction with NASA's DISCOVER-AQ air quality field campaign. During this 10-day period, the EPA O3 regulatory standard of 75 ppbv averaged over an 8-h period was exceeded four times over water while ground stations in the area only exceeded the standard at most twice. This suggests that on days when the Baltimore/Washington region is in compliance with the EPA standard, air quality over the Chesapeake Bay might exceed the EPA standard. Ozone observations over the bay during the afternoon were consistently 10-20% higher than the closest upwind ground sites during the 10-day campaign; this pattern persisted during good and poor air quality days. A lower boundary layer, reduced cloud cover, slower dry deposition rates, and other lesser mechanisms, contribute to the local maximum of ozone over the Chesapeake Bay. Observations from this campaign were compared to a CMAQ simulation at 1.33 km resolution. The model is able to predict the regional maximum of ozone over the Chesapeake Bay accurately, but NOy concentrations are significantly overestimated. Explanations for the overestimation of NOy in the model simulations are also explored.

Investigating diagnostic bias in autism spectrum conditions: An item response theory analysis of sex bias in the AQ-10.

PubMed

Murray, Aja Louise; Allison, Carrie; Smith, Paula L; Baron-Cohen, Simon; Booth, Tom; Auyeung, Bonnie

2017-05-01

Diagnostic bias is a concern in autism spectrum conditions (ASC) where prevalence and presentation differ by sex. To ensure that females with ASC are not under-identified, it is important that ASC screening tools do not systematically underestimate autistic traits in females relative to males. We evaluated whether the AQ-10, a brief screen for ASC recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence in cases of suspected ASC, exhibits such a bias. Using an item response theory approach, we evaluated differential item functioning and differential test functioning. We found that although individual items showed some sex bias, these biases at times favored males and at other times favored females. Thus, at the level of test scores the item-level biases cancelled out to give an unbiased overall score. Results support the continued use of the AQ-10 sum score in its current form; however, suggest that caution should be exercised when interpreting responses to individual items. The nature of the item level biases could serve as a guide for future research into how ASC affects males and females differently. Autism Res 2017, 10: 790-800. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Air Twitter: Mashing Crowdsourced Air Quality Event Identification with Scientific Earth Observations (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robinson, E. M.

2010-12-01

The ability to easily expose content through the web using social media sites like YouTube, Flickr, Blogger and Delicious have given the Earth a “skin” of photos, videos and citizen reporting that enhance our understanding ofour surroundings. Businesses are taking advantage of this constant stream of information by “listening” to the social-media chatter on the web. Social listening allows businesses to better identify their customers and provide tailored service to that group. News agencies are also using social listening techniques and have implemented sites like iReport, since it is more and more likely that citizen reporters will ‘break’ news stories and identify major events. Scientist can benefit from social listening as well. Community remote sensing can incorporate the new and evolving social media ‘sensors’ along with remotely sensed surface and satellite data to provide another dimension of contextual understanding about what is occurring in the natural environment. Air Quality (AQ) events such as fires and dust storms are highly visible and impact daily life, thus the pictures, videos, blogs and tweets are shared through web within minutes of the event occurring. Air Twitter is a social media listening tool that aggregates user generated content from around the web that are described using terms like air quality, fire and smoke. Air twitter then filters content further for outdoor air quality and then binds to the content by tagging the filtered stream with #AirQuality. This stream is retweeted through a separate twitter account for the ESIP Air Quality WG (@ESIPAQWG). A unique and unexpected outcome of this is that it has allowed a community of over 1250+ people to follow this stream. Followers include Gov. Schwarzenegger and Boris Johnson, the mayor of London, as well as many local communities AQ agencies that publish their real-time surface monitoring data through Twitter. The aggregated Air Twitter stream is also saved in a database

Relationship Between Column-Density and Surface Mixing Ratio: Statistical Analysis of O3 and NO2 Data from the July 2011 Maryland DISCOVER-AQ Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flynn, Clare; Pickering, Kenneth E.; Crawford, James H.; Lamsol, Lok; Krotkov, Nickolay; Herman, Jay; Weinheimer, Andrew; Chen, Gao; Liu, Xiong; Szykman, James;

AqSo_NaCl: Computer program to calculate p-T-V-x properties in the H2O-NaCl fluid system applied to fluid inclusion research and pore fluid calculation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakker, Ronald J.

2018-06-01

The program AqSo_NaCl has been developed to calculate pressure - molar volume - temperature - composition (p-V-T-x) properties, enthalpy, and heat capacity of the binary H2O-NaCl system. The algorithms are designed in BASIC within the Xojo programming environment, and can be operated as stand-alone project with Macintosh-, Windows-, and Unix-based operating systems. A series of ten self-instructive interfaces (modules) are developed to calculate fluid inclusion properties and pore fluid properties. The modules may be used to calculate properties of pure NaCl, the halite-liquidus, the halite-vapourus, dew-point and bubble-point curves (liquid-vapour), critical point, and SLV solid-liquid-vapour curves at temperatures above 0.1 °C (with halite) and below 0.1 °C (with ice or hydrohalite). Isochores of homogeneous fluids and unmixed fluids in a closed system can be calculated and exported to a.txt file. Isochores calculated for fluid inclusions can be corrected according to the volumetric properties of quartz. Microthermometric data, i.e. dissolution temperatures and homogenization temperatures, can be used to calculated bulk fluid properties of fluid inclusions. Alternatively, in the absence of total homogenization temperature the volume fraction of the liquid phase in fluid inclusions can be used to obtain bulk properties.

Deciphering the role of radical precursors during the Second Texas Air Quality Study.

PubMed

Olaguer, Eduardo P; Rappenglück, Bernhard; Lefer, Barry; Stutz, Jochen; Dibb, Jack; Griffin, Robert; Brune, William H; Shauck, Maxwell; Buhr, Martin; Jeffries, Harvey; Vizuete, William; Pinto, Joseph P

2009-11-01

The Texas Environmental Research Consortium (TERC) funded significant components of the Second Texas Air Quality Study (TexAQS II), including the TexAQS II Radical and Aerosol Measurement Project (TRAMP) and instrumented flights by a Piper Aztec aircraft. These experiments called attention to the role of short-lived radical sources such as formaldehyde (HCHO) and nitrous acid (HONO) in increasing ozone productivity. TRAMP instruments recorded daytime HCHO pulses as large as 32 parts per billion (ppb) originating from upwind industrial activities in the Houston Ship Channel, where in situ surface monitors detected HCHO peaks as large as 52 ppb. Moreover, Ship Channel petrochemical flares were observed to produce plumes of apparent primary HCHO. In one such combustion plume that was depleted of ozone by large emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), the Piper Aztec measured a ratio of HCHO to carbon monoxide (CO) 3 times that of mobile sources. HCHO from uncounted primary sources or ozonolysis of underestimated olefin emissions could significantly increase ozone productivity in Houston beyond previous expectations. Simulations with the CAMx model show that additional emissions of HCHO from industrial flares or mobile sources can increase peak ozone in Houston by up to 30 ppb. Other findings from TexAQS II include significant concentrations of HONO throughout the day, well in excess of current air quality model predictions, with large nocturnal vertical gradients indicating a surface or near-surface source of HONO, and large concentrations of nighttime radicals (approximately30 parts per trillion [ppt] HO2). HONO may be formed heterogeneously on urban canopy or particulate matter surfaces and may be enhanced by organic aerosol of industrial or motor vehicular origin, such as through conversion of nitric acid (HNO3). Additional HONO sources may increase daytime ozone by more than 10 ppb. Improving the representation of primary and secondary HCHO and HONO in air quality

Long-term quality of life after living kidney donation.

PubMed

Glotzer, O S; Singh, T P; Gallichio, M H; Conti, D J; Siparsky, N F

2013-11-01

The supply of deceased donor kidneys available for transplantation is not sufficient to meet the demand. Despite a low rate of complications for donors and superior outcomes for recipients, living kidney donation (LKD) is on the decline for reasons that remain unclear. We performed a retrospective review and analysis of living kidney donors (LDs) who underwent donor nephrectomy between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2010. Candidates who were excluded from LKD were identified as control subjects (CSs). LDs and CSs were invited to voluntarily undergo a quality of life assessment using Short Form 12 v1.0 Questionnaire (SF-12) and an addendum questionnaire (AQ). The SF-12 and AQ were administered by telephone. Statistical analysis of the results was performed to obtain the SF-12 physical component score (PCS), SF-12 mental component score (MCS), and the AQ score. PCS and MCS for the general population were obtained from the 1998 National Survey of Functional Health Status. During the study period, 83 LDs and 116 CSs were interviewed. LDs were noted to have higher PCS (54.1 vs 49.6) and MCS (55.7 vs 49.4) compared with the general population. Ninety-nine percent of LDs believed that their quality of life did not decrease after LKD; 21.7% reported experiencing complications. Half of the LDs (48%) reported missing 1 day of work for evaluation; 71% of LDs reported missing at least 4 weeks of work after LKD. Nearly all LDs (99%) would undergo donation again. Fifty-two percent of LDs reported adhering to the recommended 2-year follow-up schedule with the transplantation team; 87% of LDs reported seeing their primary care physician. LDs are physically and mentally healthier after LKD compared to the general population. Most donors miss at least 1 month of work for LKD and undergo some form of post-donation monitoring. Despite this commitment, LKD is a very satisfying experience. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DISCOVER-AQ Second Tour

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2015-03-05

...   Air Quality is vital to our everyday and long term health. Over the years, scientists have been able to develop satellites that ... Air Quality is vital to our everyday and long term health. Over the years, scientists have been able to develop satellites that ...

Expert database system for quality control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Anne J.; Li, Zhi-Cheng

1993-09-01

There are more competitors today. Markets are not homogeneous they are fragmented into increasingly focused niches requiring greater flexibility in the product mix shorter manufacturing production runs and above allhigher quality. In this paper the author identified a real-time expert system as a way to improve plantwide quality management. The quality control expert database system (QCEDS) by integrating knowledge of experts in operations quality management and computer systems use all information relevant to quality managementfacts as well as rulesto determine if a product meets quality standards. Keywords: expert system quality control data base

Determining the Transference Number of H[superscript +](aq) by a Modified Moving Boundary Method: A Directed Study for the Undergraduate Physical Chemistry Laboratory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dabke, Rajeev B.; Gebeyehu, Zewdu; Padelford, Jonathan

2012-01-01

A directed study for the undergraduate physical chemistry laboratory for determining the transference number of H[superscript +](aq) using a modified moving boundary method is presented. The laboratory study combines Faraday's laws of electrolysis with mole ratios and the perfect gas equation. The volume of hydrogen gas produced at the cathode is…

Satellite Observations of Trace Gases and Their Application for Studying Air Quality Near Oil and Gas Operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kollonige, D. E.; Thompson, A. M.; Nichols, M.; Fasnacht, Z.; Martins, D. K.; Dickerson, R. R.

2014-12-01

The increase in the natural gas component of the energy sector has led many state and local municipalities to begin regulation of emissions from the oil and natural gas operators with air quality (AQ) as a concern. "Top-down" measurements of trace gases in the air above wells complement "bottom-up" inventories, used by EPA and AQ stakeholders, through a more accurate depiction of regional variability of methane and other species near and downwind of oil and gas operations. Satellite observations of methane, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, ozone, and other carbon gases enhance the spatial and temporal coverage of the data needed to demonstrate any long-term impacts from shale gas development. As part of a NASA AQAST (Air Quality Applied Sciences Team) project, we are evaluating satellite measurements of trace gases in regions with oil and gas operations for their application as a "top-down" constraint. For validation of the satellite instruments' sensitivities to emitted gases, we focus on regions where the DISCOVER-AQ (Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality) campaign deployed with ground and aircraft measurements, including, Maryland (2011), California and Texas (2013), and Colorado (2014). We compare vertical distributions of methane and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) nearby and downwind of oil and gas wells to locate any regional differences during the campaign time periods. This allows for better characterization of the satellite observations and their limitations for application in air quality studies in similar environments. Taking advantage of current EOS-era satellites' data records, we also analyze methane anomalies and gas correlations in the free troposphere from 2005 to present to identify trends for basins with oil and gas extraction sites and their influence on background concentrations downwind of wells. In most regions with oil and gas activity, we see continually

Quasi-chemical theory of F-(aq): The "no split occupancies rule" revisited

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaudhari, Mangesh I.; Rempe, Susan B.; Pratt, Lawrence R.

2017-10-01

We use ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) calculations and quasi-chemical theory (QCT) to study the inner-shell structure of F-(aq) and to evaluate that single-ion free energy under standard conditions. Following the "no split occupancies" rule, QCT calculations yield a free energy value of -101 kcal/mol under these conditions, in encouraging agreement with tabulated values (-111 kcal/mol). The AIMD calculations served only to guide the definition of an effective inner-shell constraint. QCT naturally includes quantum mechanical effects that can be concerning in more primitive calculations, including electronic polarizability and induction, electron density transfer, electron correlation, molecular/atomic cooperative interactions generally, molecular flexibility, and zero-point motion. No direct assessment of the contribution of dispersion contributions to the internal energies has been attempted here, however. We anticipate that other aqueous halide ions might be treated successfully with QCT, provided that the structure of the underlying statistical mechanical theory is absorbed, i.e., that the "no split occupancies" rule is recognized.

Mississippi Quality Step System: QRS Profile. The Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS)Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Child Trends, 2010

2010-01-01

This paper presents a profile of Mississippi's Quality Step System prepared as part of the Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment Study. The profile consists of several sections and their corresponding descriptions including: (1) Program Information; (2) Rating Details; (3) Quality Indicators for Center-Based Programs; (4) Application…

Chemical composition of aerosol measurements in the air pollution plume during KORUS-AQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, T.; Lee, J. B.; Lim, Y. J.; Ahn, J.; Park, J. S.; Soo, C. J.; Kim, J.; Park, S.; Lee, Y.; Desyaterik, Y.; Collett, J. L., Jr.; Lee, T.

2017-12-01

The Korean peninsula is a great place to study different sources of the aerosols: urban, rural and marine. In addition, Seoul is one of the large metropolitan areas in the world and has a variety of sources because half of the Korean population lives in Seoul, which comprises only 12% of the country's area. To understand the chemical composition of aerosol form long-range transport and local sources better, an Aerodyne High Resolution Time of Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) was deployed on an airborne platform (NASA DC-8 aircraft). The HR-ToF-AMS is capable of measuring non-refractory size resolved chemical composition of submicron particle(NR-PM1) in the air pollution plume, including mass concentration of organic carbon, nitrate, sulfate, and ammonium with 10 seconds time resolution. The measurements were performed twenty times research flight for understanding characteristic of the air pollution from May to June, 2016 on the South Korean peninsula during KORUS-AQ 2016 campaign. The scientific goal of this study is to characterize aerosol chemical properties and mass concentration in order to understand the role of the long-range transport from northeast Asia to South Korea, and influence of the local sources. To brief, organics dominated during all of flights. Also, organics and nitrate were dominant around energy industrial complex near by Taean, South Korea. The presentation will provide an overview of the composition of NR-PM1 measured in air pollution plumes, and deliver detail information about width, depth and spatial distribution of the pollutant in the air pollution plumes. The results of this study will provide high temporal and spatial resolved details on the air pollution plumes, which are valuable input parameters of aerosol properties for the current air quality models.

Hygroscopic Measurements of Aerosol Particles in the San Joaquin Valley California during the DRAGON and Discover AQ Campaign 2013

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orozco, D.; Delgado, R.; Hoff, R. M.

2013-12-01

In the ambient atmosphere, aerosol particles experience hygroscopic growth due to the influence of relative humidity (RH). Wet aerosols particles are larger than their dry equivalents, therefore they scatter more light. Quantitative knowledge of the RH effect and its influence on the light scattering coefficient on aerosol particles is of substantial importance when comparing ground based observations with other optical aerosol measurements techniques such satellite and sunphotometric retrievals of aerosol optical depth. The DISCOVER-AQ campaign is focused in improving the interpretation and relation between satellite observations and surface conditions related to air quality. In the winter of 2013, this campaign was held in the San Joaquin Valley, California, where systematic and concurrent observations of column integrated surface, and vertically resolved distributions of aerosols and trace gases relevant to air quality and their evolution during the day were observed. Different instruments such as particulate samplers, lidars, meteorological stations and airborne passive and active monitoring were coordinated to measure the aerosol structure of the San Joaquin Valley in a simultaneous fashion. A novel humidifier-dryer system for a TSI 3563 Nephelometer was implemented in the Penn State University NATIVE trailer located in Porterville California in order to measure the scattering coefficient σsp(λ) at three different wavelengths (λ=440, 550 and 700nm) in a RH range from 30 to 95%. The system was assembled by combining Nafion tubes to humidify and dry the aerosols and stepping motor valves to control the flow and the amount of humidity entering to the Nephelometer. Measurements in Porterville California reached dry scattering coefficient readings greater than 300Mm-1 at 550nm indicating the presence of a large amount of particles in the region. However, the ratio between scattering coefficients at high and low humidity, called the enhancement factor f

Evaluation of CMAQ and CAMx Ensemble Air Quality Forecasts during the 2015 MAPS-Seoul Field Campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, E.; Kim, S.; Bae, C.; Kim, H. C.; Kim, B. U.

2015-12-01

The performance of Air quality forecasts during the 2015 MAPS-Seoul Field Campaign was evaluated. An forecast system has been operated to support the campaign's daily aircraft route decisions for airborne measurements to observe long-range transporting plume. We utilized two real-time ensemble systems based on the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF)-Sparse Matrix Operator Kernel Emissions (SMOKE)-Comprehensive Air quality Model with extensions (CAMx) modeling framework and WRF-SMOKE- Community Multi_scale Air Quality (CMAQ) framework over northeastern Asia to simulate PM10 concentrations. Global Forecast System (GFS) from National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) was used to provide meteorological inputs for the forecasts. For an additional set of retrospective simulations, ERA Interim Reanalysis from European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) was also utilized to access forecast uncertainties from the meteorological data used. Model Inter-Comparison Study for Asia (MICS-Asia) and National Institute of Environment Research (NIER) Clean Air Policy Support System (CAPSS) emission inventories are used for foreign and domestic emissions, respectively. In the study, we evaluate the CMAQ and CAMx model performance during the campaign by comparing the results to the airborne and surface measurements. Contributions of foreign and domestic emissions are estimated using a brute force method. Analyses on model performance and emissions will be utilized to improve air quality forecasts for the upcoming KORUS-AQ field campaign planned in 2016.

21 CFR 820.5 - Quality system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Quality system. 820.5 Section 820.5 Food and Drugs... QUALITY SYSTEM REGULATION General Provisions § 820.5 Quality system. Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain a quality system that is appropriate for the specific medical device(s) designed or manufactured...

21 CFR 820.5 - Quality system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Quality system. 820.5 Section 820.5 Food and Drugs... QUALITY SYSTEM REGULATION General Provisions § 820.5 Quality system. Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain a quality system that is appropriate for the specific medical device(s) designed or manufactured...

21 CFR 820.5 - Quality system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Quality system. 820.5 Section 820.5 Food and Drugs... QUALITY SYSTEM REGULATION General Provisions § 820.5 Quality system. Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain a quality system that is appropriate for the specific medical device(s) designed or manufactured...

Missouri Quality Rating System: QRS Profile. The Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Child Trends, 2010

2010-01-01

This paper presents a profile of Missouri's Quality Rating System prepared as part of the Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment Study. The profile consists of several sections and their corresponding descriptions including: (1) Program Information; (2) Rating Details; (3) Quality Indicators for Center-Based Programs; (4) Indicators for…

Comparative study of lignin characteristics from wheat straw obtained by soda-AQ and kraft pretreatment and effect on the following enzymatic hydrolysis process

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

Yang, Haitao; Xie, Yimin; Zheng, Xing

With this study, to understand the structural changes of lignin after soda-AQ and kraft pretreatment, milled straw lignin, black liquor lignin and residual lignin extracted from wheat straw were characterized by FT-IR, UV, GPC and NMR. The results showed that the main lignin linkages were β-aryl ether substructures (β-O-4'), followed by phenylcoumaran (β-5') and resinol (β-β') substructures, while minor content of spirodienone (β-1'), dibenzodioxocin (5-5') and α,β-diaryl ether linkages were detected as well. After pretreatment, most lignin inter-units and lignin-carbohydrate complex (LCC) linkages were degraded and dissolved in black liquor, with minor amount left in residual pretreated biomass. In addition,more » through quantitative 13C and 2D-HSQC NMR spectral analysis, lignin and LCC were found to be more degraded after kraft pretreatment than soda-AQ pretreatment. Furthermore, the subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis results showed that more cellulose in wheat straw was converted to glucose after kraft pretreatment, indicating that LCC linkages were important in the enzymatic hydrolysis process.« less

Comparative study of lignin characteristics from wheat straw obtained by soda-AQ and kraft pretreatment and effect on the following enzymatic hydrolysis process

DOE PAGES

Yang, Haitao; Xie, Yimin; Zheng, Xing; ...

2016-02-18

With this study, to understand the structural changes of lignin after soda-AQ and kraft pretreatment, milled straw lignin, black liquor lignin and residual lignin extracted from wheat straw were characterized by FT-IR, UV, GPC and NMR. The results showed that the main lignin linkages were β-aryl ether substructures (β-O-4'), followed by phenylcoumaran (β-5') and resinol (β-β') substructures, while minor content of spirodienone (β-1'), dibenzodioxocin (5-5') and α,β-diaryl ether linkages were detected as well. After pretreatment, most lignin inter-units and lignin-carbohydrate complex (LCC) linkages were degraded and dissolved in black liquor, with minor amount left in residual pretreated biomass. In addition,more » through quantitative 13C and 2D-HSQC NMR spectral analysis, lignin and LCC were found to be more degraded after kraft pretreatment than soda-AQ pretreatment. Furthermore, the subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis results showed that more cellulose in wheat straw was converted to glucose after kraft pretreatment, indicating that LCC linkages were important in the enzymatic hydrolysis process.« less

Operational Model Evaluation for Particulate Matter in Europe and North America in the Context of the AQMEII Project

EPA Science Inventory

Ten state-of-the-science regional air quality (AQ) modeling systems have been applied to continental scale domains in North America and Europe for full-year simulations of 2006 in the context of Air Quality Model Evaluation International Initiative (AQMEII), whose main goals are ...

Application and evaluation of high-resolution WRF-CMAQ with simple urban parameterization.

EPA Science Inventory

The 2-way coupled WRF-CMAQ meteorology and air quality modeling system is evaluated for high-resolution applications by comparing to a regional air quality field study (Discover-AQ). The model was modified to better account for the effects of urban environments. High-resolution...

Application and evaluation of high-resolution WRF-CMAQ with simple urban parameterization

EPA Science Inventory

The 2-way coupled WRF-CMAQ meteorology and air quality modeling system is evaluated for high-resolution applications by comparing to a regional air quality field study (Discover-AQ). The model was modified to better account for the effects of urban environments. High-resolution...

Assessing the influence of regional transport from Mainland China over the Korean Peninsula during the 2016 KORUS-AQ Field Campaign with CO/CO2 ratios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halliday, H. S.; DiGangi, J. P.; Diskin, G. S.; Choi, Y.; Pusede, S.; Rana, M.; Nowak, J. B.

2017-12-01

The industrial growth in East Asia has resulted in widespread growth and prosperity, but has been accompanied by degraded air quality. These poor air quality events have both local and regional effects, and long range transportation of pollution can greatly increase the affected populations. South Korea has a technologically oriented economy with vibrant urban regions, but suffers from poor air quality arising from both local emissions on the Korean peninsula and from the transport of pollution from Mainland China. The KORUS-AQ field campaign was an international collaboration to characterize and understand the air quality over the Korean peninsula in the spring of 2016. We use the aircraft in situ data from the DC-8 aircraft to examine trace gas ratios over three major analysis regions: the Seoul Metropolitan region, the South Korean peninsula, and the West Sea (Yellow Sea). We look specifically at the correlations between CO and CO2 as an indicator of emissions type, with low ratios generally indicative of more efficient combustion and high emission ratios indicating low efficiency combustion. At low altitudes, higher incidences of low CO/CO2 ratios were observed in the Seoul and Peninsula regions, compared to higher ratios of CO/CO2 over the West Sea. We examine the meteorological dependence of these carbon species ratios, their relationships to VOC tracers, and their vertical behavior to evaluate the air mass contributions from Mainland China and assess the percentage contributions of these regional emissions to the measurements over the Korean Peninsula.

Motivating medical information system performance by system quality, service quality, and job satisfaction for evidence-based practice.

PubMed

Chang, Ching-Sheng; Chen, Su-Yueh; Lan, Yi-Ting

2012-11-21

No previous studies have addressed the integrated relationships among system quality, service quality, job satisfaction, and system performance; this study attempts to bridge such a gap with evidence-based practice study. The convenience sampling method was applied to the information system users of three hospitals in southern Taiwan. A total of 500 copies of questionnaires were distributed, and 283 returned copies were valid, suggesting a valid response rate of 56.6%. SPSS 17.0 and AMOS 17.0 (structural equation modeling) statistical software packages were used for data analysis and processing. The findings are as follows: System quality has a positive influence on service quality (γ11= 0.55), job satisfaction (γ21= 0.32), and system performance (γ31= 0.47). Service quality (β31= 0.38) and job satisfaction (β32= 0.46) will positively influence system performance. It is thus recommended that the information office of hospitals and developers take enhancement of service quality and user satisfaction into consideration in addition to placing b on system quality and information quality when designing, developing, or purchasing an information system, in order to improve benefits and gain more achievements generated by hospital information systems.

Temporary camps at drill hole U19aq on Pahute Mesa, Nye County, Nevada

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

Pippin, L.C.; Reno, R.L.; Henton, G.H.

1992-01-01

The US Department of Energy, Nevada Field Office, has proposed a nuclear test at drill hole U19aq (902100N/585000E, Nevada Coordinate System, Central Zone) on Pahute Mesa, Nevada Test Site, Nevada. In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the DOE/NV had the Quatenary Sciences Center, Desert Research Institute, identify and evaluate the potential effects of this activity on cultural resources. To determine the nature of cultural resources in the area, DRI conducted a Class III intensive archaeological survey of an approximately 1-km[sup 2] area around the drill hole. That survey, conducted in June 1985, located and recordedmore » 20 archaeological sites. Two of those sites, interpreted as temporary camps of ancient hunters and gatherers, covered an extensive portion of the area proposed for nuclear testing. Half the sites were small concentrations of artifacts or isolated artifacts and were collected at the time of their discovery and 10 sites were left in place. Those sites were in danger of being adversely affected by the land-disturbing activities proposed at the drill hole. In August and September 1985, DRI conducted limited test excavations (15 test units) at those sites to further evaluate their scientific significance and to provide information that could be used in designing a plan for data recovery.« less

Temporary camps at drill hole U19aq on Pahute Mesa, Nye County, Nevada

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

Pippin, L.C.; Reno, R.L.; Henton, G.H.

1992-12-31

The US Department of Energy, Nevada Field Office, has proposed a nuclear test at drill hole U19aq (902100N/585000E, Nevada Coordinate System, Central Zone) on Pahute Mesa, Nevada Test Site, Nevada. In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the DOE/NV had the Quatenary Sciences Center, Desert Research Institute, identify and evaluate the potential effects of this activity on cultural resources. To determine the nature of cultural resources in the area, DRI conducted a Class III intensive archaeological survey of an approximately 1-km{sup 2} area around the drill hole. That survey, conducted in June 1985, located and recordedmore » 20 archaeological sites. Two of those sites, interpreted as temporary camps of ancient hunters and gatherers, covered an extensive portion of the area proposed for nuclear testing. Half the sites were small concentrations of artifacts or isolated artifacts and were collected at the time of their discovery and 10 sites were left in place. Those sites were in danger of being adversely affected by the land-disturbing activities proposed at the drill hole. In August and September 1985, DRI conducted limited test excavations (15 test units) at those sites to further evaluate their scientific significance and to provide information that could be used in designing a plan for data recovery.« less

VizieR Online Data Catalog: AQ Boo VRI differential light curves (Wang+, 2016)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, S.; Zhang, L.; Pi, Q.; Han, X. L.; Zhang, X.; Lu, H.; Wang, D.; Li, T.

2016-11-01

On March 22 and April 19 in 2014, we observed AQ Boo with the 60cm telescope at Xinglong Station of the National Astronomical Observatories of China (NAOC). The CCD camera on this telescope has a resolution of 1024 x 1024 pixels and its corresponding field of view is 17'x17' (Yang, 2013NewA...25..109Y). The other three days of data were obtained using the 1-m telescope at Yunnan Observatory of Chinese Academy of Sciences, on January 20, 21 and February 28 in 2015. The CCD camera on this telescope has a resolution of 2048x2048 pixels and its corresponding field of view is 7.3'x7.3'. Bessel VRI filters were used. The exposure times are 100-170s, 50-100s and 50-80s in the V, R, I bands, respectively. (1 data file).

Motivating medical information system performance by system quality, service quality, and job satisfaction for evidence-based practice

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background No previous studies have addressed the integrated relationships among system quality, service quality, job satisfaction, and system performance; this study attempts to bridge such a gap with evidence-based practice study. Methods The convenience sampling method was applied to the information system users of three hospitals in southern Taiwan. A total of 500 copies of questionnaires were distributed, and 283 returned copies were valid, suggesting a valid response rate of 56.6%. SPSS 17.0 and AMOS 17.0 (structural equation modeling) statistical software packages were used for data analysis and processing. Results The findings are as follows: System quality has a positive influence on service quality (γ11= 0.55), job satisfaction (γ21= 0.32), and system performance (γ31= 0.47). Service quality (β31= 0.38) and job satisfaction (β32= 0.46) will positively influence system performance. Conclusions It is thus recommended that the information office of hospitals and developers take enhancement of service quality and user satisfaction into consideration in addition to placing b on system quality and information quality when designing, developing, or purchasing an information system, in order to improve benefits and gain more achievements generated by hospital information systems. PMID:23171394

Revised values for the Gibbs free energy of formation of [Al(OH)4 aq-], diaspore, boehmite and bayerite at 298.15 K and 1 bar, the thermodynamic properties of kaolinite to 800 K and 1 bar, and the heats of solution of several gibbsite samples

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hemingway, B.S.; Robie, R.A.; Kittrick, J.A.

1978-01-01

Solution calorimetric measurements compared with solubility determinations from the literature for the same samples of gibbsite have provided a direct thermochemical cycle through which the Gibbs free energy of formation of [Al(OH)4 aq-] can be determined. The Gibbs free energy of formation of [Al(OH)4 aq-] at 298.15 K is -1305 ?? 1 kJ/mol. These heat-of-solution results show no significant difference in the thermodynamic properties of gibbsite particles in the range from 50 to 0.05 ??m. The Gibbs free energies of formation at 298.15 K and 1 bar pressure of diaspore, boehmite and bayerite are -9210 ?? 5.0, -918.4 ?? 2.1 and -1153 ?? 2 kJ/mol based upon the Gibbs free energy of [A1(OH)4 aq-] calculated in this paper and the acceptance of -1582.2 ?? 1.3 and -1154.9 ?? 1.2 kJ/mol for the Gibbs free energy of formation of corundum and gibbsite, respectively. Values for the Gibbs free energy formation of [Al(OH)2 aq+] and [AlO2 aq-] were also calculated as -914.2 ?? 2.1 and -830.9 ?? 2.1 kJ/mol, respectively. The use of [AlC2 aq-] as a chemical species is discouraged. A revised Gibbs free energy of formation for [H4SiO4aq0] was recalculated from calorimetric data yielding a value of -1307.5 ?? 1.7 kJ/mol which is in good agreement with the results obtained from several solubility studies. Smoothed values for the thermodynamic functions CP0, ( HT0 - H2980) T, ( GT0 - H2980) T, ST0 - S00, ??Hf{hook},2980 kaolinite are listed at integral temperatures between 298.15 and 800 K. The heat capacity of kaolinite at temperatures between 250 and 800 K may be calculated from the following equation: CP0 = 1430.26 - 0.78850 T + 3.0340 ?? 10-4 T2 -1.85158 ?? 10-4 T2 1 2 + 8.3341 ?? 106 T-2. The thermodynamic properties of most of the geologically important Al-bearing phases have been referenced to the same reference state for Al, namely gibbsite. ?? 1978.

New Hampshire Quality Rating System: QRS Profile. The Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Child Trends, 2010

2010-01-01

This paper presents a profile of New Hampshire's Quality Rating System prepared as part of the Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment Study. The profile consists of several sections and their corresponding descriptions including: (1) Program Information; (2) Rating Details; (3) Quality Indicators for Center-Based Programs; (4)…

EPA National Quality System Contacts

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Web links and contacts for the individual quality systems developed in support of the EPA Quality System by each EPA Regional Office, National Program Office and ORD National Research Laboratory and Center.

A Precise Measurement of the Deuteron Elastic Structure Function A(Q 2)

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

Honegger, Andrian

1999-12-07

During summer 1997 experiment 394-018 measured the deuteron tensor polarization in D(e,e'more » $$vec\\{d}$$) scattering in Hall C at Jefferson Laboratory. In a momentum transfer range between 0.66 and 1.8 (GeV=c) 2, with slight changes in the experimental setup, the collaboration performed six precision measurements of the deuteron structure function A(Q 2) in elastic D(e,e'd) scattering . Scattered electrons and recoil deuterons were detected in coincidence in the High Momentum Spectrometer and the recoil polarimeter POLDER, respectively. At every kinematics H(e,e') data were taken to study systematic effects of the measurement. These new precise measurements resolve discrepancies between older data sets and put significant constraints on existing models of the deuteron electromagnetic structure. This work was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation, the French Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and the Commissariat 'a l'Energie Atomique, the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation and the K.C. Wong Foundation.« less

14 CFR 21.607 - Quality system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Quality system. 21.607 Section 21.607... PROCEDURES FOR PRODUCTS AND PARTS Technical Standard Order Approvals § 21.607 Quality system. Each applicant for or holder of a TSO authorization must establish a quality system that meets the requirements of...

14 CFR 21.307 - Quality system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Quality system. 21.307 Section 21.307... PROCEDURES FOR PRODUCTS AND PARTS Parts Manufacturer Approvals § 21.307 Quality system. Each applicant for or holder of a PMA must establish a quality system that meets the requirements of § 21.137. ...

14 CFR 21.307 - Quality system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Quality system. 21.307 Section 21.307... PROCEDURES FOR PRODUCTS AND PARTS Approval of Materials, Parts, Processes, and Appliances § 21.307 Quality system. Each applicant for or holder of a PMA must establish a quality system that meets the requirements...

21 CFR 820.186 - Quality system record.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Quality system record. 820.186 Section 820.186...) MEDICAL DEVICES QUALITY SYSTEM REGULATION Records § 820.186 Quality system record. Each manufacturer shall maintain a quality system record (QSR). The QSR shall include, or refer to the location of, procedures and...

Is high job control a risk factor for poor quality of life in workers with high autism spectrum tendencies? A cross-sectional survey at a factory in Japan.

PubMed

Hayakawa, Norika; Okada, Takashi; Nomura, Kenji; Tsukada, Tsukimi; Nakamura, Mieko

2015-01-01

To examine the effect of autism spectrum (AS) tendencies and psychosocial job characteristics on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among factory workers. A questionnaire survey was administered to 376 Japanese factory employees from the same company (response rate: 83.6%) in 2010. Psychosocial job characteristics, including job demand, job control, and social support, were evaluated using the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). AS tendencies was assessed using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), and HRQOL was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form General Health Survey (SF-8). Associations were investigated using multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounders. In the multivariate analysis, AQ was positively (odds ratio [OR]: 3.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.70-9.73) and social support in the workplace was inversely (OR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.10-0.57) associated with poor mental HRQOL. No significant interaction was observed between AQ and JCQ subitems. Only social support was inversely associated with poor physical HRQOL (OR and 95% CI for medium social support: 0.45 and 0.21-0.94), and a significant interaction between AQ and job control was observed (p=0.02), suggesting that high job control was associated with poor physical HRQOL among workers with high AQ, whereas low job control tended to be associated with poor physical HRQOL among others. Our results suggest that AS tendencies have a negative effect on workers' HRQOL and social support is a primary factor in maintaining HRQOL. Moreover, a structured work environment can maintain physical HRQOL in workers with high AS tendencies since higher job control will be stressful.

Analysis of Air Toxics From NOAA WP-3 Aircraft Measurements During the TexAQS 2006 Campaign: Comparison With Emission Inventories and Additive Inhalation Risk Factors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Del Negro, L. A.; Warneke, C.; de Gouw, J. A.; Atlas, E.; Lueb, R.; Zhu, X.; Pope, L.; Schauffler, S.; Hendershot, R.; Washenfelder, R.; Fried, A.; Richter, D.; Walega, J. G.; Weibring, P.

2007-12-01

Benzene and nine other air toxics classified as human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) were measured from the NOAA WP-3 aircraft during the TexAQS 2006 campaign. In-situ measurements of benzene, measured with a PTR-MS instrument, are used to estimate emission fluxes for comparison with point source emission inventories developed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Mean and median mixing ratios for benzene, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, 1,3-butadiene, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethane, dibromoethane, dichloromethane, and vinyl chloride, encountered over the city of Houston during the campaign, are combined with inhalation unit risk factor values developed by the California Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Environmental Protection Agency to estimate the additive inhalation risk factor. This additive risk factor represents the risk associated with lifetime (70 year) exposure at the levels measured and should not be used as an absolute indicator of risk to individuals. However, the results are useful for assessments of changing relative risk over time, and for identifying dominant contributions to the overall air toxic risk.

TEMPO Early Adopters in Air-Quality Forecasting, Planning and Assessment, Pollution Emissions, Health, Agriculture, and Environmental Impacts: Applications and Decision Support

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newchurch, M.; Zavodsky, B.; Chance, K.; Haynes, J.; Lefer, B. L.; Naeger, A.

2016-12-01

The AQ research community has a long legacy of using space-based observations (e.g., Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet Instrument [SBUV], Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment [GOME], Ozone Monitoring Instrument [OMI], and the Ozone Mapping & Profiler Suite [OMPS]) to study atmospheric chemistry. These measurements have been used to observe day-to-day and year-to-year changes in atmospheric constituents. However, they have not been able to capture the diurnal variability of pollution with enough temporal or spatial fidelity and a low enough latency for regular use by operational decision makers. As a result, the operational AQ community has traditionally relied on ground-based (e.g., collection stations, LIDAR) and airborne observing systems to study tropospheric chemistry. In order to maximize its utility for applications and decision support, there is a need to educate the community about the game-changing potential for the geostationary TEMPO mission well ahead of its expected launch date early in the third decade of this millinium. This NASA mission will engage user communities and enable science across the NASA Applied Science Focus Areas of Health and Air Quality, Disasters, Water Resources, and Ecological Forecasting, In addition, topics discussed will provide opportunities for collaborations extending TEMPO applications to future program areas in Agriculture, Weather and Climate (including Numerical Weather Prediction), Energy, and Oceans.

Monitoring Tropospheric Ozone Enhancement in the Front Range Using the Gsfc Tropoz DIAL during Discover - AQ 2014

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sullivan, J. T.; McGee, T. J.; Hoff, R. M.; Twigg, L.; Sumnicht, G. K.

2014-12-01

Tropospheric ozone profiles have been retrieved from the new ground based National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center TROPospheric OZone DIfferential Absorption Lidar (GSFC TROPOZ DIAL) in Fort Collins, CO from 200 m to 16 km AGL. These measurements were taken as part of NASA's DISCOVER-AQ campaign in July/August 2014. Measurements were made during simultaneous aircraft spirals over the lidar site as well as collocated ozonesonde launches. Ozone enhancement from local sources typically occurred in the mid-afternoon convection period, especially when there was light winds and low cloud cover. Interesting ozone profiles and time series data will be shown. Current atmospheric satellite instruments cannot peer through the optically thick stratospheric ozone layer to remotely sense boundary layer tropospheric ozone. In order to monitor this lower ozone more effectively, the Tropospheric Ozone Lidar Network (TOLNet) has been developed, which currently consists of five stations across the US. Three of these lidars, including the GSFC TROPOZ DIAL, recorded measurements during the DISCOVER-AQ campaign. The GSFC TROPOZ DIAL is based on the Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) technique, which currently detects two wavelengths, 289 and 299 nm. Ozone is absorbed more strongly at 289 nm than at 299 nm. The DIAL technique exploits this difference between the returned backscatter signals to obtain the ozone number density as a function of altitude. The transmitted wavelengths are generated by focusing the output of a quadrupled Nd:YAG laser beam (266 nm) into a pair of Raman cells, filled with high pressure hydrogen and deuterium. Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) within the focus generates a significant fraction of the pump energy at the first Stokes shift. With the knowledge of the ozone absorption coefficient at these two wavelengths, the range resolved number density can be derived.

Documenting an ISO 9000 Quality System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fisher, Barry

1995-01-01

Discusses six steps to follow when documenting an ISO 9000 quality system: using ISO 9000 to develop a quality system, identifying a company's business processes, analyzing the business processes; describing the procedures, writing the quality manual, and working to the documented procedures. (SR)

Iowa Child Care Quality Rating System: QRS Profile. The Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Child Trends, 2010

2010-01-01

This paper presents a profile of Iowa's Child Care Quality Rating System prepared as part of the Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment Study. The profile is divided into the following categories: (1) Program Information; (2) Rating Details; (3) Quality Indicators for Center-Based Programs; (4) Indicators for Family Child Care Programs;…

Percutaneous transfemoral-transseptal implantation of a second-generation CardiAQ mitral valve bioprosthesis: first procedure description and 30-day follow-up.

PubMed

Ussia, Gian Paolo; Quadri, Arshad; Cammalleri, Valeria; De Vico, Pasquale; Muscoli, Saverio; Marchei, Massimo; Ruvolo, Giovanni; Sondergaard, Lars; Romeo, Francesco

2016-02-01

Transcatheter mitral valve implantation for mitral valve regurgitation is in the very early phase of development because of challenging anatomy and device dimensions. We describe the procedure of a transfemoral-transseptal implantation of the second-generation CardiAQ mitral valve bioprosthesis and 30-day follow-up. The procedure was performed percutaneously, without any left extracorporeal circulatory support. The patient had severe mitral regurgitation with severely depressed ventricular function and other comorbidities. The patient was deemed extreme high risk for conventional cardiac surgery by a multidisciplinary team. The main procedural steps were the creation of an arteriovenous loop with an exchange nitinol wire, and the use of a customised "steerable snare system" to facilitate the catheter delivery system into the mitral annulus. Transoesophageal echocardiography and fluoroscopy were utilised for device positioning and deployment. The mitral valve prosthesis was implanted with mild mitral regurgitation. The postoperative course was uneventful and at 30-day follow-up the patient is in NYHA Class I, with good function of the mitral valve bioprosthesis. This procedure shows that percutaneous transfemoral transcatheter mitral valve implantation is feasible, safe and successful. Further experience is needed to render this procedure clinically available.

77 FR 31268 - Determination of Attainment for the Paul Spur/Douglas PM10

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-25

... requirements under 40 CFR part 58.\\7\\ Furthermore, we concluded in our Technical System Audit Report concerning... www.regulations.gov or email. www.regulations.gov is an ``anonymous access'' system, and EPA will not...) in the nonattainment area, and entered into the EPA Air Quality System (AQS) database. Data from air...

A Quality System Database

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Snell, William H.; Turner, Anne M.; Gifford, Luther; Stites, William

2010-01-01

A quality system database (QSD), and software to administer the database, were developed to support recording of administrative nonconformance activities that involve requirements for documentation of corrective and/or preventive actions, which can include ISO 9000 internal quality audits and customer complaints.

Assessing the Association Between Asthma and Air Quality in the Presence of Wildfires

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, L. J.; Lopiano, K. K.; Xu, X.; Holt, N. M.; Leary, E.; Al-Hamdan, M. Z.; Crosson, W. L.; Estes, M. G.; Luvall, J. C.; Estes, S. M.;

Systems Engineering, Quality and Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shepherd, Christena C.

2015-01-01

AS9100 has little to say about how to apply a Quality Management System (QMS) to aerospace test programs. There is little in the quality engineering Body of Knowledge that applies to testing, unless it is nondestructive examination or some type of lab or bench testing. If one examines how the systems engineering processes are implemented throughout a test program; and how these processes can be mapped to AS9100, a number of areas for involvement of the quality professional are revealed.

Estimating the effects of the transboundary transport and local emissions of atmospheric pollutants in South Korea during KORUS-AQ campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, S.; Koo, J. H.; Hong, J.; Choi, M.; Kim, J.; Lim, H.; Holben, B. N.; Eck, T. F.; Ahn, J. Y.; Park, J.; Kim, S. K.

2017-12-01

The air quality of South Korea, located in the east of China, is affected by persistent westerlies, showing the relationship to the emission in upwind region. High aerosol concentration in South Korea is also attributed to local emissions. Particularly, the industrial complex and power plants are concentrated in the Chungcheongnam-do (CN), located by the southwest part of Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA). In this study, we evaluate the contribution of both the transboundary transport of Chinese pollutants and local emissions in the CN to the air quality in South Korea during Korea-US Air Quality (KORUS-AQ) campaign, 1 May to 12 June in 2016. Based on the information of aerosol optical depth (AOD) obtained from ground-based Aerosol Robotic NETwork (AERONET) sunphotometer and surface in-situ Particulate Matter (PM) measurements at 19 stations, high and low aerosol pollution cases are classified first. Then, 2-day back-trajectories are calculated using National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) HYbrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model at each AERONET site to investigate whether transport pattern is different in accordance with the classified cases about aerosol amounts. As a result, we find the distinct pathway of air-mass transport from eastern China; When high AOD is observed at station located in the western coast of South Korea, air masses are directly transported from Shandong peninsular to the Korean peninsula. In contrast, air masses are mostly transported from northwestern or northern China during the period of low AOD conditions. When PM2.5 detected at SMA sites is greater than Korean government criteria (50 micrograms per cubic meter for 24-hour average PM2.5), SMA sites are mostly affected by air mass flows through the CN area. These results indicate that transport pattern can be different vertically and surface aerosol concentration has different transport pattern from the transport pattern related to the variation of

DISCOVER-AQ Airborne Measurements Quantify How Satellite-Retrievable Becomes Health-Relevant: The Example Of Smog And Its Production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esswein, R. F.; Chatfield, R. B.; Crawford, J. H.; Weinheimer, A. J.; Fried, A.; Barrick, J. D.

2012-12-01

Unusually rich information about health-relevant surface smog pollution may be expected from developing multi-wavelength retrievals from space, e.g., in upcoming missions being planned by the United States ("GEO-CAPE") and by European and Asian agencies. The key is that ozone and its precursors are vertically correlated in layers that can be retrieved, and that situation-to-situation variation is more important than small local spatial variations. Variations in relationships are understood in terms of simple weather principles such as subsidence and repeating local circulation features. BACKGROUND: Near-surface pollution is one of the most challenging problems for Earth observations from space. Near- surface information must be inferred from column-integrated quantities obtained by passive remote sensing from nadir-looking satellite instruments. NASA has undertaken a major five-year experimental mission to investigate air pollution on the 1- to 100-km urban/regional scale. The mission concept involved Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from COlumn and VERtically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality, generally known better by its acronym DISCOVER-AQ. A major goal is to understand the usefulness of and best methodologies for satellite remote sensing data. The DISCOVER-AQ airborne study repeatedly made spirals over various urban, industrial, transportation, and rural sites in detail around the Baltimore-Washington area in July, 2011. We compare mixing ratios appropriately averaged over a 0.2-3 km altitude ("Retrievable") and those measured at the bottom of the spirals, 0.2-0.5 km, the "Relevant". The "Retrievable" layer 0.2-3 km. was set by GEO-CAPE remote- sensing sensitivity analyses for ozone [Natraj et al., Atmos. Environ., 2011]. Correlations were quite good, ca. 0.9. Retrieved-relevant correlations for O3 were determined mostly by synoptic conditions. Comparisons for NO2 and HCHO mixing ratio (= m.r.) and especially log(m.r.) are affected by

Ozone production and its sensitivity to NOx and VOCs: results from the DISCOVER-AQ field experiment, Houston 2013

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazzuca, Gina M.; Ren, Xinrong; Loughner, Christopher P.; Estes, Mark; Crawford, James H.; Pickering, Kenneth E.; Weinheimer, Andrew J.; Dickerson, Russell R.

2016-11-01

An observation-constrained box model based on the Carbon Bond mechanism, version 5 (CB05), was used to study photochemical processes along the NASA P-3B flight track and spirals over eight surface sites during the September 2013 Houston, Texas deployment of the NASA Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from COlumn and VERtically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality (DISCOVER-AQ) campaign. Data from this campaign provided an opportunity to examine and improve our understanding of atmospheric photochemical oxidation processes related to the formation of secondary air pollutants such as ozone (O3). O3 production and its sensitivity to NOx and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were calculated at different locations and times of day. Ozone production efficiency (OPE), defined as the ratio of the ozone production rate to the NOx oxidation rate, was calculated using the observations and the simulation results of the box and Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) models. Correlations of these results with other parameters, such as radical sources and NOx mixing ratio, were also evaluated. It was generally found that O3 production tends to be more VOC-sensitive in the morning along with high ozone production rates, suggesting that control of VOCs may be an effective way to control O3 in Houston. In the afternoon, O3 production was found to be mainly NOx-sensitive with some exceptions. O3 production near major emissions sources such as Deer Park was mostly VOC-sensitive for the entire day, other urban areas near Moody Tower and Channelview were VOC-sensitive or in the transition regime, and areas farther from downtown Houston such as Smith Point and Conroe were mostly NOx-sensitive for the entire day. It was also found that the control of NOx emissions has reduced O3 concentrations over Houston but has led to larger OPE values. The results from this work strengthen our understanding of O3 production; they indicate that controlling NOx emissions will provide

Methods of computing steady-state voltage stability margins of power systems

DOEpatents

Chow, Joe Hong; Ghiocel, Scott Gordon

2018-03-20

In steady-state voltage stability analysis, as load increases toward a maximum, conventional Newton-Raphson power flow Jacobian matrix becomes increasingly ill-conditioned so power flow fails to converge before reaching maximum loading. A method to directly eliminate this singularity reformulates the power flow problem by introducing an AQ bus with specified bus angle and reactive power consumption of a load bus. For steady-state voltage stability analysis, the angle separation between the swing bus and AQ bus can be varied to control power transfer to the load, rather than specifying the load power itself. For an AQ bus, the power flow formulation is only made up of a reactive power equation, thus reducing the size of the Jacobian matrix by one. This reduced Jacobian matrix is nonsingular at the critical voltage point, eliminating a major difficulty in voltage stability analysis for power system operations.

Louisiana Quality Start Child Care Rating System: QRS Profile. The Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Child Trends, 2010

2010-01-01

This paper presents a profile of Louisiana's Quality Start Child Care Rating System prepared as part of the Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment Study. The profile consists of several sections and their corresponding descriptions including: (1) Program Information; (2) Rating Details; (3) Quality Indicators for Center-Based Programs;…

Quality Rating and Improvement Systems: A Strategic Movement for Defining Quality

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Neugebauer, Roger

2009-01-01

One of the most important trends in the early childhood field is the emergence of quality rating systems (QRS), or quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS), which are designed to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality of early and school-age care programs. QRS came onto the scene in 1998 when Oklahoma enacted its "Reaching…

Status of GeoTASO Trace Gas Data Analysis for the KORUS-AQ Campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janz, S. J.; Nowlan, C. R.; Lamsal, L. N.; Kowalewski, M. G.; Judd, L. M.; Wang, J.

2017-12-01

The Geostationary Trace gas and Aerosol Sensor Optimization (GeoTASO) instrument measures spectrally resolved backscattered solar radiation at high spatial resolution. The instrument completed 30 sorties on board the NASA LaRC UC-12 aircraft during the KORUS-AQ deployment in May-June of 2016. GeoTASO collects spatially resolved spectra with sufficient sensitivity to retrieve column amounts of the trace gas molecules NO2, SO2, H2CO, O3, and C2H2O2 as well as aerosol products. Typical product retrievals are done in 250 m2 bins with multiple overpasses of key ground sites, allowing for detailed spatio-temporal analysis. Flight patterns consisted of both contiguous overlapping grid patterns to simulate satellite observational strategies in support of future geostationary satellite algorithm development, and "race-track" sampling to perform calibration and validation with the in-situ DC-8 platform as well as ground based assets. We will summarize the status of the radiance data set as well as ongoing analysis from our co-Investigators.

77 FR 65646 - Determination of Attainment for the Yuba City-Marysville Nonattainment Area for the 2006 Fine...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-30

...\\ from its Technical System Audit of the CARB PQAO (conducted during the summer of 2007) that the ambient... email. www.regulations.gov is an ``anonymous access'' system, and EPA will not know your identity or... PM 2.5 NAAQS based on 2009-2011 monitoring data. Preliminary data in EPA's Air Quality System (AQS...

Field test of a new instrument to measure UV/Vis (300-700 nm) ambient aerosol extinction spectra in Colorado during DISCOVER-AQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jordan, C. E.; Anderson, B. E.; Beyersdorf, A. J.; Dibb, J. E.; Greenslade, M. E.; Martin, R.; Scheuer, E. M.; Shook, M.; Thornhill, K. L., II; Troop, D.; Winstead, E.; Ziemba, L. D.

2014-12-01

An optical instrument has been developed to investigate aerosol extinction spectra in the ambient atmosphere. Based on a White-type cell design and using a differential optical approach, aerosol extinction spectra over the 300-700 nm ultraviolet and visible (UV/Vis) wavelength range are obtained. Laboratory tests conducted at NASA Langley Research Center (NASA LaRC) in March 2014 showed good agreement with Cavity Attenuated Phase Shift (CAPS PMex, Aerodyne Research) extinction measurements (at 450, 530, and 630 nm) for a variety of aerosols, e.g., scatterers such as polystyrene latex spheres and ammonium sulfate; absorbers such as dust (including pigmented minerals), smoke (generated in a miniCAST burning propane) and laboratory smoke analogs (e.g., fullerene soot and aquadag). The instrument was field tested in Colorado in July and August 2014 aboard the NASA mobile laboratory at various ground sites during the DISCOVER-AQ (Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality) field campaign. A description of the instrument, results from the laboratory tests, and summer field data will be presented. The instrument provides a new tool for probing in situ aerosol optical properties that may help inform remote sensing approaches well into the UV range.

Variability of O3 and NO2 profile shapes during DISCOVER-AQ: Implications for satellite observations and comparisons to model-simulated profiles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flynn, Clare Marie; Pickering, Kenneth E.; Crawford, James H.; Weinheimer, Andrew J.; Diskin, Glenn; Thornhill, K. Lee; Loughner, Christopher; Lee, Pius; Strode, Sarah A.

2016-12-01

To investigate the variability of in situ profile shapes under a variety of meteorological and pollution conditions, results are presented of an agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis of the in situ O3 and NO2 profiles for each of the four campaigns of the NASA DISCOVER-AQ mission. Understanding the observed profile variability for these trace gases is useful for understanding the accuracy of the assumed profile shapes used in satellite retrieval algorithms as well as for understanding the correlation between satellite column observations and surface concentrations. The four campaigns of the DISCOVER-AQ mission took place in Maryland during July 2011, the San Joaquin Valley of California during January-February 2013, the Houston, Texas, metropolitan region during September 2013, and the Denver-Front Range region of Colorado during July-August 2014. Several distinct profile clusters emerged for the California, Texas, and Colorado campaigns for O3, indicating significant variability of O3 profile shapes, while the Maryland campaign presented only one distinct O3 cluster. In contrast, very few distinct profile clusters emerged for NO2 during any campaign for this particular clustering technique, indicating the NO2 profile behavior was relatively uniform throughout each campaign. However, changes in NO2 profile shape were evident as the boundary layer evolved through the day, but they were apparently not significant enough to yield more clusters. The degree of vertical mixing (as indicated by temperature lapse rate) associated with each cluster exerted an important influence on the shapes of the median cluster profiles for O3, as well as impacted the correlations between the associated column and surface data for each cluster for O3. The correlation analyses suggest satellites may have the best chance to relate to surface O3 under the conditions encountered during the Maryland campaign Clusters 1 and 2, which include deep, convective boundary layers and few

14 CFR 145.211 - Quality control system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Quality control system. 145.211 Section 145...) SCHOOLS AND OTHER CERTIFICATED AGENCIES REPAIR STATIONS Operating Rules § 145.211 Quality control system. (a) A certificated repair station must establish and maintain a quality control system acceptable to...

14 CFR 145.211 - Quality control system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Quality control system. 145.211 Section 145...) SCHOOLS AND OTHER CERTIFICATED AGENCIES REPAIR STATIONS Operating Rules § 145.211 Quality control system. (a) A certificated repair station must establish and maintain a quality control system acceptable to...

Application of multi-constituent satellite data assimilation for KORUS-AQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyazaki, K.; Sekiya, T.; Fu, D.; Bowman, K. W.; Kulawik, S. S.; Walker, T.; Takigawa, M.; Ogochi, K.; Gaubert, B.; Barré, J.; Emmons, L. K.

2017-12-01

Comprehensive tropospheric maps of multi-constituent fields at 1.1 degree resolution, provided by an assimilation of multiple satellite measurements of O3, CO, NO2, and HNO3 from multiple satellite (OMI, GOME-2, MOPITT, MLS, and AIRS) using an ensemble Kalman filter, are used to study variations in tropospheric composition over east Asia during KORUS-AQ. Assimilated model results for both direct ozone assimilations and assimilations of ozone precursors (NOx and CO) were compared to DC-8 aircraft observations, with significant improvements in model/aircraft comparisons for ozone (the negative model bias was reduced by up to 80 %), CO (by up to 90 %), OH (by up to 40 %), and NOx seen in both approaches. Corrections made to the precursor emissions (i.e., surface NOx and CO emissions), especially over eastern and central China and over South Korea, were important in reducing the negative bias of O3 and CO over South Korea. We obtained additional bias reductions from assimilation of multispectral retrievals of tropospheric ozone profiles from AIRS and OMI, especially for the middle troposphere ozone. Improved agreements with the ground-based measurements at remote sites over South Korea and western Japan suggest that the representation of long-range transport of polluted air is improved by data assimilation, as a result of the optimization of precursor emissions, mainly over China. The higher estimated NOx, by 60-90 % over South Korea and by 20-40 % over eastern China compared to bottom-up inventories, suggests an important underestimation of anthropogenic sources in the emission inventories in these areas. Additional bias reductions were obtained by assimilating the multispectral retrievals, especially for the middle troposphere O3. In the future, assimilating datasets from a new constellation of low Earth orbiting sounders (e.g., IASI, AIRS, CrIS, Sentinel-5p (TROPOMI), and Sentinel-5) and geostationary satellites (Sentinel-4, GEMS, and TEMPO) will provide more

Inter-comparison of network measurements of non-methane organic compounds with model simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Sheng-Po; Su, Yuan-Chang; Chiu, Ching-Jui; Lin, Ching-Ho; Chang, Julius S.; Chang, Chih-Chung; Wang, Jia-Lin

2015-12-01

Ambient levels of total non-methane organic carbons (NMOCs) at air quality stations (AQSs, called AQS NMOCs) are compared with the summed concentrations of 56 NMHCs obtained from the Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations (called total PAMS). For mutual validation of the two networks, the total PAMS were compared with the AQS NMOCs at four sites on the island of Taiwan for the period 2007-2012. The inter-comparison of total PAMS and AQS NMOCs has been discussed previously, which reported that the total PAMS accounted for approximately 30% of the AQS NMOCs on average (Chen et al., 2014b). In this study, both the observed total PAMS and AQS NMOCs were further compared with the emissions and model simulations for mutual validation. A three-dimensional Eulerian air quality model was used to simulate total PAMS and total VOCs, which were then inter-compared with the observed total PAMS and AQS NMOCs, respectively. We found closely agreeing results between the observed and simulated total PAMS, affirming that the treatment of meteorology and VOC emissions in the model was sufficiently robust. Further, although the modeled VOC data agreed with the AQS NMOC observations for the sites in urban settings, a significant discrepancy existed for the industrial sites, particularly at the concentration spikes. Such a discrepancy was presumably attributed to high emissions of OVOCs from industrial complexes compounded by the lower sensitivity of AQS measurements for OVOCs compared with hydrocarbons. Consequently, using AQS NMOCs to represent ambient VOC levels should be limited to environments where the amounts of OVOCs are relatively small relative to total VOCs.

Urban and Industrial VOC Emissions in the Seoul Metropolitan Area and Surrounding Region during the KORUS-AQ Field Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simpson, I. J.; Blake, D. R.; Blake, N. J.; Meinardi, S.; Barletta, B.; Hughes, S.; Vizenor, N.; Emmons, L. K.; Barré, J.; Woo, J. H.; Kim, J.; Schroeder, J.; Knote, C. J.; Fried, A.; Armin, W.; Min, K. E.; Jeong, S.

2017-12-01

The Korea-United States Air Quality Study (KORUS-AQ) took place in May and June, 2016 to better understand air pollution in Korea. During the campaign 2650 whole air samples were collected aboard the NASA DC-8 aircraft and analyzed for more than 80 C1-C10 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including alkanes, aromatics, alkenes, halocarbons and organic nitrates. Approximately 300 samples were collected at low altitude (< 1 km) over the Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA), and 20 downwind of the Daesan industrial facility southwest of Seoul. The Seoul and Daesan samples showed distinct chemical signals. Air in the SMA was rich in VOCs such as ethane, propane, toluene, ethyne and n-butane, reflecting a mix of source influences including natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, vehicle exhaust and industrial solvents. Aromatics (e.g., toluene, xylenes) and alkenes (e.g., isoprene) were strong contributors to OH reactivity in the SMA. The Daesan plumes were rich in VOCs such as ethene, benzene and n-hexane, and at least 25 VOCs showed their highest mixing ratios of the mission in these plumes. Because some of the emitted industrial compounds are known carcinogens (e.g., benzene, 1,3-butadiene), more work is needed to assess potential long-term health effects for facility workers and local residents. Ongoing work includes further clarifying specific source influences in the SMA, assessing emission inventories and the contribution of individual VOCs to ozone production, and linking the airborne data to ground-based measurements.

Quality assurance: Importance of systems and standard operating procedures

PubMed Central

Manghani, Kishu

2011-01-01

It is mandatory for sponsors of clinical trials and contract research organizations alike to establish, manage and monitor their quality control and quality assurance systems and their integral standard operating procedures and other quality documents to provide high-quality products and services to fully satisfy customer needs and expectations. Quality control and quality assurance systems together constitute the key quality systems. Quality control and quality assurance are parts of quality management. Quality control is focused on fulfilling quality requirements, whereas quality assurance is focused on providing confidence that quality requirements are fulfilled. The quality systems must be commensurate with the Company business objectives and business model. Top management commitment and its active involvement are critical in order to ensure at all times the adequacy, suitability, effectiveness and efficiency of the quality systems. Effective and efficient quality systems can promote timely registration of drugs by eliminating waste and the need for rework with overall financial and social benefits to the Company. PMID:21584180

Quality assurance: Importance of systems and standard operating procedures.

PubMed

Manghani, Kishu

2011-01-01

It is mandatory for sponsors of clinical trials and contract research organizations alike to establish, manage and monitor their quality control and quality assurance systems and their integral standard operating procedures and other quality documents to provide high-quality products and services to fully satisfy customer needs and expectations. Quality control and quality assurance systems together constitute the key quality systems. Quality control and quality assurance are parts of quality management. Quality control is focused on fulfilling quality requirements, whereas quality assurance is focused on providing confidence that quality requirements are fulfilled. The quality systems must be commensurate with the Company business objectives and business model. Top management commitment and its active involvement are critical in order to ensure at all times the adequacy, suitability, effectiveness and efficiency of the quality systems. Effective and efficient quality systems can promote timely registration of drugs by eliminating waste and the need for rework with overall financial and social benefits to the Company.

Ozone Production and Its Sensitivity to NOx and VOCs: Results from the DISCOVER-AQ Field Experiment, Houston 2013

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, X.; Mazzuca, G.; Loughner, C.; Estes, M. J.; Crawford, J. H.; Weinheimer, A. J.; Pickering, K. E.; Dickerson, R. R.

2016-12-01

An observation-constrained box model based on the Carbon Bond mechanism, Version 5 (CB05), was used to study photochemical processes along the NASA P-3B flight track and spirals over eight surface sites during the September 2013 Houston, Texas deployment of the NASA DISCOVER-AQ campaign. Data from this campaign provided an opportunity to examine and improve our understanding of atmospheric photochemical oxidation processes related to the formation of secondary air pollutants such as ozone (O3). O3 production and its sensitivity to NOx and VOCs were calculated at different locations and times of day. Ozone production efficiency (OPE), defined as the ratio of the ozone production rate to the NOx oxidation rate, was calculated using the observations and the simulation results of the box and Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) models. Correlation of these results with other parameters, such as radical sources and NOx mixing ratio, was also evaluated. It was generally found that O3 production tends to be more VOC sensitive in the morning along with high ozone production rates, suggesting that control of VOCs may be an effective way to control O3 in Houston. In the afternoon, O3 production was found to be mainly NOx sensitive with some exceptions. O3 production at near major emissions sources such as Deer Park was mostly VOC sensitive for the entire day, other urban areas near Moody Tower and Channelview were VOC sensitive or in the transition regime, and areas farther from downtown Houston such as Smith Point and Conroe were mostly NOx sensitive for the entire day. It was also found that the control of NOx emissions has reduced O3 concentrations over Houston, but led to larger OPE values. The results from this work strengthen our understanding of O3 production; they indicate that controlling NOx emissions will provide air quality benefits over the greater Houston metropolitan area in the long run, but in selected areas controlling VOC emissions will also be

Total Quality Management of Information System for Quality Assessment of Pesantren Using Fuzzy-SERVQUAL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faizah, Arbiati; Syafei, Wahyul Amien; Isnanto, R. Rizal

2018-02-01

This research proposed a model combining an approach of Total Quality Management (TQM) and Fuzzy method of Service Quality (SERVQUAL) to asses service quality. TQM implementation was as quality management orienting on customer's satisfaction by involving all stakeholders. SERVQUAL model was used to measure quality service based on five dimensions such as tangible, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. Fuzzy set theory was to accommodate subjectivity and ambiguity of quality assessment. Input data consisted of indicator data and quality assessment aspect. Input data was, then, processed to be service quality assessment questionnaires of Pesantren by using Fuzzy method to get service quality score. This process consisted of some steps as follows : inputting dimension and questionnaire data to data base system, filling questionnaire through system, then, system calculated fuzzification, defuzzification, gap of quality expected and received by service receivers, and calculating each dimension rating showing quality refinement priority. Rating of each quality dimension was, then, displayed at dashboard system to enable users to see information. From system having been built, it could be known that tangible dimension had the highest gap, -0.399, thus it needs to be prioritized and gets evaluation and refinement action soon.

Portable water quality monitoring system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nizar, N. B.; Ong, N. R.; Aziz, M. H. A.; Alcain, J. B.; Haimi, W. M. W. N.; Sauli, Z.

2017-09-01

Portable water quality monitoring system was a developed system that tested varied samples of water by using different sensors and provided the specific readings to the user via short message service (SMS) based on the conditions of the water itself. In this water quality monitoring system, the processing part was based on a microcontroller instead of Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) machines to receive the results. By using four main sensors, this system obtained the readings based on the detection of the sensors, respectively. Therefore, users can receive the readings through SMS because there was a connection between Arduino Uno and GSM Module. This system was designed to be portable so that it would be convenient for users to carry it anywhere and everywhere they wanted to since the processor used is smaller in size compared to the LCR machines. It was also developed to ease the user to monitor and control the water quality. However, the ranges of the sensors' detection still a limitation in this study.

Hydrologic and Water Quality System (HAWQS)

EPA Science Inventory

The Hydrologic and Water Quality System (HAWQS) is a web-based interactive water quantity and quality modeling system that employs as its core modeling engine the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), an internationally-recognized public domain model. HAWQS provides users with i...

Effects of Grid Resolution on Modeled Air Pollutant Concentrations Due to Emissions from Large Point Sources: Case Study during KORUS-AQ 2016 Campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ju, H.; Bae, C.; Kim, B. U.; Kim, H. C.; Kim, S.

2017-12-01

Large point sources in the Chungnam area received a nation-wide attention in South Korea because the area is located southwest of the Seoul Metropolitan Area whose population is over 22 million and the summertime prevalent winds in the area is northeastward. Therefore, emissions from the large point sources in the Chungnam area were one of the major observation targets during the KORUS-AQ 2016 including aircraft measurements. In general, horizontal grid resolutions of eulerian photochemical models have profound effects on estimated air pollutant concentrations. It is due to the formulation of grid models; that is, emissions in a grid cell will be assumed to be mixed well under planetary boundary layers regardless of grid cell sizes. In this study, we performed series of simulations with the Comprehensive Air Quality Model with eXetension (CAMx). For 9-km and 3-km simulations, we used meteorological fields obtained from the Weather Research and Forecast model while utilizing the "Flexi-nesting" option in the CAMx for the 1-km simulation. In "Flexi-nesting" mode, CAMx interpolates or assigns model inputs from the immediate parent grid. We compared modeled concentrations with ground observation data as well as aircraft measurements to quantify variations of model bias and error depending on horizontal grid resolutions.

Analyzing source apportioned methane in northern California during Discover-AQ-CA using airborne measurements and model simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Matthew S.; Yates, Emma L.; Iraci, Laura T.; Loewenstein, Max; Tadić, Jovan M.; Wecht, Kevin J.; Jeong, Seongeun; Fischer, Marc L.

2014-12-01

This study analyzes source apportioned methane (CH4) emissions and atmospheric mixing ratios in northern California during the Discover-AQ-CA field campaign using airborne measurement data and model simulations. Source apportioned CH4 emissions from the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR) version 4.2 were applied in the 3-D chemical transport model GEOS-Chem and analyzed using airborne measurements taken as part of the Alpha Jet Atmospheric eXperiment over the San Francisco Bay Area (SFBA) and northern San Joaquin Valley (SJV). During the time period of the Discover-AQ-CA field campaign EDGAR inventory CH4 emissions were ∼5.30 Gg day-1 (Gg = 1.0 × 109 g) (equating to ∼1.90 × 103 Gg yr-1) for all of California. According to EDGAR, the SFBA and northern SJV region contributes ∼30% of total CH4 emissions from California. Source apportionment analysis during this study shows that CH4 mixing ratios over this area of northern California are largely influenced by global emissions from wetlands and local/global emissions from gas and oil production and distribution, waste treatment processes, and livestock management. Model simulations, using EDGAR emissions, suggest that the model under-estimates CH4 mixing ratios in northern California (average normalized mean bias (NMB) = -5.2% and linear regression slope = 0.20). The largest negative biases in the model were calculated on days when large amounts of CH4 were measured over local emission sources and atmospheric CH4 mixing ratios reached values >2.5 parts per million. Sensitivity emission studies conducted during this research suggest that local emissions of CH4 from livestock management processes are likely the primary source of the negative model bias. These results indicate that a variety, and larger quantity, of measurement data needs to be obtained and additional research is necessary to better quantify source apportioned CH4 emissions in California.

Analyzing Source Apportioned Methane in Northern California During DISCOVER-AQ-CA Using Airborne Measurements and Model Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Matthew S.

2014-01-01

This study analyzes source apportioned methane (CH4) emissions and atmospheric concentrations in northern California during the Discover-AQ-CA field campaign using airborne measurement data and model simulations. Source apportioned CH4 emissions from the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR) version 4.2 were applied in the 3-D chemical transport model GEOS-Chem and analyzed using airborne measurements taken as part of the Alpha Jet Atmospheric eXperiment over the San Francisco Bay Area (SFBA) and northern San Joaquin Valley (SJV). During the time period of the Discover-AQ-CA field campaign EDGAR inventory CH4 emissions were 5.30 Gg/day (Gg 1.0 109 grams) (equating to 1.9 103 Gg/yr) for all of California. According to EDGAR, the SFBA and northern SJV region contributes 30 of total emissions from California. Source apportionment analysis during this study shows that CH4 concentrations over this area of northern California are largely influenced by global emissions from wetlands and local/global emissions from gas and oil production and distribution, waste treatment processes, and livestock management. Model simulations, using EDGAR emissions, suggest that the model under-estimates CH4 concentrations in northern California (average normalized mean bias (NMB) -5 and linear regression slope 0.25). The largest negative biases in the model were calculated on days when hot spots of local emission sources were measured and atmospheric CH4 concentrations reached values 3.0 parts per million (model NMB -10). Sensitivity emission studies conducted during this research suggest that local emissions of CH4 from livestock management processes are likely the primary source of the negative model bias. These results indicate that a variety, and larger quantity, of measurement data needs to be obtained and additional research is necessary to better quantify source apportioned CH4 emissions in California and further the understanding of the physical processes

Analyzing source apportioned methane in northern California during Discover-AQ-CA using airborne measurements and model simulations

DOE PAGES

Johnson, Matthew S.; Yates, Emma L.; Iraci, Laura T.; ...

2014-12-01

This study analyzes source apportioned methane (CH 4) emissions and atmospheric mixing ratios in northern California during the Discover-AQ-CA field campaign using airborne measurement data and model simulations. Source apportioned CH 4 emissions from the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR) version 4.2 were applied in the 3-D chemical transport model GEOS-Chem and analyzed using airborne measurements taken as part of the Alpha Jet Atmospheric eXperiment over the San Francisco Bay Area (SFBA) and northern San Joaquin Valley (SJV). During the time period of the Discover-AQ-CA field campaign EDGAR inventory CH 4 emissions were ~5.30 Gg day –1 (Ggmore » = 1.0 × 10 9 g) (equating to ~1.90 × 10 3 Gg yr –1) for all of California. According to EDGAR, the SFBA and northern SJV region contributes ~30% of total CH 4 emissions from California. Source apportionment analysis during this study shows that CH 4 mixing ratios over this area of northern California are largely influenced by global emissions from wetlands and local/global emissions from gas and oil production and distribution, waste treatment processes, and livestock management. Model simulations, using EDGAR emissions, suggest that the model under-estimates CH 4 mixing ratios in northern California (average normalized mean bias (NMB) = –5.2% and linear regression slope = 0.20). The largest negative biases in the model were calculated on days when large amounts of CH 4 were measured over local emission sources and atmospheric CH 4 mixing ratios reached values >2.5 parts per million. Sensitivity emission studies conducted during this research suggest that local emissions of CH 4 from livestock management processes are likely the primary source of the negative model bias. These results indicate that a variety, and larger quantity, of measurement data needs to be obtained and additional research is necessary to better quantify source apportioned CH 4 emissions in California.« less

Generating Aerosol Data Products from Airborne in-situ Observations made during 2011 DISCOVER-AQ Field Campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thornhill, K. L.; Anderson, B. E.; Winstead, E. L.; Chen, G.; Beyersdorf, A. J.; Ziemba, L. D.

2011-12-01

In July 2011, the first of four DISCOVER-AQ (Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality) planned field campaigns was completed. The investigation is a broad collaboration between federal and state agencies and academic institutions with the primary goal of improving the interpretation of satellite observations of surface-level trace gas and aerosol parameters by making detailed correlative measurements from aircraft and ground-based instruments in urban regions plagued by air-quality issues. Phase I studied the air-quality of the lower troposphere in and around the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore areas along the I-95 corridor. In-situ airborne data is essential in providing a link between the broad swath satellite measurements and the measurements made by ground based sensors. This is accomplished by examining the relationship between column-integrated values obtained through in-situ sampling and surface measured values, as aircraft can fully characterize atmospheric chemical/aerosol constituents at a given time and location. To that end, the NASA P-3B was instrumented to record fast-response measurements of various gas-phase tracers and aerosol characteristics of pollution. A flight pattern was created and executed for each of the 14 research flights that had the P-3B performing a series of spiral ascents/descents over six ground sites to perform detailed vertical characterizations of the chemical and aerosol structure. The in-situ aerosol characterization was performed by the NASA Langley Aerosol Research Group Experiment (LARGE) using 15 instruments to measure aerosol microphysical, chemical and optical properties. In this presentation we discuss the process in which aerosol science data is generated, from the collection of more than 10 GB of data per 8 hour flight, to the initial QA/QC required to produce a preliminary data product within 24 hours of landing, through final data submission

Quality transitivity and traceability system of herbal medicine products based on quality markers.

PubMed

Liu, Changxiao; Guo, De-An; Liu, Liang

2018-05-15

Due to a variety of factors to affect the herb quality, the existing quality management model is unable to evaluate the process control. The development of the concept of "quality marker" (Q-marker) lays basis for establishing an independent process quality control system for herbal products. To ensure the highest degree of safety, effectiveness and quality process control of herbal products, it is aimed to establish a quality transitivity and traceability system of quality and process control from raw materials to finished herbal products. Based on the key issues and challenges of quality assessment, the current status of quality and process controls from raw materials to herbal medicinal products listed in Pharmacopoeia were analyzed and the research models including discovery and identification of Q-markers, analysis and quality management of risk evaluation were designed. Authors introduced a few new technologies and methodologies, such as DNA barcoding, chromatographic technologies, fingerprint analysis, chemical markers, bio-responses, risk management and solution for quality process control. The quality and process control models for herbal medicinal products were proposed and the transitivity and traceability system from raw materials to the finished products was constructed to improve the herbal quality from the entire supply and production chain. The transitivity and traceability system has been established based on quality markers, especially on how to control the production process under Good Engineering Practices, as well as to implement the risk management for quality and process control in herbal medicine production. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

42 CFR 441.585 - Quality assurance system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... provides information about the provisions of quality improvement and assurance to each individual receiving... 42 Public Health 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Quality assurance system. 441.585 Section 441.585...) § 441.585 Quality assurance system. (a) States must establish and maintain a comprehensive, continuous...

Trace Gas Retrievals from the GeoTASO Aircraft Instrument During the DISCOVER-AQ Campaigns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nowlan, C. R.; Liu, X.; Leitch, J. W.; Liu, C.; Gonzalez Abad, G.; Chance, K.; Delker, T.; Good, W. S.; Murcray, F.; Ruppert, L.; Kaptchen, P. F.; Loughner, C.; Follette-Cook, M. B.; Pickering, K. E.

2014-12-01

The Geostationary Trace gas and Aerosol Sensor Optimization (GeoTASO) instrument is a recently-developed passive remote sensing instrument capable of making 2-D measurements of trace gases from aircraft. GeoTASO was developed under NASA's Instrument Incubator program and is a test-bed instrument for the Geostationary Coastal and Air Pollution Events (GEO-CAPE) decadal survey and the upcoming Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) satellite missions. The instrument collects spectra of backscattered UV-visible radiation for the detection of tropospheric trace gases such as NO2, ozone, formaldehyde and SO2. GeoTASO flew on the NASA HU-25C Falcon aircraft during the 2013 (Texas) and 2014 (Colorado) DISCOVER-AQ field campaigns, making satellite-analog measurements of trace gases at a spatial resolution of approximately 500x500 m over urban areas, power plants and other industrial sources of pollution. We present the GeoTASO retrieval algorithms, trace gas measurement results, and validation comparisons with ground-based observations and other aircraft instruments during these campaigns.

"Power quality system," a new system of quality management for globalization: towards innovation and competitive advantages.

PubMed

Abdul-Rahman, H; Berawi, M A

Knowledge Management (KM) addresses the critical issues of organizational adoption, survival and competence in the face of an increasingly changing environment. KM embodies organizational processes that seek a synergistic combination of the data and information processing capabilities of information and communication technologies (ICT), and the creative and innovative capacity of human beings to improve ICT In that role, knowledge management will improve quality management and avoid or minimize losses and weakness that usually come from poor performance as well as increase the competitive level of the company and its ability to survive in the global marketplace. To achieve quality, all parties including the clients, company consultants, contractors, entrepreneurs, suppliers, and the governing bodies (i.e., all involved stake-holders) need to collaborate and commit to achieving quality. The design based organizations in major business and construction companies have to be quality driven to support healthy growth in today's competitive market. In the march towards vision 2020 and globalization (i.e., the one world community) of many companies, their design based organizations need to have superior quality management and knowledge management to anticipate changes. The implementation of a quality system such as the ISO 9000 Standards, Total Quality Management, or Quality Function Deployment (QFD) focuses the company's resources towards achieving faster and better results in the global market with less cost. To anticipate the needs of the marketplace and clients as the world and technology change, a new system, which we call Power Quality System (PQS), has been designed. PQS is a combination of information and communication technologies (ICT) and the creative and innovative capacity of human beings to meet the challenges of the new world business and to develop high quality products.

In pursuit of quality by viable quality assurance system: the controllers' perceptions.

PubMed

Aziz, Anwar

2011-01-01

Patients, families and communities expect safe, competent and compassionate nursing care that has always been a core value of nursing. To meet these expectations, a valid and reliable quality assurance (QA) system is crucial to ensure that nurse-graduates are competent, confident and fit to practice. The QA approach is seen to be fundamental for quality improvement, it would be appropriate to consider its influence in the nursing education in Pakistan as the current situation is evident of non-existence of such a system to assure its quality. The data is drawn from a qualitative case study conducted in 2004. Among a purposive sample of 71 nurses inclusive of a group of Controllers were interviewed on one-to-one basis. Interviews were audio taped to reduce the risk of any misinterpretation and to facilitate the exact description of data as it was said. The non-directive, semi-structured and open-ended questionnaire was used to collect data. Thematic analysis of verbatim transcripts of the interviews was done. The study findings reveal a unanimous desire of the nurses to gauge quality of nurse education through efficient and effective quality assurance system. A crucial need is felt to develop a viable quality assurance system to ensure approved level of quality in nursing education to deliver the right care to the right patient at the right time, every time. The continuous quality assurance and improvement (CQAI) framework based on Deming Quality Cycle (Plan, Do, Check and Act) could facilitate appropriate designing and development of mechanism.

Hourly air pollution concentrations and their important predictors over Houston, Texas using deep neural networks: case study of DISCOVER-AQ time period

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eslami, E.; Choi, Y.; Roy, A.

2017-12-01

Air quality forecasting carried out by chemical transport models often show significant error. This study uses a deep-learning approach over the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area to overcome this forecasting challenge, for the DISCOVER-AQ period (September 2013). Two approaches, deep neural network (DNN) using a Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) and Restricted Boltzmann Machine (RBM) were utilized. The proposed approaches analyzed input data by identifying features abstracted from its previous layer using a stepwise method. The approaches predicted hourly ozone and PM in September 2013 using several predictors of prior three days, including wind fields, temperature, relative humidity, cloud fraction, precipitation along with PM, ozone, and NOx concentrations. Model-measurement comparisons for available monitoring sites reported Indexes of Agreement (IOA) of around 0.95 for both DNN and RBM. A standard artificial neural network (ANN) (IOA=0.90) with similar architecture showed poorer performance than the deep networks, clearly demonstrating the superiority of the deep approaches. Additionally, each network (both deep and standard) performed significantly better than a previous CMAQ study, which showed an IOA of less than 0.80. The most influential input variables were identified using their associated weights, which represented the sensitivity of ozone to input parameters. The results indicate deep learning approaches can achieve more accurate ozone forecasting and identify the important input variables for ozone predictions in metropolitan areas.

Quality monitored distributed voting system

DOEpatents

Skogmo, David

1997-01-01

A quality monitoring system can detect certain system faults and fraud attempts in a distributed voting system. The system uses decoy voters to cast predetermined check ballots. Absent check ballots can indicate system faults. Altered check ballots can indicate attempts at counterfeiting votes. The system can also cast check ballots at predetermined times to provide another check on the distributed voting system.

Nitrogen dioxide observations from the Geostationary Trace gas and Aerosol Sensor Optimization (GeoTASO) airborne instrument: Retrieval algorithm and measurements during DISCOVER-AQ Texas 2013

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nowlan, Caroline R.; Liu, Xiong; Leitch, James W.; Chance, Kelly; González Abad, Gonzalo; Liu, Cheng; Zoogman, Peter; Cole, Joshua; Delker, Thomas; Good, William; Murcray, Frank; Ruppert, Lyle; Soo, Daniel; Follette-Cook, Melanie B.; Janz, Scott J.; Kowalewski, Matthew G.; Loughner, Christopher P.; Pickering, Kenneth E.; Herman, Jay R.; Beaver, Melinda R.; Long, Russell W.; Szykman, James J.; Judd, Laura M.; Kelley, Paul; Luke, Winston T.; Ren, Xinrong; Al-Saadi, Jassim A.

2016-06-01

The Geostationary Trace gas and Aerosol Sensor Optimization (GeoTASO) airborne instrument is a test bed for upcoming air quality satellite instruments that will measure backscattered ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared light from geostationary orbit. GeoTASO flew on the NASA Falcon aircraft in its first intensive field measurement campaign during the Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality (DISCOVER-AQ) Earth Venture Mission over Houston, Texas, in September 2013. Measurements of backscattered solar radiation between 420 and 465 nm collected on 4 days during the campaign are used to determine slant column amounts of NO2 at 250 m × 250 m spatial resolution with a fitting precision of 2.2 × 1015 moleculescm-2. These slant columns are converted to tropospheric NO2 vertical columns using a radiative transfer model and trace gas profiles from the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. Total column NO2 from GeoTASO is well correlated with ground-based Pandora observations (r = 0.90 on the most polluted and cloud-free day of measurements and r = 0.74 overall), with GeoTASO NO2 slightly higher for the most polluted observations. Surface NO2 mixing ratios inferred from GeoTASO using the CMAQ model show good correlation with NO2 measured in situ at the surface during the campaign (r = 0.85). NO2 slant columns from GeoTASO also agree well with preliminary retrievals from the GEO-CAPE Airborne Simulator (GCAS) which flew on the NASA King Air B200 (r = 0.81, slope = 0.91). Enhanced NO2 is resolvable over areas of traffic NOx emissions and near individual petrochemical facilities.

Nitrogen Dioxide Observations from the Geostationary Trace Gas and Aerosol Sensor Optimization (GeoTaso) Airborne Instrument: Retrieval Algorithm and Measurements During DISCOVER-AQ Texas 2013

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nowlan, Caroline R.; Liu, Xiong; Leitch, James W.; Chance, Kelly; Abad, Gonzalo Gonzalez; Liu, Xiaojun; Zoogman, Peter; Cole, Joshua; Delker, Thomas; Good, William;

A quality system for PET: An industry perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zigler, Steven S.; Breslow, Kenneth; Nazerias, Michael

2005-12-01

Quality systems have been employed in a variety of industries to develop and supply products that meet customer expectations and regulatory requirements. Most quality systems address organizational structure, design controls, production, complaints, audits, corrective actions and preventive actions. This paper describes PETNET's efforts to develop a quality system for use in the production of PET tracers. Our goal is to ensure quality products and to facilitate compliance with impending PET good manufacturing practice (GMP) regulations.

Quality Systems and ISO 9000 in Higher Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lundquist, Robert

1997-01-01

Examines quality assurance systems in higher education in general and of ISO 9000, a set of international quality standards, in particular. Reports on a survey of 23 institutions worldwide concerning implementation of quality systems and application of the ISO 9000 standards. Concludes that while institutions have found the quality assurance…

Ozone Profiles in the Baltimore-Washington Region (2006-2011): Satellite Comparisons and DISCOVER-AQ Observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, Anne M.; Stauffer, Ryan M.; Miller, Sonya K.; Martins, Douglas K.; Joseph, Everette; Weinheimer, Andrew J.; Diskin, Glenn S.

2014-01-01

Much progress has been made in creating satellite products for tracking the pollutants ozone and NO2 in the troposphere. Yet, in mid-latitude regions where meteorological interactions with pollutants are complex, accuracy can be difficult to achieve, largely due to persistent layering of some constituents. We characterize the layering of ozone soundings and related species measured from aircraft over two ground sites in suburban Washington, DC (Beltsville, MD, 39.05N; 76.9W) and Baltimore (Edgewood, MD, 39.4N; 76.3W) during the July 2011 DISCOVER-AQ (Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality) experiment. First, we compare column-ozone amounts from the Beltsville and Edgewood sondes with data from overpassing satellites. Second, processes influencing ozone profile structure are analyzed using Laminar Identification and tracers: sonde water vapor, aircraft CO and NOy. Third, Beltsville ozone profiles and meteorological influences in July 2011 are compared to those from the summers of 2006-2010. Sonde-satellite offsets in total ozone during July 2011 at Edgewood and Beltsville, compared to the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI), were 3 percent mean absolute error, not statistically significant. The disagreement between an OMIMicrowave Limb Sounder-based tropospheric ozone column and the sonde averaged 10 percent at both sites, with the sonde usually greater than the satellite. Laminar Identification (LID), that distinguishes ozone segments influenced by convective and advective transport, reveals that on days when both stations launched ozonesondes, vertical mixing was stronger at Edgewood. Approximately half the lower free troposphere sonde profiles have very dry laminae, with coincident aircraft spirals displaying low CO (80-110 ppbv), suggesting stratospheric influence. Ozone budgets at Beltsville in July 2011, determined with LID, as well as standard meteorological indicators, resemble those

Quality monitored distributed voting system

DOEpatents

Skogmo, D.

1997-03-18

A quality monitoring system can detect certain system faults and fraud attempts in a distributed voting system. The system uses decoy voters to cast predetermined check ballots. Absent check ballots can indicate system faults. Altered check ballots can indicate attempts at counterfeiting votes. The system can also cast check ballots at predetermined times to provide another check on the distributed voting system. 6 figs.

High Aerosol Concentration cases measured at Vessel Gisang 1 over the Yellow Sea during KORUS-AQ Campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryoo, S. B.; Yun Kyu, L.; Lee, H. C.; Cha, J. W.

2017-12-01

ADAM-Haze (Asian Dust and Haze Model) model of NIMS (National Institute of Meteorological Sciences) /KMA (Korean Meteorological Administration) was used to assess the high aerosol mass concentration cases for the cruise area using research vessel Gisang 1 over the Yellow sea during KORUS-AQ (Korea-United States Air Quality Study) campaign in 2016. In order to simplify the analysis of the route of the air mass, it is classified into five categories according to the regional characteristics of the pollution sources.(I: Around inner Mongolia and Beijing regions in China, II: Around Liaoning province in China and North Korea, III: Around South Korea and Japan, IV: Around East China sea, V: Around Shandong Peninsula and Shanghai regions in China.) using by the HYSPLIT 4 model developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration / Air Resources Laboratory. The most frequent airborne trajectories were category V, which accounted for 32% of the total. The category I, II, and III also accounted for 19%, 21% and 26% , respectively. That means the atmospheric aerosol over the Yellow sea during the campaign was affected about 70% from China and 26% from South Korea. To clearly investigate the transport process, ADAM-Haze model separately ran for dust and non-dust cases over the Yellow sea during the cruise. For example, the model showed the Asian dust influenced the vessel observations with pollutants on May 7 2016 in I category and strong haze from Shandong peninsula in China attributed to them on May 29 2016 in V category. In addition, the comparison of the vessel observation with the model out is under study and the source apportionment will be implemented by using numerical method such as DDM (Decoupled Direct Method) calculation. Therefore, we will show you the results for the comparison and DDM calculation as well as detail results of the evaluating model performance in the conference.

Reactivity and Air Composition at Taehwa Research Forest During KORUS-AQ 2016

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanchez, D.; Seco, R.; Gu, D.; Jeong, D.; Blake, D. R.; Herndon, S. C.; Lee, Y.; Mak, J. E.; McGee, T. J.; Guenther, A. B.; Kim, S.

2017-12-01

The existence of unmeasured volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has been strongly suggested by past studies. Combining OH reactivity (inverse OH lifetime) observations, or total reactivity of ambient air, with VOC and other trace gas observations allows us to examine reactive gas budgets. Previous studies at various field sites have shown that significant amounts of OH reactivity cannot be accounted for, especially in areas influenced by biogenic VOCs and their oxidation products. Thus, we will present the improvements in completing the OH reactivity budget at the Taehwa research forest using the OH reactivity, VOC, and other trace gas observations conducted from May to June during the KORUS-AQ 2016 campaign in South Korea. OH reactivity was measured using the comparative reactivity method with chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CRM-CIMS). The VOCs were measured using a proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS). A preliminary assessment of the OH reactivity budget at the Taehwa research using only conventionally measured trace gases and VOCs demonstrated that 54% of OH reactivity remained unaccounted. However, the improved mass resolution and sensitivity towards higher mass compounds (m/z > 100) of the PTR-ToF-MS allowed us to observe typically unmeasured VOCs. Identification of these VOCs may help account for the remaining missing OH reactivity observed at the Taehwa research forest.

76 FR 27290 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; West Virginia; Kentucky; Ohio...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-11

...EPA is proposing to make two determinations regarding the tri- state Huntington-Ashland, West Virginia-Kentucky-Ohio fine particulate matter (PM2.5) nonattainment Area (hereafter referred to as ``the Huntington-Ashland Area'' or ``Area''). First, EPA is proposing to determine that the Area has attained the 1997 annual average PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). This proposed determination of attainment is based upon complete, quality- assured and certified ambient air monitoring data for the 2007-2009 period showing that the Area has attained the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS, and data available to date for 2010 in EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) database that show the area continues to attain. If EPA finalizes this proposed determination of attainment, the requirements for the Area to submit attainment demonstrations and associated reasonably available control measures (RACM), a reasonable further progress (RFP) plan, contingency measures, and other planning State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions related to attainment of the standard shall be suspended for so long as the Area continues to attain the annual PM2.5 NAAQS. Second, EPA is also proposing to determine, based on quality-assured and certified monitoring data for the 2007-2009 monitoring period, that the Area has attained the 1997 annual PM2.5 NAAQS by its applicable attainment date of April 5, 2010.

42 CFR 493.1299 - Standard: Postanalytic systems quality assessment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Standard: Postanalytic systems quality assessment... Nonwaived Testing Postanalytic Systems § 493.1299 Standard: Postanalytic systems quality assessment. (a) The....1291. (b) The postanalytic systems quality assessment must include a review of the effectiveness of...

HAWQS (Hydrologic and Water Quality System)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

A water quantity and quality modeling system to evaluate the impacts of management alternatives, pollution control scenarios, and climate change scenarios on the quantity and quality of water at a national scale.

42 CFR 493.1289 - Standard: Analytic systems quality assessment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Standard: Analytic systems quality assessment. 493... Nonwaived Testing Analytic Systems § 493.1289 Standard: Analytic systems quality assessment. (a) The... through 493.1283. (b) The analytic systems quality assessment must include a review of the effectiveness...

42 CFR 493.1249 - Standard: Preanalytic systems quality assessment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Standard: Preanalytic systems quality assessment... Nonwaived Testing Preanalytic Systems § 493.1249 Standard: Preanalytic systems quality assessment. (a) The....1241 through 493.1242. (b) The preanalytic systems quality assessment must include a review of the...

Spatial Variability in Black Carbon Mixing State Observed During The Multi-City NASA DISCOVER-AQ Field Campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moore, R.; Ziemba, L. D.; Beyersdorf, A. J.; Chen, G.; Corr, C.; Hudgins, C.; Martin, R.; Shook, M.; Thornhill, K. L., II; Winstead, E.; Anderson, B. E.

2014-12-01

Light absorbing carbonaceous aerosols are known to be an important climatic driver with a global radiative forcing of about half (IPCC, 2013) to two-thirds (Bond et al., 2013) that of the dominant greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide. While the mass absorption coefficient of pure black carbon (BC) is fairly well known, observational evidence suggests that BC rapidly mixes with other aerosol chemical components within hours of emission (Moffet and Prather, 2009; Moteki et al., 2007). These other components may include predominantly scattering organic, sulfate, and nitrate species, as well as light-absorbing, so-called "brown carbon" (BrC). It has been suggested that the presence of these BC-mixed components may induce mixing-state-dependent lensing effects that could potentially double the BC direct radiative forcing (Jacobson, 2001). The key to better understanding how BC-rich aerosols are distributed in the atmosphere is to examine an unbiased set of measurements covering broad spatial and temporal coverage; however, many past airborne field campaigns have specifically targeted source plumes or other scientifically-relevant emissions sources. The recent NASA DISCOVER-AQ campaign is unique in that approximately the same flight pattern was performed over a month-long period in each of four different U.S. metropolitan areas, ensuring an unbiased, or at least less biased, data set with both wide horizontal and vertical (surface to 5 km altitude) coverage. We present a statistical analysis of BC-rich particle mixing state measured during DISCOVER-AQ by a DMT Single Particle Soot Photometer (SP2). The SP2 measures the BC mass distribution via laser incandescence, and the non-BC coating thickness is inferred from the light scattering signal of particles greater than 200 nm in diameter (Gao et al., 2007; Moteki and Kondo, 2008). The SP2-derived size distributions are compared to optical scattering size distributions measured by an UHSAS in order determine 1) the externally

Evaluation of mercury and physicochemical parameters in different depths of aquifer water of Thar coalfield, Pakistan.

PubMed

Ali, Jamshed; Kazi, Tasneem G; Tuzen, Mustafa; Ullah, Naeem

2017-07-01

In the current study, mercury (Hg) and physicochemical parameters have been evaluated in aquifer water at different depths of Thar coal field. The water samples were collected from first aquifer (AQ 1 ), second aquifer (AQ 2 ), and third aquifer (AQ 3 ) at three depths, 50-60, 100-120, and 200-250 m, respectively. The results of aquifer water of three depths were interpreted by using different multivariate statistical techniques. Validation of desired method was checked by spiking standard addition method in studied aquifer water samples. The content of Hg in aquifer water samples was measured by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometer (CV-AAS). These determined values illustrate that the levels of Hg were higher than WHO recommended values for drinking water. All physicochemical parameters were higher than WHO permissible limits for drinking water except pH and SO 4 2- in aquifer water. The positive correlation of Hg with other metals in aquifer water samples of AQ 1 , AQ 2 , and AQ 3 of Thar coalfield except HCO 3 - was observed which might be caused by geochemical minerals. The interpretation of determined values by the cluster technique point out the variations within the water quality parameter as well as sampling location of studied field. The aquifer water AQ 2 was more contaminated with Hg as compared to AQ 1 and AQ 3 ; it may be due to leaching of Hg from coal zone. The concentration of Hg in aquifer water obtained from different depths was found in the following decreasing order: AQ 2  < AQ 1  < AQ 3 .

Maps Suggest Transport and Source Processes of PM2.5 at 1 km x 1 km for the Whole San Joaquin Valley, Winter 2011 (Generalizations from DISCOVER-AQ)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chatfield, R. B.

2016-12-01

extend these insights to similar regions, e.g. interior valleys of California, the Po Valley, the Mediterranean litoral, and the Ganges Plain. This work show generalizable use of remote sensing, a major goal of DISCOVER-AQ, Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from COlumn and VERtically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality.

Water soluble ionic characteristics of Natural and Anthropogenic Aerosol Measured at Research Vessel Gisang 1 over the Yellow Sea during KORUS-AQ Campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cha, J. W.; Shin, B.; Hee-Jung, K.; Yun Kyu, L.; Ryoo, S. B.

2017-12-01

The major compositions of water-soluble ionic species were collected in particle matter under 10 ?m (PM10) and 2.5 ?m (PM2.5) in diameter over the Yellow sea during KORUS-AQ (Korea-United States Air Quality Study) campaign using the research vessel Gisang 1 in 2016. These secondary ionic species (NH4+, SO42-, and NO3-) in PM10 and PM2.5 occupied 84 % and 89% of total analyzed species. The NH4+ had strong correlation with nss(non-sea salt)-SO42- in PM10 and PM2.5 and the NO3- had good correlation with Na+, Mg2+, and nss-Ca2+ in PM10 and NH4+ in PM2.5. The methanesulfonic acid (MSA,CH3SO3-) , a main source of natural sulfate over the sea, was observed high mass concentration and this study newly found that it trended to be increased over the Yellow sea in Northeast Asia at recently. The biogenic sulfur contribution to the total nss-SO42-, MSA/nss-SO42-ⅹ100 ratios, over the Yellow sea totally ranged from 1.4% to 9.2% in PM10 and from 0.68% to 9.5% in PM2.5 during the cruise. Therefore the biogenic nss-SO42- cannot be ignored especially in spring and early summer with elevated biological activity. We classified the high aerosol mass concentration cases; Asian dust case (AD), haze & mist case from Northeast China (HMNC), haze case from Korean peninsula (HKP), and haze case from Shandong peninsula in China (HSPC). In AD the ratio of NO3- to nss-SO42- in aerosol showed the mobile source more affected the sample of PM10 and the stationary source more contributed to that of PM2.5. The major chemical species in AD were CaCO3, Ca(NO3)2, Mg(NO3)2, Na(NO3)2, and sea salt. Thus, this study clearly showed that the dust particle reacted with gaseous nitric acid in PM10 of AD. In HKP and HSPC the major species were (NH4)2SO4 and NH4NO3 in PM10 and PM2.5. Interestingly, NH4NO3 was not estimated in HMNC under the condition of high relative humidity and mass concentration nss-SO42-. The ammonium ion (NH4+) reacted SO42 in PM2.5 of the most of haze cases affected the atmospheric

Talking about quality: exploring how 'quality' is conceptualized in European hospitals and healthcare systems.

PubMed

Wiig, Siri; Aase, Karina; von Plessen, Christian; Burnett, Susan; Nunes, Francisco; Weggelaar, Anne Marie; Anderson-Gare, Boel; Calltorp, Johan; Fulop, Naomi

2014-10-11

Conceptualization of quality of care - in terms of what individuals, groups and organizations include in their meaning of quality, is an unexplored research area. It is important to understand how quality is conceptualised as a means to successfully implement improvement efforts and bridge potential disconnect in language about quality between system levels, professions, and clinical services. The aim is therefore to explore and compare conceptualization of quality among national bodies (macro level), senior hospital managers (meso level), and professional groups within clinical micro systems (micro level) in a cross-national study. This cross-national multi-level case study combines analysis of national policy documents and regulations at the macro level with semi-structured interviews (383) and non-participant observation (803 hours) of key meetings and shadowing of staff at the meso and micro levels in ten purposively sampled European hospitals (England, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, and Norway). Fieldwork at the meso and micro levels was undertaken over a 12-month period (2011-2012) and different types of micro systems were included (maternity, oncology, orthopaedics, elderly care, intensive care, and geriatrics). The three quality dimensions clinical effectiveness, patient safety, and patient experience were incorporated in macro level policies in all countries. Senior hospital managers adopted a similar conceptualization, but also included efficiency and costs in their conceptualization of quality. 'Quality' in the forms of measuring indicators and performance management were dominant among senior hospital managers (with clinical and non-clinical background). The differential emphasis on the three quality dimensions was strongly linked to professional roles, personal ideas, and beliefs at the micro level. Clinical effectiveness was dominant among physicians (evidence-based approach), while patient experience was dominant among nurses (patient

Fit for purpose quality management system for military forensic exploitation.

PubMed

Wilson, Lauren Elizabeth; Gahan, Michelle Elizabeth; Robertson, James; Lennard, Chris

2018-03-01

In a previous publication we described a systems approach to forensic science applied in the military domain. The forensic science 'system of systems' describes forensic science as a sub-system in the larger criminal justice, law enforcement, intelligence, and military systems, with quality management being an important supporting system. Quality management systems help to ensure that organisations achieve their objective and continually improve their capability. Components of forensic science quality management systems can include standardisation of processes, accreditation of facilities to national/international standards, and certification of personnel. A fit for purpose quality management system should be balanced to allow organisations to meet objectives, provide continuous improvement; mitigate risk; and impart a positive quality culture. Considerable attention over the last decades has been given to the need for forensic science quality management systems to meet criminal justice and law enforcement objectives. More recently, the need for the forensic quality management systems to meet forensic intelligence objectives has been considered. This paper, for the first time, discusses the need for a fit for purpose quality management system for military forensic exploitation. Crown Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multiple Sensitivity Testing for Regional Air Quality Model in summer 2014

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Y.; Lee, P.; Pan, L.; Tong, D.; Kim, H. C.; Huang, M.; Wang, J.; McQueen, J.; Lu, C. H.; Artz, R. S.

2015-12-01

The NOAA Air Resources laboratory leads to improve the performance of the U.S. Air Quality Forecasting Capability (NAQFC). It is operational in NOAA National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) which focuses on predicting surface ozone and PM2.5. In order to improve its performance, we tested several approaches, including NOAA Environmental Modeling System Global Aerosol Component (NGAC) simulation derived ozone and aerosol lateral boundary conditions (LBC), bi-direction NH3 emission and HMS(Hazard Mapping System)-BlueSky emission with the latest U.S. EPA Community Multi-scale Air Quality model (CMAQ) version and the U.S EPA National Emission Inventory (NEI)-2011 anthropogenic emissions. The operational NAQFC uses static profiles for its lateral boundary condition (LBC), which does not impose severe issue for near-surface air quality prediction. However, its degraded performance for the upper layer (e.g. above 3km) is evident when comparing with aircraft measured ozone. NCEP's Global Forecast System (GFS) has tracer O3 prediction treated as 3-D prognostic variable (Moorthi and Iredell, 1998) after being initialized with Solar Backscatter Ultra Violet-2 (SBUV-2) satellite data. We applied that ozone LBC to the CMAQ's upper layers and yield more reasonable O3 prediction than that with static LBC comparing with the aircraft data in Discover-AQ Colorado campaign. NGAC's aerosol LBC also improved the PM2.5 prediction with more realistic background aerosols. The bi-direction NH3 emission used in CMAQ also help reduce the NH3 and nitrate under-prediction issue. During summer 2014, strong wildfires occurred in northwestern USA, and we used the US Forest Service's BlueSky fire emission with HMS fire counts to drive CMAQ and tested the difference of day-1 and day-2 fire emission estimation. Other related issues were also discussed.

Nitrogen Dioxide Trend over the United States: the View from the Ground, the View from Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lamsal, Lok N.; Duncan, Bryan N.; Yoshida, Yasuko; Krotkov, Nickolay A.

2014-01-01

Emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) are decreasing over the US due to environmental policies and technological change. We use observations of tropospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2) columns from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) satellite instrument and surface NO2 in-situ measurements from the air quality system (AQS) to quantify the trends, and to establish the relationship between the trends in tropospheric column and surface concentration. Both observations show substantial downward trends from 2005 to 2013, with an average reduction of 35 percent according to OMI and 38 percent according to AQS. The annual reduction rates are largest in 2005-2009: -6.2 percent per year and -7 percent per year observed by OMI and AQS, respectively. We examine various factors affecting the estimated trend in OMI NO2 columns and in-situ NO2 observations. An improved understanding of trend offers valuable insights about effectiveness of emission reduction regulations on state and federal level.

Catalytic performance of quinone and graphene-modified polyurethane foam on the decolorization of azo dye Acid Red 18 by Shewanella sp. RQs-106.

PubMed

Zhou, Yang; Lu, Hong; Wang, Jing; Zhou, Jiti; Leng, Xueying; Liu, Guangfei

2018-08-15

Quinone-modified graphene powder is not reusable in bio-treatment systems, and the roles of quinone and graphene during extracellular electron-transfer processes remain unclear. In this study, we prepared anthraquinone-2-sulfonate and reduced graphene-oxide-modified polyurethane foam (AQS-rGO-PUF) and found that AQS-rGO-PUF exhibited higher catalytic performance on Acid Red 18 (AR 18) bio-decolorization compared with AQS-PUF and rGO-PUF. We observed a significant synergistic effect between AQS and rGO in AQS-rGO-PUF-mediated system in the presence of 50 μM AQS and 1.63 mg/L rGO. The synergistic effect was mainly attributed to electron transfer from AQS to rGO either directly or via flavins secreted by strain RQs-106, and ultimately to AR 18, accounting for ∼33.47% of AR 18 removal during AQS-rGO-PUF-mediated decolorization. Additionally, AQS-rGO-PUF exhibited good mechanical properties and maintained its macroporous structure. Furthermore, after eight rounds of experiments using AQS-rGO-PUF, the bio-decolorization efficiency of AR 18 retained >98.18% of its original value. These results indicate that the combination of AQS-rGO-PUF and Shewanella strains show potential efficacy for enhancing the treatment of azo-dye-containing wastewater. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Satellite Maps and Relevant Compositional Properties of PM2.5 in Difficult Winter Situations and Comparisons to DISCOVER-AQ Airborne Sampling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chatfield, Robert B.

2016-01-01

Mediterranean-climate regions like California's San Joaquin Valley are subject to severe wintertime particulate pollution affecting public health. We present maps of episodes and particulate diagnostics to aid diagnosis and amelioration. For abatement at sources, we require an understanding of sources and transport. Remote sensing should be of aid, but radiance-to-particle relationships are far different from methods which have been of use in the Eastern USA, Northern and Central Europe. Here are the problems: (a) Thin if very polluted mixed layers (MLs) yield optical depths, AOD, near the detection level, (b) bright and quite variegated surfaces (c) Unusual particle composition (e.g., predominance of NH4NO3 and fireplace buning aerosol), which complicate the relationship of AOD to PM2.5. Specialized analysis of MODIS-Aqua data to obtain AOD using the multi-angle (MAIAC) technique employed by Lyapustin and Wang. Meteorological analyses like NOAA's Rapid Analysis Product (RAP, or newer products like HRRR), which are formulated to remain close to observations (e.g. of water), provide useful ML information corroborated by DISCOVER-AQ in-situ and lidar observations. The many PM2.5 measurements allow a calibration of these products and thus maps of aerosol on many successive aerosol buildups. These calibrations also allow insight into compositional information relevant to MODIS retrievals, the product of aerosol density and specific scattering. We have found that the rich in-situ, lidar, and sun-photometer data sets of NASA'S DISCOVER-AQ data set (2013) of great aid. We will highlight the most interesting of many intercomparisons possible with this rich data set. We conclude with a description of new work to extend these insights to similar regions, e.g. the Imperial Valley of California, the Po Valley and maritime Southern Europe, and the litoral regions of Israel.

Technology Transfer Program (TTP). Quality Assurance System. Volume 2. Appendices

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-03-03

LSCo Report No. - 2X23-5.1-4-I TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAM (TTP) FINAL REPORT QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM Appendix A Accuracy Control System QUALITY...4-1 TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAM (TTP) FINAL REPORT QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM Appendix A Accuracy Control System QUALITY ASSURANCE VOLUME 2 APPENDICES...prepared by: Livingston Shipbuilding Company Orange, Texas March 3, 1980 APPENDIX A ACCURACY CONTROL SYSTEM . IIII MARINE TECHNOLOGY. INC. HP-121

Interaction of feel system and flight control system dynamics on lateral flying qualities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bailey, R. E.; Knotts, L. H.

1990-01-01

An experimental investigation of the influence of lateral feel system characteristics on fighter aircraft roll flying qualities was conducted using the variable stability USAF NT-33. Forty-two evaluation flights were flown by three engineering test pilots. The investigation utilized the power approach, visual landing task and up-and-away tasks including formation, gun tracking, and computer-generated compensatory attitude tracking tasks displayed on the Head-Up Display. Experimental variations included the feel system frequency, force-deflection gradient, control system command type (force or position input command), aircraft roll mode time constant, control system prefilter frequency, and control system time delay. The primary data were task performance records and evaluation pilot comments and ratings using the Cooper-Harper scale. The data highlight the unique and powerful effect of the feel system of flying qualities. The data show that the feel system is not 'equivalent' in flying qualities influence to analogous control system elements. A lower limit of allowable feel system frequency appears warranted to ensure good lateral flying qualities. Flying qualities criteria should most properly treat the feel system dynamic influence separately from the control system, since the input and output of this dynamic element is apparent to the pilot and thus, does not produce a 'hidden' effect.

[Development of quality assurance/quality control web system in radiotherapy].

PubMed

Okamoto, Hiroyuki; Mochizuki, Toshihiko; Yokoyama, Kazutoshi; Wakita, Akihisa; Nakamura, Satoshi; Ueki, Heihachi; Shiozawa, Keiko; Sasaki, Koji; Fuse, Masashi; Abe, Yoshihisa; Itami, Jun

2013-12-01

Our purpose is to develop a QA/QC (quality assurance/quality control) web system using a server-side script language such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor), which can be useful as a tool to share information about QA/QC in radiotherapy. The system proposed in this study can be easily built in one's own institute, because HTML can be easily handled. There are two desired functions in a QA/QC web system: (i) To review the results of QA/QC for a radiotherapy machine, manuals, and reports necessary for routinely performing radiotherapy through this system. By disclosing the results, transparency can be maintained, (ii) To reveal a protocol for QA/QC in one's own institute using pictures and movies relating to QA/QC for simplicity's sake, which can also be used as an educational tool for junior radiation technologists and medical physicists. By using this system, not only administrators, but also all staff involved in radiotherapy, can obtain information about the conditions and accuracy of treatment machines through the QA/QC web system.

15 CFR 995.25 - Quality management system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... expertise. (7) CEVAD shall conduct internal audits at planned intervals to determine whether the quality... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Quality management system. 995.25...) NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE QUALITY ASSURANCE AND CERTIFICATION...

Quality Function Deployment for Large Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dean, Edwin B.

1992-01-01

Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is typically applied to small subsystems. This paper describes efforts to extend QFD to large scale systems. It links QFD to the system engineering process, the concurrent engineering process, the robust design process, and the costing process. The effect is to generate a tightly linked project management process of high dimensionality which flushes out issues early to provide a high quality, low cost, and, hence, competitive product. A pre-QFD matrix linking customers to customer desires is described.

Is the maturity of hospitals' quality improvement systems associated with measures of quality and patient safety?

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Previous research addressed the development of a classification scheme for quality improvement systems in European hospitals. In this study we explore associations between the 'maturity' of the hospitals' quality improvement system and clinical outcomes. Methods The maturity classification scheme was developed based on survey results from 389 hospitals in eight European countries. We matched the hospitals from the Spanish sample (113 hospitals) with those hospitals participating in a nation-wide, voluntary hospital performance initiative. We then compared sample distributions and explored associations between the 'maturity' of the hospitals' quality improvement system and a range of composite outcomes measures, such as adjusted hospital-wide mortality, -readmission, -complication and -length of stay indices. Statistical analysis includes bivariate correlations for parametrically and non-parametrically distributed data, multiple robust regression models and bootstrapping techniques to obtain confidence-intervals for the correlation and regression estimates. Results Overall, 43 hospitals were included. Compared to the original sample of 113, this sample was characterized by a higher representation of university hospitals. Maturity of the quality improvement system was similar, although the matched sample showed less variability. Analysis of associations between the quality improvement system and hospital-wide outcomes suggests significant correlations for the indicator adjusted hospital complications, borderline significance for adjusted hospital readmissions and non-significance for the adjusted hospital mortality and length of stay indicators. These results are confirmed by the bootstrap estimates of the robust regression model after adjusting for hospital characteristics. Conclusions We assessed associations between hospitals' quality improvement systems and clinical outcomes. From this data it seems that having a more developed quality improvement

GI-13 Integration of Methods for Air Quality and Health Data, Remote Sensed and In-Situ with Disease Estimate Techniques

EPA Science Inventory

GI-13 – A brief review of the GEO Work Plan DescriptionGlobal map examples of PM2.5 satellite measuresUS Maps showing examples of fused in-situ and satellite dataNew AQ Monitoring approach with social value – Village Green exampleComputing and Systems Applied in Energ...

[Quality assurance systems and occupational medicine system: an history twenty years along].

PubMed

Apostoli, Pietro

2014-01-01

Along the last tventy years, in our country the quality assurance systems and the occupational medicine deeply interacted both in theoretical and practical fields of interest at three levels: (i) the need of preventive and therefore of occupational medicine in quality assurance systems; (ii) the need on reverse of quality in prevention and occupational mnedicine mainly in qualification and updating process; (iii) the evidence, proofs of efficacy or appropriateness of different preventive procedures and occupational physician activities; (iv) the connection with European and national legal directives and with technical or good practice norms. Finally we discuss about the role of occupational physician as the global consultant for enterprise, as a mandatory strategic technical figure in a typical multidisciplinary processes as the implementation of the quality systems.

Optimisation of culture composition for glyphosate degradation by Burkholderia vietnamiensis strain AQ5-12.

PubMed

Manogaran, Motharasan; Shukor, Mohd Yunus; Yasid, Nur Adeela; Khalil, Khalilah Abdul; Ahmad, Siti Aqlima

2018-02-01

The herbicide glyphosate is often used to control weeds in agricultural lands. However, despite its ability to effectively kill weeds at low cost, health problems are still reported due to its toxicity level. The removal of glyphosate from the environment is usually done by microbiological process since chemical process of degradation is ineffective due to the presence of highly stable bonds. Therefore, finding glyphosate-degrading microorganisms in the soil of interest is crucial to remediate this glyphosate. Burkholderia vietnamiensis strain AQ5-12 was found to have glyphosate-degrading ability. Optimisation of biodegradation condition was carried out utilising one factor at a time (OFAT) and response surface methodology (RSM). Five parameters including carbon and nitrogen source, pH, temperature and glyphosate concentration were optimised. Based on OFAT result, glyphosate degradation was observed to be optimum at fructose concentration of 6, 0.5 g/L ammonia sulphate, pH 6.5, temperature of 32 °C and glyphosate concentration at 100 ppm. Meanwhile, RSM resulted in a better degradation with 92.32% of 100 ppm glyphosate compared to OFAT. The bacterium was seen to tolerate up to 500 ppm glyphosate while increasing concentration results in reduced degradation and bacterial growth rate.

Astronomical Instrumentation Systems Quality Management Planning: AISQMP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goldbaum, Jesse

2017-06-01

The capability of small aperture astronomical instrumentation systems (AIS) to make meaningful scientific contributions has never been better. The purpose of AIS quality management planning (AISQMP) is to ensure the quality of these contributions such that they are both valid and reliable. The first step involved with AISQMP is to specify objective quality measures not just for the AIS final product, but also for the instrumentation used in its production. The next step is to set up a process to track these measures and control for any unwanted variation. The final step is continual effort applied to reducing variation and obtaining measured values near optimal theoretical performance. This paper provides an overview of AISQMP while focusing on objective quality measures applied to astronomical imaging systems.

Cu(II) removal by Anoxybacillus flavithermus-iron oxide composites during the addition of Fe(II)aq

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Franzblau, Rachel E.; Daughney, Christopher J.; Swedlund, Peter J.; Weisener, Christopher G.; Moreau, Magali; Johannessen, Bernt; Harmer, Sarah L.

2016-01-01

There is currently poor understanding of metal removal by composites of bacteria and iron oxide minerals, even though they commonly co-occur and are among the most important sorbents in near-surface fluid-rock environments. This study evaluated Cu removal by composites of Anoxybacillus flavithermus and iron oxide over time during the addition, oxidation, and hydrolysis of Fe(II)aq and precipitation of the mineral, in comparison to Cu removal in the two single-sorbent end-member systems. In the absence of iron oxide, Cu removal by A. flavithermus was well described by a previously published surface complexation model, after inclusion of additional reactions describing aqueous complexation by exudate ligands released by the bacteria. In the absence of bacterial cells, Cu removal by iron oxide synthesized in the presence of the bacterial exudate ligands demonstrated the formation of ternary surface complexes. Removal of Cu by the A. flavithermus-iron oxide composites was ca. 20% greater than the prediction based on assumption of additivity in the two end-member systems. This non-additive behavior was attributed to (1) progressive physical blockage of bacterial surface sites by the iron oxide particles, (2) physical blockage of adsorption sites as a result of self-aggregation of the iron oxide particles, and (3) the reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) at the bacterial cell surface, as demonstrated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The extent of reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) was proportional to the concentration of solid phase Fe(II), suggesting that iron oxidation and copper reduction are linked. This study has shown that Cu removal by bacteria-iron oxide composites is greatly affected by redox processes such as Cu(II) reduction on the cell surface both by other bacterial surface ligands and the oxidation of sorbed Fe(II), as well as Fe(II) redox interactions, and aging effects of the mineral (i.e. surface site masking).

D/H fractionation in the H2-H2O system at supercritical water conditions: Compositional and hydrogen bonding effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foustoukos, Dionysis I.; Mysen, Bjorn O.

2012-06-01

A series of experiments has been conducted in the H2-D2-D2O-H2O-Ti-TiO2 system at temperatures ranging from 300 to 800 °C and pressures between ∼0.3 and 1.3 GPa in a hydrothermal diamond anvil cell, utilizing Raman spectroscopy as a quantitative tool to explore the relative distribution of hydrogen and deuterium isotopologues of the H2 and H2O in supercritical fluids. In detail, H2O-D2O solutions (1:1) were reacted with Ti metal (3-9 h) in the diamond cell, leading to formation of H2, D2, HD, and HDO species through Ti oxidation and H-D isotope exchange reactions. Experimental results obtained in situ and at ambient conditions on quenched samples indicate significant differences from the theoretical estimates of the equilibrium thermodynamic properties of the H-D exchange reactions. In fact, the estimated enthalpy for the H2(aq)-D2(aq) disproportionation reaction (ΔHrxn) is about -3.4 kcal/mol, which differs greatly from the +0.16 kcal/mol predicted for the exchange reaction in the gas phase by statistical mechanics models. The exothermic behavior of the exchange reaction implies enhanced stability of H2 and D2 relative to HD. Accordingly, the significant energy difference of the internal H2(aq)-D2(aq)-HD(aq) equilibrium translates to strong differences of the fractionation effects between the H2O-H2 and D2O-D2 isotope exchange relationships. The D/H fractionation factors between H2O-H2(aq) and D2O-D2(aq) differ by 365‰ in the 600-800 °C temperature range, and are indicative of the greater effect of D2O contribution to the δD isotopic composition of supercritical fluids. The negative ΔHrxn values for the H2(aq)-D2(aq)-HD(aq) equilibrium and the apparent decrease of the equilibrium constant with increasing temperature might be because of differences of the Henry’s law constant between the H- and D-bearing species dissolved in supercritical aqueous solutions. Such effects may be attributed to the stronger hydrogen bonding in the O-H⋯O relative to the

THE EMISSION PROCESSING SYSTEM FOR THE ETA/CMAQ AIR QUALITY FORECAST SYSTEM

EPA Science Inventory

NOAA and EPA have created an Air Quality Forecast (AQF) system. This AQF system links an adaptation of the EPA's Community Multiscale Air Quality Model with the 12 kilometer ETA model running operationally at NOAA's National Center for Environmental Predication (NCEP). One of th...

45 CFR 155.1400 - Quality rating system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... the quality rating information assigned to each QHP on its Web site, in accordance with § 155.205(b)(1... 45 Public Welfare 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Quality rating system. 155.1400 Section 155.1400... EXCHANGE ESTABLISHMENT STANDARDS AND OTHER RELATED STANDARDS UNDER THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT Quality...

Influence of Intense secondary aerosol formation and long range transport on aerosol chemistry and properties in the Seoul Metropolitan Area during spring time: Results from KORUS-AQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, H.; Zhang, Q.

2017-12-01

Non-refractory submicrometer particulate matter (NR-PM1) was measured in the Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA), Korea, using an HR-ToF-AMS from April 14 to June 15, 2016, as a part of the KORUS-AQ campaign. The average concentration of PM1 was 22.1 µg m-3, which was composed of 44% organics, 20% SO4, 17% NO3, and 12 % NH4. Organics had an average O/C ratio of 0.49 and an average OM/OC ratio of 1.82. Four distinct sources of OA were identified via PMF analysis of the HR-ToF-AMS data: hydrocarbon like OA (HOA), cooking OA (COA),semi-volatile oxygenated OA (SV-OOA) and a low volatility oxygenated OA (LV-OOA). Our results indicate that air quality in SMA during KORUS-AQ was influenced strongly by secondary aerosol formation with SO4, NO3, NH4, SV-OOA, and LV-OOA together accounting for 76% of the PM1 mass. Due to high temperature and elevated ozone concentrations, photochemical reactions during daytime promoted the formation of SV-OOA, LV-OOA and SO4. In addition, aqueous-phase or heterogeneous reactions likely promoted efficient formation of NO3 whereas gas-to-particle partitioning processes appeared to have enhanced nighttime SV-OOA and NO3 formation. From May 20 to May 23, LV-OOA was significantly enhanced and accounted for up to 41% of the PM1 mass. Since this intense LV-OOA formation event was associated with large enhancement of VOCs, high concentration of Ox , strong solar radiation, and stagnant conditions, it appeared to be related to local photochemical formation. We also have investigated the formation and evolution mechanisms of severe haze episodes. Unlike the cases observed in winter when haze episodes were mainly caused by intense local emissions coupled with stagnant meteorological conditions, the spring haze events observed in this study appeared to be attributed by both regional and local factors. For example, episodes of long range transport of plumes were followed by calm meteorology conditions, which promoted the formation and accumulation of local

Interaction of feel system and flight control system dynamics on lateral flying qualities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bailey, Randall E.; Powers, Bruce G.; Shafer, Mary F.

1988-01-01

An investigation of feel system and flight control system dynamics on lateral flying qualities was conducted using the variable stability USAF NT-33 aircraft. Experimental variations in feel system natural frequency, force-deflection gradient, control system command architecture type, flight control system filter frequency, and control system delay were made. The experiment data include pilot ratings using the Cooper-Harper (1969) rating scale, pilot comments, and tracking performance statistic. Three test pilots served as evaluators. The data indicate that as the feel system natural frequency is reduced lateral flying qualities degrade. At the slowest feel system frequency, the closed-loop response becomes nonlinear with a 'bobweight' effect apparent in the feel system. Feel system influences were essentially independent of the control system architecture. The flying qualities influence due to the feel system was different than when the identical dynamic systenm was used as a flight control system element.

Influence of azo dye concentration on activated sludge bacterial community in the presence of functionalized polyurethane foam.

PubMed

Lu, Hong; Wang, Jing; Lu, Shuilong; Wang, Ying; Liu, Guangfei; Zhou, Jiti; Quan, Zhexue

2015-03-01

Immobilized quinones exhibit good catalytic performance in the biodecolorization of azo dyes. However, in practical activated sludge systems, little is known about the effect of azo dye concentration on microbial communities in the presence of immobilized quinones. 454 Pyrosequencing was used to investigate structural changes and to determine the key microorganisms involved in Reactive Red X-3B decolorization in the presence of anthraquinone-2-sulfonate immobilized on polyurethane foam (AQS-PUF). Our results show that the AQS-PUF-supplemented system exhibited better stability and decolorization performance during a 30-day run than polyurethane-foam-only (PUF-supplemented) and control systems. Analysis of pyrosequencing data showed that the AQS-PUF-supplemented system had the highest bacterial diversity, followed by the control and PUF-supplemented systems during decolorization. Reactive Red X-3B and AQS-PUF significantly influenced bacterial communities at the class level: Erysipelotrichia and the most dominant Deltaproteobacteria showed significant positive correlations with Reactive Red X-3B, while unclassified Firmicutes were found to be significantly correlated with AQS-PUF. At the genus level, Desulfomicrobium, which represents 8-44 % of the total population, displayed a significant positive correlation with Reactive Red X-3B. Some bacteria, including Desulfovibrio, Shewanella, and Clostridium with relative abundances of less than 6 %, were positively correlated with AQS-PUF. These findings provide a novel insight into the changes that occur in the bacterial community during immobilized AQS-mediated decolorization. Less abundant quinone-reducing bacteria play important roles in accelerating the effect of AQS-PUF on biodecolorization.

Predicting the Overall Spatial Quality of Automotive Audio Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koya, Daisuke

The spatial quality of automotive audio systems is often compromised due to their unideal listening environments. Automotive audio systems need to be developed quickly due to industry demands. A suitable perceptual model could evaluate the spatial quality of automotive audio systems with similar reliability to formal listening tests but take less time. Such a model is developed in this research project by adapting an existing model of spatial quality for automotive audio use. The requirements for the adaptation were investigated in a literature review. A perceptual model called QESTRAL was reviewed, which predicts the overall spatial quality of domestic multichannel audio systems. It was determined that automotive audio systems are likely to be impaired in terms of the spatial attributes that were not considered in developing the QESTRAL model, but metrics are available that might predict these attributes. To establish whether the QESTRAL model in its current form can accurately predict the overall spatial quality of automotive audio systems, MUSHRA listening tests using headphone auralisation with head tracking were conducted to collect results to be compared against predictions by the model. Based on guideline criteria, the model in its current form could not accurately predict the overall spatial quality of automotive audio systems. To improve prediction performance, the QESTRAL model was recalibrated and modified using existing metrics of the model, those that were proposed from the literature review, and newly developed metrics. The most important metrics for predicting the overall spatial quality of automotive audio systems included those that were interaural cross-correlation (IACC) based, relate to localisation of the frontal audio scene, and account for the perceived scene width in front of the listener. Modifying the model for automotive audio systems did not invalidate its use for domestic audio systems. The resulting model predicts the overall spatial

14 CFR 21.147 - Changes in quality control system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Changes in quality control system. 21.147 Section 21.147 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION... quality control system. After the issue of a production certificate, each change to the quality control...

14 CFR 21.147 - Changes in quality control system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Changes in quality control system. 21.147 Section 21.147 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION... quality control system. After the issue of a production certificate, each change to the quality control...

Observations on gas exchange and element recycle within a gas-closed algal-mouse system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smernoff, D. T.; Wharton, R. A., Jr.; Averner, M. M.

1986-01-01

Life support systems based on bioregeneration rely on the control and manipulation of organisms. Algae are potentially useful for a variety of Closed Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) functions including the revitalization of atmospheres, production of food and for nitrogen fixation. The results of experiments conducted with a gas-closed algal-mouse system designed to investigate gas exchange phenomena under varying algal environmental conditions, and the ability of algae to utilize oxidized mouse solid waste are reported. Inherent instabilities exist between the uptake and release of carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2) by the mouse and algae in a gas-closed system. Variations in light intensity and cell density alter the photosynthetic rate of the algae and enable short-term steady-state concentrations of atmospheric CO2 and O2. Different nitrogen sources (urea and nitrate) result in different algal assimilatory quotients (AQ). Combinations of photosynthetic rate and AQ ratio manipulations were examined for their potential in stabilizing atmospheric gas concentrations in the gas-closed algal-mouse system.

Illinois Quality Counts: QRS Profile. The Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Child Trends, 2010

2010-01-01

This paper presents a profile of Illinois' Quality Counts prepared as part of the Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment Study. The profile consists of several sections and their corresponding descriptions including: (1) Program Information; (2) Rating Details; (3) Quality Indicators for Center-Based Programs; (4) Indicators for Family…

Direct observation of aqueous secondary organic aerosol from biomass-burning emissions

PubMed Central

Massoli, Paola; Paglione, Marco; Giulianelli, Lara; Carbone, Claudio; Rinaldi, Matteo; Decesari, Stefano; Sandrini, Silvia; Costabile, Francesca; Gobbi, Gian Paolo; Pietrogrande, Maria Chiara; Visentin, Marco; Scotto, Fabiana; Fuzzi, Sandro; Facchini, Maria Cristina

2016-01-01

The mechanisms leading to the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) are an important subject of ongoing research for both air quality and climate. Recent laboratory experiments suggest that reactions taking place in the atmospheric liquid phase represent a potentially significant source of SOA mass. Here, we report direct ambient observations of SOA mass formation from processing of biomass-burning emissions in the aqueous phase. Aqueous SOA (aqSOA) formation is observed both in fog water and in wet aerosol. The aqSOA from biomass burning contributes to the “brown” carbon (BrC) budget and exhibits light absorption wavelength dependence close to the upper bound of the values observed in laboratory experiments for fresh and processed biomass-burning emissions. We estimate that the aqSOA from residential wood combustion can account for up to 0.1–0.5 Tg of organic aerosol (OA) per y in Europe, equivalent to 4–20% of the total OA emissions. Our findings highlight the importance of aqSOA from anthropogenic emissions on air quality and climate. PMID:27551086

CRN5EXP: Expert system for statistical quality control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hentea, Mariana

1991-01-01

The purpose of the Expert System CRN5EXP is to assist in checking the quality of the coils at two very important mills: Hot Rolling and Cold Rolling in a steel plant. The system interprets the statistical quality control charts, diagnoses and predicts the quality of the steel. Measurements of process control variables are recorded in a database and sample statistics such as the mean and the range are computed and plotted on a control chart. The chart is analyzed through patterns using the C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) and a forward chaining technique to reach a conclusion about the causes of defects and to take management measures for the improvement of the quality control techniques. The Expert System combines the certainty factors associated with the process control variables to predict the quality of the steel. The paper presents the approach to extract data from the database, the reason to combine certainty factors, the architecture and the use of the Expert System. However, the interpretation of control charts patterns requires the human expert's knowledge and lends to Expert Systems rules.

42 CFR 493.1239 - Standard: General laboratory systems quality assessment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... of general laboratory systems quality assessment reviews with appropriate staff. (c) The laboratory must document all general laboratory systems quality assessment activities. [68 FR 3703, Jan. 24, 2003... 42 Public Health 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Standard: General laboratory systems quality...

[Essential guidelines for Quality Management System].

PubMed

Daunizeau, A

2013-06-01

The guidelines describe the essential parts of the quality management system to fulfil the requirements of the standard EN ISO 15 189. It includes mainly the organisation, the definition of responsibilities, training of personnel, the document control, the quality control, identification and control of nonconformities, corrective actions, preventive actions and evaluation, as audits and the management review.

76 FR 40497 - Medicare Program; Changes to the End-Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System for CY 2012...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-08

...] RIN 0938-AQ27 Medicare Program; Changes to the End-Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System for... through Federal Digital System (FDsys), a service of the U.S. Government Printing Office. This database... Internet on the CMS Web site. The Addenda to the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System...

Examining Pre-School Classroom Quality in a Statewide Quality Rating and Improvement System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jeon, Lieny; Buettner, Cynthia K.; Hur, Eunhye

2014-01-01

Background: Research has documented the importance of high-quality early childhood experiences in preparing children for school. Quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS) have recently emerged in many states as a way to build quality of child care and to promote better child outcomes. Objective: The goal of this study was to determine if…

Software metrics: Software quality metrics for distributed systems. [reliability engineering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Post, J. V.

1981-01-01

Software quality metrics was extended to cover distributed computer systems. Emphasis is placed on studying embedded computer systems and on viewing them within a system life cycle. The hierarchy of quality factors, criteria, and metrics was maintained. New software quality factors were added, including survivability, expandability, and evolvability.

21 CFR 26.43 - Transmission of quality system evaluation reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... QUALITY SYSTEM AUDIT REPORTS, AND CERTAIN MEDICAL DEVICE PRODUCT EVALUATION REPORTS: UNITED STATES AND THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY Specific Sector Provisions for Medical Devices § 26.43 Transmission of quality system... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Transmission of quality system evaluation reports...

Trace Gas Measurements from the GeoTASO and GCAS Airborne Instruments: An Instrument and Algorithm Test-Bed for Air Quality Observations from Geostationary Orbit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nowlan, C. R.; Liu, X.; Janz, S. J.; Leitch, J. W.; Al-Saadi, J. A.; Chance, K.; Cole, J.; Delker, T.; Follette-Cook, M. B.; Gonzalez Abad, G.; Good, W. S.; Kowalewski, M. G.; Loughner, C.; Pickering, K. E.; Ruppert, L.; Soo, D.; Szykman, J.; Valin, L.; Zoogman, P.

2016-12-01

The Geostationary Trace gas and Aerosol Sensor Optimization (GeoTASO) and the GEO-CAPE Airborne Simulator (GCAS) instruments are pushbroom sensors capable of making remote sensing measurements of air quality and ocean color. Originally developed as test-bed instruments for the Geostationary Coastal and Air Pollution Events (GEO-CAPE) decadal survey, these instruments are now also part of risk reduction for the upcoming Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) and Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS) geostationary satellite missions, and will provide validation capabilities after the satellite instruments are in orbit. GeoTASO and GCAS flew on two different aircraft in their first intensive air quality field campaigns during the DISCOVER-AQ missions over Texas in 2013 and Colorado in 2014. GeoTASO was also deployed in 2016 during the KORUS-AQ field campaign to make measurements of trace gases and aerosols over Korea. GeoTASO and GCAS collect spectra of backscattered solar radiation in the UV and visible that can be used to derive 2-D maps of trace gas columns below the aircraft at spatial resolutions on the order of 250 x 500 m. We present spatially resolved maps of trace gas retrievals of ozone, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde and sulfur dioxide over urban areas and power plants from flights during the field campaigns, and comparisons with data from ground-based spectrometers, in situ monitoring instruments, and satellites.

Operation quality assessment model for video conference system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Bangshi; Qi, Feng; Shao, Sujie; Wang, Ying; Li, Weijian

2018-01-01

Video conference system has become an important support platform for smart grid operation and management, its operation quality is gradually concerning grid enterprise. First, the evaluation indicator system covering network, business and operation maintenance aspects was established on basis of video conference system's operation statistics. Then, the operation quality assessment model combining genetic algorithm with regularized BP neural network was proposed, which outputs operation quality level of the system within a time period and provides company manager with some optimization advice. The simulation results show that the proposed evaluation model offers the advantages of fast convergence and high prediction accuracy in contrast with regularized BP neural network, and its generalization ability is superior to LM-BP neural network and Bayesian BP neural network.

Quality Rating Systems--The Experiences of Center Directors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Friedman, Dana E.

2007-01-01

Quality Rating System (QRS) initiatives define levels of quality based on research and then support providers with funding and technical assistance to increase their quality. Each program is assessed and given a number of "stars" to indicate to parents what level of quality the program has reached. In this article, the author describes…

Information Quality Evaluation of C2 Systems at Architecture Level

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-01

based on architecture models of C2 systems, which can help to identify key factors impacting information quality and improve the system capability at the stage of architecture design of C2 system....capability evaluation of C2 systems at architecture level becomes necessary and important for improving the system capability at the stage of architecture ... design . This paper proposes a method for information quality evaluation of C2 system at architecture level. First, the information quality model is

[Establishment of traceability system of Chinese medicinal materials' quality].

PubMed

Qi, Yao-dong; Gao, Shi-man; Liu, Hai-tao; Li, Xi-wen; Wei, Jian-he; Zhang, Ben-gang; Sun, Xiao-bo; Xiao, Pei-gen

2015-12-01

The quality of Chinese medicinal materials relates greatly to the clinical curative effect and security. In order to ensure the quality and safety of Chinese medicinal materials, a systematic and operable traceability system needs to be established. It can realize the whole process of quality and safety management of Chinese medicinal materials "from production to consumption" through recording and inquiring information and recalling defective products, which is an important direction for the future development of traditional Chinese medicine. But it is still at the exploration and trial stage. In this paper, a framework of Chinese medicinal materials' quality and safety traceability system was established on the basis of the domestic and international experience about the construction of food and agricultural products traceability systems. The relationship between traceability system of Chinese medicinal materials' quality and GAP, GMP, GSP was analyzed, and the possible problems and the corresponding solutions were discussed.

Measurements of Intensive Aerosol Optical Properties During TexAQS II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atkinson, D. B.; Radney, J. G.; Wright, M. E.

2007-12-01

Time-resolved measurements of the bulk extensive aerosol optical properties - particle extinction coefficient (bext) and particle scattering coefficient (bscat) - and particle number concentrations were made as part of the six-week TRAMP experiment during the TexAQS II (2006) study. These measurements were done at a nominal surface site (the roof of an 18 story building) on the University of Houston campus near downtown Houston, Texas. Our ground-based tandem cavity ring-down transmissometer/nephelometer instrument (CRDT/N) provided the aerosol optical property measurements. A commercial Condensation Particle Counter (TSI 3007) was used to measure the number concentrations during part of the study period. The optical data was used to construct the intensive aerosol optical properties single scattering albedo ω0 at 532 nm and the Angstrom exponent for extinction between 532 nm and 1064 nm. Recent validation studies of size- selected laboratory generated aerosols are presented to illustrate the soundness of this approach using our instrument. The Angstrom exponent is compared to values from other instruments operating in the area and is found to be a characteristic of the regional air mass under some conditions. Size distributions measured during the study were used to create a new empirical adjustment to scattering measured by the Radiance Research nephelometer, resulting in improved results for particle absorption coefficient and single scattering albedo. The study average value of ω0(532 nm) = 0.78 is lower than expected from comparable field studies and even lower values are experienced during the study. Possible causes of this discrepancy are examined and the utility of using the current version of the CRDT/N instrument to measure the key radiative property ω0 is assessed. Observed episodes of rapid increases in particle number concentration with little corresponding growth in the optical properties can presumably be used to signal the occurrence of particle

Source apportionment of organic aerosol across Houston, TX during DISCOVER-AQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, S.; Clark, A. E.; Ortiz, S. M.; Usenko, S.; Sheesley, R. J.

2015-12-01

As part of the ground-based sampling efforts during DISCOVER-AQ's Houston month-long campaign in September 2013, atmospheric particulate matter (PM) samples were collected at four sites: Moody Tower (urban), Manvel Croix (southern suburb), Conroe (northern suburb), and La Porte (urban industrial). The Houston metropolitan area, especially the Houston Ship Channel, is a densely industrialized urban city with large concentrations of petroleum refining, petrochemical manufacturing, and heavy traffic during peak hours. Due to these and other emission sources, the area is heavily impacted by ambient PM. This study will be looking at fine PM (diameter less than 2.5µm, PM2.5) from all four sites. PM2.5fraction is relevant for understanding fate and transport of organic contaminants and is widely known to negatively impact human health. Chemical analysis including radiocarbon (14C) and organic tracer measurements (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, alkanes, hopanes, steranes, and levoglucosan) were used for source apportionment. The 14C measurements constrained CMB results to estimate both primary and secondary contributions to total organic carbon (TOC). Results indicate that Moody Tower had consistent primary motor vehicle exhaust contribution (18-27%) and a fossil secondary organic aerosol (SOA) contribution from 5-33% depending on atmospheric conditions. Conroe had a lower contribution of motor vehicle exhaust (5-10%) and similarly variable fraction of fossil SOA (4-25%). Manvel Croix had an interim motor vehicle contribution (9-15%) with a variable fossil SOA (5-30%). For contemporary OC, there was minimal contribution of wood smoke during examined weeks (0-9%) but larger contributor of biogenic SOA ranging from 40-75% at Moody Tower, 56-81% at Manvel Croix and 60-79% at Conroe. Overall, the motor vehicle contribution was consistent at each site during the analysis week, biogenic SOA was consistently high, while fossil SOA showed the most variability.

Atmosphere stabilization and element recycle in an experimental mouse-algal system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smernoff, David T.

1986-01-01

Life support systems based on bioregeneration rely on the control and manipulation of organisms. Experiments conducted with a gas-closed mouse-algal system designed to investigate principles of photosynthetic gas exchange focus primarily on observing gas exchange phenomena under varying algal environmental conditions and secondarily on studying element cycling through compartments of the experimental system. Inherent instabilities exit between the uptake and release of carbon dioxide CO2 and oxygen O2 by the mouse and algae. Variations in light intensity and cell density alter the photosynthetic rate of the algae and enable maintenance of physiologic concentrations of CO2 and O2. Different nitrogen sources (urea and nitrate) result in different algal assimilatory quotients (AQ). Combinations of photosynthetic rate and AQ ratio manipulations have been examined for their potential in stabilizing atmospheric gas concentrations in the gas-closed algal-mouse system. Elemental mass balances through the experimental systems compartments are being studied with the concurrent development of a mathematical simulation model. Element cycling experiments include quantification of elemental flows through system compartments and wet oxidation of system waste materials for use as an algal nutrient source. Oxidized waste products demonstrate inhibitory properties although dilution has been shown to allow normal growth.

Air quality and future energy system planning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sobral Mourao, Zenaida; Konadu, Dennis; Lupton, Rick

2016-04-01

Ambient air pollution has been linked to an increasing number of premature deaths throughout the world. Projected increases in demand for food, energy resources and manufactured products will likely contribute to exacerbate air pollution with an increasing impact on human health, agricultural productivity and climate change. Current events such as tampering emissions tests by VW car manufacturers, failure to comply with EU Air Quality directives and WHO guidelines by many EU countries, the problem of smog in Chinese cities and new industrial emissions regulations represent unique challenges but also opportunities for regulators, local authorities and industry. However current models and practices of energy and resource use do not consider ambient air impacts as an integral part of the planing process. Furthermore the analysis of drivers, sources and impacts of air pollution is often fragmented, difficult to understand and lacks effective visualization tools that bring all of these components together. This work aims to develop a model that links impacts of air quality on human health and ecosystems to current and future developments in the energy system, industrial and agricultural activity and patterns of land use. The model will be added to the ForeseerTM tool, which is an integrated resource analysis platform that has been developed at the University of Cambridge initially with funding from BP and more recently through the EPSRC funded Whole Systems Energy Modeling (WholeSEM) project. The basis of the tool is a set of linked physical models for energy, water and land, including the technologies that are used to transform these resources into final services such as housing, food, transport and household goods. The new air quality model will explore different feedback effects between energy, land and atmospheric systems with the overarching goal of supporting better communication about the drivers of air quality and to incorporate concerns about air quality into

Modeling the Dynamic Change of Air Quality and its Response to Emission Trends

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Wei

This thesis focuses on evaluating atmospheric chemistry and transport models' capability in simulating the chemistry and dynamics of power plant plumes, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses in predicting air quality trends at regional scales, and exploring air quality trends in an urban area. First, the Community Mutlti-scale Air Quality (CMAQ) model is applied to simulate the physical and chemical evolution of power plant plumes (PPPs) during the second Texas Air Quality Study (TexAQS) in 2006. SO2 and NOy were observed to be rapidly removed from PPPs on cloudy days but not on cloud-free days, indicating efficient aqueous processing of these compounds in clouds, while the model fails to capture the rapid loss of SO2 and NOy in some plumes on the cloudy day. Adjustments to cloud liquid water content (QC) and the default metal concentrations in the cloud module could explain some of the SO 2 loss while NOy in the model was insensitive to QC. Second, CMAQ is applied to simulate the ozone (O3) change after the NO x SIP Call and mobile emission controls in the eastern U.S. from 2002 to 2006. Observed downward changes in 8-hour O3 concentrations in the NOx SIP Call region were under-predicted by 26%--66%. The under-prediction in O3 improvements could be alleviated by 5%--31% by constraining NOx emissions in each year based on observed NOx concentrations while temperature biases or uncertainties in chemical reactions had minor impact on simulated O3 trends. Third, changes in ozone production in the Houston area is assessed with airborne measurements from TexAQS 2000 and 2006. Simultaneous declines in nitrogen oxides (NOx=NO+NO2) and highly reactive Volatile Organic Compounds (HRVOCs) were observed in the Houston Ship Channel (HSC). The reduction in HRVOCs led to the decline in total radical concentration by 20-50%. Rapid ozone production rates in the Houston area declined by 40-50% from 2000 to 2006, to which the reduction in NOx and HRVOCs had the similar

Biogenic isoprene emissions driven by regional weather predictions using different initialization methods: case studies during the SEAC4RS and DISCOVER-AQ airborne campaigns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Min; Carmichael, Gregory R.; Crawford, James H.; Wisthaler, Armin; Zhan, Xiwu; Hain, Christopher R.; Lee, Pius; Guenther, Alex B.

2017-08-01

Land and atmospheric initial conditions of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model are often interpolated from a different model output. We perform case studies during NASA's SEAC4RS and DISCOVER-AQ Houston airborne campaigns, demonstrating that using land initial conditions directly downscaled from a coarser resolution dataset led to significant positive biases in the coupled NASA-Unified WRF (NUWRF, version 7) surface and near-surface air temperature and planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) around the Missouri Ozarks and Houston, Texas, as well as poorly partitioned latent and sensible heat fluxes. Replacing land initial conditions with the output from a long-term offline Land Information System (LIS) simulation can effectively reduce the positive biases in NUWRF surface air temperature by ˜ 2 °C. We also show that the LIS land initialization can modify surface air temperature errors almost 10 times as effectively as applying a different atmospheric initialization method. The LIS-NUWRF-based isoprene emission calculations by the Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature (MEGAN, version 2.1) are at least 20 % lower than those computed using the coarser resolution data-initialized NUWRF run, and are closer to aircraft-observation-derived emissions. Higher resolution MEGAN calculations are prone to amplified discrepancies with aircraft-observation-derived emissions on small scales. This is possibly a result of some limitations of MEGAN's parameterization and uncertainty in its inputs on small scales, as well as the representation error and the neglect of horizontal transport in deriving emissions from aircraft data. This study emphasizes the importance of proper land initialization to the coupled atmospheric weather modeling and the follow-on emission modeling. We anticipate it to also be critical to accurately representing other processes included in air quality modeling and chemical data assimilation. Having more confidence in the weather

A System That Works: Highlights of Effective Intervention Strategies in a Quality Improvement System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sinisterra, Diana; Baker, Stephen

2010-01-01

This paper describes one approach to quality improvement efforts: the Quality Improvement System (QIS) implemented by Prime Time Palm Beach County (Prime Time) in Palm Beach County, Florida. Prime Time's QIS is recognized as one promising systemic effort to improve quality in the afterschool field (Yohalem, Granger, & Pittman, 2009). As a…

Grain quality inspection system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flood, C. A., Jr.; Singletow, D. P.; James, S. N.

1979-01-01

A review of grain quality indicators and measurement methods was conducted in order to assess the feasibility of using remote sensing technology to develop a continuous monitoring system for use during grain transfer operations. Most detection methods were found to be too slow or too expensive to be incorporated into the normal inspection procedure of a grain elevator on a continuous basis. Two indicators, moisture content and broken corn and foreign material, show potential for automation and are of an economic value. A microprocessor based system which utilizes commercially available electronic moisture meter was developed and tested. A method for automating BCFM measurement is described. A complete system description is presented along with performance test results.

Optimization of Price and Quality in Service Systems,

DTIC Science & Technology

Price and service quality are important variables in the design of optimal service systems. Price is important because of the strong consumption...priorities of service offered. The paper takes a systematic view of this problem, and presents techniques for quantitative determination of the optimal prices and service quality in a wide class of systems. (Author)

Image processing system performance prediction and product quality evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stein, E. K.; Hammill, H. B. (Principal Investigator)

1976-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. A new technique for image processing system performance prediction and product quality evaluation was developed. It was entirely objective, quantitative, and general, and should prove useful in system design and quality control. The technique and its application to determination of quality control procedures for the Earth Resources Technology Satellite NASA Data Processing Facility are described.

Quality Management Systems Implementation Compared With Organizational Maturity in Hospital.

PubMed

Moradi, Tayebeh; Jafari, Mehdi; Maleki, Mohammad Reza; Naghdi, Seyran; Ghiasvand, Hesam

2015-07-27

A quality management system can provide a framework for continuous improvement in order to increase the probability of customers and other stakeholders' satisfaction. The test maturity model helps organizations to assess the degree of maturity in implementing effective and sustained quality management systems; plan based on the current realities of the organization and prioritize their improvement programs. We aim to investigate and compare the level of organizational maturity in hospitals with the status of quality management systems implementation. This analytical cross sectional study was conducted among hospital administrators and quality experts working in hospitals with over 200 beds located in Tehran. In the first step, 32 hospitals were selected and then 96 employees working in the selected hospitals were studied. The data were gathered using the implementation checklist of quality management systems and the organization maturity questionnaire derived from ISO 10014. The content validity was calculated using Lawshe method and the reliability was estimated using test - retest method and calculation of Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data using SPSS 18 software. According to the table, the mean score of organizational maturity among hospitals in the first stage of quality management systems implementation was equal to those in the third stage and hypothesis was rejected (p-value = 0.093). In general, there is no significant difference in the organizational maturity between the first and third level hospitals (in terms of implementation of quality management systems). Overall, the findings of the study show that there is no significant difference in the organizational maturity between the hospitals in different levels of the quality management systems implementation and in fact, the maturity of the organizations cannot be attributed to the implementation of such systems. As a result, hospitals

Quality Management Systems Implementation Compared With Organizational Maturity in Hospital

PubMed Central

Moradi, Tayebeh; Jafari, Mehdi; Maleki, Mohammad Reza; Naghdi, Seyran; Ghiyasvand, Hesam

2016-01-01

Background: A quality management system can provide a framework for continuous improvement in order to increase the probability of customers and other stakeholders’ satisfaction. The test maturity model helps organizations to assess the degree of maturity in implementing effective and sustained quality management systems; plan based on the current realities of the organization and prioritize their improvement programs. Objectives: We aim to investigate and compare the level of organizational maturity in hospitals with the status of quality management systems implementation. Materials and Methods: This analytical cross sectional study was conducted among hospital administrators and quality experts working in hospitals with over 200 beds located in Tehran. In the first step, 32 hospitals were selected and then 96 employees working in the selected hospitals were studied. The data were gathered using the implementation checklist of quality management systems and the organization maturity questionnaire derived from ISO 10014. The content validity was calculated using Lawshe method and the reliability was estimated using test - retest method and calculation of Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data using SPSS 18 software. Results: According to the table, the mean score of organizational maturity among hospitals in the first stage of quality management systems implementation was equal to those in the third stage and hypothesis was rejected (p-value = 0.093). In general, there is no significant difference in the organizational maturity between the first and third level hospitals (in terms of implementation of quality management systems). Conclusions: Overall, the findings of the study show that there is no significant difference in the organizational maturity between the hospitals in different levels of the quality management systems implementation and in fact, the maturity of the organizations cannot be

Image quality assessment for video stream recognition systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chernov, Timofey S.; Razumnuy, Nikita P.; Kozharinov, Alexander S.; Nikolaev, Dmitry P.; Arlazarov, Vladimir V.

2018-04-01

Recognition and machine vision systems have long been widely used in many disciplines to automate various processes of life and industry. Input images of optical recognition systems can be subjected to a large number of different distortions, especially in uncontrolled or natural shooting conditions, which leads to unpredictable results of recognition systems, making it impossible to assess their reliability. For this reason, it is necessary to perform quality control of the input data of recognition systems, which is facilitated by modern progress in the field of image quality evaluation. In this paper, we investigate the approach to designing optical recognition systems with built-in input image quality estimation modules and feedback, for which the necessary definitions are introduced and a model for describing such systems is constructed. The efficiency of this approach is illustrated by the example of solving the problem of selecting the best frames for recognition in a video stream for a system with limited resources. Experimental results are presented for the system for identity documents recognition, showing a significant increase in the accuracy and speed of the system under simulated conditions of automatic camera focusing, leading to blurring of frames.

14 CFR 60.5 - Quality management system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Quality management system. 60.5 Section 60.5 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) AIRMEN FLIGHT SIMULATION TRAINING DEVICE INITIAL AND CONTINUING QUALIFICATION AND USE § 60.5 Quality...

14 CFR 60.5 - Quality management system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Quality management system. 60.5 Section 60.5 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) AIRMEN FLIGHT SIMULATION TRAINING DEVICE INITIAL AND CONTINUING QUALIFICATION AND USE § 60.5 Quality...

14 CFR 60.5 - Quality management system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Quality management system. 60.5 Section 60.5 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) AIRMEN FLIGHT SIMULATION TRAINING DEVICE INITIAL AND CONTINUING QUALIFICATION AND USE § 60.5 Quality...

14 CFR 60.5 - Quality management system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Quality management system. 60.5 Section 60.5 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) AIRMEN FLIGHT SIMULATION TRAINING DEVICE INITIAL AND CONTINUING QUALIFICATION AND USE § 60.5 Quality...

Virginia Star Quality Initiative: QRS Profile. The Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Child Trends, 2010

2010-01-01

This paper presents a profile of Virginia's Star Quality Initiative prepared as part of the Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment Study. The profile consists of several sections and their corresponding descriptions including: (1) Program Information; (2) Rating Details; (3) Quality Indicators for Center-Based Programs; (4) Indicators…

[Clinical trial data management and quality metrics system].

PubMed

Chen, Zhao-hua; Huang, Qin; Deng, Ya-zhong; Zhang, Yue; Xu, Yu; Yu, Hao; Liu, Zong-fan

2015-11-01

Data quality management system is essential to ensure accurate, complete, consistent, and reliable data collection in clinical research. This paper is devoted to various choices of data quality metrics. They are categorized by study status, e.g. study start up, conduct, and close-out. In each category, metrics for different purposes are listed according to ALCOA+ principles such us completeness, accuracy, timeliness, traceability, etc. Some general quality metrics frequently used are also introduced. This paper contains detail information as much as possible to each metric by providing definition, purpose, evaluation, referenced benchmark, and recommended targets in favor of real practice. It is important that sponsors and data management service providers establish a robust integrated clinical trial data quality management system to ensure sustainable high quality of clinical trial deliverables. It will also support enterprise level of data evaluation and bench marking the quality of data across projects, sponsors, data management service providers by using objective metrics from the real clinical trials. We hope this will be a significant input to accelerate the improvement of clinical trial data quality in the industry.

Do quality improvement systems improve health library services? A systematic review.

PubMed

Gray, Hannah; Sutton, Gary; Treadway, Victoria

2012-09-01

A turbulent financial and political climate requires health libraries to be more accountable than ever. Quality improvement systems are widely considered a 'good thing to do', but do they produce useful outcomes that can demonstrate value? To undertake a systematic review to identify which aspects of health libraries are being measured for quality, what tools are being used and what outcomes are reported following utilisation of quality improvement systems. Many health libraries utilise quality improvement systems without translating the data into service improvements. Included studies demonstrate that quality improvement systems produce valuable outcomes including a positive impact on strategic planning, promotion, new and improved services and staff development. No impact of quality improvement systems on library users or patients is reported in the literature. The literature in this area is sparse and requires updating. We recommend further primary research is conducted in health libraries focusing upon the outcomes of utilising quality improvement systems. An exploration of quality improvement systems in other library sectors may also provide valuable insight for health libraries. © 2012 The authors. Health Information and Libraries Journal © 2012 Health Libraries Group.

Lightning Nitrogen Oxides (LNOx) Vertical Profile Quantification and 10 Year Trend Analysis using Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) Satellite Measurements, Air Quality Station (AQS) Surface Measurements, The National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN), and Simulated by Cloud Resolving Chemical Transport Model (REAM Cloud)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smeltzer, C. D.; Wang, Y.; Koshak, W. J.

2014-12-01

Vertical profiles and emission lifetimes of lightning nitrogen oxides (LNOx) are derived using the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI). Approximately 200 million flashes, over a 10 year climate period, from the United States National Lighting Detection Network (NLDN), are aggregated with OMI cloud top height to determine the vertical LNOx structure. LNOx lifetime is determined as function of LNOx signal in a 36 kilometer vertical column from the time of the last known flash to depletion of the LNOx signal. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Air Quality Station (AQS) surface data further support these results by demonstrating as much as a 200% increase in surface level NO2 during strong thunderstorm events and a lag as long as 5 to 8 hours from the lightning event to the peak surface event, indicating a evolutional process. Analysis of cloud resolving chemical transport model (REAM Cloud) demonstrates that C-shaped LNOx profiles, which agree with OMI vertical profile observations, evolve due to micro-scale convective meteorology given inverted C-shaped LNOx emission profiles as determined from lightning radio telemetry. It is shown, both in simulations and in observations, that the extent to which the LNOx vertical distribution is C-shaped and the lifetime of LNOx is proportional to the shear-strength of the thunderstorm. Micro-scale convective meteorology is not adequately parameterized in global scale and regional scale chemical transport models (CTM). Therefore, these larger scale CTMs ought to use a C-shape emissions profile to best reproduce observations until convective parameterizations are updated. These findings are used to simulate decadal LNOx and lightning ozone climatology over the Continental United States (CONUS) from 2004-2014.

Palm Beach Quality Counts: QRS Profile. The Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Child Trends, 2010

2010-01-01

This paper presents a profile of Palm Beach's Quality Counts prepared as part of the Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment Study. The profile consists of several sections and their corresponding descriptions including: (1) Program Information; (2) Rating Details; (3) Quality Indicators for Center-Based Programs; (4) Indicators for…

Maine Quality for ME: QRS Profile. The Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Child Trends, 2010

2010-01-01

This paper presents a profile of Maine's Quality for ME prepared as part of the Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment Study. The profile consists of several sections and their corresponding descriptions including: (1) Program Information; (2) Rating Details; (3) Quality Indicators for Center-Based Programs; (4) Indicators for Family…

Miami-Dade Quality Counts: QRS Profile. The Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Child Trends, 2010

2010-01-01

This paper presents a profile of Miami-Dade's Quality Counts prepared as part of the Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment Study. The profile consists of several sections and their corresponding descriptions including: (1) Program Information; (2) Rating Details; (3) Quality Indicators for Center-Based Programs; (4) Indicators for…

Indiana Paths to Quality: QRS Profile. The Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Child Trends, 2010

2010-01-01

This paper presents a profile of Indiana's Paths to Quality prepared as part of the Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment Study. The profile consists of several sections and their corresponding descriptions including: (1) Program Information; (2) Rating Details; (3) Quality Indicators for Center-Based Programs; (4) Indicators for…

The study of surgical image quality evaluation system by subjective quality factor method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jian J.; Xuan, Jason R.; Yang, Xirong; Yu, Honggang; Koullick, Edouard

2016-03-01

GreenLightTM procedure is an effective and economical way of treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH); there are almost a million of patients treated with GreenLightTM worldwide. During the surgical procedure, the surgeon or physician will rely on the monitoring video system to survey and confirm the surgical progress. There are a few obstructions that could greatly affect the image quality of the monitoring video, like laser glare by the tissue and body fluid, air bubbles and debris generated by tissue evaporation, and bleeding, just to name a few. In order to improve the physician's visual experience of a laser surgical procedure, the system performance parameter related to image quality needs to be well defined. However, since image quality is the integrated set of perceptions of the overall degree of excellence of an image, or in other words, image quality is the perceptually weighted combination of significant attributes (contrast, graininess …) of an image when considered in its marketplace or application, there is no standard definition on overall image or video quality especially for the no-reference case (without a standard chart as reference). In this study, Subjective Quality Factor (SQF) and acutance are used for no-reference image quality evaluation. Basic image quality parameters, like sharpness, color accuracy, size of obstruction and transmission of obstruction, are used as subparameter to define the rating scale for image quality evaluation or comparison. Sample image groups were evaluated by human observers according to the rating scale. Surveys of physician groups were also conducted with lab generated sample videos. The study shows that human subjective perception is a trustworthy way of image quality evaluation. More systematic investigation on the relationship between video quality and image quality of each frame will be conducted as a future study.

42 CFR 441.585 - Quality assurance system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Quality assurance system. 441.585 Section 441.585 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... provides information about the provisions of quality improvement and assurance to each individual receiving...

42 CFR 441.585 - Quality assurance system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Quality assurance system. 441.585 Section 441.585 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... provides information about the provisions of quality improvement and assurance to each individual receiving...

The immunization data quality audit: verifying the quality and consistency of immunization monitoring systems.

PubMed Central

Ronveaux, O.; Rickert, D.; Hadler, S.; Groom, H.; Lloyd, J.; Bchir, A.; Birmingham, M.

2005-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the consistency and quality of immunization monitoring systems in 27 countries during 2002-03 using standardized data quality audits (DQAs) that had been launched within the framework of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization. METHODS: The consistency of reporting systems was estimated by determining the proportion of third doses of diphtheria-tetanuspertussis (DTP-3) vaccine reported as being administered that could be verified by written documentation at health facilities and districts. The quality of monitoring systems was measured using quality indices for different components of the monitoring systems. These indices were applied to each level of the health service (health unit, district and national). FINDINGS: The proportion of verified DTP-3 doses was lower than 85% in 16 countries. Difficulties in verifying the doses administered often arose at the peripheral level of the health service, usually as the result of discrepancies in information between health units and their corresponding districts or because completed recording forms were not available from health units. All countries had weaknesses in their monitoring systems; these included the inconsistent use of monitoring charts; inadequate monitoring of vaccine stocks, injection supplies and adverse events; unsafe computer practices; and poor monitoring of completeness and timeliness of reporting. CONCLUSION: Inconsistencies in immunization data occur in many countries, hampering their ability to manage their immunization programmes. Countries should use these findings to strengthen monitoring systems so that data can reliably guide programme activities. The DQA is an innovative tool that provides a way to independently assess the quality of immunization monitoring systems at all levels of a health service and serves as a point of entry to make improvements. It provides a useful example for other global health initiatives. PMID:16175824

WebDMS: A Web-Based Data Management System for Environmental Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ekstrand, A. L.; Haderman, M.; Chan, A.; Dye, T.; White, J. E.; Parajon, G.

2015-12-01

DMS is an environmental Data Management System to manage, quality-control (QC), summarize, document chain-of-custody, and disseminate data from networks ranging in size from a few sites to thousands of sites, instruments, and sensors. The server-client desktop version of DMS is used by local and regional air quality agencies (including the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, and the California Air Resources Board), the EPA's AirNow Program, and the EPA's AirNow-International (AirNow-I) program, which offers countries the ability to run an AirNow-like system. As AirNow's core data processing engine, DMS ingests, QCs, and stores real-time data from over 30,000 active sensors at over 5,280 air quality and meteorological sites from over 130 air quality agencies across the United States. As part of the AirNow-I program, several instances of DMS are deployed in China, Mexico, and Taiwan. The U.S. Department of State's StateAir Program also uses DMS for five regions in China and plans to expand to other countries in the future. Recent development has begun to migrate DMS from an onsite desktop application to WebDMS, a web-based application designed to take advantage of cloud hosting and computing services to increase scalability and lower costs. WebDMS will continue to provide easy-to-use data analysis tools, such as time-series graphs, scatterplots, and wind- or pollution-rose diagrams, as well as allowing data to be exported to external systems such as the EPA's Air Quality System (AQS). WebDMS will also provide new GIS analysis features and a suite of web services through a RESTful web API. These changes will better meet air agency needs and allow for broader national and international use (for example, by the AirNow-I partners). We will talk about the challenges and advantages of migrating DMS to the web, modernizing the DMS user interface, and making it more cost-effective to enhance and maintain over time.

National quality improvement policies and strategies in European healthcare systems.

PubMed

Spencer, E; Walshe, K

2009-02-01

This survey provides an overview of the development of policies and strategies for quality improvement in European healthcare systems, by mapping quality improvement policies and strategies, progress in their implementation, and early indications of their impact. A survey of quality improvement policies and strategies in healthcare systems of the European Union was conducted in 2005 for the first phase of the Methods of Assessing Response to Quality Improvement Strategies (MARQuIS) project. The survey, completed by 68 key experts in quality improvement from 24 European Union member states, represents their views and accounts of quality improvement policies and strategies in their healthcare systems. There are substantial international and intra-national variations in the development of healthcare quality improvement. Legal requirements for quality improvement strategies are an important driver of progress, along with the activities of national governments and professional associations and societies. Patient and service user organisations appear to have less influence on quality improvement. Wide variation in voluntary and mandatory coverage of quality improvement policies and strategies across sectors can potentially lead to varying levels of progress in implementation. Many healthcare organisations lack basic infrastructure for quality improvement. Some convergence can be observed in policies on quality improvement in healthcare. Nevertheless, the growth of patient mobility across borders, along with the implications of free market provisions for the organisation and funding of healthcare systems in European Union member states, require policies for cooperation and learning transfer.

Modelling End-User of Electronic-Government Service: The Role of Information quality, System Quality and Trust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Witarsyah Jacob, Deden; Fudzee, Mohd Farhan Md; Aizi Salamat, Mohamad; Kasim, Shahreen; Mahdin, Hairulnizam; Azhar Ramli, Azizul

2017-08-01

Many governments around the world increasingly use internet technologies such as electronic government to provide public services. These services range from providing the most basic informational website to deploying sophisticated tools for managing interactions between government agencies and beyond government. Electronic government (e-government) aims to provide a more accurate, easily accessible, cost-effective and time saving for the community. In this study, we develop a new model of e-government adoption service by extending the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) through the incorporation of some variables such as System Quality, Information Quality and Trust. The model is then tested using a large-scale, multi-site survey research of 237 Indonesian citizens. This model will be validated by using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The result indicates that System Quality, Information Quality and Trust variables proven to effect user behavior. This study extends the current understanding on the influence of System Quality, Information Quality and Trust factors to researchers, practitioners, and policy makers.

Lead/acid batteries in systems to improve power quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, P.; Butler, P.; Nerbun, W.

Increasing dependence on computer technology is driving needs for extremely high-quality power to prevent loss of information, material, and workers' time that represent billions of dollars annually. This cost has motivated commercial and Federal research and development of energy storage systems that detect and respond to power-quality failures in milliseconds. Electrochemical batteries are among the storage media under investigation for these systems. Battery energy storage systems that employ either flooded lead/acid or valve-regulated lead/acid battery technologies are becoming commercially available to capture a share of this emerging market. Cooperative research and development between the US Department of Energy and private industry have led to installations of lead/acid-based battery energy storage systems to improve power quality at utility and industrial sites and commercial development of fully integrated, modular battery energy storage system products for power quality. One such system by AC Battery Corporation, called the PQ2000, is installed at a test site at Pacific Gas and Electric Company (San Ramon, CA, USA) and at a customer site at Oglethorpe Power Corporation (Tucker, GA, USA). The PQ2000 employs off-the-shelf power electronics in an integrated methodology to control the factors that affect the performance and service life of production-model, low-maintenance, flooded lead/acid batteries. This system, and other members of this first generation of lead/acid-based energy storage systems, will need to compete vigorously for a share of an expanding, yet very aggressive, power quality market.

Quality Rating and Improvement System State Evaluations and Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ferguson, Daniel

2016-01-01

A quality rating and improvement system (QRIS) is a method used by states and local jurisdictions to assess the level of quality of child care and early education programs, improve quality, and convey quality ratings to parents and other consumers. A typical QRIS incorporates the following components: quality standards for participating providers;…

Strengthening the regulatory system through the implementation and use of a quality management system.

PubMed

Eisner, Reinhold; Patel, Rakeshkumar

2017-04-20

Quality management systems (QMS), based on ISO 9001 requirements, are applicable to government service organizations such as Health Canada's Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate (BGTD). This communication presents the process that the BGTD followed since the early 2000s to implement a quality management system and describes how the regulatory system was improved as a result of this project. BGTD undertook the implementation of a quality management system based on ISO 9001 and containing aspects of ISO 17025 with the goal of strengthening the regulatory system through improvements in the people, processes, and services of the organization. We discuss the strategy used by BGTD to implement the QMS and the benefits that were realized from the various stages of implementation. The eight quality principals upon which the QMS standards of the ISO 9000 series are based were used by senior management as a framework to guide QMS implementation.

Information systems as a quality management tool in clinical laboratories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmitz, Vanessa; Rosecler Bez el Boukhari, Marta

2007-11-01

This article describes information systems as a quality management tool in clinical laboratories. The quality of laboratory analyses is of fundamental importance for health professionals in aiding appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Information systems allow the automation of internal quality management processes, using standard sample tests, Levey-Jennings charts and Westgard multirule analysis. This simplifies evaluation and interpretation of quality tests and reduces the possibility of human error. This study proposes the development of an information system with appropriate functions and costs for the automation of internal quality control in small and medium-sized clinical laboratories. To this end, it evaluates the functions and usability of two commercial software products designed for this purpose, identifying the positive features of each, so that these can be taken into account during the development of the proposed system.

Formation of ternary CaUO2(CO3)3(2-) and Ca2UO2(CO3)3(aq) complexes under neutral to weakly alkaline conditions.

PubMed

Lee, Jun-Yeop; Yun, Jong-Il

2013-07-21

The chemical behavior of ternary Ca-UO2-CO3 complexes was investigated by using time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) in combination with EDTA complexation at pH 7-9. A novel TRLFS revealed two distinct fluorescence lifetimes of 12.7 ± 0.2 ns and 29.2 ± 0.4 ns for uranyl complexes which were formed increasingly dependent upon the calcium ion concentration, even though nearly indistinguishable fluorescence peak shapes and positions were measured for both Ca-UO2-CO3 complexes. For identifying the stoichiometric number of complexed calcium ions, slope analysis in terms of relative fluorescence intensity versus calcium concentration was employed in a combination with the complexation reaction of CaEDTA(2-) by adding EDTA. The formation of CaUO2(CO3)3(2-) and Ca2UO2(CO3)3(aq) was identified under given conditions and their formation constants were determined at I = 0.1 M Na/HClO4 medium, and extrapolated to infinitely dilute solution using specific ion interaction theory (SIT). As a result, the formation constants for CaUO2(CO3)3(2-) and Ca2UO2(CO3)3(aq) were found to be log β113(0) = 27.27 ± 0.14 and log β213(0) = 29.81 ± 0.19, respectively, providing that the ternary Ca-UO2-CO3 complexes were predominant uranium(vi) species at neutral to weakly alkaline pH in the presence of Ca(2+) and CO3(2-) ions.

PQScal (Power Quality Score Calculation for Distribution Systems with DER Integration)

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

Power Quality is of great importance to evaluate the “health” of a distribution system, especially when the distributed energy resource (DER) penetration becomes more significant. The individual components that make up power quality, such as voltage magnitude and unbalance, can be measured in simulations or in the field, however, a comprehensive method to incorporate all of these values into a single score doesn't exist. As a result, we propose a methodology to quantify the power quality health using the single number value, named as Power Quality Score (PQS). The PQS is dependent on six metrics that are developed based onmore » both components that directly impact power quality and those are often reference in the context of power quality. These six metrics are named as System Average Voltage Magnitude Violation Index (SAVMVI), System Average Voltage Fluctuation Index (SAVFI), System Average Voltage Unbalance Index (SAVUI), System Control Device Operation Index (SCDOI), System Reactive Power Demand Index (SRPDI) and System Energy Loss Index (SELI). This software tool, PQScal, is developed based on this novel PQS methodology. Besides of traditional distribution systems, PQScal can also measure the power quality for distribution systems with various DER penetrations. PQScal has been tested on two utility distribution feeders with distinct model characteristics and its effectiveness has been proved. In sum, PQScal can help utilities or other parties to measure the power quality of distribution systems with DER integration easily and effectively.« less

45 CFR 156.1120 - Quality rating system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Quality rating system. 156.1120 Section 156.1120 Public Welfare Department of Health and Human Services REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO HEALTH CARE ACCESS HEALTH INSURANCE ISSUER STANDARDS UNDER THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT, INCLUDING STANDARDS RELATED TO EXCHANGES Quality...

Astronomical Instrumentation Systems Quality Management Planning: AISQMP (Abstract)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goldbaum, J.

2017-12-01

(Abstract only) The capability of small aperture astronomical instrumentation systems (AIS) to make meaningful scientific contributions has never been better. The purpose of AIS quality management planning (AISQMP) is to ensure the quality of these contributions such that they are both valid and reliable. The first step involved with AISQMP is to specify objective quality measures not just for the AIS final product, but also for the instrumentation used in its production. The next step is to set up a process to track these measures and control for any unwanted variation. The final step is continual effort applied to reducing variation and obtaining measured values near optimal theoretical performance. This paper provides an overview of AISQMP while focusing on objective quality measures applied to astronomical imaging systems.

Assessing the Association Between Asthma and Air Quality in the Presence of Wildfires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Young, L. J.; Al-Hamdan, M. Z.; Lopiano, K. K.; Crosson, W. L.; Gotway, C. A.; DuClos, C.; Jordan, M.; Estes, M. G.; Luvall, J. C.; Estes, S. M.; Xu, X.; Holt, N. M.; Leary, E.

2012-12-01

Asthma hospital/emergency room (patient) data are used as the foundation for creating a health outcome indicator of human response to environmental air quality. Daily U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Air Quality System (AQS) fine particulates (PM2.5) ground data and the U.S. National Aeronautical Space Administration (NASA) MODIS aerosol optical depth (AOD) data were acquired and processed for years of 2007 and 2008. Figure 1 shows the PM2.5 annual mean composite of all the 2007 B-spline daily surfaces. Initial models for predicting the number of weekly asthma cases within a Florida county has focused on environmental variables. Weekly maximums of PM2.5, relative humidity, and the proportions of the county with smoke and fire were the environmental variables included in the model. Cosine and sine functions of time were used to account for seasonality in asthma cases. Counties were considered to be random effects, thereby adjusting for differences in socio-demographics and other factors. The 2007 predictions for Miami-Dade county when using B-splines PM2.5 are displayed in Figures 2.; PM2.5 annual mean composite of all the 2007 daily surfaces developed using Al-Hamdan et al (2009) B-spline fitting algorithm ; Predicted and observed weekly asthma cases presenting to hospitals or emergency rooms in Miami-Dade county in Florida during 2007

Linking North American Summer Ozone Pollution Episodes to Subseasonal Atmospheric Variability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, E. C.; Watt-Meyer, O.; Kushner, P. J.; Jones, D. B. A.

2017-12-01

Ozone concentrations in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) are positively correlated with surface air temperature due to shared influences including incident solar radiation and PBL stagnancy, as well as the temperature-sensitive emission of ozone precursor compounds. While previous studies have linked heat waves in North America to modes of subseasonal atmospheric variability, such analyses have not been applied to summertime ozone pollution episodes. This study investigates a possible link between subseasonal atmospheric variability in reanalysis data and summertime ozone pollution episodes identified in almost thirty years of in-situ measurements from the Air Quality System (AQS) network in the United States. AQS stations are grouped into regions likely to experience simultaneous extreme ozone concentrations using statistical clustering methods. Composite meteorological patterns are calculated for ozone episodes in each of these regions. The same analysis is applied to heat waves identified in AQS temperature records for comparison. Local meteorological features during typical ozone episodes include extreme temperatures and reduced cloud cover related to anomalous synoptic-scale anticyclonic circulation aloft. These anticyclonic anomalies are typically embedded in wave trains extending from the North Pacific to North Atlantic. Spectral analysis of these wave trains reveals that low-frequency standing waves play a prominent role. These long-lived circulation patterns may provide a means to increase air quality prediction lead-times and to estimate the frequency of ozone pollution episodes under climate change.

Six Sigma Quality Management System and Design of Risk-based Statistical Quality Control.

PubMed

Westgard, James O; Westgard, Sten A

2017-03-01

Six sigma concepts provide a quality management system (QMS) with many useful tools for managing quality in medical laboratories. This Six Sigma QMS is driven by the quality required for the intended use of a test. The most useful form for this quality requirement is the allowable total error. Calculation of a sigma-metric provides the best predictor of risk for an analytical examination process, as well as a design parameter for selecting the statistical quality control (SQC) procedure necessary to detect medically important errors. Simple point estimates of sigma at medical decision concentrations are sufficient for laboratory applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Air quality early-warning system for cities in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Yunzhen; Yang, Wendong; Wang, Jianzhou

2017-01-01

Air pollution has become a serious issue in many developing countries, especially in China, and could generate adverse effects on human beings. Air quality early-warning systems play an increasingly significant role in regulatory plans that reduce and control emissions of air pollutants and inform the public in advance when harmful air pollution is foreseen. However, building a robust early-warning system that will improve the ability of early-warning is not only a challenge but also a critical issue for the entire society. Relevant research is still poor in China and cannot always satisfy the growing requirements of regulatory planning, despite the issue's significance. Therefore, in this paper, a hybrid air quality early-warning system was successfully developed, composed of forecasting and evaluation. First, a hybrid forecasting model was proposed as an important part of this system based on the theory of "decomposition and ensemble" and combined with the advanced data processing technique, support vector machine, the latest bio-inspired optimization algorithm and the leave-one-out strategy for deciding weights. Afterwards, to intensify the research, fuzzy evaluation was performed, which also plays an indispensable role in the early-warning system. The forecasting model and fuzzy evaluation approaches are complementary. Case studies using daily air pollution concentrations of six air pollutants from three cities in China (i.e., Taiyuan, Harbin and Chongqing) are used as examples to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the developed air quality early-warning system. Experimental results demonstrate that both the accuracy and the effectiveness of the developed system are greatly superior for air quality early warning. Furthermore, the application of forecasting and evaluation enables the informative and effective quantification of future air quality, offering a significant advantage, and can be employed to develop rapid air quality early-warning systems.

Online information system for data collection of cattle quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sugiharti, E.; Arifudin, R.; Putra, A. T.

2018-03-01

Innovation and development of the science and technology which proclaimed by the government through Ristekdikti need to be supported. On the other hand, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries began introducing the Cattle Card system that contains the identity of each farm animal. Therefore, UNNES especially the Department of Computer Science of FMIPA UNNES, need to give positive contribution in the field of Science and Technology to support the manual system of Cattle Card, through the preparation of prototype of the online information system of data collection of cattle in Semarang regency. The main problem is how to monitor the data of cattle quality through online information system in Semarang regency? The purpose of this research is to produce the prototype of an online information system for data collection of cattle quality in Semarang regency. Main activities: (1) Prepare the flowchart of an online system for data collection of cattle quality. (2) Collecting data to obtain data on identity descriptions of each cattle, owners, mutation records, and health records of livestock cattle. (3) Creation of the prototype of an online information system for data collection of cattle quality in Semarang Regency. The results, (1) had been produced the prototype of an online information system for data collection of cattle in the region of Semarang regency. (2) Socialization of the online information system for cattle quality data collection and exploring input from various related stakeholders. (3) There had been a limited trial of prototypes of the system in Pabelan district in the working area of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries of Semarang regency and succeeded well.

Implementing a Quality Management System in the Medical Microbiology Laboratory.

PubMed

Carey, Roberta B; Bhattacharyya, Sanjib; Kehl, Sue C; Matukas, Larissa M; Pentella, Michael A; Salfinger, Max; Schuetz, Audrey N

2018-07-01

This document outlines a comprehensive practical approach to a laboratory quality management system (QMS) by describing how to operationalize the management and technical requirements described in the ISO 15189 international standard. It provides a crosswalk of the ISO requirements for quality and competence for medical laboratories to the 12 quality system essentials delineated by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. The quality principles are organized under three main categories: quality infrastructure, laboratory operations, and quality assurance and continual improvement. The roles and responsibilities to establish and sustain a QMS are outlined for microbiology laboratory staff, laboratory management personnel, and the institution's leadership. Examples and forms are included to assist in the real-world implementation of this system and to allow the adaptation of the system for each laboratory's unique environment. Errors and nonconforming events are acknowledged and embraced as an opportunity to improve the quality of the laboratory, a culture shift from blaming individuals. An effective QMS encourages "systems thinking" by providing a process to think globally of the effects of any type of change. Ultimately, a successful QMS is achieved when its principles are adopted as part of daily practice throughout the total testing process continuum. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

Environmental Public Health Surveillance for Exposure to Respiratory Health Hazards: A Joint NASA/CDC Project to Use Remote Sensing Data for Estimating Airborne Particulate Matter Over the Atlanta, Georgia Metropolitan Area

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quattrochi, Dale A.; Al-Hamdan, Mohammad; Estes, Maurice; Crosson, William

2007-01-01

As part of the National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network (EPHTN) the National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is leading a project called Health and Environment Linked for Information Exchange (HELiX-Atlanta). The goal of developing the National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network is to improve the health of communities. Currently, few systems exist at the state or national level to concurrently track many of the exposures and health effects that might be associated with environmental hazards. An additional challenge is estimating exposure to environmental hazards such as particulate matter whose aerodynamic diameter is less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5). HELIX-Atlanta's goal is to examine the feasibility of building an integrated electronic health and environmental data network in five counties of Metropolitan Atlanta, GA. NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (NASA/MSFC) is collaborating with CDC to combine NASA earth science satellite observations related to air quality and environmental monitoring data to model surface estimates of PM2.5 concentrations that can be linked with clinic visits for asthma. While use of the Air Quality System (AQS) PM2.5 data alone could meet HELIX-Atlanta specifications, there are only five AQS sites in the Atlanta area, thus the spatial coverage is not ideal. We are using NASA Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) data for estimating daily ground level PM2.5 at 10 km resolution over the metropolitan Atlanta area supplementing the AQS ground observations and filling their spatial and temporal gaps.

Development of the Next Generation Air Quality Modeling System

EPA Science Inventory

A next generation air quality modeling system is being developed at the U.S. EPA to enable modeling of air quality from global to regional to (eventually) local scales. We envision that the system will have three configurations: 1. Global meteorology with seamless mesh refinemen...

Production system with process quality control: modelling and application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsou, Jia-Chi

2010-07-01

Over the past decade, there has been a great deal of research dedicated to the study of quality and the economics of production. In this article, we develop a dynamic model which is based on the hypothesis of a traditional economic production quantity model. Taguchi's cost of poor quality is used to evaluate the cost of poor quality in the dynamic production system. A practical case from the automotive industry, which uses the Six-sigma DMAIC methodology, is discussed to verify the proposed model. This study shows that there is an optimal value of quality investment to make the production system reach a reasonable quality level and minimise the production cost. Based on our model, the management can adjust its investment in quality improvement to generate considerable financial return.

Androgen deprivation results in time-dependent hypoxia in LNCaP prostate tumours: informed scheduling of the bioreductive drug AQ4N improves treatment response.

PubMed

Ming, Louise; Byrne, Niall M; Camac, Sarah Nicole; Mitchell, Christopher A; Ward, Claire; Waugh, David J; McKeown, Stephanie R; Worthington, Jenny

2013-03-15

Androgen withdrawal induces hypoxia in androgen-sensitive tissue; this is important as in the tumour microenvironment, hypoxia is known to drive malignant progression. Our study examined the time-dependent effect of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on tumour oxygenation and investigated the role of ADT-induced hypoxia on malignant progression in prostate tumours. LNCaP xenografted tumours were treated with anti-androgens and tumour oxygenation measured. Dorsal skin fold (DSF) chambers were used to image tumour vasculature in vivo. Quantitative PCR (QPCR) identified differential gene expression following treatment with bicalutamide. Bicalutamide-treated and vehicle-only-treated tumours were re-established in vitro, and invasion and sensitivity to docetaxel were measured. Tumour growth delay was calculated following treatment with bicalutamide combined with the bioreductive drug AQ4N. Tumour oxygenation measurements showed a precipitate decrease following initiation of ADT. A clinically relevant dose of bicalutamide (2 mg/kg/day) decreased tumour oxygenation by 45% within 24 hr, reaching a nadir of 0.09% oxygen (0.67 ± 0.06 mmHg) by Day 7; this persisted until Day 14 when it increased up to Day 28. Using DSF chambers, LNCaP tumours treated with bicalutamide showed loss of small vessels at Days 7 and 14 with revascularisation occurring by Day 21. QPCR showed changes in gene expression consistent with the vascular changes and malignant progression. Cells from bicalutamide-treated tumours were more malignant than vehicle-treated controls. Combining bicalutamide with AQ4N (50 mg/kg, single dose) caused greater tumour growth delay than bicalutamide alone. Our study shows that bicalutamide-induced hypoxia selects for cells that show malignant progression; targeting hypoxic cells may provide greater clinical benefit. Copyright © 2012 UICC.

Associations between ozone and morbidity using the Spatial Synoptic Classification system

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Synoptic circulation patterns (large-scale tropospheric motion systems) affect air pollution and, potentially, air-pollution-morbidity associations. We evaluated the effect of synoptic circulation patterns (air masses) on the association between ozone and hospital admissions for asthma and myocardial infarction (MI) among adults in North Carolina. Methods Daily surface meteorology data (including precipitation, wind speed, and dew point) for five selected cities in North Carolina were obtained from the U.S. EPA Air Quality System (AQS), which were in turn based on data from the National Climatic Data Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. We used the Spatial Synoptic Classification system to classify each day of the 9-year period from 1996 through 2004 into one of seven different air mass types: dry polar, dry moderate, dry tropical, moist polar, moist moderate, moist tropical, or transitional. Daily 24-hour maximum 1-hour ambient concentrations of ozone were obtained from the AQS. Asthma and MI hospital admissions data for the 9-year period were obtained from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Generalized linear models were used to assess the association of the hospitalizations with ozone concentrations and specific air mass types, using pollutant lags of 0 to 5 days. We examined the effect across cities on days with the same air mass type. In all models we adjusted for dew point and day-of-the-week effects related to hospital admissions. Results Ozone was associated with asthma under dry tropical (1- to 5-day lags), transitional (3- and 4-day lags), and extreme moist tropical (0-day lag) air masses. Ozone was associated with MI only under the extreme moist tropical (5-day lag) air masses. Conclusions Elevated ozone levels are associated with dry tropical, dry moderate, and moist tropical air masses, with the highest ozone levels being associated with the dry tropical air mass. Certain synoptic

Retrospective observational study of emergency department syndromic surveillance data during air pollution episodes across London and Paris in 2014

PubMed Central

Morbey, Roger; Fouillet, Anne; Caserio-Schönemann, Céline; Dobney, Alec; Hughes, Thomas C; Smith, Gillian E

2018-01-01

Introduction Poor air quality (AQ) is a global public health issue and AQ events can span across countries. Using emergency department (ED) syndromic surveillance from England and France, we describe changes in human health indicators during periods of particularly poor AQ in London and Paris during 2014. Methods Using daily AQ data for 2014, we identified three periods of poor AQ affecting both London and Paris. Anonymised near real-time ED attendance syndromic surveillance data from EDs across England and France were used to monitor the health impact of poor AQ. Using the routine English syndromic surveillance detection methods, increases in selected ED syndromic indicators (asthma, difficulty breathing and myocardial ischaemia), in total and by age, were identified and compared with periods of poor AQ in each city. Retrospective Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests were used to identify significant increases in ED attendance data on days with (and up to 3 days following) poor AQ. Results Almost 1.5 million ED attendances were recorded during the study period (27 February 2014 to 1 October 2014). Significant increases in ED attendances for asthma were identified around periods of poor AQ in both cities, especially in children (aged 0–14 years). Some variation was seen in Paris with a rapid increase during the first AQ period in asthma attendances among children (aged 0–14 years), whereas during the second period the increase was greater in adults. Discussion This work demonstrates the public health value of syndromic surveillance during air pollution incidents. There is potential for further cross-border harmonisation to provide Europe-wide early alerting to health impacts and improve future public health messaging to healthcare services to provide warning of increases in demand. PMID:29674360

Retrospective observational study of emergency department syndromic surveillance data during air pollution episodes across London and Paris in 2014.

PubMed

Hughes, Helen E; Morbey, Roger; Fouillet, Anne; Caserio-Schönemann, Céline; Dobney, Alec; Hughes, Thomas C; Smith, Gillian E; Elliot, Alex J

2018-04-19

Poor air quality (AQ) is a global public health issue and AQ events can span across countries. Using emergency department (ED) syndromic surveillance from England and France, we describe changes in human health indicators during periods of particularly poor AQ in London and Paris during 2014. Using daily AQ data for 2014, we identified three periods of poor AQ affecting both London and Paris. Anonymised near real-time ED attendance syndromic surveillance data from EDs across England and France were used to monitor the health impact of poor AQ.Using the routine English syndromic surveillance detection methods, increases in selected ED syndromic indicators (asthma, difficulty breathing and myocardial ischaemia), in total and by age, were identified and compared with periods of poor AQ in each city. Retrospective Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests were used to identify significant increases in ED attendance data on days with (and up to 3 days following) poor AQ. Almost 1.5 million ED attendances were recorded during the study period (27 February 2014 to 1 October 2014). Significant increases in ED attendances for asthma were identified around periods of poor AQ in both cities, especially in children (aged 0-14 years). Some variation was seen in Paris with a rapid increase during the first AQ period in asthma attendances among children (aged 0-14 years), whereas during the second period the increase was greater in adults. This work demonstrates the public health value of syndromic surveillance during air pollution incidents. There is potential for further cross-border harmonisation to provide Europe-wide early alerting to health impacts and improve future public health messaging to healthcare services to provide warning of increases in demand. © Crown copyright 2018. Reproduced with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office/Queen’s Printer for Scotland and Public Health England.

WRF/Chem-MADRID: Incorporation of an Improved Aerosol Module into WRF/Chem and Its Initial Application to the TexAQS2000 Episode

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

Zhang, Yang; Pan, Ying; Wang, K.

2010-09-17

The Model of Aerosol Dynamics, Reaction, Ionization and Dissolution (MADRID) with three improved gas/particle mass transfer approaches (i.e., bulk equilibrium (EQUI), hybrid (HYBR), and kinetic (KINE)) has been incorporated into the Weather Research and Forecast/Chemistry Model (WRF/Chem) (referred to as WRF/Chem-MADRID) and evaluated with a 5-day episode from the 2000 Texas Air Quality Study (TexAQS2000). WRF/Chem-MADRID demonstrates an overall good skill in simulating surface/aloft meteorological parameters and chemical concentrations, tropospheric O3 residuals, and aerosol optical depths. The discrepancies can be attributed to inaccuracies in meteorological predictions (e.g., overprediction in mid-day boundary layer height), inaccurate total emissions or their hourly variationsmore » (e.g., HCHO, olefins, other inorganic aerosols), and uncertainties in initial and boundary conditions for some species (e.g., other inorganic aerosols and O3) at surface and aloft. Major differences in the results among the three gas/particle mass transfer approaches occur over coastal areas, where EQUI predicts higher PM2.5 than HYBR and KINE due to improperly redistributing condensed nitrate from chloride depletion process to fine PM mode. The net direct, semi-direct, and indirect effects of PM2.5 decreased domain wide shortwave radiation by 11.2-14.4 W m-2 (or 4.1-5.6%), decreased near-surface temperature by 0.06-0.14 °C (or 0.2-0.4%), led to 125 to 796 cm-3 cloud condensation nuclei at a supersaturation of 0.1%, produced cloud droplet numbers as high as 2064 cm-3, and reduced domain wide mean precipitation by 0.22-0.59 mm day-1.« less

Transforming an EPA QA/R-2 quality management plan into an ISO 9002 quality management system.

PubMed

Kell, R A; Hedin, C M; Kassakhian, G H; Reynolds, E S

2001-01-01

The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Emergency and Remedial Response (OERR) requires environmental data of known quality to support Superfund hazardous waste site projects. The Quality Assurance Technical Support (QATS) Program is operated by Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure, Inc. to provide EPA's Analytical Operations Center (AOC) with performance evaluation samples, reference materials, on-site laboratory auditing capabilities, data audits (including electronic media data audits), methods development, and other support services. The new QATS contract awarded in November 2000 required that the QATS Program become ISO 9000 certified. In a first for an EPA contractor, the QATS staff and management successfully transformed EPA's QA/R-2 type Quality Management Plan into a Quality Management System (QMS) that complies with the requirements of the internationally recognized ISO 9002 standard and achieved certification in the United States, Canada, and throughout Europe. The presentation describes how quality system elements of ISO 9002 were implemented on an already existing quality system. The psychological and organizational challenges of the culture change in QATS' day-to-day operations will be discussed for the benefit of other ISO 9000 aspirants.

An Informatics Blueprint for Healthcare Quality Information Systems

PubMed Central

Niland, Joyce C.; Rouse, Layla; Stahl, Douglas C.

2006-01-01

There is a critical gap in our nation's ability to accurately measure and manage the quality of medical care. A robust healthcare quality information system (HQIS) has the potential to address this deficiency through the capture, codification, and analysis of information about patient treatments and related outcomes. Because non-technical issues often present the greatest challenges, this paper provides an overview of these socio-technical issues in building a successful HQIS, including the human, organizational, and knowledge management (KM) perspectives. Through an extensive literature review and direct experience in building a practical HQIS (the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Outcomes Research Database system), we have formulated an “informatics blueprint” to guide the development of such systems. While the blueprint was developed to facilitate healthcare quality information collection, management, analysis, and reporting, the concepts and advice provided may be extensible to the development of other types of clinical research information systems. PMID:16622161

Sports Injury Surveillance Systems: A Review of Methods and Data Quality.

PubMed

Ekegren, Christina L; Gabbe, Belinda J; Finch, Caroline F

2016-01-01

Data from sports injury surveillance systems are a prerequisite to the development and evaluation of injury prevention strategies. This review aimed to identify ongoing sports injury surveillance systems and determine whether there are gaps in our understanding of injuries in certain sport settings. A secondary aim was to determine which of the included surveillance systems have evaluated the quality of their data, a key factor in determining their usefulness. A systematic search was carried out to identify (1) publications presenting methodological details of sports injury surveillance systems within clubs and organisations; and (2) publications describing quality evaluations and the quality of data from these systems. Data extracted included methodological details of the surveillance systems, methods used to evaluate data quality, and results of these evaluations. Following literature search and review, a total of 15 sports injury surveillance systems were identified. Data relevant to each aim were summarised descriptively. Most systems were found to exist within professional and elite sports. Publications concerning data quality were identified for seven (47%) systems. Validation of system data through comparison with alternate sources has been undertaken for only four systems (27%). This review identified a shortage of ongoing injury surveillance data from amateur and community sport settings and limited information about the quality of data in professional and elite settings. More surveillance systems are needed across a range of sport settings, as are standards for data quality reporting. These efforts will enable better monitoring of sports injury trends and the development of sports safety strategies.

14 CFR 21.137 - Quality system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... procedures must include the following, as applicable: (1) A flight test of each aircraft produced unless that... planning, conducting, and documenting internal audits to ensure compliance with the approved quality system...

14 CFR 21.137 - Quality system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... procedures must include the following, as applicable: (1) A flight test of each aircraft produced unless that... planning, conducting, and documenting internal audits to ensure compliance with the approved quality system...

14 CFR 21.137 - Quality system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... procedures must include the following, as applicable: (1) A flight test of each aircraft produced unless that... planning, conducting, and documenting internal audits to ensure compliance with the approved quality system...

Toolsets for Airborne Data

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2018-05-23

... from COlumn and VERtically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality (DISCOVER-AQ) Campaign including Maryland, Texas, California, and ... observations to diagnose near-surface conditions relating to air quality. To diagnose air quality conditions from space, reliable satellite ...

Spectroscopic determination of anthraquinone in kraft pulping liquors using a membrane interface

Treesearch

X.S. Chai; X.T. Yang; Q.X. Hou; J.Y. Zhu; L.-G. Danielsson

2003-01-01

A spectroscopic technique for determining AQ in pulping liquor was developed to effectively separate AQ from dissolved lignin. This technique is based on a flow analysis system with a Nafion membrane interface. The AQ passed through the membrane is converted into its reduced form, AHQ, using sodium hydrosulfite. AHQ has distinguished absorption characteristics in the...

Influence of intense secondary aerosol formation and long-range transport on aerosol chemistry and properties in the Seoul Metropolitan Area during spring time: results from KORUS-AQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hwajin; Zhang, Qi; Heo, Jongbae

2018-05-01

Non-refractory submicrometer particulate matter (NR-PM1) was measured in the Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA), Korea, using an Aerodyne high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) from 14 April to 15 June 2016, as a part of the Korea-US Air Quality Study (KORUS-AQ) campaign. This was the first highly time-resolved, real-time measurement study of springtime aerosol in SMA and the results reveal valuable insights into the sources and atmospheric processes that contribute to PM pollution in this region. The average concentration of submicrometer aerosol (PM1 = NR-PM1 + black carbon (BC)) was 22.1 µg m-3, which was composed of 44 % organics, 20 % sulfate, 17 % nitrate, 12 % ammonium, and 7 % BC. Organics had an average atomic oxygen-to-carbon (O / C) ratio of 0.49 and an average organic mass-to-carbon (OM/OC) ratio of 1.82. Four distinct sources of OA were identified via positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis of the HR-ToF-AMS data: vehicle emissions represented by a hydrocarbon-like OA factor (HOA; O / C = 0.15; 17 % of OA mass), food cooking activities represented by a cooking-influenced OA factor (COA; O / C = 0.19; 22 % of OA mass), and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) represented by a semi-volatile oxygenated OA factor (SV-OOA; O / C = 0.44; 27 % of OA mass) and a low-volatility oxygenated OA factor (LV-OOA; O / C = 0.91; 34 % of OA mass). Our results indicate that air quality in SMA during KORUS-AQ was influenced strongly by secondary aerosol formation, with sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, SV-OOA, and LV-OOA together accounting for 76 % of the PM1 mass. In particular, the formation of LV-OOA and sulfate was mainly promoted by elevated ozone concentrations and photochemical reactions during daytime, whereas SV-OOA and nitrate formation was contributed by both nocturnal processing of VOC and nitrogen oxides, respectively, and daytime photochemical reactions. In addition, lower nighttime temperature promoted gas-to-particle partitioning of

Effects of local meteorology and aerosols on ozone and nitrogen dioxide retrievals from OMI and pandora spectrometers in Maryland, USA during DISCOVER-AQ 2011.

PubMed

Reed, Andra J; Thompson, Anne M; Kollonige, Debra E; Martins, Douglas K; Tzortziou, Maria A; Herman, Jay R; Berkoff, Timothy A; Abuhassan, Nader K; Cede, Alexander

An analysis is presented for both ground- and satellite-based retrievals of total column ozone and nitrogen dioxide levels from the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland, metropolitan area during the NASA-sponsored July 2011 campaign of D eriving I nformation on S urface CO nditions from Column and VER tically Resolved Observations Relevant to A ir Q uality (DISCOVER-AQ). Satellite retrievals of total column ozone and nitrogen dioxide from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) on the Aura satellite are used, while Pandora spectrometers provide total column ozone and nitrogen dioxide amounts from the ground. We found that OMI and Pandora agree well (residuals within ±25 % for nitrogen dioxide, and ±4.5 % for ozone) for a majority of coincident observations during July 2011. Comparisons with surface nitrogen dioxide from a Teledyne API 200 EU NO x Analyzer showed nitrogen dioxide diurnal variability that was consistent with measurements by Pandora. However, the wide OMI field of view, clouds, and aerosols affected retrievals on certain days, resulting in differences between Pandora and OMI of up to ±65 % for total column nitrogen dioxide, and ±23 % for total column ozone. As expected, significant cloud cover (cloud fraction >0.2) was the most important parameter affecting comparisons of ozone retrievals; however, small, passing cumulus clouds that do not coincide with a high (>0.2) cloud fraction, or low aerosol layers which cause significant backscatter near the ground affected the comparisons of total column nitrogen dioxide retrievals. Our results will impact post-processing satellite retrieval algorithms and quality control procedures.

Quality Program Provisions for Aeronautical and Space System Contractors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1969-01-01

This publication sets forth quality program requirements for NASA aeronautical and space programs, systems, subsystems, and related services. These requirements provide for the effective operation of a quality program which ensures that quality criteria and requirements are recognized, definitized, and performed satisfactorily.

Quality Improvement Efforts among Early Childhood Education Programs Participating in Iowa's Quality Rating System. REL 2017-244

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hawkinson, Laura E.; Faria, Ann-Marie; Bouacha, Nora; Lee, Dong Hoon; Metzger, Ivan

2017-01-01

This report describes the quality improvement efforts of early childhood education programs participating in Iowa's Quality Rating System (QRS). It identifies supports and barriers to quality improvement and examines how quality improvement supports and activities relate to changes in program quality ratings across time. The study team developed…

Constraining ammonia dairy emissions during NASA DISCOVER-AQ California: surface and airborne observation comparisons with CMAQ simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, D. J.; Liu, Z.; Sun, K.; Tao, L.; Nowak, J. B.; Bambha, R.; Michelsen, H. A.; Zondlo, M. A.

2014-12-01

Agricultural ammonia (NH3) emissions are highly uncertain in current bottom-up inventories. Ammonium nitrate is a dominant component of fine aerosols in agricultural regions such as the Central Valley of California, especially during winter. Recent high resolution regional modeling efforts in this region have found significant ammonium nitrate and gas-phase NH3 biases during summer. We compare spatially-resolved surface and boundary layer gas-phase NH3 observations during NASA DISCOVER-AQ California with Community Multi-Scale Air Quality (CMAQ) regional model simulations driven by the EPA NEI 2008 inventory to constrain wintertime NH3 model biases. We evaluate model performance with respect to aerosol partitioning, mixing and deposition to constrain contributions to modeled NH3 concentration biases in the Central Valley Tulare dairy region. Ammonia measurements performed with an open-path mobile platform on a vehicle are gridded to 4 km resolution hourly background concentrations. A peak detection algorithm is applied to remove local feedlot emission peaks. Aircraft NH3, NH4+ and NO3- observations are also compared with simulations extracted along the flight tracks. We find NH3 background concentrations in the dairy region are underestimated by three to five times during winter and NH3 simulations are moderately correlated with observations (r = 0.36). Although model simulations capture NH3 enhancements in the dairy region, these simulations are biased low by 30-60 ppbv NH3. Aerosol NH4+ and NO3- are also biased low in CMAQ by three and four times respectively. Unlike gas-phase NH3, CMAQ simulations do not capture typical NH4+ or NO3- enhancements observed in the dairy region. In contrast, boundary layer height simulations agree well with observations within 13%. We also address observational constraints on simulated NH3 deposition fluxes. These comparisons suggest that NEI 2008 wintertime dairy emissions are underestimated by a factor of three to five. We test

Ohio Step Up to Quality: QRS Profile. The Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Child Trends, 2010

2010-01-01

This paper presents a profile of Ohio's Step Up to Quality prepared as part of the Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment Study. The profile consists of several sections and their corresponding descriptions including: (1) Program Information; (2) Rating Details; (3) Quality Indicators for Center-Based Programs; (4) Indicators for Family…

Evaluating commercial marine emissions and their role in air quality policy using observations and the CMAQ model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ring, Allison M.; Canty, Timothy P.; Anderson, Daniel C.; Vinciguerra, Timothy P.; He, Hao; Goldberg, Daniel L.; Ehrman, Sheryl H.; Dickerson, Russell R.; Salawitch, Ross J.

2018-01-01

We investigate the representation of emissions from the largest (Class 3) commercial marine vessels (c3 Marine) within the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. In present emissions inventories developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), c3 Marine emissions are divided into off-shore and near-shore files. Off-shore c3 Marine emissions are vertically distributed within the atmospheric column, reflecting stack-height and plume rise. Near-shore c3 Marine emissions, located close to the US shoreline, are erroneously assumed to occur only at the surface. We adjust the near-shore c3 Marine emissions inventory by vertically distributing these emissions to be consistent with the off-shore c3 Marine inventory. Additionally, we remove near-shore c3 Marine emissions that overlap with off-shore c3 Marine emissions within the EPA files. The CMAQ model generally overestimates surface ozone (O3) compared to Air Quality System (AQS) site observations, with the largest discrepancies occurring near coastal waterways. We compare modeled O3 from two CMAQ simulations for June, July, and August (JJA) 2011 to surface O3 observations from AQS sites to examine the efficacy of the c3 Marine emissions improvements. Model results at AQS sites show average maximum 8-hr surface O3 decreases up to ∼6.5 ppb along the Chesapeake Bay, and increases ∼3-4 ppb around Long Island Sound, when the adjusted c3 Marine emissions are used. Along with the c3 Marine emissions adjustments, we reduce on-road mobile NOX emissions by 50%, motivated by work from Anderson et al. 2014, and reduce the lifetime of the alkyl nitrate species group from ∼10 days to ∼1 day based on work by Canty et al. 2015, to develop the ;c3 Science; model scenario. Simulations with these adjustments further improve model representation of the atmosphere. We calculate the ratio of column formaldehyde (HCHO) and tropospheric column nitrogen dioxide (NO2) using observations from the Ozone

ISO9000 and the quality management system in the digital hospital.

PubMed

Liu, Yalan; Yao, Bin; Zhang, Zigang

2002-01-01

ISO9000 quality management system (ISO9000QMS) emphasize on the customer-oriented, managers' leadership and all staff's joining, adopt the process method and system management, spread the taking facts as a basis to make decision and improve consistently, and establish win-win relation with the suppliers. So, the digital hospital can adopt the ISO9000QMS. In order to establish the ISO9000QMS, the digital hospital should: (1) Design integrally, including analyzing the operation procedure, clarifying the job duties, setting up the spreading team and setting the quality policy and objectives: (2) Learning the ISO9000 quality standards; (3) Drawing up the documents, including the quality manual, program files and operation guiding files; (4) Training according the documents; (5) Executing the quality standard, including the service quality auditing, quality record auditing and quality system auditing; (6) Improving continually. With the establishment of ISO900QMS, the digital hospital can appraise more accurately, analyze quality matters statistically and avoid the interference of artificial factors.

Organ Donation European Quality System: ODEQUS project methodology.

PubMed

Manyalich, M; Guasch, X; Gomez, M P; Páez, G; Teixeira, L

2013-01-01

Differences in the number of organ donors among hospitals cannot be explained only by the number of intensive care unit beds used or neurologic patients treated. The figures obtained are influenced by the organizational structure of the donation process and how efficient it is. The Organ Donation European Quality System (ODEQUS) is a 3-year project (from October 2010 to September 2013) co-financed by the European Agency for Health and Consumers (EAHC20091108) which aims to define a methodology to evaluate organ procurement performance at the hospital level. ODEQUS's specific objectives are to identify quality criteria and to develop quality indicators in three types of organ donation (after brain death, after cardiac death, and living donation). Those tools will be useful for hospitals' self-assessment as well as for developing an international auditing model. A consortium has been established involving 14 associated partners from Austria, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, as well as five collaborating partners from Greece, Hungary, Malta, Slovenia, and Turkey. The project has been established in three steps: 1) Design of a survey about the use of quality tools in a wide sample of European hospitals; 2) Development of quality criteria and quality indicators by the project experts. The main fields considered have been organizational structures, clinical procedures, and outcomes; and 3) Elaboration of an evaluation system to test the quality indicators in 11 European hospitals. Two types of training have been designed and performed: one concerns the development of quality criteria and quality indicators, whereas another is focused on how to use evaluation tools. Following this methodology, the project has so far identified 131 quality criteria and developed 31 quality indicators. Currently, the quality indicators are being tested in 11 selected hospitals. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights

[Effectiveness of incorporating a quality management system].

PubMed

Seki, Akira; Hankins, Raleigh W; Miya, Tetsumasa

2010-01-01

In 2003, the ISO 15189 international standardization program on the quality and competence of the clinical reference laboratory was introduced. To date, 46 facilities have committed themselves to providing a higher level of medical service by incorporating a quality management system (QMS) and acquiring accreditation. QMS is defined as "setting up a policy and goals pertaining to quality, and adopting an appropriate system," and is a scheme that includes all managerial and technical factors that can affect test results. Regarding the Health Sciences Research Institute Group, 4 facilities have previously received the accreditation described above, but in the process of implementing the QMS, a number of problems have been identified. Here, we report on the effectiveness of adopting such a QMS based on the results of employee questionnaires, internal audits, customer complaint analyses, and external audits by the Japan Accreditation Board for Conformity Assessment (JAB), the official inspection body for accreditation.

COMMUNITY MULTISCALE AIR QUALITY MODELING SYSTEM (ONE ATMOSPHERE)

EPA Science Inventory

This task supports ORD's strategy by providing responsive technical support of EPA's mission and provides credible state of the art air quality models and guidance. This research effort is to develop and improve the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system, a mu...

Towards the Next Generation Air Quality Modeling System ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The community multiscale air quality (CMAQ) model of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is one of the most widely used air quality model worldwide; it is employed for both research and regulatory applications at major universities and government agencies for improving understanding of the formation and transport of air pollutants. It is noted, however, that air quality issues and climate change assessments need to be addressed globally recognizing the linkages and interactions between meteorology and atmospheric chemistry across a wide range of scales. Therefore, an effort is currently underway to develop the next generation air quality modeling system (NGAQM) that will be based on a global integrated meteorology and chemistry system. The model for prediction across scales-atmosphere (MPAS-A), a global fully compressible non-hydrostatic model with seamlessly refined centroidal Voronoi grids, has been chosen as the meteorological driver of this modeling system. The initial step of adapting MPAS-A for the NGAQM was to implement and test the physics parameterizations and options that are preferred for retrospective air quality simulations (see the work presented by R. Gilliam, R. Bullock, and J. Herwehe at this workshop). The next step, presented herein, would be to link the chemistry from CMAQ to MPAS-A to build a prototype for the NGAQM. Furthermore, the techniques to harmonize transport processes between CMAQ and MPAS-A, methodologies to connect the chemis

Automated recognition system for power quality disturbances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdelgalil, Tarek

The application of deregulation policies in electric power systems has resulted in the necessity to quantify the quality of electric power. This fact highlights the need for a new monitoring strategy which is capable of tracking, detecting, classifying power quality disturbances, and then identifying the source of the disturbance. The objective of this work is to design an efficient and reliable power quality monitoring strategy that uses the advances in signal processing and pattern recognition to overcome the deficiencies that exist in power quality monitoring devices. The purposed monitoring strategy has two stages. The first stage is to detect, track, and classify any power quality violation by the use of on-line measurements. In the second stage, the source of the classified power quality disturbance must be identified. In the first stage, an adaptive linear combiner is used to detect power quality disturbances. Then, the Teager Energy Operator and Hilbert Transform are utilized for power quality event tracking. After the Fourier, Wavelet, and Walsh Transforms are employed for the feature extraction, two approaches are then exploited to classify the different power quality disturbances. The first approach depends on comparing the disturbance to be classified with a stored set of signatures for different power quality disturbances. The comparison is developed by using Hidden Markov Models and Dynamic Time Warping. The second approach depends on employing an inductive inference to generate the classification rules directly from the data. In the second stage of the new monitoring strategy, only the problem of identifying the location of the switched capacitor which initiates the transients is investigated. The Total Least Square-Estimation of Signal Parameters via Rotational Invariance Technique is adopted to estimate the amplitudes and frequencies of the various modes contained in the voltage signal measured at the facility entrance. After extracting the

Air pollution, athletic health and performance at the Olympic Games.

PubMed

Fitch, Ken

2016-01-01

The objective of this study was to briefly review air pollution and its effects on athletes' health and performance and to examine air quality (AQ) at specific Olympic Summer Games between 1964 and 2008. It will focus on any attempts made by the cities hosting these Olympics to improve AQ for the Games and if undertaken, how successful these were. The author had a medical role at five of the seven Olympic Games that will be examined and hence has personal experiences. Information was obtained from the readily accessible official reports of the Olympic Games, relevant published papers and books and the internet. For each of these seven Olympic Games, monitoring AQ was far below current acceptable standards and for the majority, minimal or no data on major pollutants was available. From what can be ascertained, at these Games, AQ varied but was less than optimal in most if not all. Nevertheless, there were few reported or known unfavorable effects on the health of Olympic athletes. To date, there have been few reported consequences of sub-optimal AQ at Olympic Games. The focus on AQ at Olympic Games has gradually increased over the past five decades and is expected to continue into the future.

ANIMATION AND VISUALIZATION OF WATER QUALITY IN DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

EPA Science Inventory

Water may undergo a number of changes in the distribution system, making the quality of the water at the customer's tap different from the quality of the water that leaves the treatment plant. Such changes in quality may be caused by chemical or biological variations or by a loss...

Quality assurance of weather data for agricultural system model input

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

It is well known that crop production and hydrologic variation on watersheds is weather related. Rarely, however, is meteorological data quality checks reported for agricultural systems model research. We present quality assurance procedures for agricultural system model weather data input. Problems...

Compendium of Quality Rating Systems and Evaluations: The Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tout, Kathryn; Starr, Rebecca; Soli, Margaret; Moodie, Shannon; Kirby, Gretchen; Boller, Kimberly

2010-01-01

Quality Rating Systems (QRS) are currently operating, under development, or being piloted in over 25 states or local areas. As the QRS model becomes integrated into the landscape of child care and education service delivery, policy, and the decisions parents make about child care across the United States, there is an increasing need for…

21 CFR 26.41 - Exchange and endorsement of quality system evaluation reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Exchange and endorsement of quality system... DEVICE QUALITY SYSTEM AUDIT REPORTS, AND CERTAIN MEDICAL DEVICE PRODUCT EVALUATION REPORTS: UNITED STATES... endorsement of quality system evaluation reports. (a) Listed European Community (EC) conformity assessment...

21 CFR 26.41 - Exchange and endorsement of quality system evaluation reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Exchange and endorsement of quality system... DEVICE QUALITY SYSTEM AUDIT REPORTS, AND CERTAIN MEDICAL DEVICE PRODUCT EVALUATION REPORTS: UNITED STATES... endorsement of quality system evaluation reports. (a) Listed European Community (EC) conformity assessment...

21 CFR 26.41 - Exchange and endorsement of quality system evaluation reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Exchange and endorsement of quality system... DEVICE QUALITY SYSTEM AUDIT REPORTS, AND CERTAIN MEDICAL DEVICE PRODUCT EVALUATION REPORTS: UNITED STATES... endorsement of quality system evaluation reports. (a) Listed European Community (EC) conformity assessment...

21 CFR 26.41 - Exchange and endorsement of quality system evaluation reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Exchange and endorsement of quality system... DEVICE QUALITY SYSTEM AUDIT REPORTS, AND CERTAIN MEDICAL DEVICE PRODUCT EVALUATION REPORTS: UNITED STATES... endorsement of quality system evaluation reports. (a) Listed European Community (EC) conformity assessment...

Comparison between the disease-specific Airways Questionnaire 20 and the generic 15D instruments in COPD.

PubMed

Mazur, Witold; Kupiainen, Henna; Pitkäniemi, Janne; Kilpeläinen, Maritta; Sintonen, Harri; Lindqvist, Ari; Kinnula, Vuokko L; Laitinen, Tarja

2011-01-16

Given that the assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an essential outcome measure to optimize chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patient management, there is a need for a short and fast, reliable and valid instrument for routine use in clinical practice. The objective of this study was to analyse the relationship between the disease-specific Airways questionnaire (AQ20) and the generic 15D health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instrument simultaneously in a large cohort of patients with COPD. We also compare the HRQoL of COPD patients with that of the general population. The AQ20 and 15D were administered to 739 COPD patients representing an unselected hospital-based COPD population. The completion rates and validity of, and correlations among the questions and dimension scores were examined. A factor analysis with varimax rotation was performed in order to find subsets of highly correlating items of the questionnaires. The summary scores of AQ20 and 15D were highly correlated (r = - 0.71, p < 0.01). In AQ20 over 50% of patients reported frequent cough, breathlessness during domestic work, and chest problem limiting their full enjoyment of life. 15D results showed a noteworthy decrease of HRQoL in breathing, mobility, sleeping, usual activities, discomfort and symptoms, vitality, and sexual activity (scores ≤ 0.75). Compared to the age- and gender-standardized Finnish general population, the COPD patients were statistically significantly worse off on 13 of 15 dimensions. The AQ20 and 15D summary scores are comparable in terms of measuring HRQoL in COPD patients. The data support the validity of 15D to measure the quality of life in COPD. COPD compromises the HRQoL broadly, as reflected by the generic instrument. Both questionnaires are simple and short, and could easily be used in clinical practice with high completion rates.

Toward an evidence-based system for innovation support for implementing innovations with quality: tools, training, technical assistance, and quality assurance/quality improvement.

PubMed

Wandersman, Abraham; Chien, Victoria H; Katz, Jason

2012-12-01

An individual or organization that sets out to implement an innovation (e.g., a new technology, program, or policy) generally requires support. In the Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation, a Support System should work with Delivery Systems (national, state and/or local entities such as health and human service organizations, community-based organizations, schools) to enhance their capacity for quality implementation of innovations. The literature on the Support System [corrected] has been underresearched and under-developedThis article begins to conceptualize theory, research, and action for an evidence-based system for innovation support (EBSIS). EBSIS describes key priorities for strengthening the science and practice of support. The major goal of EBSIS is to enhance the research and practice of support in order to build capacity in the Delivery System for implementing innovations with quality, and thereby, help the Delivery System achieve outcomes. EBSIS is guided by a logic model that includes four key support components: tools, training, technical assistance, and quality assurance/quality improvement. EBSIS uses the Getting To Outcomes approach to accountability to aid the identification and synthesis of concepts, tools, and evidence for support. We conclude with some discussion of the current status of EBSIS and possible next steps, including the development of collaborative researcher-practitioner-funder-consumer partnerships to accelerate accumulation of knowledge on the Support System.

Regional characteristics of the relationship between columnar AOD and surface PM2.5: Application of lidar aerosol extinction profiles over Baltimore-Washington Corridor during DISCOVER-AQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, D. Allen; Ferrare, Richard; Szykman, James; Lewis, Jasper; Scarino, Amy; Hains, Jennifer; Burton, Sharon; Chen, Gao; Tsai, Tzuchin; Hostetler, Chris; Hair, Johnathan; Holben, Brent; Crawford, James

2015-01-01

The first field campaign of DISCOVER-AQ (Deriving Information on Surface conditions from COlumn and VERtically resolved observations relevant to Air Quality) took place in July 2011 over Baltimore-Washington Corridor (BWC). A suite of airborne remote sensing and in-situ sensors was deployed along with ground networks for mapping vertical and horizontal distribution of aerosols. Previous researches were based on a single lidar station because of the lack of regional coverage. This study uses the unique airborne HSRL (High Spectral Resolution Lidar) data to baseline PM2.5 (particulate matter of aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm) estimates and applies to regional air quality with satellite AOD (Aerosol Optical Depth) retrievals over BWC (∼6500 km2). The linear approximation takes into account aerosols aloft above AML (Aerosol Mixing Layer) by normalizing AOD with haze layer height (i.e., AOD/HLH). The estimated PM2.5 mass concentrations by HSRL AOD/HLH are shown within 2 RMSE (Root Mean Square Error ∼9.6 μg/m3) with correlation ∼0.88 with the observed over BWC. Similar statistics are shown when applying HLH data from a single location over the distance of 100 km. In other words, a single lidar is feasible to cover the range of 100 km with expected uncertainties. The employment of MPLNET-AERONET (MicroPulse Lidar NETwork - AErosol RObotic NETwork) measurements at NASA GSFC produces similar statistics of PM2.5 estimates as those derived by HSRL. The synergy of active and passive remote sensing aerosol measurements provides the foundation for satellite application of air quality on a daily basis. For the optimal range of 10 km, the MODIS-estimated PM2.5 values are found satisfactory at 27 (out of 36) sunphotometer locations with mean RMSE of 1.6-3.3 μg/m3 relative to PM2.5 estimated by sunphotometers. The remaining 6 of 8 marginal sites are found in the coastal zone, for which associated large RMSE values ∼4.5-7.8 μg/m3 are most likely due to

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.

21 CFR 26.41 - Exchange and endorsement of quality system evaluation reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... DEVICE QUALITY SYSTEM AUDIT REPORTS, AND CERTAIN MEDICAL DEVICE PRODUCT EVALUATION REPORTS: UNITED STATES...; (2) Abbreviated reports of quality systems surveillance audits. (c) If the abbreviated reports do not... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Exchange and endorsement of quality system...

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INFORMATION SYSTEM - EQULS® - ITER

EPA Science Inventory

This project consisted of an evaluation of the Environmental Quality Information System (EQuIS) software designed by Earthsoft, Inc. as an environmental data management and analysis platform for monitoring and remediation projects. In consultation with the EQuIS vendor, six pri...

15 CFR 995.25 - Quality management system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... management system are those defined in this part. The quality management system must ensure that the... type approved conversion software is maintained by a third party, CEVAD shall ensure that no changes made to the conversion software render the type approval of the conversion software invalid, and shall...

15 CFR 995.25 - Quality management system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... management system are those defined in this part. The quality management system must ensure that the... type approved conversion software is maintained by a third party, CEVAD shall ensure that no changes made to the conversion software render the type approval of the conversion software invalid, and shall...

15 CFR 995.25 - Quality management system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... management system are those defined in this part. The quality management system must ensure that the... type approved conversion software is maintained by a third party, CEVAD shall ensure that no changes made to the conversion software render the type approval of the conversion software invalid, and shall...

15 CFR 995.25 - Quality management system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... management system are those defined in this part. The quality management system must ensure that the... type approved conversion software is maintained by a third party, CEVAD shall ensure that no changes made to the conversion software render the type approval of the conversion software invalid, and shall...

Environmental Public Health Survelliance for Exposure to Respiratory Health Hazards: A Joint NASA/CDC Project to Use Remote Sensing Data for Estimating Airborne Particulate Matter Over the Atlanta, Georgia Metropolitan Area

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quattrochi, Dale A.; Rickman, Douglas; Mohammad, Al-Hamdan; Crosson, William; Estes, Maurice, Jr.; Limaye, Ashutosh; Qualters, Judith

2008-01-01

Describes the public health surveillance efforts of NASA, in a joint effort with the Center for Disease Control (CDC). NASA/MSFC and the CDC are partners in linking nvironmental and health data to enhance public health surveillance. The use of NASA technology creates value - added geospatial products from existing environmental data sources to facilitate public health linkages. The venture sought to provide remote sensing data for the 5-country Metro-Atlanta area and to integrate this environmental data with public health data into a local network, in an effort to prevent and control environmentally related health effects. Remote sensing data used environmental data (Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] Air Quality System [AQS] ground measurements and MODIS Aerosol Optical Depth [AOD]) to estimate airborne particulate matter over Atlanta, and linked this data with health data related to asthma. The study proved the feasibility of linking environmental data (MODIS particular matter estimates and AQS) with health data (asthma). Algorithms were developed for QC, bias removal, merging MODIS and AQS particulate matter data, as well as for other applications. Additionally, a Business Associate Agreement was negotiated for a health care provider to enable sharing of Protected Health Information.

Importance of relationship quality in the success of data warehouse systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almabhouh, Alaaeddin; Saleh, Abdul; Ahmad, Azizah

2011-10-01

Increased organizational dependence on data warehouse (DW) systems drives management attention towards improving DW systems success. However, the successful implementation rate of DW systems is low and many firms did not achieve intended goals. A recent studies show that improves and evaluates DW success is one of the top concerns facing IT/DW executives. Existing information system (IS) research has studied DW success more from information quality and system quality. Researchers argue in this study that we should also take the relationship quality, which has significant research and practical implications in that it connects to IS success directly. As our first attempt, this study, referring to both IS and marketing literature, examines how communication, coordination, cooperation, commitment, and trust can be achieved to some degrees by high quality relationships between DW parties.

EMISSIONS PROCESSING FOR THE ETA/ CMAQ AIR QUALITY FORECAST SYSTEM

EPA Science Inventory

NOAA and EPA have created an Air Quality Forecast (AQF) system. This AQF system links an adaptation of the EPA's Community Multiscale Air Quality Model with the 12 kilometer ETA model running operationally at NOAA's National Center for Environmental Predication (NCEP). One of the...

Asan medical information system for healthcare quality improvement.

PubMed

Ryu, Hyeon Jeong; Kim, Woo Sung; Lee, Jae Ho; Min, Sung Woo; Kim, Sun Ja; Lee, Yong Su; Lee, Young Ha; Nam, Sang Woo; Eo, Gi Seung; Seo, Sook Gyoung; Nam, Mi Hyun

2010-09-01

This purpose of this paper is to introduce the status of the Asan Medical Center (AMC) medical information system with respect to healthcare quality improvement. Asan Medical Information System (AMIS) is projected to become a completely electronic and digital information hospital. AMIS has played a role in improving the health care quality based on the following measures: safety, effectiveness, patient-centeredness, timeliness, efficiency, privacy, and security. AMIS CONSISTED OF SEVERAL DISTINCTIVE SYSTEMS: order communication system, electronic medical record, picture archiving communication system, clinical research information system, data warehouse, enterprise resource planning, IT service management system, and disaster recovery system. The most distinctive features of AMIS were the high alert-medication recognition & management system, the integrated and severity stratified alert system, the integrated patient monitoring system, the perioperative diabetic care monitoring and support system, and the clinical indicator management system. AMIS provides IT services for AMC, 7 affiliated hospitals and over 5,000 partners clinics, and was developed to improve healthcare services. The current challenge of AMIS is standard and interoperability. A global health IT strategy is needed to get through the current challenges and to provide new services as needed.

Joint Evaluation of Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) High-resolution Global Near-Real Time CO and CO2 Forecasts during KORUS-AQ Field Campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, W.; Arellano, A. F., Jr.; Choi, Y.; DiGangi, J. P.; Woo, J. H.; Diskin, G. S.; Agusti-panareda, A.; Parrington, M.; Massart, S.; Lee, M.; Kanaya, Y.; Jang, J.; Lee, Y.; Hong, J.; Flynn, J. H., III; Thompson, A. M.; Kim, D. B.

2017-12-01

Anthropogenic combustion has significant impacts on air quality and climate. To understand anthropogenic combustion, it is critical to model CO2 and CO (key combustion signatures) and their relationships. In this study, we jointly evaluate the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) free-running 16-km forecast, 9-km forecast initialized with CAMS analysis, and analysis products of CO (80km) and CO2 (40km) to understand how well combustion-related processes and constituent transport are represented in the current system. We use measurements from aircraft, ground sites, and ships during the KORUS-AQ field campaign (May - June 2016), along with satellite observations (MOPITT, IASI, OCO-2, and GOSAT). Airborne measurements by the DC-8 aircraft are classified into five regions: Seoul metropolitan, Taehwa, West Sea, Seoul-Jeju jetway, and Seoul-Busan jetway. The observed CO2, CO, and their relationships varies significantly, and the performance of CAMS products also varies across regions. The three CAMS products perform reasonably well in simulating anthropogenic combustion processes. Overall, CO2 is overestimated while CO is underestimated by CAMS. The 9km forecast product generally has a better performance than the other two, because of its higher model resolution and better initialization conditions. The analysis product also performs better than the 16km forecast. China outflow over West Sea is captured, but CO2 and CO is underestimated in the outflow. According to CAMS, is 10-15 (ppbv/ppmv) for Korea and about 30 for China outflow, indicating anthropogenic combustion in Seoul is more efficient than it is in China. This agrees well with DC-8 aircraft observations. As for ground sites, we find that CO and CO2 measured by the Olympic park and Yonsei (Seoul metropolitan sites) have more regularity in diurnal cycle, and such periodical change is well captured by CAMS. The time series for CO from Baengnyeong, and Fukue (remote sites) are irregular and episodic

Tennessee Star-Quality Child Care Program: QRS Profile. The Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Child Trends, 2010

2010-01-01