Reduction in bearing size due to superconductors in magnetic bearings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, Dantam K.; Lewis, Paul; Dill, James F.

1991-01-01

A design concept that reduces the size of magnetic bearings is assessed. The small size will enable magnetic bearings to fit into limited available bearing volume of cryogenic machinery. The design concept, called SUPERC, uses (high Tc) superconductors or high-purity aluminum conductors in windings instead of copper. The relatively high-current density of these conductors reduces the slot radial thickness for windings, which reduces the size of the bearings. MTI developed a sizing program called SUPERC that translates the high-current density of these conductors into smaller sized bearings. This program was used to size a superconducting bearing to carry a 500 lb. load. The sizes of magnetic bearings needed by various design concepts are as follows: SUPERC design concept = 3.75 in.; magnet-bias design concept = 5.25 in.; and all electromagnet design concept = 7.0 in. These results indicate that the SUPERC design concept can significantly reduce the size of the bearing. This reduction, in turn, reduces the weight and yields a lighter bearing. Since the superconductors have inherently near-zero resistance, they are also expected to save power needed for operation considerably.

Sikorsky Aircraft Advanced Rotorcraft Transmission (ART) program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kish, Jules G.

1993-01-01

The objectives of the Advanced Rotorcraft Transmission program were to achieve a 25 percent weight reduction, a 10 dB noise reduction, and a 5,000 hour mean time between removals (MTBR). A three engine Army Cargo Aircraft (ACA) of 85,000 pounds gross weight was used as the baseline. Preliminary designs were conducted of split path and split torque transmissions to evaluate weight, reliability, and noise. A split path gearbox was determined to be 23 percent lighter, greater than 10 dB quieter, and almost four times more reliable than the baseline two stage planetary design. Detail design studies were conducted of the chosen split path configuration, and drawings were produced of a 1/2 size gearbox consisting of a single engine path of the split path section. Fabrication and testing was then conducted on the 1/2 size gearbox. The 1/2 size gearbox testing proved that the concept of the split path gearbox with high reduction ratio double helical output gear was sound. The improvements were attributed to extensive use of composites, spring clutches, advanced high hot hardness gear steels, the split path configuration itself, high reduction ratio, double helical gearing on the output stage, elastomeric load sharing devices, and elimination of accessory drives.

Structural mode significance using INCA. [Interactive Controls Analysis computer program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauer, Frank H.; Downing, John P.; Thorpe, Christopher J.

1990-01-01

Structural finite element models are often too large to be used in the design and analysis of control systems. Model reduction techniques must be applied to reduce the structural model to manageable size. In the past, engineers either performed the model order reduction by hand or used distinct computer programs to retrieve the data, to perform the significance analysis and to reduce the order of the model. To expedite this process, the latest version of INCA has been expanded to include an interactive graphical structural mode significance and model order reduction capability.

Comparing and contrasting poverty reduction performance of social welfare programs across jurisdictions in Canada using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA): an exploratory study of the era of devolution.

PubMed

Habibov, Nazim N; Fan, Lida

2010-11-01

In the mid-1990s, the responsibilities to design, implement, and evaluate social welfare programs were transferred from federal to local jurisdictions in many countries of North America and Europe through devolution processes. Devolution has caused the need for a technique to measure and compare the performances of social welfare programs across multiple jurisdictions. This paper utilizes Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) for a comparison of poverty reduction performances of jurisdictional social welfare programs across Canadian provinces. From the theoretical perspective, findings of this paper demonstrates that DEA is a promising method to evaluate, compare, and benchmark poverty reduction performance across multiple jurisdictions using multiple inputs and outputs. This paper demonstrates that DEA generates easy to comprehend composite rankings of provincial performances, identifies appropriate benchmarks for each inefficient province, and estimates sources and amounts of improvement needed to make the provinces efficient. From a practical perspective the empirical results presented in this paper indicate that Newfoundland, Prince Edwards Island, and Alberta achieve better efficiency in poverty reduction than other provinces. Policy makers and social administrators of the ineffective provinces across Canada may find benefit in selecting one of the effective provinces as a benchmark for improving their own performance based on similar size and structure of population, size of the budget for social programs, and traditions with administering particular types of social programs. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fischer-Tropsch Cobalt Catalyst Improvements with the Presence of TiO2, La2O3, and ZrO2 on an Alumina Support

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klettlinger, Jennifer Lindsey Suder

2012-01-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of titanium oxide, lanthanum oxide, and zirconium oxide on alumina supported cobalt catalysts. The hypothesis was that the presence of lanthanum oxide, titanium oxide, and zirconium oxide would reduce the interaction between cobalt and the alumina support. This was of interest because an optimized weakened interaction could lead to the most advantageous cobalt dispersion, particle size, and reducibility. The presence of these oxides on the support were investigated using a wide range of characterization techniques such as SEM, nitrogen adsorption, x-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature programmed reduction (TPR), temperature programmed reduction after reduction (TPR-AR), and hydrogen chemisorptions/pulse reoxidation. Results indicated that both La2O3 and TiO2 doped supports facilitated the reduction of cobalt oxide species in reference to pure alumina supported cobalt catalysts, however further investigation is needed to determine the effect of ZrO2 on the reduction profile. Results showed an increased corrected cluster size for all three doped supported catalysts in comparison to their reference catalysts. The increase in reduction and an increase in the cluster size led to the conclusion that the support-metal interaction weakened by the addition of TiO2 and La2O3. It is also likely that the interaction decreased upon presence of ZrO2 on the alumina, but further research is necessary. Preliminary results have indicated that the alumina-supported catalysts with titanium oxide and lanthanum oxide present are of interest because of the weakened cobalt support interaction. These catalysts showed an increased extent of reduction, therefore more metallic cobalt is present on the support. However, whether or not there is more cobalt available to participate in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction (cobalt surface atoms) depends also on the cluster size. On one hand, increasing cluster size alone tends to decrease the active site density; on the other hand, by increasing the size of the cobalt clusters, there is less likelihood of forming oxidized cobalt complexes (cobalt aluminate) during Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Thus, from the standpoint of stability, improving the extent of reduction while increasing the particle size slightly may be beneficial for maintaining the sites, even if there is a slight decrease in overall initial active site density.

Complication Rates, Hospital Size, and Bias in the CMS Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program.

PubMed

Koenig, Lane; Soltoff, Samuel A; Demiralp, Berna; Demehin, Akinluwa A; Foster, Nancy E; Steinberg, Caroline Rossi; Vaz, Christopher; Wetzel, Scott; Xu, Susan

In 2016, Medicare's Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program (HAC-RP) will reduce hospital payments by $364 million. Although observers have questioned the validity of certain HAC-RP measures, less attention has been paid to the determination of low-performing hospitals (bottom quartile) and the assignment of penalties. This study investigated possible bias in the HAC-RP by simulating hospitals' likelihood of being in the worst-performing quartile for 8 patient safety measures, assuming identical expected complication rates across hospitals. Simulated likelihood of being a poor performer varied with hospital size. This relationship depended on the measure's complication rate. For 3 of 8 measures examined, the equal-quality simulation identified poor performers similarly to empirical data (c-statistic approximately 0.7 or higher) and explained most of the variation in empirical performance by size (Efron's R 2 > 0.85). The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services could address potential bias in the HAC-RP by stratifying by hospital size or using a broader "all-harm" measure.

Schools Get Smart about Energy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoff, Randy

2011-01-01

Regardless of size or community served, school districts across California and the nation face one common challenge--a reduction in funding. Becoming more efficient in managing precious taxpayer dollars has become the highest priority for districts in order to minimize or avoid staff reductions or the elimination of student programs. Dozens of…

Automated Reduction of Data from Images and Holograms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, G. (Editor); Trolinger, James D. (Editor); Yu, Y. H. (Editor)

1987-01-01

Laser techniques are widely used for the diagnostics of aerodynamic flow and particle fields. The storage capability of holograms has made this technique an even more powerful. Over 60 researchers in the field of holography, particle sizing and image processing convened to discuss these topics. The research program of ten government laboratories, several universities, industry and foreign countries were presented. A number of papers on holographic interferometry with applications to fluid mechanics were given. Several papers on combustion and particle sizing, speckle velocimetry and speckle interferometry were given. A session on image processing and automated fringe data reduction techniques and the type of facilities for fringe reduction was held.

Comprehensive Truck Size and Weight (TS&W) Study. Phase 1-synthesis, working paper 8 : logistics and truck size and weight regulations

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-04-01

This report presents the Safety Data Test Plan for the national evaluation of the Los Angeles County Congestion Reduction Demonstration (CRD) under the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA) Program. T...

Analyzing best practices in employee health management: how age, sex, and program components relate to employee engagement and health outcomes.

PubMed

Terry, Paul E; Grossmeier, Jessica; Mangen, David J; Gingerich, Stefan B

2013-04-01

Examine the influence of employee health management (EHM) best practices on registration, participation, and health behavior change in telephone-based coaching programs. Individual health assessment data, EHM program data, and health coaching participation data were analyzed for associations with coaching program enrollment, active participation, and risk reduction. Multivariate analyses occurred at the individual (n = 205,672) and company levels (n = 55). Considerable differences were found in how age and sex impacted typical EHM evaluation metrics. Cash incentives for the health assessment were associated with more risk reduction for men than for women. Providing either a noncash or a benefits-integrated incentive for completing the health assessment, or a noncash incentive for lifestyle management, strengthened the relationship between age and risk reduction. In EHM programs, one size does not fit all. These results can help employers tailor engagement strategies for their specific population.

POLLUTION PREVENTION POSSIBILITIES FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED INDUSTRIES: RESULTS OF THE WRITE PROJECTS

EPA Science Inventory

The Waste Reduction Innovative Technology Evaluation Program (WRITE) was a pilot program with six (6) states and one (1) local government, to identify priority needs at the respective governmental level, find promising waste minimization technologies and perform an evaluation to ...

The 106th Congress: What to Watch.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fege, Arnold F.

1999-01-01

The Improving America's School Act funds numerous small programs that dissipate its purpose and increase its vulnerability. Congress is debating extension of federal roles into areas such as social promotion, parental rights, reading programs, class-size reduction, and national voluntary tests. Changing budget rules pits education against military…

Performance analysis and kernel size study of the Lynx real-time operating system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Yuan-Kwei; Gibson, James S.; Fernquist, Alan R.

1993-01-01

This paper analyzes the Lynx real-time operating system (LynxOS), which has been selected as the operating system for the Space Station Freedom Data Management System (DMS). The features of LynxOS are compared to other Unix-based operating system (OS). The tools for measuring the performance of LynxOS, which include a high-speed digital timer/counter board, a device driver program, and an application program, are analyzed. The timings for interrupt response, process creation and deletion, threads, semaphores, shared memory, and signals are measured. The memory size of the DMS Embedded Data Processor (EDP) is limited. Besides, virtual memory is not suitable for real-time applications because page swap timing may not be deterministic. Therefore, the DMS software, including LynxOS, has to fit in the main memory of an EDP. To reduce the LynxOS kernel size, the following steps are taken: analyzing the factors that influence the kernel size; identifying the modules of LynxOS that may not be needed in an EDP; adjusting the system parameters of LynxOS; reconfiguring the device drivers used in the LynxOS; and analyzing the symbol table. The reductions in kernel disk size, kernel memory size and total kernel size reduction from each step mentioned above are listed and analyzed.

How long does a mindfulness-based stress reduction program need to be? A review of class contact hours and effect sizes for psychological distress.

PubMed

Carmody, James; Baer, Ruth A

2009-06-01

The mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program was designed to be long enough for participants to grasp the principles of self-regulation through mindfulness and develop skill and autonomy in mindfulness practice. It traditionally consists of 26 hours of session time including eight classes of 2-1/2 hours and an all-day class. The circumstances of some groups exclude them from participating in this standard form and a number of trials have evaluated programs with abbreviated class time. If lower program time demands can lead to similar outcomes in psychological functioning, it would support their utility in these settings and might lead to greater participation. However, the effect of variation in class hours on outcomes has not been systematically studied. To obtain preliminary information related to this question we examined effect sizes for psychological outcome variables in published studies of MBSR, some of which had adapted the standard number of class hours. The correlation between mean effect size and number of in-class hours was nonsignificant for both clinical and nonclinical samples and suggests that adaptations that include less class time may be worthwhile for populations for whom reduction of psychological distress is an important goal and for whom longer time commitment may be a barrier to their ability or willingness to participate. However, the standard MBSR format has accrued the most empirical support for its efficacy and session time may be important to the development of other kinds of program outcomes. The result points to the importance of empirical studies systematically examining this question. Copyright 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

How the Military Health System Can Fulfill the Promise. An Analysis of the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program for the DOD

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-04-01

over the other. If DoD utilized FEHBP, advantages of size, shifting financial risk to insurers, keeping the health benefit up to date, and improved... advantages in size, reduction of administrative costs, unifying the benefit , shifting financial risk to insurers, keeping the benefit up to date...FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFIT PROGRAM FOR THE DOD by Daniel E. Lee, Major, USAF A Research Report Submitted to the Faculty In Partial

Vertical Object Layout and Compression for Fixed Heaps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Titzer, Ben L.; Palsberg, Jens

Research into embedded sensor networks has placed increased focus on the problem of developing reliable and flexible software for microcontroller-class devices. Languages such as nesC [10] and Virgil [20] have brought higher-level programming idioms to this lowest layer of software, thereby adding expressiveness. Both languages are marked by the absence of dynamic memory allocation, which removes the need for a runtime system to manage memory. While nesC offers code modules with statically allocated fields, arrays and structs, Virgil allows the application to allocate and initialize arbitrary objects during compilation, producing a fixed object heap for runtime. This paper explores techniques for compressing fixed object heaps with the goal of reducing the RAM footprint of a program. We explore table-based compression and introduce a novel form of object layout called vertical object layout. We provide experimental results that measure the impact on RAM size, code size, and execution time for a set of Virgil programs. Our results show that compressed vertical layout has better execution time and code size than table-based compression while achieving more than 20% heap reduction on 6 of 12 benchmark programs and 2-17% heap reduction on the remaining 6. We also present a formalization of vertical object layout and prove tight relationships between three styles of object layout.

Arthritis self-management education programs: a meta-analysis of the effect on pain and disability.

PubMed

Warsi, Asra; LaValley, Michael P; Wang, Philip S; Avorn, Jerry; Solomon, Daniel H

2003-08-01

Some reports suggest that education programs help arthritis patients better manage their symptoms and improve function. This review of the published literature was undertaken to assess the effect of such programs on pain and disability. Medline and HealthSTAR were searched for the period 1964-1998. The references of each article were then hand-searched for further publications. Studies were included in the meta-analysis if the intervention contained a self-management education component, a concurrent control group was included, and pain and/or disability were assessed as end points. Two authors reviewed each study. The methodologic attributes and efficacy of the interventions were assessed using a standardized abstraction tool, and the magnitude of the results was converted to a common measure, the effect size. Summary effect sizes were calculated separately for pain and disability. The search strategy yielded 35 studies, of which 17 met inclusion criteria. The mean age of study participants was 61 years, and 69% were female. On average, 19% of patients did not complete followup (range 0-53%). The summary effect size was 0.12 for pain (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.00, 0.24) and 0.07 for disability (95% CI 0.00, 0.15). Funnel plots indicated no significant evidence of bias toward the publication of studies with findings that showed reductions in pain or disability. The summary effect sizes suggest that arthritis self-management education programs result in small reductions in pain and disability.

An open trial of mindfulness-based stress reduction for young adults with social anxiety disorder.

PubMed

Hjeltnes, Aslak; Molde, Helge; Schanche, Elisabeth; Vøllestad, Jon; Lillebostad Svendsen, Julie; Moltu, Christian; Binder, Per-Einar

2017-02-01

The present study investigated mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for young adults with a social anxiety disorder (SAD) in an open trial. Fifty-three young adults in a higher education setting underwent a standard eight-week MBSR program. Eight participants (15%) did not complete the program. Participants reported significant reductions in SAD symptoms and global psychological distress, as well as increases in mindfulness, self-compassion, and self-esteem. Using intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses, effect sizes ranged from large to moderate for SAD symptoms (Cohen's d = 0.80) and global psychological distress (d = 0.61). Completer analyses yielded large effect sizes for SAD symptoms (d = 0.96) and global psychological distress (d = 0.81). The largest effect sizes were found for self-compassion (d = 1.49) and mindfulness (d = 1.35). Two thirds of the participants who were in the clinical range at pretreatment reported either clinically significant change (37%) or reliable improvement (31%) on SAD symptoms after completing the MBSR program, and almost two thirds reported either clinically significant change (37%) or reliable improvement (26%) on global psychological distress. MBSR may be a beneficial intervention for young adults in higher education with SAD, and there is a need for more research on mindfulness and acceptance-based interventions for SAD. © 2016 Scandinavian Psychological Associations and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

[Managing emotions--emotions under control].

PubMed

Barnow, Sven; Löw, Christina Alexandra; Dodek, Anja; Stopsack, Malte

2014-07-01

Emotion regulation processes are of central importance to mental and physical health. Based on this relationship we developed the group intervention "Managing Emotions: Emotions under control" (German: "Gefühle im Griff"), which systematically teaches participants specific emotion regulation strategies. Structure and content of the intervention program as well as preliminary results of efficacy are presented (n=18). Using the H-FERST, large effect sizes resulted for the increase of reappraisal and acceptance and for the reduction of rumination, a medium effect size could be shown for the reduction of avoidance, and a small effect size resulted for the increase of activity and social support. Overall psychopathology by means of the BSI was reduced with an effect size of d=0.63 in participants with more severe mental strain (GSI ≥ 0.6). © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

The Projected Responses of Residency-Sponsoring Institutions to a Reduction in Medicare Support for Graduate Medical Education: A National Survey.

PubMed

Riaz, Mahrukh; Palermo, Tia; Yen, Michael; Edelman, Norman H

2015-10-01

To assess the projected responses of residency-sponsoring institutions to the proposed reduction in Medicare's indirect medical education (IME) payments. In 2012, the authors surveyed directors of graduate medical education (GME) programs, examining (1) overall responses to a reduction in IME reimbursement and (2) the value of individual residencies to the institution from the economic/operational and educational/public service points of view, to determine which programs may be at risk for downsizing. Responses from 192 of 555 institutions (35% response rate) varied by the size of the institution's GME program. Of large programs (six or more residencies), 33 (33%) would downsize at a 10% reduction in IME reimbursement, focusing cuts on specific programs. Small programs (five or fewer residencies) were more likely to retain their existing residencies with modest IME payment reductions and to make across-the-board cuts. The economic/operational value of specialties varied widely, with hospital-intensive residencies valued highest. Family medicine was valued highly from an economic/operational point of view only by small programs. Educational/public service value scores varied less and were higher for all specialties. Preventive medicine was not highly valued in either category. Even a modest decrease in IME reimbursement could trigger institutions to downsize their GME programs. Programs at the greatest risk for cuts may be those with modest economic/operational value but high societal value, like family medicine. The retention or expansion of training in family medicine may be most easily accomplished then at smaller institutions.

What the Research Says about Class Size, Professional Development, and Recruitment, Induction, and Retention of Highly Qualified Teachers: A Compendium of the Evidence on Title II, Part A, Program-Funded Strategies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Krasnoff, Basha

2015-01-01

States and districts have the flexibility to creatively use Title II, Part A funds to address teacher quality issues. Currently, three strategies predominate--class size reduction, professional development, and recruitment, induction, and retention of highly qualified teachers. Each strategy is implemented with the intention of improving teaching…

Particle size effect of redox reactions for Co species supported on silica

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

Chotiwan, Siwaruk; Tomiga, Hiroki; Katagiri, Masaki

Conversions of chemical states during redox reactions of two silica-supported Co catalysts, which were prepared by the impregnation method, were evaluated by using an in situ XAFS technique. The addition of citric acid into the precursor solution led to the formation on silica of more homogeneous and smaller Co particles, with an average diameter of 4 nm. The supported Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} species were reduced to metallic Co via the divalent CoO species during a temperature-programmed reduction process. The reduced Co species were quantitatively oxidized with a temperature-programmed oxidation process. The higher observed reduction temperature of the smaller CoO particlesmore » and the lower observed oxidation temperature of the smaller metallic Co particles were induced by the higher dispersion of the Co oxide species, which apparently led to a stronger interaction with supporting silica. The redox temperature between CoO and Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} was found to be independent of the particle size. - Graphical abstract: Chemical state conversions of SiO{sub 2}-supported Co species and the particle size effect have been analyzed by means of in situ XAFS technique. The small CoO particles have endurance against the reduction and exist in a wide temperature range. Display Omitted - Highlights: • The conversions of the chemical state of supported Co species during redox reaction are evaluated. • In operando XAFS technique were applied to measure redox properties of small Co particles. • A small particle size affects to the redox temperatures of cobalt catalysts.« less

CASCADE IMPACTOR DATA REDUCTION WITH SR-52 AND TI-59 PROGRAMMABLE CALCULATORS

EPA Science Inventory

The report provides useful tools for obtaining particle size distributions and graded penetration data from cascade impactor measurements. The programs calculate impactor aerodynamic cut points, total mass collected by the impactor, cumulative mass fraction less than for each sta...

Analytical sizing methods for behind-the-meter battery storage

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

Wu, Di; Kintner-Meyer, Michael; Yang, Tao

In behind-the-meter application, battery storage system (BSS) is utilized to reduce a commercial or industrial customer’s payment for electricity use, including energy charge and demand charge. The potential value of BSS in payment reduction and the most economic size can be determined by formulating and solving standard mathematical programming problems. In this method, users input system information such as load profiles, energy/demand charge rates, and battery characteristics to construct a standard programming problem that typically involve a large number of constraints and decision variables. Such a large scale programming problem is then solved by optimization solvers to obtain numerical solutions.more » Such a method cannot directly link the obtained optimal battery sizes to input parameters and requires case-by-case analysis. In this paper, we present an objective quantitative analysis of costs and benefits of customer-side energy storage, and thereby identify key factors that affect battery sizing. Based on the analysis, we then develop simple but effective guidelines that can be used to determine the most cost-effective battery size or guide utility rate design for stimulating energy storage development. The proposed analytical sizing methods are innovative, and offer engineering insights on how the optimal battery size varies with system characteristics. We illustrate the proposed methods using practical building load profile and utility rate. The obtained results are compared with the ones using mathematical programming based methods for validation.« less

78 FR 26033 - Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-03

... precision requirements or power calculations that justify the proposed sample size, the expected response... Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery--NEW--Epidemiology and Analysis Program Office... Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery'' to OMB for approval under...

Kaiser Permanente Georgia's Experience with Operation Zero: A Group Medical Appointment to Address Pediatric Overweight

PubMed Central

Hinchman, Josephine; Beno, Luke; Mims, Adrienne

2006-01-01

Context: The rate of overweight (OW) in children in the United States has more than tripled since 1980. The health consequences of pediatric OW include type 2 diabetes and significant illness later in life. Treating pediatric OW is a necessity; however, health care clinicians have minimal access to successful and comprehensive treatment modalities for addressing it. Objective: Kaiser Permanente of Georgia (KPGA) offers a group medical appointment clinic, Operation Zero (O.Z.), as a referral program for preadolescent and adolescent patients who are in the 85th or higher percentile for body mass index (BMI) for their age. The eight-session clinic uses a family-oriented approach and provides a supportive group environment with interactive learning, games, physical activity, and creative problem solving. The goal of the program is to improve lifestyle behaviors for nutrition and physical activity. Clinically, meeting these goals can manifest as reductions in body fat (BF), waist size, and BMI-for-age percentile. Two implementation models help improve dissemination of the program within KPGA. Design: Baseline and eight-week postclinical outcomes for O.Z. participants were analyzed to determine program effectiveness. A retrospective analysis with a control group looked at long-term clinical outcomes to determine weight maintenance. Main outcome measures were weight, BMI-for-age percentile, waist size, and percentage of body fat (%BF). Results: At eight weeks after program completion compared with baseline, there were significant reductions in %BF and waist size for the total sample and specifically for adolescents, preteens, and participants who attended six or more sessions. Among O.Z. participants, there were insignificant increases in weight at six months after program participation and BMI-for-age percentile at one year after participation. At six months, the mean change in weight and BMI in the O.Z. group was statistically less than the mean change in the control group. Conclusions: A structured, family-oriented weight management program is effective in changing measures consistent with improved weight management. PMID:21519478

Read buffer optimizations to support compiler-assisted multiple instruction retry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alewine, N. J.; Fuchs, W. K.; Hwu, W. M.

1993-01-01

Multiple instruction retry is a recovery mechanism for transient processor faults. We previously developed a compiler-assisted approach to multiple instruction ferry in which a read buffer of size 2N (where N represents the maximum instruction rollback distance) was used to resolve some data hazards while the compiler resolved the remaining hazards. The compiler-assisted scheme was shown to reduce the performance overhead and/or hardware complexity normally associated with hardware-only retry schemes. This paper examines the size and design of the read buffer. We establish a practical lower bound and average size requirement for the read buffer by modifying the scheme to save only the data required for rollback. The study measures the effect on the performance of a DECstation 3100 running ten application programs using six read buffer configurations with varying read buffer sizes. Two alternative configurations are shown to be the most efficient and differed depending on whether split-cycle-saves are assumed. Up to a 55 percent read buffer size reduction is achievable with an average reduction of 39 percent given the most efficient read buffer configuration and a variety of applications.

The From Survivor to Thriver Program: RCT of an online therapist-facilitated program for rape-related PTSD

PubMed Central

Littleton, Heather; Grills, Amie E.; Kline, Katherine D.; Schoemann, Alexander M.; Dodd, Julia C.

2016-01-01

This study evaluated the efficacy of the From Survivor to Thriver program, an interactive, online therapist-facilitated cognitive-behavioral program for rape-related PTSD. Eighty-seven college women with rape-related PTSD were randomized to complete the interactive program (n = 46) or a psycho-educational self-help website (n = 41). Both programs led to large reductions in interview-assessed PTSD at post-treatment (interactive d = 2.22, psycho-educational d = 1.10), which were maintained at three month follow-up. Both also led to medium- to large-sized reductions in self-reported depressive and general anxiety symptoms. Follow-up analyses supported that the therapist-facilitated interactive program led to superior outcomes among those with higher pre-treatment PTSD whereas the psycho-educational self-help website led to superior outcomes for individuals with lower pre-treatment PTSD. Future research should examine the efficacy and effectiveness of online interventions for rape-related PTSD including whether treatment intensity matching could be utilized to maximize outcomes and therapist resource efficiency. PMID:27513363

The From Survivor to Thriver program: RCT of an online therapist-facilitated program for rape-related PTSD.

PubMed

Littleton, Heather; Grills, Amie E; Kline, Katherine D; Schoemann, Alexander M; Dodd, Julia C

2016-10-01

This study evaluated the efficacy of the From Survivor to Thriver program, an interactive, online therapist-facilitated cognitive-behavioral program for rape-related PTSD. Eighty-seven college women with rape-related PTSD were randomized to complete the interactive program (n=46) or a psycho-educational self-help website (n=41). Both programs led to large reductions in interview-assessed PTSD at post-treatment (interactive d=2.22, psycho-educational d=1.10), which were maintained at three month follow-up. Both also led to medium- to large-sized reductions in self-reported depressive and general anxiety symptoms. Follow-up analyses supported that the therapist-facilitated interactive program led to superior outcomes among those with higher pre-treatment PTSD whereas the psycho-educational self-help website led to superior outcomes for individuals with lower pre-treatment PTSD. Future research should examine the efficacy and effectiveness of online interventions for rape-related PTSD including whether treatment intensity matching could be utilized to maximize outcomes and therapist resource efficiency. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

ALARA implementation throughout project life cycle

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

Haynes, M.J.

1995-03-01

A strength of radiation protection programs generally has been endorsement and application of the ALARA principle. In Ontario Hydro, which currently operates 20 commercial size nuclear units, great strides have been made in the last three decades in reducing occupational radiation exposure per unit of electricity generated. This paper will discuss specific applications of elements of the overall ALARA program which have most contributed to dose reduction as the nuclear program has expanded. This includes such things as management commitment, ALARA application in the design phase and major rehabilitation work, the benefits of the self protection concept, a specific examplemore » of elimination (or reduction) of the source term and the importance of dose targets. Finally, it is concluded that the major opportunities for further improvements may lie in the area of information management.« less

The Cost-Effectiveness of NBPTS Teacher Certification

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yeh, Stuart S.

2010-01-01

A cost-effectiveness analysis of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) program suggests that Board certification is less cost-effective than a range of alternative approaches for raising student achievement, including comprehensive school reform, class size reduction, a 10% increase in per pupil expenditure, the use of…

Reclaiming Assessment through Accountability that Is "Just Right"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Graue, Elizabeth; Johnson, Erica

2011-01-01

Background: This article builds on three years of qualitative research on Wisconsin's Student Achievement Guarantee in Education (SAGE) program, a class size reduction policy in Wisconsin. Objective: In this article, we take a practice-oriented perspective on assessment, examining how assessments in schools that participated in a class size…

Advisory on Relocatable and Renovated Classrooms. IAQ Info Sheet.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

California State Dept. of Health Services, Berkeley.

Many California school districts, in complying with the Class Size Reduction Program, will obtain relocatable classrooms directly from manufacturers who are under no specific guidelines or codes relative to indoor air quality (IAQ). This document, designed to aid school facility managers in minimizing potential IAQ problems, summarizes the indoor…

MIRAP, microcomputer reliability analysis program

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

Jehee, J.N.T.

1989-01-01

A program for a microcomputer is outlined that can determine minimal cut sets from a specified fault tree logic. The speed and memory limitations of the microcomputers on which the program is implemented (Atari ST and IBM) are addressed by reducing the fault tree's size and by storing the cut set data on disk. Extensive well proven fault tree restructuring techniques, such as the identification of sibling events and of independent gate events, reduces the fault tree's size but does not alter its logic. New methods are used for the Boolean reduction of the fault tree logic. Special criteria formore » combining events in the 'AND' and 'OR' logic avoid the creation of many subsuming cut sets which all would cancel out due to existing cut sets. Figures and tables illustrates these methods. 4 refs., 5 tabs.« less

HYPERSAMP - HYPERGEOMETRIC ATTRIBUTE SAMPLING SYSTEM BASED ON RISK AND FRACTION DEFECTIVE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

De, Salvo L. J.

1994-01-01

HYPERSAMP is a demonstration of an attribute sampling system developed to determine the minimum sample size required for any preselected value for consumer's risk and fraction of nonconforming. This statistical method can be used in place of MIL-STD-105E sampling plans when a minimum sample size is desirable, such as when tests are destructive or expensive. HYPERSAMP utilizes the Hypergeometric Distribution and can be used for any fraction nonconforming. The program employs an iterative technique that circumvents the obstacle presented by the factorial of a non-whole number. HYPERSAMP provides the required Hypergeometric sample size for any equivalent real number of nonconformances in the lot or batch under evaluation. Many currently used sampling systems, such as the MIL-STD-105E, utilize the Binomial or the Poisson equations as an estimate of the Hypergeometric when performing inspection by attributes. However, this is primarily because of the difficulty in calculation of the factorials required by the Hypergeometric. Sampling plans based on the Binomial or Poisson equations will result in the maximum sample size possible with the Hypergeometric. The difference in the sample sizes between the Poisson or Binomial and the Hypergeometric can be significant. For example, a lot size of 400 devices with an error rate of 1.0% and a confidence of 99% would require a sample size of 400 (all units would need to be inspected) for the Binomial sampling plan and only 273 for a Hypergeometric sampling plan. The Hypergeometric results in a savings of 127 units, a significant reduction in the required sample size. HYPERSAMP is a demonstration program and is limited to sampling plans with zero defectives in the sample (acceptance number of zero). Since it is only a demonstration program, the sample size determination is limited to sample sizes of 1500 or less. The Hypergeometric Attribute Sampling System demonstration code is a spreadsheet program written for IBM PC compatible computers running DOS and Lotus 1-2-3 or Quattro Pro. This program is distributed on a 5.25 inch 360K MS-DOS format diskette, and the program price includes documentation. This statistical method was developed in 1992.

A randomized controlled trial of strong minds: A school-based mental health program combining acceptance and commitment therapy and positive psychology.

PubMed

Burckhardt, Rowan; Manicavasagar, Vijaya; Batterham, Philip J; Hadzi-Pavlovic, Dusan

2016-08-01

To date, most early intervention programs have been based on emotion regulation strategies that address dysfunctional cognitive appraisals, problem-solving skills, and rumination. Another emotion regulation strategy, 'acceptance' training, has largely been overlooked. To examine the efficacy of this strategy, a school-based mental health program combining positive psychology with acceptance and commitment therapy (Strong Minds) was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial with a sample of 267 Year 10 and 11 high-school students in Sydney, Australia. Mixed models for repeated measures examined whether the program led to reductions in symptoms amongst students who commenced the program with high depression, anxiety, and stress scores, and increased wellbeing scores amongst all students. Results demonstrated that compared to controls, participants in the Strong Minds condition with elevated symptom scores (n=63) reported significant reductions in depression (p=.047), stress (p=.01), and composite depression/anxiety symptoms (p=.02) with medium to strong effect sizes (Cohen's d=0.53, 0.74, and 0.57, respectively). Increased wellbeing (p=.03) in the total sample and decreased anxiety scores (p=.048) for students with elevated symptoms were significant for Year 10 students with medium effect sizes (Cohen's d=0.43 and 0.54, respectively). This study tentatively suggests that including the emotion regulation strategy of acceptance in early intervention programs may be effective in reducing symptoms and improving wellbeing in high school students. Further research to investigate the generalizability of these findings is warranted. Copyright © 2016 Society for the Study of School Psychology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

What If...New Schools, Better Neighborhoods, More Livable Communities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bingler, Stephen

State-mandated reforms in educational practices, such as class-size reduction, have created the need for more and better educational facilities, but pressure from growth and poor planning decisions are stretching other forms of public infrastructure development to the limit and draining economic vitality from cities and towns. Current programs,…

Surface fuel loadings within mulching treatments in Colorado coniferous forests

Treesearch

Mike A. Battaglia; Monique E. Rocca; Charles C. Rhoades; Michael G. Ryan

2010-01-01

Recent large-scale, severe wildfires in the western United States have prompted extensive mechanical fuel treatment programs to reduce potential wildfire size and severity. Fuel reduction prescriptions typically target non-merchantable material so approaches to mechanically treat and distribute residue on site are becoming increasingly common. We examined how mulch...

Transuranic Waste Test Facility Development Program

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

Looper, M.G.

1987-05-05

This letter discusses the development and test program planned for the Transuranic Waste Test Facility (TWTF). The planned effort is based on previous work in the ADandD Pilot Facility and testing of TWTF equipment before installation. Input from Waste Management and AED Fairview is included. The program will focus on the following areas: Retrieval; Material Handling; Size Reduction; Operation and Maintenance. The program will take 1-1/2 to 2 years to complete and began in December 1986. Technical Data Summaries (TDS) and basic data reports will be issued periodically to document results and provide basic data for the Transuranic Waste Facilitymore » (TWF). 2 refs., 2 figs.« less

Prototype microprocessor controller. [for STDN antennas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zarur, J.; Kraeuter, R.

1980-01-01

A microcomputer controller for STDN antennas was developed. The microcomputer technology reduces the system's physical size by the implementation in firmware of functions. The reduction in the number of components increases system reliability and similar benefit is derived when a graphic video display is substituted for several control and indicator panels. A substantial reduction in the number of cables, connectors, and mechanical switches is achieved. The microcomputer based system is programmed to perform calibration and diagnostics, to update the satellite orbital vector, and to communicate with other network systems. The design is applicable to antennas and lasers.

Parents Plus Systemic, Solution-Focused Parent Training Programs: Description, Review of the Evidence Base, and Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Carr, Alan; Hartnett, Dan; Brosnan, Eileen; Sharry, John

2017-09-01

Parents Plus (PP) programs are systemic, solution-focused, group-based interventions. They are designed for delivery in clinical and community settings as treatment programs for families with child-focused problems, such as behavioral difficulties, disruptive behavior disorders, and emotional disorders in young people with and without developmental disabilities. PP programs have been developed for families of preschoolers, preadolescent children, and teenagers, as well as for separated or divorced families. Seventeen evaluation studies involving over 1,000 families have shown that PP programs have a significant impact on child behavior problems, goal attainment, and parental satisfaction and stress. The effect size of 0.57 (p < .001) from a meta-analysis of 10 controlled studies for child behavior problems compares favorably with those of meta-analyses of other well-established parent training programs with large evidence bases. In controlled studies, PP programs yielded significant (p < .001) effect sizes for goal attainment (d = 1.51), parental satisfaction (d = 0.78), and parental stress reduction (d = 0.54). PP programs may be facilitated by trained front-line mental health and educational professionals. © 2016 Family Process Institute.

A prospective evaluation of an interdisciplinary nutrition–rehabilitation program for patients with advanced cancer

PubMed Central

Gagnon, B.; Murphy, J.; Eades, M.; Lemoignan, J.; Jelowicki, M.; Carney, S.; Amdouni, S.; Di Dio, P.; Chasen, M.; MacDonald, N.

2013-01-01

Background Cancer can affect many dimensions of a patient’s life, and in turn, it should be targeted using a multimodal approach. We tested the extent to which an interdisciplinary nutrition–rehabilitation program can improve the well-being of patients with advanced cancer. Methods Between January 10, 2007, and September 29, 2010, 188 patients with advanced cancer enrolled in the 10–12-week program. Body weight, physical function, symptom severity, fatigue dimensions, distress level, coping ability, and overall quality of life were assessed at the start and end of the program. Results Of the enrolled patients, 70% completed the program. Patients experienced strong improvements in the physical and activity dimensions of fatigue (effect sizes: 0.8–1.1). They also experienced moderate reductions in the severity of weakness, depression, nervousness, shortness of breath, and distress (effect sizes: 0.5–0.7), and moderate improvements in Six Minute Walk Test distance, maximal gait speed, coping ability, and quality of life (effect sizes: 0.5–0.7) Furthermore, 77% of patients either maintained or increased their body weight. Conclusions Interdisciplinary nutrition–rehabilitation can be advantageous for patients with advanced cancer and should be considered an integrated part of standard palliative care. PMID:24311946

Right Size Determining the Staff Necessary to Sustain Simulation and Computing Capabilities for Nuclear Security

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

Nikkel, Daniel J.; Meisner, Robert

The Advanced Simulation and Computing Campaign, herein referred to as the ASC Program, is a core element of the science-based Stockpile Stewardship Program (SSP), which enables assessment, certification, and maintenance of the safety, security, and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile without the need to resume nuclear testing. The use of advanced parallel computing has transitioned from proof-of-principle to become a critical element for assessing and certifying the stockpile. As the initiative phase of the ASC Program came to an end in the mid-2000s, the National Nuclear Security Administration redirected resources to other urgent priorities, and resulting staff reductions inmore » ASC occurred without the benefit of analysis of the impact on modern stockpile stewardship that is dependent on these new simulation capabilities. Consequently, in mid-2008 the ASC Program management commissioned a study to estimate the essential size and balance needed to sustain advanced simulation as a core component of stockpile stewardship. The ASC Program requires a minimum base staff size of 930 (which includes the number of staff necessary to maintain critical technical disciplines as well as to execute required programmatic tasks) to sustain its essential ongoing role in stockpile stewardship.« less

Gold nanoparticles supported on magnesium oxide for CO oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carabineiro, Sónia Ac; Bogdanchikova, Nina; Pestryakov, Alexey; Tavares, Pedro B.; Fernandes, Lisete Sg; Figueiredo, José L.

2011-06-01

Au was loaded (1 wt%) on a commercial MgO support by three different methods: double impregnation, liquid-phase reductive deposition and ultrasonication. Samples were characterised by adsorption of N2 at -96°C, temperature-programmed reduction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Upon loading with Au, MgO changed into Mg(OH)2 (the hydroxide was most likely formed by reaction with water, in which the gold precursor was dissolved). The size range for gold nanoparticles was 2-12 nm for the DIM method and 3-15 nm for LPRD and US. The average size of gold particles was 5.4 nm for DIM and larger than 6.5 for the other methods. CO oxidation was used as a test reaction to compare the catalytic activity. The best results were obtained with the DIM method, followed by LPRD and US. This can be explained in terms of the nanoparticle size, well known to determine the catalytic activity of gold catalysts.

19 CFR 181.53 - Collection and waiver or reduction of duty under duty-deferral programs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... Canada or Mexico. Example. Company N imports tea into the United States and makes a Class 6 warehouse entry. Company N manufactures sweetened ice tea mix by combining the imported tea with refined cane sugar and other flavorings and packaging it in retail size canisters. Upon withdrawal of the ice tea mix...

More Colleges Tighten Benefit Programs to Meet Big Rise in Health-Insurance Costs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Magner, Denise K.

1992-01-01

Increases in costs to colleges and universities for employee health insurance have risen as much as 20 to 30 percent annually, requiring adjustments to control costs, a new philosophy of sharing costs with employees, increased proportions of payroll (now 6.1 percent) going for health care costs, and reductions in work force size. (DB)

School Staffs Grew in New York Despite Falling Enrollment. Research Bulletin, No. 4

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McMahon, E.J.

2010-01-01

New York State educators are warning that proposed cuts in state aid to public schools next year could force more than 14,000 teacher layoffs. Officials of the state's largest teachers' union claim aid cuts will "devastate" education, leading to a "drastic" reduction of programs and "much larger class sizes." But…

CPR for Rural School Districts: Emerging Alternatives in Curriculum, Program and Reorganization.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thurston, Paul; Clauss, Joanne

Justification for school district consolidation is made on the basis of either reducing cost or increasing educational quality. Some cost reduction may be realized through certain economies of scale in some consolidations but it is by no means automatic. The Illinois State Board of Education emphasizes the relationship between high school size and…

Enhanced algorithms for stochastic programming

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

Krishna, Alamuru S.

1993-09-01

In this dissertation, we present some of the recent advances made in solving two-stage stochastic linear programming problems of large size and complexity. Decomposition and sampling are two fundamental components of techniques to solve stochastic optimization problems. We describe improvements to the current techniques in both these areas. We studied different ways of using importance sampling techniques in the context of Stochastic programming, by varying the choice of approximation functions used in this method. We have concluded that approximating the recourse function by a computationally inexpensive piecewise-linear function is highly efficient. This reduced the problem from finding the mean ofmore » a computationally expensive functions to finding that of a computationally inexpensive function. Then we implemented various variance reduction techniques to estimate the mean of a piecewise-linear function. This method achieved similar variance reductions in orders of magnitude less time than, when we directly applied variance-reduction techniques directly on the given problem. In solving a stochastic linear program, the expected value problem is usually solved before a stochastic solution and also to speed-up the algorithm by making use of the information obtained from the solution of the expected value problem. We have devised a new decomposition scheme to improve the convergence of this algorithm.« less

Fast modal extraction in NASTRAN via the FEER computer program. [based on automatic matrix reduction method for lower modes of structures with many degrees of freedom

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newman, M. B.; Pipano, A.

1973-01-01

A new eigensolution routine, FEER (Fast Eigensolution Extraction Routine), used in conjunction with NASTRAN at Israel Aircraft Industries is described. The FEER program is based on an automatic matrix reduction scheme whereby the lower modes of structures with many degrees of freedom can be accurately extracted from a tridiagonal eigenvalue problem whose size is of the same order of magnitude as the number of required modes. The process is effected without arbitrary lumping of masses at selected node points or selection of nodes to be retained in the analysis set. The results of computational efficiency studies are presented, showing major arithmetic operation counts and actual computer run times of FEER as compared to other methods of eigenvalue extraction, including those available in the NASTRAN READ module. It is concluded that the tridiagonal reduction method used in FEER would serve as a valuable addition to NASTRAN for highly increased efficiency in obtaining structural vibration modes.

Dissonance-based prevention of eating disorder risk factors in middle school girls: results from two pilot trials.

PubMed

Rohde, Paul; Auslander, Beth A; Shaw, Heather; Raineri, Kate M; Gau, Jeff M; Stice, Eric

2014-07-01

Although several eating disorder prevention programs reduce eating disorder risk factors and symptoms for female high school and college students, few efficacious prevention programs exist for female middle school students, despite the fact that body image and eating disturbances often emerge then. Two pilot trials evaluated a new dissonance-based eating disorder prevention program for middle school girls with body image concerns. Female middle school students with body dissatisfaction from two sites [Study 1: N = 81, M age = 12.1, standard deviation (SD) = 0.9; Study 2: N = 52, M age = 12.5, SD = 0.8] were randomized to a dissonance intervention (MS Body Project) or educational brochure control; Study 2 included a 3-month follow-up. Intervention participants showed significant post-test reductions in only one of the six variables with both Studies 1 and 2 (i.e., pressure to be thin and negative affect, respectively), though post-test effect sizes suggested medium reductions in eating disorder risk factors and symptoms (Study 1: M d = .40; Study 2: M d = .65); reductions at 3-month follow-up in Study 2 were not evident (M d = .19). Results suggest that this new middle school version of the Body Project is producing medium magnitude reductions in eating disorder risk factors at post-test but that effects are showing limited persistence. Continued refinement and evaluation of this intervention appears warranted to develop more effective prevention programs for this age group. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Highly Parallel Computing Architectures by using Arrays of Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA): Opportunities, Challenges, and Recent Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fijany, Amir; Toomarian, Benny N.

2000-01-01

There has been significant improvement in the performance of VLSI devices, in terms of size, power consumption, and speed, in recent years and this trend may also continue for some near future. However, it is a well known fact that there are major obstacles, i.e., physical limitation of feature size reduction and ever increasing cost of foundry, that would prevent the long term continuation of this trend. This has motivated the exploration of some fundamentally new technologies that are not dependent on the conventional feature size approach. Such technologies are expected to enable scaling to continue to the ultimate level, i.e., molecular and atomistic size. Quantum computing, quantum dot-based computing, DNA based computing, biologically inspired computing, etc., are examples of such new technologies. In particular, quantum-dots based computing by using Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) has recently been intensely investigated as a promising new technology capable of offering significant improvement over conventional VLSI in terms of reduction of feature size (and hence increase in integration level), reduction of power consumption, and increase of switching speed. Quantum dot-based computing and memory in general and QCA specifically, are intriguing to NASA due to their high packing density (10(exp 11) - 10(exp 12) per square cm ) and low power consumption (no transfer of current) and potentially higher radiation tolerant. Under Revolutionary Computing Technology (RTC) Program at the NASA/JPL Center for Integrated Space Microelectronics (CISM), we have been investigating the potential applications of QCA for the space program. To this end, exploiting the intrinsic features of QCA, we have designed novel QCA-based circuits for co-planner (i.e., single layer) and compact implementation of a class of data permutation matrices, a class of interconnection networks, and a bit-serial processor. Building upon these circuits, we have developed novel algorithms and QCA-based architectures for highly parallel and systolic computation of signal/image processing applications, such as FFT and Wavelet and Wlash-Hadamard Transforms.

Preoperative weight loss program targeting women with overweight and hypertrophy of the breast - a pilot study.

PubMed

Geiker, N R W; Horn, J; Astrup, A

2017-04-01

Among women with hypertrophic breasts, the clear majority are overweight or obese. Owing to increased risk of complications, women with a body mass index (BMI) above 25 kg m -2 are precluded from reduction mammaplasty. The primary aim was to investigate if intensive weight loss could ready women with overweight for breast reduction surgery. Six women, all overweight [BMI 30.9 {28.5; 35.8} kg m -2 ] with symptomatic hypertrophy of the breast, were included a 12-week weight loss program. All women desired reduction mammaplasty and were motivated for preoperational weight loss. The first 8 weeks consisted of a formula-based diet supplying 800 kcal daily, in the subsequent 4 weeks regular foods were reintroduced increasing the intake to 1200 kcal daily. Five women completed the trial, and achieved a median (range) weight loss of 10.2 (6.5; 19) kg. Initial breast volume was 1100-2500 mL per breast, this was reduced by 300 (200; 500) mL after the intervention; equivalent to approximately 19%. Waist, hip, upper arm and thorax circumference were significantly reduced following weight loss. At end of study, all the women still suffered from symptomatic breast hypertrophy to substantiate reduction mammaplasty. Surgeries were performed 2 months thereafter. A 12-week intensive preoperative weight loss program enabled women with obesity for breast reduction surgery. Breast size was reduced proportionally more than total weight loss among women with hypertrophy. © 2017 World Obesity Federation.

19 CFR 181.53 - Collection and waiver or reduction of duty under duty-deferral programs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... required filing date. The person required to file shall file Customs Form 7501 no later than 10 working days after the date of exportation to Canada or Mexico or 10 working days after being entered into a... sugar and other flavorings and packaging it in retail size canisters. Upon withdrawal of the ice tea mix...

19 CFR 181.53 - Collection and waiver or reduction of duty under duty-deferral programs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... required filing date. The person required to file shall file Customs Form 7501 no later than 10 working days after the date of exportation to Canada or Mexico or 10 working days after being entered into a... sugar and other flavorings and packaging it in retail size canisters. Upon withdrawal of the ice tea mix...

19 CFR 181.53 - Collection and waiver or reduction of duty under duty-deferral programs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... required filing date. The person required to file shall file Customs Form 7501 no later than 10 working days after the date of exportation to Canada or Mexico or 10 working days after being entered into a... sugar and other flavorings and packaging it in retail size canisters. Upon withdrawal of the ice tea mix...

19 CFR 181.53 - Collection and waiver or reduction of duty under duty-deferral programs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... required filing date. The person required to file shall file Customs Form 7501 no later than 10 working days after the date of exportation to Canada or Mexico or 10 working days after being entered into a... sugar and other flavorings and packaging it in retail size canisters. Upon withdrawal of the ice tea mix...

Family Planning Programs: The Clients' Perspective. World Bank Staff Working Papers No. 676 and Population and Development Series No. 1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ainsworth, Martha

Lowering fertility will require both a reduction in desired family size and provision of family planning services that respond to clients' needs. The World Fertility Survey and the Contraceptive Prevalence Survey found sizable groups of women with an "unmet need" for contraception. Investigators have also found evidence of unanswered…

Modified Ni-Cu catalysts for ethanol steam reforming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dan, M.; Mihet, M.; Almasan, V.; Borodi, G.; Katona, G.; Muresan, L.; Lazar, M. D.

2013-11-01

Three Ni-Cu catalysts, having different Cu content, supported on γ-alumina were synthesized by wet co-impregnation method, characterized and tested in the ethanol steam reforming (ESR) reaction. The catalysts were characterized for determination of: total surface area and porosity (N2 adsorption - desorption using BET and Dollimer Heal methods), Ni surface area (hydrogen chemisorption), crystallinity and Ni crystallites size (X-Ray Diffraction), type of catalytic active centers (Hydrogen Temperature Programmed Reduction). Total surface area and Ni crystallites size are not significantly influenced by the addition of Cu, while Ni surface area is drastically diminished by increasing of Cu concentration. Steam reforming experiments were performed at atmospheric pressure, temperature range 150-350°C, and ethanol - water molar ration of 1 at 30, using Ar as carrier gas. Ethanol conversion and hydrogen production increase by the addition of Cu. At 350°C there is a direct connection between hydrogen production and Cu concentration. Catalysts deactivation in 24h time on stream was studied by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) on used catalysts. Coke deposition was observed at all studied temperatures; at 150°C amorphous carbon was evidenced, while at 350°C crystalline, filamentous carbon is formed.

Quiet Clean Short-haul Experimental Engine (QCSEE). Double-annular clean combustor technology development report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bahr, D. W.; Burrus, D. L.; Sabla, P. E.

1979-01-01

A sector combustor technology development program was conducted to define an advanced double annular dome combustor sized for use in the quiet clean short haul experimental engine (QCSEE). A design which meets the emission goals, and combustor performance goals of the QCSEE engine program was developed. Key design features were identified which resulted in substantial reduction in carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbon emission levels at ground idle operating conditions, in addition to very low nitric oxide emission levels at high power operating conditions. Their significant results are reported.

Physical pretreatment – woody biomass size reduction – for forest biorefinery

Treesearch

J.Y. Zhu

2011-01-01

Physical pretreatment of woody biomass or wood size reduction is a prerequisite step for further chemical or biochemical processing in forest biorefinery. However, wood size reduction is very energy intensive which differentiates woody biomass from herbaceous biomass for biorefinery. This chapter discusses several critical issues related to wood size reduction: (1)...

Assessing the relationship between computational speed and precision: a case study comparing an interpreted versus compiled programming language using a stochastic simulation model in diabetes care.

PubMed

McEwan, Phil; Bergenheim, Klas; Yuan, Yong; Tetlow, Anthony P; Gordon, Jason P

2010-01-01

Simulation techniques are well suited to modelling diseases yet can be computationally intensive. This study explores the relationship between modelled effect size, statistical precision, and efficiency gains achieved using variance reduction and an executable programming language. A published simulation model designed to model a population with type 2 diabetes mellitus based on the UKPDS 68 outcomes equations was coded in both Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) and C++. Efficiency gains due to the programming language were evaluated, as was the impact of antithetic variates to reduce variance, using predicted QALYs over a 40-year time horizon. The use of C++ provided a 75- and 90-fold reduction in simulation run time when using mean and sampled input values, respectively. For a series of 50 one-way sensitivity analyses, this would yield a total run time of 2 minutes when using C++, compared with 155 minutes for VBA when using mean input values. The use of antithetic variates typically resulted in a 53% reduction in the number of simulation replications and run time required. When drawing all input values to the model from distributions, the use of C++ and variance reduction resulted in a 246-fold improvement in computation time compared with VBA - for which the evaluation of 50 scenarios would correspondingly require 3.8 hours (C++) and approximately 14.5 days (VBA). The choice of programming language used in an economic model, as well as the methods for improving precision of model output can have profound effects on computation time. When constructing complex models, more computationally efficient approaches such as C++ and variance reduction should be considered; concerns regarding model transparency using compiled languages are best addressed via thorough documentation and model validation.

BioXTAS RAW: improvements to a free open-source program for small-angle X-ray scattering data reduction and analysis.

PubMed

Hopkins, Jesse Bennett; Gillilan, Richard E; Skou, Soren

2017-10-01

BioXTAS RAW is a graphical-user-interface-based free open-source Python program for reduction and analysis of small-angle X-ray solution scattering (SAXS) data. The software is designed for biological SAXS data and enables creation and plotting of one-dimensional scattering profiles from two-dimensional detector images, standard data operations such as averaging and subtraction and analysis of radius of gyration and molecular weight, and advanced analysis such as calculation of inverse Fourier transforms and envelopes. It also allows easy processing of inline size-exclusion chromatography coupled SAXS data and data deconvolution using the evolving factor analysis method. It provides an alternative to closed-source programs such as Primus and ScÅtter for primary data analysis. Because it can calibrate, mask and integrate images it also provides an alternative to synchrotron beamline pipelines that scientists can install on their own computers and use both at home and at the beamline.

Thermally efficient and highly scalable In2Se3 nanowire phase change memory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Bo; Kang, Daegun; Kim, Jungsik; Meyyappan, M.; Lee, Jeong-Soo

2013-04-01

The electrical characteristics of nonvolatile In2Se3 nanowire phase change memory are reported. Size-dependent memory switching behavior was observed in nanowires of varying diameters and the reduction in set/reset threshold voltage was as low as 3.45 V/6.25 V for a 60 nm nanowire, which is promising for highly scalable nanowire memory applications. Also, size-dependent thermal resistance of In2Se3 nanowire memory cells was estimated with values as high as 5.86×1013 and 1.04×106 K/W for a 60 nm nanowire memory cell in amorphous and crystalline phases, respectively. Such high thermal resistances are beneficial for improvement of thermal efficiency and thus reduction in programming power consumption based on Fourier's law. The evaluation of thermal resistance provides an avenue to develop thermally efficient memory cell architecture.

Primary Class Size Reduction: How Policy Space, Physical Space, and Spatiality Shape What Happens in Real Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bascia, Nina; Faubert, Brenton

2012-01-01

This article reviews the literature base on class size reduction and proposes a new analytic framework that we believe provides practically useful explanations of how primary class size reduction works. It presents descriptions of classroom practice and grounded explanations for how class size reduction affects educational core activities by…

Opinions on the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program: results of a national survey of hospital leaders.

PubMed

Joynt, Karen E; Figueroa, Jose E; Oray, John; Jha, Ashish K

2016-08-01

To determine the opinions of US hospital leadership on the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP), a national mandatory penalty-for-performance program. We developed a survey about federal readmission policies. We used a stratified sampling design to oversample hospitals in the highest and lowest quintile of performance on readmissions, and hospitals serving a high proportion of minority patients. We surveyed leadership at 1600 US acute care hospitals that were subject to the HRRP, and achieved a 62% response rate. Results were stratified by the size of the HRRP penalty that hospitals received in 2013, and adjusted for nonresponse and sampling strategy. Compared with 36.1% for public reporting of readmission rates and 23.7% for public reporting of discharge processes, 65.8% of respondents reported that the HRRP had a "great impact" on efforts to reduce readmissions. The most common critique of the HRRP penalty was that it did not adequately account for differences in socioeconomic status between hospitals (75.8% "agree" or "agree strongly"); other concerns included that the penalties were "much too large" (67.7%), and hospitals' inability to impact patient adherence (64.1%). These sentiments were each more common in leaders of hospitals with higher HRRP penalties. The HRRP has had a major impact on hospital leaders' efforts to reduce readmission rates, which has implications for the design of future quality improvement programs. However, leaders are concerned about the size of the penalties, lack of adjustment for socioeconomic and clinical factors, and hospitals' inability to impact patient adherence and postacute care. These concerns may have implications as policy makers consider changes to the HRRP, as well as to other Medicare value-based payment programs that contain similar readmission metrics.

Reduction of glycine particle size by impinging jet crystallization.

PubMed

Tari, Tímea; Fekete, Zoltán; Szabó-Révész, Piroska; Aigner, Zoltán

2015-01-15

The parameters of crystallization processes determine the habit and particle size distribution of the products. A narrow particle size distribution and a small average particle size are crucial for the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble pharmacons. Thus, particle size reduction is often required during crystallization processes. Impinging jet crystallization is a method that results in a product with a reduced particle size due to the homogeneous and high degree of supersaturation at the impingement point. In this work, the applicability of the impinging jet technique as a new approach in crystallization was investigated for the antisolvent crystallization of glycine. A factorial design was applied to choose the relevant crystallization factors. The results were analysed by means of a statistical program. The particle size distribution of the crystallized products was investigated with a laser diffraction particle size analyser. The roundness and morphology were determined with the use of a light microscopic image analysis system and a scanning electron microscope. Polymorphism was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction. Headspace gas chromatography was utilized to determine the residual solvent content. Impinging jet crystallization proved to reduce the particle size of glycine. The particle size distribution was appropriate, and the average particle size was an order of magnitude smaller (d(0.5)=8-35 μm) than that achieved with conventional crystallization (d(0.5)=82-680 μm). The polymorphic forms of the products were influenced by the solvent ratio. The quantity of residual solvent in the crystallized products was in compliance with the requirements of the International Conference on Harmonization. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Class Size Reduction (CSR) Implementation Plan Based on an Evaluative Study of CSRs for the Improvement of Third Grade Reading Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vandyke, Barbara Adrienne

2009-01-01

For too long, educators have been left to their own devices when implementing educational policies, initiatives, strategies, and interventions, and they have longed to see the full benefits of these programs, especially in reading achievement. However, instead of determining whether a policy/initiative is working, educators have been asked to…

Changes in blood product utilization in a seven-hospital system after the implementation of a patient blood management program: A 9-year follow-up.

PubMed

Verdecchia, Nicole M; Wisniewski, Mary Kay; Waters, Jonathan H; Triulzi, Darrell J; Alarcon, Louis H; Yazer, Mark H

2016-09-01

To analyze changes in red blood cell (RBC), platelet (PLT), and plasma transfusion volumes 9 years after the implementation of a multifaceted patient blood management (PBM) program across multiple hospitals. Between fiscal years 2007 and 2015, the annual transfusion volumes for seven hospitals in a regional healthcare system were analyzed by hospital, and between 2014 and 2015, by four service lines including emergency department, intensive care unit (ICU), medical/surgical ward, and operating room at each hospital. The number of units of RBCs administered to transfused recipients on the wards and in ICUs was also enumerated. For these seven hospitals combined, there was a 29.9% reduction in the number of RBCs transfused between 2007 and 2015, a 24.8% reduction in plasma units, and a 25.7% reduction in PLT units. The two largest hospitals saw some of the largest reductions in RBC transfusions (40.1, 25.1%), and plasma transfusions (26.1, 33.8%), and one of those hospitals had a 49.5% reduction in PLT transfusions. Smaller-sized hospitals also had reductions in transfusion volumes, while some volumes increased at hospitals when new or expanded clinical services were introduced. The number of RBC units per transfused recipient was generally between 1.5 and 2 units on the wards and slightly higher in the ICUs. Although the overall volume of transfusions has generally decreased at each hospital site over time, the appropriateness of the administered transfusions cannot be evaluated by these data. The system-wide implementation of a PBM program has reduced transfusion volumes.

Reduction of ventricular size after shunting for normal pressure hydrocephalus related to CSF dynamics before shunting.

PubMed Central

Tans, J T; Poortvliet, D C

1988-01-01

Reduction of ventricular size was determined by repeated computed tomography in 30 adult patients shunted for normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and related to the pressure-volume index (PVI) and resistance to outflow of cerebrospinal fluid (Rcsf) measured before shunting. Rapid and marked reduction of ventricular size (n = 10) was associated with a significantly lower PVI than slow and moderate to marked (n = 13) or minimal to mild reduction (n = 7). Otherwise no relationship could be found between the reduction of ventricular size and PVI or Rcsf. It is concluded that both rate and magnitude of reduction of ventricular size after shunting for NPH are extremely variable. High brain elasticity seems to be the best predictor of rapid and marked reduction. PMID:3379425

Parallelized modelling and solution scheme for hierarchically scaled simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Padovan, Joe

1995-01-01

This two-part paper presents the results of a benchmarked analytical-numerical investigation into the operational characteristics of a unified parallel processing strategy for implicit fluid mechanics formulations. This hierarchical poly tree (HPT) strategy is based on multilevel substructural decomposition. The Tree morphology is chosen to minimize memory, communications and computational effort. The methodology is general enough to apply to existing finite difference (FD), finite element (FEM), finite volume (FV) or spectral element (SE) based computer programs without an extensive rewrite of code. In addition to finding large reductions in memory, communications, and computational effort associated with a parallel computing environment, substantial reductions are generated in the sequential mode of application. Such improvements grow with increasing problem size. Along with a theoretical development of general 2-D and 3-D HPT, several techniques for expanding the problem size that the current generation of computers are capable of solving, are presented and discussed. Among these techniques are several interpolative reduction methods. It was found that by combining several of these techniques that a relatively small interpolative reduction resulted in substantial performance gains. Several other unique features/benefits are discussed in this paper. Along with Part 1's theoretical development, Part 2 presents a numerical approach to the HPT along with four prototype CFD applications. These demonstrate the potential of the HPT strategy.

Comparison of a dietary portfolio diet of cholesterol-lowering foods and a statin on LDL particle size phenotype in hypercholesterolaemic participants.

PubMed

Gigleux, Iris; Jenkins, David J A; Kendall, Cyril W C; Marchie, Augustine; Faulkner, Dorothea A; Wong, Julia M W; de Souza, Russell; Emam, Azadeh; Parker, Tina L; Trautwein, Elke A; Lapsley, Karen G; Connelly, Philip W; Lamarche, Benoît

2007-12-01

The effect of diet v. statins on LDL particle size as a risk factor for CVD has not been examined. We compared, in the same subjects, the impact of a dietary portfolio of cholesterol-lowering foods and a statin on LDL size electrophoretic characteristics. Thirty-four hyperlipidaemic subjects completed three 1-month treatments as outpatients in random order: a very-low saturated fat diet (control); the same diet with 20 mg lovastatin; a dietary portfolio high in plant sterols (1 g/4200 kJ), soya proteins (21.4 g/4200 kJ), soluble fibres (9.8 g/4200 kJ) and almonds (14 g/4200 kJ). LDL electrophoretic characteristics were measured by non-denaturing polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis of fasting plasma at 0, 2 and 4 weeks of each treatment. The reductions in plasma LDL-cholesterol levels with the dietary portfolio and with statins were comparable and were largely attributable to reductions in the estimated concentration of cholesterol within the smallest subclass of LDL (portfolio - 0.69 (se 0.10) mmol/l, statin - 0.99 (se 0.10) mmol/l). These were significantly greater (P < 0.01) than changes observed after the control diet ( - 0.17 (se 0.08) mmol/l). Finally, baseline C-reactive protein levels were a significant predictor of the LDL size responsiveness to the dietary portfolio but not to the other treatments. The dietary portfolio, like the statin treatment, had only minor effects on several features of the LDL size phenotype, but the pronounced reduction in cholesterol levels within the small LDL fraction may provide additional cardiovascular benefit over the traditional low-fat diet of National Cholesterol Education Program Step II.

Experimental clean combustor program, phase 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bahr, D. W.; Gleason, C. C.

1975-01-01

Full annular versions of advanced combustor designs, sized to fit within the CF6-50 engine, were defined, manufactured, and tested at high pressure conditions. Configurations were screened, and significant reductions in CO, HC, and NOx emissions levels were achieved with two of these advanced combustor design concepts. Emissions and performance data at a typical AST cruise condition were also obtained along with combustor noise data as a part of an addendum to the basic program. The two promising combustor design approaches evolved in these efforts were the Double Annular Combustor and the Radial/Axial Combustor. With versions of these two basic combustor designs, CO and HC emissions levels at or near the target levels were obtained. Although the low target NOx emissions level was not obtained with these two advanced combustor designs, significant reductions were relative to the NOx levels of current technology combustors. Smoke emission levels below the target value were obtained.

Assessment of mixed fleet potential for space station launch and assembly

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deryder, L. J. (Editor)

1987-01-01

Reductions in expected STS flight rates of the Space Shuttle since the 51-L accident raise concerns about the ability of available launch capacity to meet both payload-to-orbit and crew rotation requirements for the Space Station. In addition, it is believed that some phases of Station build-up could be expedited using unmanned launch systems with significantly greater lift capacity than the STS. Examined is the potential use of expendable launch vehicles (ELVs), yet-to-be-developed unmanned shuttle-derived vehicles (SDVs), and international launch vehicles for meeting overall launch requirements to meet Space Station program objectives as defined by the 1986 Critical Evaluation Task Force (CETF). The study concludes that use of non-STS transportation can help meet several important program objectives as well as reduce the total number of STS flights. It also finds, however, that reduction of Space Station-dedicated STS flights below 8 per year forces a reduction in Station crew size assuming the CETF 90 day crew stay time baseline and seriously impairs scientific utilization of the Station.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction as a stress management intervention for healthy individuals: a systematic review.

PubMed

Sharma, Manoj; Rush, Sarah E

2014-10-01

Stress is a global public health problem with several negative health consequences, including anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, and suicide. Mindfulness-based stress reduction offers an effective way of reducing stress by combining mindfulness meditation and yoga in an 8-week training program. The purpose of this study was to look at studies from January 2009 to January 2014 and examine whether mindfulness-based stress reduction is a potentially viable method for managing stress. A systematic search from Medline, CINAHL, and Alt HealthWatch databases was conducted for all types of quantitative articles involving mindfulness-based stress reduction. A total of 17 articles met the inclusion criteria. Of the 17 studies, 16 demonstrated positive changes in psychological or physiological outcomes related to anxiety and/or stress. Despite the limitations of not all studies using randomized controlled design, having smaller sample sizes, and having different outcomes, mindfulness-based stress reduction appears to be a promising modality for stress management. © The Author(s) 2014.

Exploring the Early Structure of a Rapidly Decompressed Particle Bed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zunino, Heather; Adrian, R. J.; Clarke, Amanda; Johnson, Blair; Arizona State University Collaboration

2017-11-01

Rapid expansion of dense, pressurized beds of fine particles subjected to rapid reduction of the external pressure is studied in a vertical shock tube. A near-sonic expansion wave impinges on the particle bed-gas interface and rapidly unloads the particle bed. A high-speed video camera captures events occurring during bed expansion. The particle bed does not expand homogeneously, but breaks down into horizontal slabs and then transforms into a cellular-type structure. There are several key parameters that affect the particle bed evolution, including particle size and initial bed height. Analyses of this bed structure evolution from experiments with varying particle sizes and initial bed heights is presented. This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Advanced Simulation and Computing Program, as a Cooperative Agreement under the Predictive Science and Academic Alliance Program, under Contract No. DE-NA0002378.

Adding Concrete Syntax to a Prolog-Based Program Synthesis System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fischer, Bernd; Visser, Eelco

2003-01-01

Program generation and transformation systems manipulate large, pa- rameterized object language fragments. Support for user-definable concrete syntax makes this easier but is typically restricted to certain object and meta languages. We show how Prolog can be retrofitted with concrete syntax and describe how a seamless interaction of concrete syntax fragments with an existing legacy meta-programming system based on abstract syntax is achieved. We apply the approach to gradually migrate the schemas of the AUTOBAYES program synthesis system to concrete syntax. Fit experiences show that this can result in a considerable reduction of the code size and an improved readability of the code. In particular, abstracting out fresh-variable generation and second-order term construction allows the formulation of larger continuous fragments and improves the locality in the schemas.

Automated size-specific CT dose monitoring program: assessing variability in CT dose.

PubMed

Christianson, Olav; Li, Xiang; Frush, Donald; Samei, Ehsan

2012-11-01

The potential health risks associated with low levels of ionizing radiation have created a movement in the radiology community to optimize computed tomography (CT) imaging protocols to use the lowest radiation dose possible without compromising the diagnostic usefulness of the images. Despite efforts to use appropriate and consistent radiation doses, studies suggest that a great deal of variability in radiation dose exists both within and between institutions for CT imaging. In this context, the authors have developed an automated size-specific radiation dose monitoring program for CT and used this program to assess variability in size-adjusted effective dose from CT imaging. The authors radiation dose monitoring program operates on an independent health insurance portability and accountability act compliant dosimetry server. Digital imaging and communication in medicine routing software is used to isolate dose report screen captures and scout images for all incoming CT studies. Effective dose conversion factors (k-factors) are determined based on the protocol and optical character recognition is used to extract the CT dose index and dose-length product. The patient's thickness is obtained by applying an adaptive thresholding algorithm to the scout images and is used to calculate the size-adjusted effective dose (ED(adj)). The radiation dose monitoring program was used to collect data on 6351 CT studies from three scanner models (GE Lightspeed Pro 16, GE Lightspeed VCT, and GE Definition CT750 HD) and two institutions over a one-month period and to analyze the variability in ED(adj) between scanner models and across institutions. No significant difference was found between computer measurements of patient thickness and observer measurements (p = 0.17), and the average difference between the two methods was less than 4%. Applying the size correction resulted in ED(adj) that differed by up to 44% from effective dose estimates that were not adjusted by patient size. Additionally, considerable differences were noted in ED(adj) distributions between scanners, with scanners employing iterative reconstruction exhibiting significantly lower ED(adj) (range: 9%-64%). Finally, a significant difference (up to 59%) in ED(adj) distributions was observed between institutions, indicating the potential for dose reduction. The authors developed a robust automated size-specific radiation dose monitoring program for CT. Using this program, significant differences in ED(adj) were observed between scanner models and across institutions. This new dose monitoring program offers a unique tool for improving quality assurance and standardization both within and across institutions.

Automated size-specific CT dose monitoring program: Assessing variability in CT dose

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

Christianson, Olav; Li Xiang; Frush, Donald

2012-11-15

Purpose: The potential health risks associated with low levels of ionizing radiation have created a movement in the radiology community to optimize computed tomography (CT) imaging protocols to use the lowest radiation dose possible without compromising the diagnostic usefulness of the images. Despite efforts to use appropriate and consistent radiation doses, studies suggest that a great deal of variability in radiation dose exists both within and between institutions for CT imaging. In this context, the authors have developed an automated size-specific radiation dose monitoring program for CT and used this program to assess variability in size-adjusted effective dose from CTmore » imaging. Methods: The authors radiation dose monitoring program operates on an independent health insurance portability and accountability act compliant dosimetry server. Digital imaging and communication in medicine routing software is used to isolate dose report screen captures and scout images for all incoming CT studies. Effective dose conversion factors (k-factors) are determined based on the protocol and optical character recognition is used to extract the CT dose index and dose-length product. The patient's thickness is obtained by applying an adaptive thresholding algorithm to the scout images and is used to calculate the size-adjusted effective dose (ED{sub adj}). The radiation dose monitoring program was used to collect data on 6351 CT studies from three scanner models (GE Lightspeed Pro 16, GE Lightspeed VCT, and GE Definition CT750 HD) and two institutions over a one-month period and to analyze the variability in ED{sub adj} between scanner models and across institutions. Results: No significant difference was found between computer measurements of patient thickness and observer measurements (p= 0.17), and the average difference between the two methods was less than 4%. Applying the size correction resulted in ED{sub adj} that differed by up to 44% from effective dose estimates that were not adjusted by patient size. Additionally, considerable differences were noted in ED{sub adj} distributions between scanners, with scanners employing iterative reconstruction exhibiting significantly lower ED{sub adj} (range: 9%-64%). Finally, a significant difference (up to 59%) in ED{sub adj} distributions was observed between institutions, indicating the potential for dose reduction. Conclusions: The authors developed a robust automated size-specific radiation dose monitoring program for CT. Using this program, significant differences in ED{sub adj} were observed between scanner models and across institutions. This new dose monitoring program offers a unique tool for improving quality assurance and standardization both within and across institutions.« less

Blocking carbohydrate absorption and weight loss: a clinical trial using a proprietary fractionated white bean extract.

PubMed

Udani, Jay; Singh, Betsy B

2007-01-01

A proprietary fractionated white bean extract of Phaseolus vulgaris has been shown in vitro to inhibit the digestive enzyme alpha-amylase. This may prevent or delay the digestion of complex carbohydrates, potentially resulting in weight loss. A 4-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 25 healthy subjects consuming 1000 mg of a proprietary fractioned white bean extract or an identical placebo twice a day before meals in conjunction with a multi-component weight-loss program, including diet, exercise, and behavioral intervention, was conducted. Both groups reduced their weight and waist size significantly from baseline. The active group lost 6.0 lbs (P=.0002) and 2.2 in (P=.0050), and the placebo group lost 4.7 lbs (P=.0016) and 2.1 in (P=.0001). The differences between groups were not significant (weight P=.4235, waist size P=.8654). Through subsequent exploratory analysis to investigate group findings further, subjects were stratified by total dietary carbohydrate intake. This probative analysis revealed that the tertile of subjects who had consumed the most carbohydrates demonstrated significant reductions in both weight (8.7 lbs vs 1.7 lbs, P=.0412) and waist size (3.3 in vs 1.3 in P=.0100) compared with placebo subjects in the same tertile of carbohydrate intake. Subjects who adhere to a program including dietary modification, exercise, and behavioral intervention can significantly reduce their weight and waist size in a short period of time. In an exploratory analysis of data, the tertile of subjects who ate the most carbohydrates experienced a significant reduction in both weight and waist size with the addition of the white bean extract compared to the placebo group of the same tertile of carbohydrate consumption. Longer studies with a larger pool of subjects are required to validate these findings.

Intranuclear DNA density affects chromosome condensation in metazoans

PubMed Central

Hara, Yuki; Iwabuchi, Mari; Ohsumi, Keita; Kimura, Akatsuki

2013-01-01

Chromosome condensation is critical for accurate inheritance of genetic information. The degree of condensation, which is reflected in the size of the condensed chromosomes during mitosis, is not constant. It is differentially regulated in embryonic and somatic cells. In addition to the developmentally programmed regulation of chromosome condensation, there may be adaptive regulation based on spatial parameters such as genomic length or cell size. We propose that chromosome condensation is affected by a spatial parameter called the chromosome amount per nuclear space, or “intranuclear DNA density.” Using Caenorhabditis elegans embryos, we show that condensed chromosome sizes vary during early embryogenesis. Of importance, changing DNA content to haploid or polyploid changes the condensed chromosome size, even at the same developmental stage. Condensed chromosome size correlates with interphase nuclear size. Finally, a reduction in nuclear size in a cell-free system from Xenopus laevis eggs resulted in reduced condensed chromosome sizes. These data support the hypothesis that intranuclear DNA density regulates chromosome condensation. This suggests an adaptive mode of chromosome condensation regulation in metazoans. PMID:23783035

Long term effects of community-based STI screening and mass media HIV prevention messages on sexual risk behaviors of African American adolescents.

PubMed

Sznitman, Sharon; Stanton, Bonita F; Vanable, Peter A; Carey, Michael P; Valois, Robert F; Brown, Larry K; DiClemente, Ralph; Hennessy, Michael; Salazar, Laura F; Romer, Daniel

2011-11-01

We examined the long-term effects of two interventions designed to reduce sexual risk behavior among African American adolescents. African American adolescents (N = 1383, ages 14-17) were recruited from community-based organizations over a period of 16 months in two northeastern and two southeastern mid-sized U.S. cities with high rates of sexually transmitted infection (STI). Participants were screened for three STIs (gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis) and completed an audio computer-assisted attitude, intention, and behavior self-interview. Youth who tested positive for an STI (8.3%) received treatment and risk reduction counseling. In addition, television and radio HIV-prevention messages were delivered during the recruitment period and 18 months of follow-up in one randomly selected city in each region. Analyses determined effects of the media program for those receiving a positive versus negative STI test result on number of sexual partners and occurrence of unprotected sex. Adolescents who tested STI-positive reduced their number of vaginal sex partners and the probability of unprotected sex over the first 6 months. However, in the absence of the mass media program, adolescents returned to their previously high levels of sexual risk behavior after 6 months. Adolescents who tested STI-positive and received the mass media program showed more stable reductions in unprotected sex. Community-based STI treatment and counseling can achieve significant, but short-lived reductions in sexual risk behavior among STI-positive youth. A culturally sensitive mass media program has the potential to achieve more stable reductions in sexual risk behavior and can help to optimize the effects of community-based STI screening.

Conversion of transuranic waste to low level waste by decontamination: a site specific update

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

Allen, R.P.; Hazelton, R.F.

1985-09-01

As a followup to an FY-1984 cost/benefit study, a program was conducted in FY-1985 to transfer to the relevant DOE sites the information and technology for the direct conversion of transuranic (TRU) waste to low-level waste (LLW) by decontamination. As part of this work, the economic evaluation of the various TRUW volume reduction and conversion options was updated and expanded to include site-specific factors. The results show, for the assumptions used, that size reduction, size reduction followed by decontamination, or in situ decontamination are cost effective compared with the no-processing option. The technology transfer activities included site presentations and discussionsmore » with operations and waste management personnel to identify application opportunities and site-specific considerations and constraints that could affect the implementation of TRU waste conversion principles. These discussions disclosed definite potential for the beneficial application of these principles at most of the sites, but also confirmed the existence of site-specific factors ranging from space limitations to LLW disposal restrictions that could preclude particular applications or diminish expected benefits. 8 refs., 2 figs., 4 tabs.« less

Advanced rotorcraft transmission program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bill, Robert C.

1990-01-01

The Advanced Rotorcraft Transmission (ART) program is an Army-funded, joint Army/NASA program to develop and demonstrate lightweight, quiet, durable drivetrain systems for next generation rotorcraft. ART addresses the drivetrain requirements of two distinct next generation aircraft classes: Future Air Attack Vehicle, a 10,000 to 20,000 lb. aircraft capable of undertaking tactical support and air-to-air missions; and Advanced Cargo Aircraft, a 60,000 to 80,000 lb. aircraft capable of heavy life field support operations. Both tiltrotor and more conventional helicopter configurations are included in the ART program. Specific objectives of ART include reduction of drivetrain weight by 25 percent compared to baseline state-of-the-art drive systems configured and sized for the next generation aircraft, reduction of noise level at the transmission source by 10 dB relative to a suitably sized and configured baseline, and attainment of at least a 5000 hr mean-time-between-removal. The technical approach for achieving the ART goals includes application of the latest available component, material, and lubrication technology to advanced concept drivetrains that utilize new ideas in gear configuration, transmission layout, and airframe/drivetrain integration. To date, candidate drivetrain systems were carried to a conceptual design stage, and tradeoff studies were conducted resulting in selection of an ART transmission configuration for each of the four contractors. The final selection was based on comparative weight, noise, and reliability studies. A description of each of the selected ART designs is included. Preliminary design of each of the four selected ART transmission was completed, as have mission impact studies wherein comparisons of aircraft mission performance and life cycle costs are undertaken for the next generation aircraft with ART and with the baseline transmission.

Modeling the effect of surgical sterilization on owned dog population size in Villa de Tezontepec, Hidalgo, Mexico, using an individual-based computer simulation model

PubMed Central

Kisiel, Luz Maria; Jones-Bitton, Andria; Sargeant, Jan M.; Coe, Jason B.; Flockhart, D. T. Tyler; Canales Vargas, Erick J.

2018-01-01

Surgical sterilization programs for dogs have been proposed as interventions to control dog population size. Models can be used to help identify the long-term impact of reproduction control interventions for dogs. The objective of this study was to determine the projected impact of surgical sterilization interventions on the owned dog population size in Villa de Tezontepec, Hidalgo, Mexico. A stochastic, individual-based simulation model was constructed and parameterized using a combination of empirical data collected on the demographics of owned dogs in Villa de Tezontepec and data available from the peer-reviewed literature. Model outcomes were assessed using a 20-year time horizon. The model was used to examine: the effect of surgical sterilization strategies focused on: 1) dogs of any age and sex, 2) female dogs of any age, 3) young dogs (i.e., not yet reached sexual maturity) of any sex, and 4) young, female dogs. Model outcomes suggested that as surgical capacity increases from 21 to 84 surgeries/month, (8.6% to 34.5% annual sterilization) for dogs of any age, the mean dog population size after 20 years was reduced between 14% and 79% compared to the base case scenario (i.e. in the absence of intervention). Surgical sterilization interventions focused only on young dogs of any sex yielded greater reductions (81% - 90%) in the mean population size, depending on the level of surgical capacity. More focused sterilization targeted at female dogs of any age, resulted in reductions that were similar to focusing on mixed sex sterilization of only young dogs (82% - 92%). The greatest mean reduction in population size (90% - 91%) was associated with sterilization of only young, female dogs. Our model suggests that targeting sterilization to young females could enhance the efficacy of existing surgical dog population control interventions in this location, without investing extra resources. PMID:29856830

Effects of microrolling parameters on the microstructure and deformation behavior of pure copper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jing, Yi; Zhang, Hong-mei; Wu, Hao; Li, Lian-jie; Jia, Hong-bin; Jiang, Zheng-yi

2018-01-01

Microrolling experiments and uniaxial tensile tests of pure copper under different annealing conditions were carried out in this paper. The effects of grain size and reduction on non-uniform deformation, edge cracking, and microstructure were studied. The experimental results showed that the side deformation became more non-uniform, resulting in substantial edge bulge, and the uneven spread increased with increasing grain size and reduction level. When the reduction level reached 80% and the grain size was 65 μm, slight edge cracks occurred. When the grain size was 200 μm, the edge cracks became wider and deeper. No edge cracks occurred when the grain size was 200 μm and the reduction level was less than 60%; edge cracks occurred when the reduction level was increased to 80%. As the reduction level increased, the grains were gradually elongated and appeared as a sheet-like structure along the rolling direction; a fine lamellar structure was obtained when the grain size was 20 μm and the reduction level was less than 60%.

Impact of interactive school-based media literacy lessons for reducing internalization of media ideals in young adolescent girls and boys.

PubMed

Wilksch, Simon M; Tiggemann, Marika; Wade, Tracey D

2006-07-01

The primary objective of the current study was to examine the efficacy of single media literacy lessons in reducing media internalization in young adolescents. Eleven classes of 237 students (100 girls and 137 boys; mean age = 13.79 years, SD = .42) randomly received 1 of 6 lessons. Eating disorder risk factors were assessed at baseline, and the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-3 (SATAQ-3) was used to assess media internalization postintervention. At postintervention, boys had significantly lower SATAQ-3 scores on 4 of the 5 subscales (effect sizes = .42-.71), whereas girls had significantly lower scores on 1 subscale (effect size = .54). Higher baseline levels of dietary restraint, magazines bought/read, and perceived sociocultural pressure predicted smaller reductions in boys' scores, whereas depression predicted smaller reductions in girls' scores. The current study provides support that boys be included in eating disorder prevention programs and that media literacy may represent a promising prevention approach.

FPGA platform for MEMS Disc Resonance Gyroscope (DRG) control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keymeulen, Didier; Peay, Chris; Foor, David; Trung, Tran; Bakhshi, Alireza; Withington, Phil; Yee, Karl; Terrile, Rich

2008-04-01

Inertial navigation systems based upon optical gyroscopes tend to be expensive, large, power consumptive, and are not long lived. Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) based gyros do not have these shortcomings; however, until recently, the performance of MEMS based gyros had been below navigation grade. Boeing and JPL have been cooperating since 1997 to develop high performance MEMS gyroscopes for miniature, low power space Inertial Reference Unit applications. The efforts resulted in demonstration of a Post Resonator Gyroscope (PRG). This experience led to the more compact Disc Resonator Gyroscope (DRG) for further reduced size and power with potentially increased performance. Currently, the mass, volume and power of the DRG are dominated by the size of the electronics. This paper will detail the FPGA based digital electronics architecture and its implementation for the DRG which will allow reduction of size and power and will increase performance through a reduction in electronics noise. Using the digital control based on FPGA, we can program and modify in real-time the control loop to adapt to the specificity of each particular gyro and the change of the mechanical characteristic of the gyro during its life time.

Disease management 360 degrees: a scorecard approach to evaluating TRICARE's programs for asthma, congestive heart failure, and diabetes.

PubMed

Yang, Wenya; Dall, Timothy M; Zhang, Yiduo; Hogan, Paul F; Arday, David R; Gantt, Cynthia J

2010-08-01

To assess the effect of TRICARE's asthma, congestive heart failure, and diabetes disease management programs using a scorecard approach. EVALUATION MEASURES: Patient healthcare utilization, financial, clinical, and humanistic outcomes. Absolute measures were translated into effect size and incorporated into a scorecard. Actual outcomes for program participants were compared with outcomes predicted in the absence of disease management. The predictive equations were established from regression models based on historical control groups (n = 39,217). Z scores were calculated for the humanistic measures obtained through a mailed survey. Administrative records containing medical claims, patient demographics and characteristics, and program participation status were linked using an encrypted patient identifier (n = 57,489). The study time frame is 1 year prior to program inception through 2 years afterward (October 2005-September 2008). A historical control group was identified with the baseline year starting October 2003 and a 1-year follow-up period starting October 2004. A survey was administered to a subset of participants 6 months after baseline assessment (39% response rate). Within the observation window--24 months for asthma and congestive heart failure, and 15 months for the diabetes program--we observed modest reductions in hospital days and healthcare cost for all 3 programs and reductions in emergency visits for 2 programs. Most clinical outcomes moved in the direction anticipated. The scorecard provided a useful tool to track performance of 3 regional contractors for each of 3 diseases and over time.

Embolization of renal angiomyolipomas: short-term and long-term outcomes, complications, and tumor shrinkage.

PubMed

Lee, Shen-Yang; Hsu, Hsiang-Hao; Chen, Yung-Chang; Huang, Chen-Chih; Wong, Yon-Cheong; Wang, Li-Jen; Chuang, Cheng-Keng; Yang, Chih-Wei

2009-11-01

This study retrospectively evaluated outcomes, complications, and tumor shrinkage in renal angiomyolipomas after transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). All renal angiomyolipoma patients who underwent TAE between August 2000 and December 2008 and had short-term (6 months) follow-up images were evaluated. Complications and tumor relapse after TAE were reviewed. The sizes of embolized tumors were measured to calculate size reductions and reduction rates after TAE. Differences in tumor size, size reduction, and reduction rate between different time points (pre-TAE, short-term follow-up, and long-term follow-up) and groups (completely and incompletely embolized) were determined. Eleven renal angiomyolipoma patients who had undergone TAE were included. Seven (63.6%) patients had postembolization syndrome and one had abscess formation following TAE. Two patients had a tumor relapse (18.2%). The mean tumor size was 8.57+/-2.66 cm on pre-TAE images. The mean size reduction was 3.1 cm (33.3%) and 3.8 cm (43.0%) at short-term and long-term follow-up. Tumor sizes differed significantly between pre-TAE and short-term (p=0.004) or long-term images (p=0.022) but not between short-term and long-term images (p=0.059). Results stratified by the completeness of embolization indicate that only the short-term size reduction rate differed significantly (p=0.025), while the long-term reduction rate and short- and long-term follow-up tumor size and size reduction were comparable between the two groups. In conclusion, selective TAE is effective for tumor shrinkage in most renal angiomyolipomas, with acceptable complication and relapse rates. Tumor shrinkage occurring within 6 months after TAE may reflect the long-term effect of TAE.

NASA Glenn's Contributions to Aircraft Engine Noise Research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huff, Dennis L.

2014-01-01

This presentation reviews engine noise research conducted at the NASA Glenn Research Center over the past 70 years. This report includes a historical perspective of the Center and the facilities used to conduct the research. Major noise research programs are highlighted to show their impact on industry and on the development of aircraft noise reduction technology. Noise reduction trends are discussed, and future aircraft concepts are presented. Since the 1960s, research results show that the average perceived noise level has been reduced by about 20 decibels (dB). Studies also show that, depending on the size of the airport, the aircraft fleet mix, and the actual growth in air travel, another 15 to 17 dB reduction will be required to achieve NASAs long-term goal of providing technologies to limit objectionable noise to the boundaries of an average airport.

NASA Glenn's Contributions to Aircraft Engine Noise Research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huff, Dennis L.

2013-01-01

This report reviews all engine noise research conducted at the NASA Glenn Research Center over the past 70 years. This report includes a historical perspective of the Center and the facilities used to conduct the research. Major noise research programs are highlighted to show their impact on industry and on the development of aircraft noise reduction technology. Noise reduction trends are discussed, and future aircraft concepts are presented. Since the 1960s, research results show that the average perceived noise level has been reduced by about 20 decibels (dB). Studies also show that, depending on the size of the airport, the aircraft fleet mix, and the actual growth in air travel, another 15 to 17 dB reduction will be required to achieve NASA's long-term goal of providing technologies to limit objectionable noise to the boundaries of an average airport.

Compilation of Blast Parameters of Selected High Explosives, Propellants, and Pyrotechnics in Surface Burst Configurations.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-01-01

APPENDIX B- DATA REDUCTION PROGRAM .............................. 403 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS FIGURE NO. PAGE 1. Instrumented Test Pad Layout...weight to produce the same yield relative to hemis- pherical TNT. The test specimens were placed at ground zero in a particular in- plant geometry...The containers were either scaled from the original size or tested in full- scale configurations. The test charges were placed at ground zero and

Effects of Planetary Gear Ratio on Mean Service Life

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Savage, M.; Rubadeux, K. L.; Coe, H. H.

1996-01-01

Planetary gear transmissions are compact, high-power speed reductions which use parallel load paths. The range of possible reduction ratios is bounded from below and above by limits on the relative size of the planet gears. For a single plane transmission, the planet gear has no size at a ratio of two. As the ratio increases, so does the size of the planets relative to the sizes of the sun and ring. Which ratio is best for a planetary reduction can be resolved by studying a series of optimal designs. In this series, each design is obtained by maximizing the service life for a planetary with a fixed size, gear ratio, input speed power and materials. The planetary gear reduction service life is modeled as a function of the two-parameter Weibull distributed service lives of the bearings and gears in the reduction. Planet bearing life strongly influences the optimal reduction lives which point to an optimal planetary reduction ratio in the neighborhood of four to five.

Roles of size and kinematics in drag reduction for two tandem flexible foils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chao, Li-Ming; Zhang, Dong; Pan, Guang

2017-11-01

The effect of size and kinematics difference between two tandem flexible foils on drag reduction have been numerically studied. Compared with single foil, it is found that the kinematics difference between two foils would not play a significant role in reducing drag, while the size difference between two foils significantly affects the drag reduction in this two foil system. For leading foil, it always enjoys drag reduction and the highest drag reduction can be observed at bigger size difference and gap distance between two foil as 22%. For trailing foil, it suffers drag increase when the gap distance between two foils is smaller, while it enjoys drag decrease when the size difference between two foils is bigger enough. The hydrodynamic interaction between such actively undulated foils also has been uncovered and used to explain the mechanisms of drag reduction.

Widespread rapid reductions in body size of adult salamanders in response to climate change.

PubMed

Caruso, Nicholas M; Sears, Michael W; Adams, Dean C; Lips, Karen R

2014-06-01

Reduction in body size is a major response to climate change, yet evidence in globally imperiled amphibians is lacking. Shifts in average population body size could indicate either plasticity in the growth response to changing climates through changes in allocation and energetics, or through selection for decreased size where energy is limiting. We compared historic and contemporary size measurements in 15 Plethodon species from 102 populations (9450 individuals) and found that six species exhibited significant reductions in body size over 55 years. Biophysical models, accounting for actual changes in moisture and air temperature over that period, showed a 7.1-7.9% increase in metabolic expenditure at three latitudes but showed no change in annual duration of activity. Reduced size was greatest at southern latitudes in regions experiencing the greatest drying and warming. Our results are consistent with a plastic response of body size to climate change through reductions in body size as mediated through increased metabolism. These rapid reductions in body size over the past few decades have significance for the susceptibility of amphibians to environmental change, and relevance for whether adaptation can keep pace with climate change in the future. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Combining group-based exposure therapy with prolonged exposure to treat U.S. Vietnam veterans with PTSD: a case study.

PubMed

Ready, David J; Vega, Edward M; Worley, Virginia; Bradley, Bekh

2012-10-01

Group-based exposure therapy (GBET) of 16-week duration was developed to treat combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and decreased PTSD symptoms in 3 noncontrolled open trials with low attrition (0%-5%). Group-based exposure therapy has not produced as much PTSD symptom reduction as Prolonged Exposure (PE) within a U.S. Veterans Affairs PTSD treatment program, although PE had more dropouts (20%). This pilot study was of a model that combined key elements of GBET with components of PE in an effort to increase the effectiveness of a group-based treatment while reducing its length and maintaining low attrition. Twice per week, 8 Vietnam combat veterans with PTSD were treated for 12 weeks, with an intervention that included 2 within-group war trauma presentations per participant, 6 PE style individual imaginal exposure (IE) sessions per participant, daily listening to recorded IE sessions, and daily in vivo exposure exercises. All completed treatment and showed Significant reductions on all measures of PTSD with large effect sizes; 7 participants no longer met PTSD criteria on treating clinician administered interviews and a self-report measure at posttreatment. Significant reductions in depression with large effect sizes and moderate reductions in PTSD-related cognitions were also found. Most gains were maintained 6 months posttreatment. Published 2012. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Using What We Know: A Review of the Research on Implementing Class-Size Reduction Initiatives for State and Local Policymakers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Laine, Sabrina W. M., Ed.; Ward, James G., Ed.

This book contains a collection of essays involving new research on class-size reduction. Six chapters include: (1) "Reducing Class Size in Public Schools: Cost-Benefit Issues and Implications" (John F. Witte); (2) "Making Policy Choices: Is Class-Size Reduction the Best Alternative?" (Doug Harris and David N. Plank); (3) "Smaller Classes, Lower…

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

Sather, Nichole K.; Borde, Amy B.; Diefenderfer, Heida L.

This Handbook of Data Reduction Procedures, Workbooks, and Exchange Templates is designed to support the Oncor geodatabase for the Columbia Estuary Ecosystem Restoration Program (CEERP). The following data categories are covered: water-surface elevation and temperature, sediment accretion rate, photo points, herbaceous wetland vegetation cover, tree plots and site summaries, fish catch and density, fish size, fish diet, fish prey, and Chinook salmon genetic stock identification. The handbook is intended for use by scientists collecting monitoring and research data for the CEERP. The ultimate goal of Oncor is to provide quality, easily accessible, geospatial data for synthesis and evaluation of themore » collective performance of CEERP ecosystem restoration actions at a program scale.« less

Examination of Broad Symptom Improvement Resulting From Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Reich, Richard R.; Paterson, Carly L.; Ramesar, Sophia; Park, Jong Y.; Alinat, Carissa; Johnson-Mallard, Versie; Moscoso, Manolete; Budhrani-Shani, Pinky; Miladinovic, Branko; Jacobsen, Paul B.; Cox, Charles E.; Goodman, Matthew; Kip, Kevin E.

2016-01-01

Purpose The purpose of this randomized trial was to evaluate the efficacy of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer (MBSR[BC]) program in improving psychological and physical symptoms and quality of life among breast cancer survivors (BCSs) who completed treatment. Outcomes were assessed immediately after 6 weeks of MBSR(BC) training and 6 weeks later to test efficacy over an extended timeframe. Patients and Methods A total of 322 BCSs were randomly assigned to either a 6-week MBSR(BC) program (n = 155) or a usual care group (n = 167). Psychological (depression, anxiety, stress, and fear of recurrence) and physical symptoms (fatigue and pain) and quality of life (as related to health) were assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks. Linear mixed models were used to assess MBSR(BC) effects over time, and participant characteristics at baseline were also tested as moderators of MBSR(BC) effects. Results Results demonstrated extended improvement for the MBSR(BC) group compared with usual care in both psychological symptoms of anxiety, fear of recurrence overall, and fear of recurrence problems and physical symptoms of fatigue severity and fatigue interference (P < .01). Overall effect sizes were largest for fear of recurrence problems (d = 0.35) and fatigue severity (d = 0.27). Moderation effects showed BCSs with the highest levels of stress at baseline experienced the greatest benefit from MBSR(BC). Conclusion The MBSR(BC) program significantly improved a broad range of symptoms among BCSs up to 6 weeks after MBSR(BC) training, with generally small to moderate overall effect sizes. PMID:27247219

Selectivity of photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction modulated with electron transfer from size-tunable quantized energy states of CdSe nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Hyunjin; Kim, Whi Dong; Lee, Kangha; Lee, Seokwon; Kang, Gil-Seong; Joh, Han-Ik; Lee, Doh C.

2018-01-01

We investigate the product selectivity of CO2 reduction using NiO photocathodes decorated with CdSe quantum dots (QDs) of varying size in a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell. Size-tunable and quantized energy states of conduction band in CdSe QDs enable systematic control of electron transfer kinetics from CdSe QDs to NiO. It turns out that different size of CdSe QDs results in variation in product selectivity for CO2 reduction. The energy gap between conduction band edge and redox potential of each reduction product (e.g., CO and CH4) correlates with their production rate. The size dependence of the electron transfer rate estimated from the energy gap is in agreement with the selectivity of CO2 reduction products for all reduction products but CO. The deviation in the case of CO is attributed to sequential conversion of CO into CH4 with CO adsorbed on electrode surface. Based on a premise that the CdSe QDs would exhibit similar surface configuration regardless of QD size, it is concluded that the electron transfer kinetics proves to alter the selectivity of CO2 reduction.

Design Study of Propulsion and Drive Systems for the Large Civil TiltRotor (LCTR2) Rotorcraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robuck, Mark; Wilkerson, Joseph; Zhang, Yiyi; Snyder, Christopher A.; Vonderwell, Daniel

2013-01-01

Boeing, Rolls Royce, and NASA have worked together to complete a parametric sizing study for NASA's Large Civil Tilt Rotor (LCTR2) concept 2nd iteration. Vehicle gross weight and fuel usage were evaluated as propulsion and drive system characteristics were varied to maximize the benefit of reduced rotor tip speed during cruise conditions. The study examined different combinations of engine and gearbox variability to achieve rotor cruise tip speed reductions down to 54% of the hover tip speed. Previous NASA studies identified that a 54% rotor speed reduction in cruise minimizes vehicle gross weight and fuel burn. The LCTR2 was the study baseline for initial sizing. This study included rotor tip speed ratios (cruise to hover) of 100%, 77% and 54% at different combinations of engine RPM and gearbox speed reductions, which were analyzed to achieve the lightest overall vehicle gross weight (GW) at the chosen rotor tip speed ratio. Different engine and gearbox technology levels are applied ranging from commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) engines and gearbox technology to entry-in-service (EIS) dates of 2025 and 2035 to assess the benefits of advanced technology on vehicle gross weight and fuel burn. Interim results were previously reported1. This technical paper extends that work and summarizes the final study results including additional engine and drive system study accomplishments. New vehicle sizing data is presented for engine performance at a single operating speed with a multispeed drive system. Modeling details for LCTR2 vehicle sizing and subject engine and drive sub-systems are presented as well. This study was conducted in support of NASA's Fundamental Aeronautics Program, Subsonic Rotary Wing Project.

Combinative Particle Size Reduction Technologies for the Production of Drug Nanocrystals

PubMed Central

Salazar, Jaime; Müller, Rainer H.; Möschwitzer, Jan P.

2014-01-01

Nanosizing is a suitable method to enhance the dissolution rate and therefore the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. The success of the particle size reduction processes depends on critical factors such as the employed technology, equipment, and drug physicochemical properties. High pressure homogenization and wet bead milling are standard comminution techniques that have been already employed to successfully formulate poorly soluble drugs and bring them to market. However, these techniques have limitations in their particle size reduction performance, such as long production times and the necessity of employing a micronized drug as the starting material. This review article discusses the development of combinative methods, such as the NANOEDGE, H 96, H 69, H 42, and CT technologies. These processes were developed to improve the particle size reduction effectiveness of the standard techniques. These novel technologies can combine bottom-up and/or top-down techniques in a two-step process. The combinative processes lead in general to improved particle size reduction effectiveness. Faster production of drug nanocrystals and smaller final mean particle sizes are among the main advantages. The combinative particle size reduction technologies are very useful formulation tools, and they will continue acquiring importance for the production of drug nanocrystals. PMID:26556191

Current NEO surveys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larson, Stephen

2007-05-01

The state and discovery rate of current NEO surveys reflects incremental improvements in a number of areas, such as detector size and sensitivity, computing capacity and availability of larger apertures. The result has been an increased discovery rate even with the expected reduction of objects left to discover. There are currently about 10 telescopes ranging in size from 0.5 - 1.5-meters carrying out full or part-time, regular surveying in both hemispheres. The sky is covered between 1-2 times per lunation to V~19, with a band near the ecliptic to V~20.5. We review the current survey programs and their contribution towards the Spaceguard goal of discovering at least 90% of the NEOs larger than 1 km.

Drought Management, Service Interruption, and Water Pricing: Evidence From Hong Kong

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woo, Chi-Keung

1992-10-01

Supply shortage is a common problem faced by an urban water supply system. Nonmarket programs are often used to reduce consumption. Using monthly water consumption data collected for Hong Kong for the period 1973-1984, we estimate the effect of service interruption on per capita consumption. The findings show that this effect is statistically significant but relatively small in size. A price increase of 16-35% could have produced the same amount of consumption reduction.

Enhanced Tools and Techniques to Support Debris Management in Disaster Response Missions (Flood and Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Research and Development Program)

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-05-01

debris removal without restoration is deployed.  Conduct a controlled field study of restoration activity, for example, along the Wabash ...hazardous metals including chromium, cadmium , lead and mercury (MDEQ 2008; Thibodeau 2002). 3. Batteries in electronics and computers may contain lead...mercury, nickel and cadmium . Appliances Appliances are a problem mainly due to their large size, creating issues with loading, hauling, and

The T/R modules for phased-array antennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peignet, Colette; Mancuso, Yves; Resneau, J. Claude

1990-09-01

The concept of phased array radar is critically dependent on the availability of compact, reliable and low power consuming Transmitter/Receiver (T/R) modules. An overview is given on two major programs actually at development stage within the Thomson group and on three major development axis (electrical concept optimization, packaging, and size reduction). The technical feasibility of the concept was proven and the three major axis were enlightened, based on reliability, power added efficiency, and RF tests optimization.

Feasibility of Assessing Public Health Impacts of Air Pollution Reduction Programs on a Local Scale: New Haven Case Study

PubMed Central

Lobdell, Danelle T.; Isakov, Vlad; Baxter, Lisa; Touma, Jawad S.; Smuts, Mary Beth; Özkaynak, Halûk

2011-01-01

Background New approaches to link health surveillance data with environmental and population exposure information are needed to examine the health benefits of risk management decisions. Objective We examined the feasibility of conducting a local assessment of the public health impacts of cumulative air pollution reduction activities from federal, state, local, and voluntary actions in the City of New Haven, Connecticut (USA). Methods Using a hybrid modeling approach that combines regional and local-scale air quality data, we estimated ambient concentrations for multiple air pollutants [e.g., PM2.5 (particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter), NOx (nitrogen oxides)] for baseline year 2001 and projected emissions for 2010, 2020, and 2030. We assessed the feasibility of detecting health improvements in relation to reductions in air pollution for 26 different pollutant–health outcome linkages using both sample size and exploratory epidemiological simulations to further inform decision-making needs. Results Model projections suggested decreases (~ 10–60%) in pollutant concentrations, mainly attributable to decreases in pollutants from local sources between 2001 and 2010. Models indicated considerable spatial variability in the concentrations of most pollutants. Sample size analyses supported the feasibility of identifying linkages between reductions in NOx and improvements in all-cause mortality, prevalence of asthma in children and adults, and cardiovascular and respiratory hospitalizations. Conclusion Substantial reductions in air pollution (e.g., ~ 60% for NOx) are needed to detect health impacts of environmental actions using traditional epidemiological study designs in small communities like New Haven. In contrast, exploratory epidemiological simulations suggest that it may be possible to demonstrate the health impacts of PM reductions by predicting intraurban pollution gradients within New Haven using coupled models. PMID:21335318

Effect of changes in graduate medical education funding on emergency medicine residency programs.

PubMed

Stead, L; Schafermeyer, R W; Counselman, F L; Blackburn, P; Perina, D

2001-06-01

To determine whether changes in graduate medical education (GME) funding have had an impact on emergency medicine (EM) residency training programs. A 34-question survey was mailed to the program directors (PDs) of all 115 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited EM residency programs in the United States in the fall of 1998, requesting information concerning the impact of changes in GME funding on various aspects of the EM training. The results were then compared with a similar unpublished survey conducted in the fall of 1996. One hundred one completed surveys were returned (88% response rate). Seventy-one (70%) of the responding EM residency programs were PGY-I through PGY-III, compared with 55 (61%) of the responding programs in 1996. The number of PGY-II through PGY-IV programs decreased from 25 (28%) of responding programs in 1996 to 17 (16%). The number of PGY-I through PGY-IV programs increased slightly (13 vs 10); the number of EM residency positions remained relatively stable. Fifteen programs projected an increase in their number of training positions in the next two years, while only three predicted a decrease. Of the respondents, 56 programs reported reductions in non-EM residency positions and 35 programs reported elimination of fellowship positions at their institutions. Only four of these were EM fellowships. Forty-six respondents reported a reduction in the number of non-EM residents rotating through their EDs, and of these, 11 programs reported this had a moderate to significant effect on their ability to adequately staff the ED with resident physicians. Sixteen programs limited resident recruitment to only those eligible for the full three years of GME funding. Eighty-seven EM programs reported no change in faculty size due to funding issues. Sixty-two programs reported no change in the total number of hours of faculty coverage in the ED, while 34 programs reported an increase. Three EM programs reported recommendations being made to close their residency programs in the near future. Changes in GME funding have not caused a decrease in the number of existing EM residency and fellowship training positions, but may have had an impact in other areas, including: an increase in the number of EM programs structured in a PGY-I through PGY-III format (with a corresponding decrease in the number of PGY-II through PGY-IV programs); a decrease in the number of non-EM residents rotating through the ED; restriction of resident applicants who are ineligible for full GME funding from consideration by some EM training programs; and an increase in the total number of faculty clinical hours without an increase in faculty size.

Class Size Reduction in Practice: Investigating the Influence of the Elementary School Principal

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burch, Patricia; Theoharis, George; Rauscher, Erica

2010-01-01

Class size reduction (CSR) has emerged as a very popular, if not highly controversial, policy approach for reducing the achievement gap. This article reports on findings from an implementation study of class size reduction policy in Wisconsin entitled the Student Achievement Guarantee in Education (SAGE). Drawing on case studies of nine schools,…

NPOESS Preparatory Project Validation Program for Atmsophere Data Products from VIIRS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Starr, D.; Wong, E.

2009-12-01

The National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite Suite (NPOESS) Program, in partnership with National Aeronautical Space Administration (NASA), will launch the NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP), a risk reduction and data continuity mission, prior to the first operational NPOESS launch. The NPOESS Program, in partnership with Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems (NGAS), will execute the NPP Validation program to ensure the data products comply with the requirements of the sponsoring agencies. Data from the NPP Visible/Infrared Imager/Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) will be used to produce Environmental Data Records (EDR's) for aerosol and clouds, specifically Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOT), Aerosol Particle Size Parameter (APSP), and Suspended Matter (SM); and Cloud Optical Thickness (COT), Cloud Effective Particle Size (CEPS), Cloud Top Temperature (CTT), Height (CTH) and Pressure (CTP), and Cloud Base Height (CBH). The Aerosol and Cloud EDR Validation Program is a multifaceted effort to characterize and validate these data products. The program involves systematic comparison to heritage data products, e.g., MODIS, and ground-based correlative data, such as AERONET and ARM data products, and potentially airborne field measurements. To the extent possible, the domain is global. The program leverages various investments that have and are continuing to be made by national funding agencies in such resources, as well as the operational user community and the broad Earth science user community. This presentation will provide an overview of the approaches, data and schedule for the validation of the NPP VIIRS Aerosol and Cloud environmental data products.

Impact of federal compliance reviews of trucking companies in reducing highway truck crashes.

PubMed

Chen, Guang Xiang

2008-01-01

The compliance review (CR) is a federal program monitoring motor carrier safety performance and regulatory compliance. This study sought to assess the impact of CRs on reviewed trucking companies in reducing truck crashes. Data was from the Motor Carrier Management Information System. Study subjects were trucking companies established during 1990-1995, had at least one truck, and remained active until April 2004. Truck crash data of these companies was examined from 1996 to 2003. The crash rates in 2003 and annual percentage changes in number of crashes were computed. Analyses were stratified by company size, organization, operation classification, and safety rating. Companies that received CRs had a higher crash rate than never-reviewed companies. Reviewed companies experienced a 39-15% reduction in number of crashes in the year the CR was performed. The reduction in crashes was observed in all reviewed companies regardless of company size, operation classification, type of organization, or safety rating. The reduction in crashes was sustained for at least 7 years after CRs. The study results were controlled for the year in which CRs were performed, crash trend, and CR selection bias. However, further studies, especially a randomized prospective longitudinal study, are needed to overcome the limitations that are associated with an observation study.

Novel Insights in the Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test for Monitoring Drug Efficacy against Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Large-Scale Treatment Programs

PubMed Central

Levecke, Bruno; Speybroeck, Niko; Dobson, Robert J.; Vercruysse, Jozef; Charlier, Johannes

2011-01-01

Background The fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) is recommended to monitor drug efficacy against soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) in public health. However, the impact of factors inherent to study design (sample size and detection limit of the fecal egg count (FEC) method) and host-parasite interactions (mean baseline FEC and aggregation of FEC across host population) on the reliability of FECRT is poorly understood. Methodology/Principal Findings A simulation study was performed in which FECRT was assessed under varying conditions of the aforementioned factors. Classification trees were built to explore critical values for these factors required to obtain conclusive FECRT results. The outcome of this analysis was subsequently validated on five efficacy trials across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Unsatisfactory (<85.0%) sensitivity and specificity results to detect reduced efficacy were found if sample sizes were small (<10) or if sample sizes were moderate (10–49) combined with highly aggregated FEC (k<0.25). FECRT remained inconclusive under any evaluated condition for drug efficacies ranging from 87.5% to 92.5% for a reduced-efficacy-threshold of 90% and from 92.5% to 97.5% for a threshold of 95%. The most discriminatory study design required 200 subjects independent of STH status (including subjects who are not excreting eggs). For this sample size, the detection limit of the FEC method and the level of aggregation of the FEC did not affect the interpretation of the FECRT. Only for a threshold of 90%, mean baseline FEC <150 eggs per gram of stool led to a reduced discriminatory power. Conclusions/Significance This study confirms that the interpretation of FECRT is affected by a complex interplay of factors inherent to both study design and host-parasite interactions. The results also highlight that revision of the current World Health Organization guidelines to monitor drug efficacy is indicated. We, therefore, propose novel guidelines to support future monitoring programs. PMID:22180801

Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy for anxiety and insomnia in a higher education context.

PubMed

Morris, Joanna; Firkins, Ashlyn; Millings, Abigail; Mohr, Christine; Redford, Paul; Rowe, Angela

2016-07-01

Anxiety and insomnia can be treated with internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT). iCBT may be well-suited to students who are known to be poor help-seekers and suffer these symptoms. iCBT can offer easy access to treatment and increase service availability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of anxiety and insomnia iCBT programs in students. A randomized, controlled study. Students were randomly allocated to intervention ("Anxiety Relief": n = 43; "Insomnia Relief": n = 48; control: n = 47). Interventions lasted six weeks. Outcome measures were the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Significant within-group reductions in anxiety (t(31) = 2.00, p = .03) with moderate between-groups (compared to control) effect size (d = .64) and increases in sleep quality (t(31) = 3.46, p = .002) with a moderate between-groups effect size (d = .55) were found for completers of the anxiety program from pre- to post-intervention. Significant within-group increases in sleep quality were found for completers of the insomnia program from pre- to post-intervention (t(35) = 4.28, p > .001) with a moderate between-groups effect size (d = .51). Findings support the use of iCBT for anxiety and insomnia in students, and indicate that further research is needed.

Reduction of feral cat (Felis catus Linnaeus 1758) colony size following hysterectomy of adult female cats.

PubMed

Mendes-de-Almeida, Flavya; Remy, Gabriella L; Gershony, Liza C; Rodrigues, Daniela P; Chame, Marcia; Labarthe, Norma V

2011-06-01

The size of urban cat colonies is limited only by the availability of food and shelter; therefore, their population growth challenges all known population control programs. To test a new population control method, a free-roaming feral cat colony at the Zoological Park in the city of Rio de Janeiro was studied, beginning in 2001. The novel method consisted of performing a hysterectomy on all captured female cats over 6 months of age. To estimate the size of the colony and compare population from year to year, a method of capture-mark-release-recapture was used. The aim was to capture as many individuals as possible, including cats of all ages and gender to estimate numbers of cats in all population categories. Results indicated that the feral cat population remained constant from 2001 to 2004. From 2004 to 2008, the hysterectomy program and population estimates were performed every other year (2006 and 2008). The population was estimated to be 40 cats in 2004, 26 in 2006, and 17 cats in 2008. Although pathogens tend to infect more individuals as the population grows older and maintains natural behavior, these results show that free-roaming feral cat colonies could have their population controlled by a biannual program that focuses on hysterectomy of sexually active female cats. Copyright © 2011 ISFM and AAFP. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness of an intensive multidisciplinary headache treatment program.

PubMed

Gunreben-Stempfle, Birgit; Griessinger, Norbert; Lang, Eberhard; Muehlhans, Barbara; Sittl, Reinhard; Ulrich, Kathrin

2009-07-01

To investigate if the effectiveness of a 96-hour multidisciplinary headache treatment program exceeds the effectiveness of a 20-hour program and primary care. When dealing with chronic back pain, low-intensity multidisciplinary treatment yields no significantly better results than standard care and monodisciplinary therapy; however, high-intensity treatment does. For multidisciplinary headache treatment, such comparisons are not yet available. In a previous study undertaken by our Pain Center, the outcome of a minimal multidisciplinary intervention model (20-hour) did not exceed primary care. Forty-two patients suffering from frequent headaches (20 +/- 9 headache days/month; range: 8-30) were treated and evaluated in a 96-hour group program. The results were compared with the outcomes of the previous study. Subjects who had undergone either the 20-hour multidisciplinary program or the primary care were used as historical control groups. A significant reduction in migraine days (P < .001), tension-type headache days (P < .001), frequency of migraine attacks (P = .004), and depression score (P < .001) was seen at the follow-up after 22 (+/-2) weeks. Comparing the intensive multidisciplinary program with primary care, repeated measures ANOVAs revealed significant time x group interactions for migraine days (P = .020), tension-type headache days (P = .016), and frequency of migraine attacks (P = .016). In comparison with the 20-hour multidisciplinary program, the 96-hour program showed significantly better effects only in the reduction of migraine days (P = .037) and depression score (P = .003). The responder-rates (> or =50% improvement) in the 96-hour program were significantly higher than in the 20-hour program (migraine days, P = .008; tension-type headache days, P = .044) and primary care (migraine days, P = .007; tension-type headache days, P = .003; tension-type headache intensity, P = .037). The effect sizes were small to medium in the 96-hour program. Particularly with the reduction of migraine symptomatology, the 96-hour program performed better than the 20-hour program, which produced only negligible or small effects. Intensive multidisciplinary headache treatment is highly effective for patients with chronic headaches. Furthermore, migraine symptomatology responds especially well to this intensive treatment program, whereas effects on tension-type headaches were realized by both multidisciplinary programs. Randomized controlled trials and subgroup analysis are needed to find out if these results can be replicated and which patient characteristics allow for sufficient improvements for headache sufferers even with less complex treatment.

ABB's advanced steam turbine program

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

Chellini, R.

Demand for industrial steam turbines for combined-cycle applications and cogeneration plants has influenced turbine manufacturers to standardize their machines to reduce delivery time and cost. ABB, also a supplier of turnkey plants, manufactures steam turbines in Finspong, Sweden, at the former ASEA Stal facilities and in Nuernberg, Germany, at the former AEG facilities. The companies have joined forces, setting up the advanced Steam Turbine Program (ATP) that, once completed, will cover a power range from two to 100 MW. The company decided to use two criteria as a starting point, the high efficiency design of the Swedish turbines and themore » high reliability of the German machines. Thus, the main task was combining the two designs in standard machines that could be assembled quickly into predefined packages to meet specific needs of combined-cycle and cogeneration plants specified by customers. In carrying out this project, emphasis was put on cost reduction as one of the main goals. The first results of the ATP program, presented by ABB Turbinen Nuernberg, is the range of 2-30 MW turbines covered by two frame sizes comprising standard components supporting the thermodynamic module. An important feature is the standardization of the speed reduction gearbox.« less

NASA's Orbital Space Plane Risk Reduction Strategy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dumbacher, Dan

2003-01-01

This paper documents the transformation of NASA s Space Launch Initiative (SLI) Second Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle Program under the revised Integrated Space Transportation Plan, announced November 2002. Outlining the technology development approach followed by the original SLI, this paper gives insight into the current risk-reduction strategy that will enable confident development of the Nation s first orbital space plane (OSP). The OSP will perform an astronaut and contingency cargo transportation function, with an early crew rescue capability, thus enabling increased crew size and enhanced science operations aboard the International Space Station. The OSP design chosen for full-scale development will take advantage of the latest innovations American industry has to offer. The OSP Program identifies critical technologies that must be advanced to field a safe, reliable, affordable space transportation system for U.S. access to the Station and low-Earth orbit. OSP flight demonstrators will test crew safety features, validate autonomous operations, and mature thermal protection systems. Additional enabling technologies may be identified during the OSP design process as part of an overall risk-management strategy. The OSP Program uses a comprehensive and evolutionary systems acquisition approach, while applying appropriate lessons learned.

TH-C-18A-06: Combined CT Image Quality and Radiation Dose Monitoring Program Based On Patient Data to Assess Consistency of Clinical Imaging Across Scanner Models

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

Christianson, O; Winslow, J; Samei, E

2014-06-15

Purpose: One of the principal challenges of clinical imaging is to achieve an ideal balance between image quality and radiation dose across multiple CT models. The number of scanners and protocols at large medical centers necessitates an automated quality assurance program to facilitate this objective. Therefore, the goal of this work was to implement an automated CT image quality and radiation dose monitoring program based on actual patient data and to use this program to assess consistency of protocols across CT scanner models. Methods: Patient CT scans are routed to a HIPPA compliant quality assurance server. CTDI, extracted using opticalmore » character recognition, and patient size, measured from the localizers, are used to calculate SSDE. A previously validated noise measurement algorithm determines the noise in uniform areas of the image across the scanned anatomy to generate a global noise level (GNL). Using this program, 2358 abdominopelvic scans acquired on three commercial CT scanners were analyzed. Median SSDE and GNL were compared across scanner models and trends in SSDE and GNL with patient size were used to determine the impact of differing automatic exposure control (AEC) algorithms. Results: There was a significant difference in both SSDE and GNL across scanner models (9–33% and 15–35% for SSDE and GNL, respectively). Adjusting all protocols to achieve the same image noise would reduce patient dose by 27–45% depending on scanner model. Additionally, differences in AEC methodologies across vendors resulted in disparate relationships of SSDE and GNL with patient size. Conclusion: The difference in noise across scanner models indicates that protocols are not optimally matched to achieve consistent image quality. Our results indicated substantial possibility for dose reduction while achieving more consistent image appearance. Finally, the difference in AEC methodologies suggests the need for size-specific CT protocols to minimize variability in image quality across CT vendors.« less

Advanced Concepts Research for Flywheel Technology Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keith, Theo G., Jr.; Wagner, Robert

2004-01-01

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) (formerly the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization) is embarking on a program to employ the use of High Altitude Airships (HAAs) for surveillance of coastal areas as a part of homeland defense. It is envisioned that these HAAs will fly at 70,000 feet continuously for at least a year, therefore requiring a regenerative electric power system. As part of a program to entice the MDA to utilize the NASA GRC expertise in electric power and propulsion as a means of risk reduction, an internal study program was performed to examine possible configurations that may be employed on a HAA to meet a theoretical surveillance need. This entailed the development of a set of program requirements which were flowed down to system and subsystem level requirements as well as the identification of environmental and infrastructure constraints. Such infrastructure constraints include the ability to construct a reasonably sized HAA within existing airship hangers, as the size of such vehicles could reach in excess of 600 ft. The issues regarding environments at this altitude are similar to those that would be imposed on satellite in Low Earth Orbit. Additionally, operational constraints, due to high winds at certain times of the year were also examined to determine options that could be examined to allow year round coverage of the US coast.

Two-Year Findings from a National Effectiveness Trial: Effectiveness of Behavioral and Non-Behavioral Parenting Programs.

PubMed

Högström, Jens; Olofsson, Viveca; Özdemir, Metin; Enebrink, Pia; Stattin, Håkan

2017-04-01

Long-term follow-up studies of selective parent training (PT) programs are scarce, particularly in the case of effectiveness trials conducted within regular care settings. This study evaluated the 2-year effects of 4 programs: Comet, Incredible Years, Cope, and Connect and differences in the rate of change among programs were investigated using Latent Growth Modeling (LGM). Participants were parents who had sought help at 30 local service sector units (e.g., child psychiatric clinics and social services centers) for major problems in managing their children's externalizing behavior. Parents of 749 children (63 % boys) with moderate levels of externalizing behavior, aged 3-12, were randomized to one of the 4 PT programs. Assessments included parent-reported measures of child externalizing, hyperactivity and inattention, as well as parenting practices, sense of competence, and parents' stress and depressive symptoms. At 2-year follow-up, there were no differences in any of the child outcomes among the programs. All programs had reduced externalizing behaviors with large effect sizes (d = 1.21 to d = 1.32), and negative parenting practices with moderate to large effect sizes (d = 0.49 to d = 0.83). LGM analyses showed that the 2 behavioral programs, Comet and Incredible Years, produced more rapid reductions in externalizing behavior during the course of the intervention than the non-behavioral program, Connect. Connect, however, was the only program where children continued to improve after the intervention. Overall, the results indicate that the 4 programs were equally effective in a clinical setting, despite differences in their theoretical origin.

Software for Processing of Digitized Astronegatives from Archives and Databases of Virtual Observatory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Protsyuk, Yu. I.; Andruk, V. N.; Kazantseva, L. V.

The paper discusses and illustrates the steps of basic processing of digitized image of astro negatives. Software for obtaining of a rectangular coordinates and photometric values of objects on photographic plates was created in the environment LINUX / MIDAS / ROMAFOT. The program can automatically process the specified number of files in FITS format with sizes up to 20000 x 20000 pixels. Other programs were made in FORTRAN and PASCAL with the ability to work in an environment of LINUX or WINDOWS. They were used for: identification of stars, separation and exclusion of diffraction satellites and double and triple exposures, elimination of image defects, reduction to the equatorial coordinates and magnitudes of a reference catalogs.

U.S. aerospace industry opinion of the effect of computer-aided prediction-design technology on future wind-tunnel test requirements for aircraft development programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Treon, S. L.

1979-01-01

A survey of the U.S. aerospace industry in late 1977 suggests that there will be an increasing use of computer-aided prediction-design technology (CPD Tech) in the aircraft development process but that, overall, only a modest reduction in wind-tunnel test requirements from the current level is expected in the period through 1995. Opinions were received from key spokesmen in 23 of the 26 solicited major companies or corporate divisions involved in the design and manufacture of nonrotary wing aircraft. Development programs for nine types of aircraft related to test phases and wind-tunnel size and speed range were considered.

Spacecraft load, design and test philosophies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wada, B. K.

1986-01-01

The development of spacecraft loads, design and test philosophies at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) during the past 25 years is presented. Examples from the JPL's Viking, Voyager and Galileo spacecraft are used to explain the changes in philosophy necessary to meet the program requirements with a reduction in cost and schedule. Approaches to validate mathematical models of large structures which can't be ground tested as an overall system because of size and/or adverse effects of terrestrial conditions such as gravity are presented.

2011 Marine Corps Systems Command Small Business Opportunities Conference Held in Fredericksburg, Virginia on December 14, 2011

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-12-14

Manager, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicle Program u Mr. David Karcher, Director, Energy & Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED...objective is to allow Marines to travel lighter, with less, and move faster through the reduction in size and amount of equipment and the dependence on...Lead Acid/Ni-Cd Kinetic Solid Oxide Gasoline Lithium Ion Solar Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Diesel/JP-8 A set of power technologies might also

Quantifying Spot Size Reduction of a 1.8 kA Electron Beam for Flash Radiography

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

Burris-Mog, Trevor John; Moir, David C.

The spot size of Axis-I at the Dual Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test facility was reduced by 15.5% by including a small diameter drift tube that acts to aperture the outer diameter of the electron beam. Comparing the measured values to both analytic calculations and results from a particle-in-cell model shows that one-third to one-half of the spot size reduction is due to a drop in beam emittance. We infer that one-half to two-thirds of the spot-size reduction is due to a reduction in beam-target interactions. Sources of emittance growth and the scaling of the final focal spot size with emittancemore » and solenoid aberrations are also presented.« less

Quantifying Spot Size Reduction of a 1.8 kA Electron Beam for Flash Radiography

DOE PAGES

Burris-Mog, Trevor John; Moir, David C.

2018-03-14

The spot size of Axis-I at the Dual Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test facility was reduced by 15.5% by including a small diameter drift tube that acts to aperture the outer diameter of the electron beam. Comparing the measured values to both analytic calculations and results from a particle-in-cell model shows that one-third to one-half of the spot size reduction is due to a drop in beam emittance. We infer that one-half to two-thirds of the spot-size reduction is due to a reduction in beam-target interactions. Sources of emittance growth and the scaling of the final focal spot size with emittancemore » and solenoid aberrations are also presented.« less

Early Elementary Class-Size Reduction: A Neo-Institutional Analysis of the Social, Political, and Economic Influences on State-Level Policymaking.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mitchell, Ross E.

This paper examines the social, political, and economic factors that influenced the adoption and diffusion of early-elementary school class-size-reduction policies at the state level. It applies a neo-institutional framework to explain the rapid spread of class-size reduction policies throughout many state legislatures and boards of education. It…

Quantifying carbon footprint reduction opportunities for U.S. households and communities.

PubMed

Jones, Christopher M; Kammen, Daniel M

2011-05-01

Carbon management is of increasing interest to individuals, households, and communities. In order to effectively assess and manage their climate impacts, individuals need information on the financial and greenhouse gas benefits of effective mitigation opportunities. We use consumption-based life cycle accounting techniques to quantify the carbon footprints of typical U.S. households in 28 cities for 6 household sizes and 12 income brackets. The model includes emissions embodied in transportation, energy, water, waste, food, goods, and services. We further quantify greenhouse gas and financial savings from 13 potential mitigation actions across all household types. The model suggests that the size and composition of carbon footprints vary dramatically between geographic regions and within regions based on basic demographic characteristics. Despite these differences, large cash-positive carbon footprint reductions are evident across all household types and locations; however, realizing this potential may require tailoring policies and programs to different population segments with very different carbon footprint profiles. The results of this model have been incorporated into an open access online carbon footprint management tool designed to enable behavior change at the household level through personalized feedback.

Health economic potential of early nutrition programming: a model calculation of long-term reduction in blood pressure and related morbidity costs by use of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid-supplemented formula.

PubMed

Straub, Niels; Grunert, Philipp; von Kries, Rüdiger; Koletzko, Berthold

2011-12-01

The reported effect sizes of early nutrition programming on long-term health outcomes are often small, and it has been questioned whether early interventions would be worthwhile in enhancing public health. We explored the possible health economic consequences of early nutrition programming by performing a model calculation, based on the only published study currently available for analysis, to evaluate the effects of supplementing infant formula with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) on lowering blood pressure and lowering the risk of hypertension-related diseases in later life. The costs and health effects of LC-PUFA-enriched and standard infant formulas were compared by using a Markov model, including all relevant direct and indirect costs based on German statistics. We assessed the effect size of blood pressure reduction from LC-PUFA-supplemented formula, the long-term persistence of the effect, and the effect of lowered blood pressure on hypertension-related morbidity. The cost-effectiveness analysis showed an increased life expectancy of 1.2 quality-adjusted life-years and an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of -630 Euros (discounted to present value) for the LC-PUFA formula in comparison with standard formula. LC-PUFA nutrition was the superior strategy even when the blood pressure-lowering effect was reduced to the lower 95% CI. Breastfeeding is the recommended feeding practice, but infants who are not breastfed should receive an appropriate infant formula. Following this model calculation, LC-PUFA supplementation of infant formula represents an economically worthwhile prevention strategy, based on the costs derived from hypertension-linked diseases in later life. However, because our analysis was based on a single randomized controlled trial, further studies are required to verify the validity of this thesis.

Sonic environment of aircraft structure immersed in a supersonic jet flow stream

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guinn, W. A.; Balena, F. J.; Soovere, J.

1976-01-01

Test methods for determining the sonic environment of aircraft structure that is immersed in the flow stream of a high velocity jet or that is subjected to the noise field surrounding the jet, were investigated. Sonic environment test data measured on a SCAT 15-F model in the flow field of Mach 1.5 and 2.5 jets were processed. Narrow band, lateral cross correlation and noise contour plots are presented. Data acquisition and reduction methods are depicted. A computer program for scaling the model data is given that accounts for model size, jet velocity, transducer size, and jet density. Comparisons of scaled model data and full size aircraft data are made for the L-1011, S-3A, and a V/STOL lower surface blowing concept. Sonic environment predictions are made for an engine-over-the-wing SST configuration.

Modelled Cost-Effectiveness of a Package Size Cap and a Kilojoule Reduction Intervention to Reduce Energy Intake from Sugar-Sweetened Beverages in Australia.

PubMed

Crino, Michelle; Herrera, Ana Maria Mantilla; Ananthapavan, Jaithri; Wu, Jason H Y; Neal, Bruce; Lee, Yong Yi; Zheng, Miaobing; Lal, Anita; Sacks, Gary

2017-09-06

Interventions targeting portion size and energy density of food and beverage products have been identified as a promising approach for obesity prevention. This study modelled the potential cost-effectiveness of: a package size cap on single-serve sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) >375 mL ( package size cap ), and product reformulation to reduce energy content of packaged SSBs ( energy reduction ). The cost-effectiveness of each intervention was modelled for the 2010 Australia population using a multi-state life table Markov model with a lifetime time horizon. Long-term health outcomes were modelled from calculated changes in body mass index to their impact on Health-Adjusted Life Years (HALYs). Intervention costs were estimated from a limited societal perspective. Cost and health outcomes were discounted at 3%. Total intervention costs estimated in AUD 2010 were AUD 210 million. Both interventions resulted in reduced mean body weight ( package size cap : 0.12 kg; energy reduction : 0.23 kg); and HALYs gained ( package size cap : 73,883; energy reduction : 144,621). Cost offsets were estimated at AUD 750.8 million ( package size cap ) and AUD 1.4 billion ( energy reduction ). Cost-effectiveness analyses showed that both interventions were "dominant", and likely to result in long term cost savings and health benefits. A package size cap and kJ reduction of SSBs are likely to offer excellent "value for money" as obesity prevention measures in Australia.

Modelled Cost-Effectiveness of a Package Size Cap and a Kilojoule Reduction Intervention to Reduce Energy Intake from Sugar-Sweetened Beverages in Australia

PubMed Central

Mantilla Herrera, Ana Maria; Neal, Bruce; Zheng, Miaobing; Lal, Anita; Sacks, Gary

2017-01-01

Interventions targeting portion size and energy density of food and beverage products have been identified as a promising approach for obesity prevention. This study modelled the potential cost-effectiveness of: a package size cap on single-serve sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) >375 mL (package size cap), and product reformulation to reduce energy content of packaged SSBs (energy reduction). The cost-effectiveness of each intervention was modelled for the 2010 Australia population using a multi-state life table Markov model with a lifetime time horizon. Long-term health outcomes were modelled from calculated changes in body mass index to their impact on Health-Adjusted Life Years (HALYs). Intervention costs were estimated from a limited societal perspective. Cost and health outcomes were discounted at 3%. Total intervention costs estimated in AUD 2010 were AUD 210 million. Both interventions resulted in reduced mean body weight (package size cap: 0.12 kg; energy reduction: 0.23 kg); and HALYs gained (package size cap: 73,883; energy reduction: 144,621). Cost offsets were estimated at AUD 750.8 million (package size cap) and AUD 1.4 billion (energy reduction). Cost-effectiveness analyses showed that both interventions were “dominant”, and likely to result in long term cost savings and health benefits. A package size cap and kJ reduction of SSBs are likely to offer excellent “value for money” as obesity prevention measures in Australia. PMID:28878175

Optimizing Aspect-Oriented Mechanisms for Embedded Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hundt, Christine; Stöhr, Daniel; Glesner, Sabine

As applications for small embedded mobile devices are getting larger and more complex, it becomes inevitable to adopt more advanced software engineering methods from the field of desktop application development. Aspect-oriented programming (AOP) is a promising approach due to its advanced modularization capabilities. However, existing AOP languages tend to add a substantial overhead in both execution time and code size which restricts their practicality for small devices with limited resources. In this paper, we present optimizations for aspect-oriented mechanisms at the level of the virtual machine. Our experiments show that these optimizations yield a considerable performance gain along with a reduction of the code size. Thus, our optimizations establish the base for using advanced aspect-oriented modularization techniques for developing Java applications on small embedded devices.

Weight reduction does not induce an undesirable decrease in muscle mass, muscle strength, or physical performance in men with obesity: a pilot study.

PubMed

Kim, Bokun; Tsujimoto, Takehiko; So, Rina; Zhao, Xiaoguang; Oh, Sechang; Tanaka, Kiyoji

2017-12-31

To date, there have been no reports on whether weight reduction causes decreases in muscle mass, muscle strength, or physical performance that could lead to health problems. Thus, in this pilot study, we investigated the appropriateness of the changes in muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance after weight reduction. Obese men who completed a weight reduction program to decrease and maintain a body mass index (BMI) of less than 25 kg/m2 for one year were recruited for the study. One year after the completion of a weight reduction program, the participants' muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance were compared with those in a reference group composed of individuals whose BMI was less than 25 kg/m2. Whole-body scanning was performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to analyze muscle mass. Handgrip strength and knee extensor strength were measured to evaluate arm and leg muscle strength, respectively. For physical performance, a jump test was employed. The results showed that the biceps, triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac areas of professional fashion models were significantly thinner than those of women in general (p<.001), and that their waist size was also significantly smaller (p<.001). However, hip circumference showed no significant difference. Body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and body fat (%) in professional fashion models were significantly lower than those in women in general (p<.001), while the body density in professional fashion models was significantly greater (p<0.001). Weight reduction participants showed an average reduction in body weight of -16.47%. Normalized arm muscle mass and handgrip strength were significantly greater in the weight reduction group than in the reference group; however, no significant differences were detected between the two groups with respect to the other variables. After one year, there were no significant differences between the two groups. ©2017 The Korean Society for Exercise Nutrition

Effect of caliber size and fat level on the inactivation of E. coli O157:H7 in dry fermented sausages.

PubMed

De Souza, James; Ahmed, Rafath; Strange, Philip; Barbut, Shai; Balamurugan, S

2018-02-02

Dry fermented sausages (DFS) have been subject to numerous validation studies, as pathogen reduction heavily relies on both ingredients and processing. In this study the effect of product caliber size (32, 55, 80mm), and fat level (low, 9.67%; high, 18.46% wt/wt) on the inactivation of E. coli O157:H7 during DFS production was examined. Sausages containing a five-strain cocktail of E. coli O157:H7 at 10 7 CFU/g were manufactured and monitored for changes in physicochemical properties and inoculated E. coli O157:H7 numbers were enumerated during the DFS production stages and log reduction rates were calculated. Significant (P<0.01) reduction in pH from 5.9 to 4.9 was observed in all sausages within 72h of fermentation; however, the observed pH reduction was not significantly (P>0.05) different among sausages of different caliber size or fat levels. No significant (P>0.05) reduction in a w was observed during fermentation of the sausages. However, during the drying phase, sausages with larger caliber sizes required a significantly longer duration of drying to achieve the same a w of smaller caliber size sausages. For instance, to achieve an a w of ≤0.9, following 5days of fermentation/curing, 80mm caliber sausages required up to 27days of drying compared with 13 and 6days for 55 and 32mm caliber size sausages, respectively. Fat levels on the other hand did not significantly (P>0.05) effect the reduction of a w during drying of the sausages. During the fermentation stage there was a significant and rapid reduction in E. coli O157:H7 counts by about 1.1- to 1.4-log units, but was not significantly different among sausages of different caliber size and fat levels. Considering the whole process, only caliber size had a significant effect on log reduction of E. coli O157:H7. ANOVA of log reduction rates of E. coli O157:H7 among sausages of different caliber size and fat levels revealed no significant differences during the fermentation, however, during the drying of the sausages, log reduction rate of E. coli O157:H7 was significantly (P<0.01) lower in sausages with larger caliber sizes and higher fat levels. For instance, log reduction rates for E. coli O157:H7 in high fat large caliber sausages was the lowest at -0.082±0.004 log CFU/g/day compared to all other fat and caliber size combinations. These results suggest that DFS manufacturers producing higher fat and large caliber size products need to consider longer drying periods to achieve the required 5-log inactivation of E. coli O157:H7. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Green Chemistry at the present in Korea.

PubMed

Lee, Seung-Kyu; Park, Hyeon-Soo

2015-01-01

Despite the great contribution made by chemical substances to the development of modern civilization, their indiscriminate use has caused various kinds of damage to the global environment and human beings. Accordingly, the major developed countries and international society have tried to ensure the safe use of chemicals and a reduction in the use of hazardous chemicals through the establishment of the United Nations Environment Programme and various international agreements. In this reason, we tried to introduce about Green Chemistry progress at the present in worldwide and Korea. We checked and analyzed relative journals, reports using keyword as like Green Chemistry, alternative chemicals, eco-friendly etc. and major country's government homepage search. Green Chemistry theory, which argues for the reduction or removal of harmfulness in chemicals throughout their entire life-cycle, has been spreading, and major developed countries, such as the US and Denmark, have developed and operate programs to provide reliable chemical information to help replace hazardous chemicals. Korea has also been conducting studies as like eco-innovation project. Through this project the "Alternative Chemical Search program," has been developed, distributed, and operated since 2011 to provide reliable information to small and medium-sized businesses that have difficulties collecting information to ensure conformity to international regulations. The program provides information that includes the regulations of major countries and Korea, information on 340 alternative chemicals, 70 application cases, and 1:1 consulting. The Alternative Chemical Search program is expected to contribute to the establishment of response systems for regulation of Korean small and medium-sized businesses, and it also will be used to provide basic data for Korean hazardous chemical regulation, together with the Act on the Registration and Evaluation, etc. of Chemical Substances and the Chemical Control act, making it possible to establish an infrastructure for Green Chemistry in Korea and to increase national competitiveness.

Healthy Schools-Healthy Kids: a controlled evaluation of a comprehensive universal eating disorder prevention program.

PubMed

McVey, Gail; Tweed, Stacey; Blackmore, Elizabeth

2007-06-01

This study was a controlled evaluation of a comprehensive school-based universal prevention program involving male and female students, parents, teachers, school administrators and local public health professionals. A total of 982 male and female Grades 6 and 7 middle school students (and 91 teachers/school administrators) completed self-report surveys at baseline on measures of body satisfaction, internalization of media ideals, size acceptance, disordered eating, weight-based teasing, weight loss and muscle-gaining behaviours, and perceptions of school climate (teachers only). Eighty-four percent of the students repeated the surveys immediately following the 8-month school-wide intervention and 71% again 6 months later. Repeated measures ANCOVAs revealed that participation in the Healthy Schools-Healthy Kids (HS-HK) program had a positive influence by reducing the internalization of media ideals among male and female students and by reducing disordered eating among female students. The program was also associated with reductions in weight-loss behaviours among the students, although this effect was lost by the 6-month follow-up. When the intervention students were sub-divided into low versus high-risk groups, the high-risk group appeared to benefit most from the intervention with significant reductions in internalization of media ideals, greater body satisfaction, and reduced disordered eating over time. There were no intervention effects for teachers. Challenges of engaging teachers in prevention are discussed.

Complete reduction of high-density UO2 to metallic U in molten Li2O-LiCl

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Eun-Young; Lee, Jeong

2017-10-01

The large size and high density of spent fuel pellets make it difficult to use the pellets directly in electrolytic reduction (also called as oxide reduction, OR) for pyroprocessing owing to the slow diffusion of molten Li2O-LiCl salt electrolyte into the pellets. In this study, we investigated complete OR of high-density UO2 to metallic U without any remaining UO2. Only partial reductions near the surface of high-density UO2 pellets were observed under operation conditions employing fast electrolysis rate that allowed previously complete reduction of low-density UO2 pellets. Complete reduction of high-density UO2 pellets was observed at fast electrolysis rate when the pellet size was reduced. The complete reduction of high-density UO2 pellets without size reduction was achieved at slow electrolysis rate, which allowed sufficient chemical reduction of UO2 with the lithium metal generated by the cathode reaction.

Regression Verification Using Impact Summaries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Backes, John; Person, Suzette J.; Rungta, Neha; Thachuk, Oksana

2013-01-01

Regression verification techniques are used to prove equivalence of syntactically similar programs. Checking equivalence of large programs, however, can be computationally expensive. Existing regression verification techniques rely on abstraction and decomposition techniques to reduce the computational effort of checking equivalence of the entire program. These techniques are sound but not complete. In this work, we propose a novel approach to improve scalability of regression verification by classifying the program behaviors generated during symbolic execution as either impacted or unimpacted. Our technique uses a combination of static analysis and symbolic execution to generate summaries of impacted program behaviors. The impact summaries are then checked for equivalence using an o-the-shelf decision procedure. We prove that our approach is both sound and complete for sequential programs, with respect to the depth bound of symbolic execution. Our evaluation on a set of sequential C artifacts shows that reducing the size of the summaries can help reduce the cost of software equivalence checking. Various reduction, abstraction, and compositional techniques have been developed to help scale software verification techniques to industrial-sized systems. Although such techniques have greatly increased the size and complexity of systems that can be checked, analysis of large software systems remains costly. Regression analysis techniques, e.g., regression testing [16], regression model checking [22], and regression verification [19], restrict the scope of the analysis by leveraging the differences between program versions. These techniques are based on the idea that if code is checked early in development, then subsequent versions can be checked against a prior (checked) version, leveraging the results of the previous analysis to reduce analysis cost of the current version. Regression verification addresses the problem of proving equivalence of closely related program versions [19]. These techniques compare two programs with a large degree of syntactic similarity to prove that portions of one program version are equivalent to the other. Regression verification can be used for guaranteeing backward compatibility, and for showing behavioral equivalence in programs with syntactic differences, e.g., when a program is refactored to improve its performance, maintainability, or readability. Existing regression verification techniques leverage similarities between program versions by using abstraction and decomposition techniques to improve scalability of the analysis [10, 12, 19]. The abstractions and decomposition in the these techniques, e.g., summaries of unchanged code [12] or semantically equivalent methods [19], compute an over-approximation of the program behaviors. The equivalence checking results of these techniques are sound but not complete-they may characterize programs as not functionally equivalent when, in fact, they are equivalent. In this work we describe a novel approach that leverages the impact of the differences between two programs for scaling regression verification. We partition program behaviors of each version into (a) behaviors impacted by the changes and (b) behaviors not impacted (unimpacted) by the changes. Only the impacted program behaviors are used during equivalence checking. We then prove that checking equivalence of the impacted program behaviors is equivalent to checking equivalence of all program behaviors for a given depth bound. In this work we use symbolic execution to generate the program behaviors and leverage control- and data-dependence information to facilitate the partitioning of program behaviors. The impacted program behaviors are termed as impact summaries. The dependence analyses that facilitate the generation of the impact summaries, we believe, could be used in conjunction with other abstraction and decomposition based approaches, [10, 12], as a complementary reduction technique. An evaluation of our regression verification technique shows that our approach is capable of leveraging similarities between program versions to reduce the size of the queries and the time required to check for logical equivalence. The main contributions of this work are: - A regression verification technique to generate impact summaries that can be checked for functional equivalence using an off-the-shelf decision procedure. - A proof that our approach is sound and complete with respect to the depth bound of symbolic execution. - An implementation of our technique using the LLVMcompiler infrastructure, the klee Symbolic Virtual Machine [4], and a variety of Satisfiability Modulo Theory (SMT) solvers, e.g., STP [7] and Z3 [6]. - An empirical evaluation on a set of C artifacts which shows that the use of impact summaries can reduce the cost of regression verification.

Experimental study of microbubble drag reduction on an axisymmetric body

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Wuchao; Wang, Cong; Wei, Yingjie; Zhang, Xiaoshi; Wang, Wei

2018-01-01

Microbubble drag reduction on the axisymmetric body is experimentally investigated in the turbulent water tunnel. Microbubbles are created by injecting compressed air through the porous medium with various average pore sizes. The morphology of microbubble flow and the size distribution of microbubble are observed by the high-speed visualization system. Drag measurements are obtained by the balance which is presented as the function of void ratio. The results show that when the air injection flow rate is high, uniformly dispersed microbubble flow is coalesced into an air layer with the larger increment rate of drag reduction ratio. The diameter distributions of microbubble under various conditions are submitted to normal distribution. Microbubble drag reduction can be divided into three distinguishable regions in which the drag reduction ratio experiences increase stage, rapid increase stage and stability stage, respectively, corresponding to the various morphologies of microbubble flow. Moreover, drag reduction ratio increases with the decreasing pore sizes of porous medium at the identical void ratio in the area of low speeds, while the effect of pore sizes on drag reduction is reduced gradually until it disappears with the increasing free stream speeds, which indicates that smaller microbubbles have better efficiency in drag reduction. This research results help to improve the understanding of microbubble drag reduction and provides helpful references for practical applications.

The light-induced reduction of horizontal cell receptive field size in the goldfish retina involves nitric oxide.

PubMed

Daniels, Bryan A; Baldridge, William H

2011-03-01

Horizontal cells of the vertebrate retina have large receptive fields as a result of extensive gap junction coupling. Increased ambient illumination reduces horizontal cell receptive field size. Using the isolated goldfish retina, we have assessed the contribution of nitric oxide to the light-dependent reduction of horizontal cell receptive field size. Horizontal cell receptive field size was assessed by comparing the responses to centered spot and annulus stimuli and from the responses to translated slit stimuli. A period of steady illumination decreased the receptive field size of horizontal cells, as did treatment with the nitric oxide donor (Z)-1-[N-(2-aminoethyl)-N-(2-ammonioethyl)amino]diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate (100 μM). Blocking the endogenous production of nitric oxide with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (1 mM), decreased the light-induced reduction of horizontal cell receptive field size. These findings suggest that nitric oxide is involved in light-induced reduction of horizontal cell receptive field size. Copyright © Cambridge University Press, 2011

The crime prevention value of hot spots policing.

PubMed

Braga, Anthony A

2006-08-01

This paper reviews the available research evidence on the effectiveness of hot spots policing programs in reducing crime and disorder. The research identified five randomized controlled experiments and four non-equivalent control group quasi-experiments evaluating the effects of hot spots policing interventions on crime. Seven of nine selected evaluations reported noteworthy crime and disorder reductions. Meta-analyses of the randomized experiments revealed statistically significant mean effect sizes favoring hot spots policing interventions in reducing citizen calls for service in treatment places relative to control places. When immediate spatial displacement was measured, it was very limited and unintended crime prevention benefits were associated with the hot spots policing programs. The results of this review suggest that hot spots policing is an effective crime prevention strategy.

[Women and education: a crucial equation for human development in Africa].

PubMed

Ba, F H

1993-03-01

Population education programs in Africa are specific to each country, yet have important common characteristics. Concern with safeguarding positive cultural traditions and moral values, and an essential objective of improving quality of life for individuals and societies are shared by many different programs. The idea of responsible parenthood, often touched on in the context of larger programs of "population and development" or "economic development and quality of life", calls for relating family size to prospects of economic development rather than limiting families to small sizes dictated by available family resources. Small families are seen not as a panacea but as a favoring factor within development policies. Smaller families are viewed as facilitating education of children and protecting family health through avoidance of early and closely spaced pregnancies. Rehabilitation of family values, modernization of means of production, and increasing educational levels and marriage ages are considered necessary steps in reduction of family sizes and improving quality of life. Fertility per se receives less priority in population education programs and when the issue is raised it is usually related to mortality or woman's status. The value attached to children in traditional African societies and their importance to female status limits receptivity to messages focusing exclusively on reducing family size. Most of the programs also place little emphasis on family size in relation to management of family resources, partly because of the continued importance of the extended family. Women occupy the most important place in population education programs because of their role in assuring family health, protecting the environment, educating children, and in production, and also because of their increasing marginalization in distribution of the benefits of growth. Educational activity is directed toward explaining the current status of women as resulting from sociocultural and religious prejudices which relegate women to an inferior position. The well being of women and their social promotion are essential conditions for family welfare. Women's role in family life and comparative analysis of the responsibilities of women and men, and encouragement of birth spacing through family planning are emphasized with a view toward improving their conditions of existence and promoting their participation in development. Population education programs usually consider women;s marital status and condition in traditional society to be prejudicial to their progress, but positive aspects of their socially recognized traditional status are usually omitted, as are discussions of the negative impact on women's status and condition of the market economy. it is striking that a critical spirit is shown only in regard to traditional factors and not to the values imported from more developed countries.

Correlates of improvement in substance abuse among dually diagnosed veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder in specialized intensive VA treatment.

PubMed

Coker, Kendell L; Stefanovics, Elina; Rosenheck, Robert

2016-01-01

Substantial rates of substance use comorbidity have been observed among veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), highlighting the need to identify patient and program characteristics associated with improved outcomes for substance abuse. Data were drawn from 12,270 dually diagnosed veterans who sought treatment from specialized intensive Veterans Health Administration PTSD programs between 1993 and 2011. The magnitude of the improvement in Addiction Severity Index (ASI) alcohol and drug use composite scores from baseline was moderate, with effect sizes (ES) of -.269 and -.287, respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed that treatment in longer-term programs, being prescribed psychiatric medication, and planned participation in reunions were all associated with slightly improved outcomes. Reductions in substance use measures were associated with robust improvements in PTSD symptoms and violent behavior. These findings suggest not only synergistic treatment effects linking improvement in PTSD symptoms with substance use disorders among dually diagnosed veterans with PTSD, but also to reductions in violent behavior. Furthermore, the findings indicate that proper discharge planning in addition to intensity and duration of treatment for dually diagnosed veterans with severe PTSD may result in better outcomes. Further dissemination of evidence-based substance abuse treatment may benefit this population. (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Model reduction by trimming for a class of semi-Markov reliability models and the corresponding error bound

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

White, Allan L.; Palumbo, Daniel L.

1991-01-01

Semi-Markov processes have proved to be an effective and convenient tool to construct models of systems that achieve reliability by redundancy and reconfiguration. These models are able to depict complex system architectures and to capture the dynamics of fault arrival and system recovery. A disadvantage of this approach is that the models can be extremely large, which poses both a model and a computational problem. Techniques are needed to reduce the model size. Because these systems are used in critical applications where failure can be expensive, there must be an analytically derived bound for the error produced by the model reduction technique. A model reduction technique called trimming is presented that can be applied to a popular class of systems. Automatic model generation programs were written to help the reliability analyst produce models of complex systems. This method, trimming, is easy to implement and the error bound easy to compute. Hence, the method lends itself to inclusion in an automatic model generator.

Researcher Perspectives on Class Size Reduction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Graue, Elizabeth; Rauscher, Erica

2009-01-01

This article applies to class size research Grant and Graue's (1999) position that reviews of research represent conversations in the academic community. By extending our understanding of the class size reduction conversation beyond published literature to the perspectives of researchers who have studied the topic, we create a review that includes…

Effectiveness of a Comprehensive Stress Management Program to Reduce Work-Related Stress in a Medium-Sized Enterprise

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Objectives To assess the effectiveness of a comprehensive workplace stress management program consisting of participatory action-oriented training (PAOT) and individual management. Methods A comprehensive workplace stress management program was conducted in a medium-sized enterprise. The baseline survey was conducted in September 2011, using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale (KOSS) and Worker’s Stress Response Inventory (WSRI). After implementing both organizational and individual level interventions, the follow up evaluation was conducted in November 2011. Results Most of the workers participated in the organizational level PAOT and made Team-based improvement plans. Based on the stress survey, 24 workers were interviewed by a researcher. After the organizational and individual level interventions, there was a reduction of several adverse psychosocial factors and stress responses. In the case of blue-collar workers, psychosocial factors such as the physical environment, job demands, organizational system, lack of rewards, and occupational climate were significantly improved; in the case of white-collar workers, the occupational climate was improved. Conclusions In light of these results, we concluded that the comprehensive stress management program was effective in reducing work-related stress in a short-term period. A persistent long-term follow up is necessary to determine whether the observed effects are maintained over time. Both team-based improvement activities and individual interviews have to be sustainable and complementary to each other under the long-term plan. PMID:24524591

Evaluation of the Advanced Subsonic Technology Program Noise Reduction Benefits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Golub, Robert A.; Rawls, John W., Jr.; Russell, James W.

2005-01-01

This report presents a detailed evaluation of the aircraft noise reduction technology concepts developed during the course of the NASA/FAA Advanced Subsonic Technology (AST) Noise Reduction Program. In 1992, NASA and the FAA initiated a cosponsored, multi-year program with the U.S. aircraft industry focused on achieving significant advances in aircraft noise reduction. The program achieved success through a systematic development and validation of noise reduction technology. Using the NASA Aircraft Noise Prediction Program, the noise reduction benefit of the technologies that reached a NASA technology readiness level of 5 or 6 were applied to each of four classes of aircraft which included a large four engine aircraft, a large twin engine aircraft, a small twin engine aircraft and a business jet. Total aircraft noise reductions resulting from the implementation of the appropriate technologies for each class of aircraft are presented and compared to the AST program goals.

Integration of bed characteristics, geochemical tracers, current measurements, and numerical modeling for assessing the provenance of beach sand in the San Francisco Bay Coastal System

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barnard, Patrick L.; Foxgrover, Amy C.; Elias, Edwin P.L.; Erikson, Li H.; Hein, James; McGann, Mary; Mizell, Kira; Rosenbauer, Robert J.; Swarzenski, Peter W.; Takesue, Renee K.; Wong, Florence L.; Woodrow, Don

2013-01-01

Over 150 million m3 of sand-sized sediment has disappeared from the central region of the San Francisco Bay Coastal System during the last half century. This enormous loss may reflect numerous anthropogenic influences, such as watershed damming, bay-fill development, aggregate mining, and dredging. The reduction in Bay sediment also appears to be linked to a reduction in sediment supply and recent widespread erosion of adjacent beaches, wetlands, and submarine environments. A unique, multi-faceted provenance study was performed to definitively establish the primary sources, sinks, and transport pathways of beach-sized sand in the region, thereby identifying the activities and processes that directly limit supply to the outer coast. This integrative program is based on comprehensive surficial sediment sampling of the San Francisco Bay Coastal System, including the seabed, Bay floor, area beaches, adjacent rock units, and major drainages. Analyses of sample morphometrics and biological composition (e.g., Foraminifera) were then integrated with a suite of tracers including 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd isotopes, rare earth elements, semi-quantitative X-ray diffraction mineralogy, and heavy minerals, and with process-based numerical modeling, in situ current measurements, and bedform asymmetry to robustly determine the provenance of beach-sized sand in the region.

Reductions in employee productivity impairment observed after implementation of web-based worksite health promotion programs.

PubMed

Silberman, Jordan; Schwartz, Steven; Giuseffi, Danielle L; Wang, Chun; Nevedal, Dana; Bedrosian, Richard

2011-12-01

To assess changes in employee productivity impairment observed after the implementation of several Web-based health promotion programs. Health risk assessments and self-report measures of productivity impairment were administered on-line to more than 43,000 participants of Web-based health promotion programs. Reductions in productivity impairment were observed after 1 month of program utilization. Productivity impairment at 90- and 180-day follow-ups also decreased relative to baseline. Improvements in employee health were associated with reductions in employee productivity impairment. The use of Web-based health promotion programs was associated with reductions in productivity impairment and improvements in employee health. After the implementation of Web-based health promotion programs, reductions in productivity impairment may be observed before reductions in direct health care costs.

The cost-effectiveness of NBPTS teacher certification.

PubMed

Yeh, Stuart S

2010-06-01

A cost-effectiveness analysis of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) program suggests that Board certification is less cost-effective than a range of alternative approaches for raising student achievement, including comprehensive school reform, class size reduction, a 10% increase in per pupil expenditure, the use of value-added statistical methods to identify effective teachers, and the implementation of systems where student performance in math and reading is rapidly assessed 2-5 times per week. The most cost-effective approach, rapid assessment, is three magnitudes as cost-effective as Board certification.

The Feasibility and Impact of Delivering a Mind-Body Intervention in a Virtual World

PubMed Central

Hoch, Daniel B.; Watson, Alice J.; Linton, Deborah A.; Bello, Heather E.; Senelly, Marco; Milik, Mariola T.; Baim, Margaret A.; Jethwani, Kamal; Fricchione, Gregory L.; Benson, Herbert; Kvedar, Joseph C.

2012-01-01

Introduction Mind-body medical approaches may ameliorate chronic disease. Stress reduction is particularly helpful, but face-to-face delivery systems cannot reach all those who might benefit. An online, 3-dimensional virtual world may be able to support the rich interpersonal interactions required of this approach. In this pilot study, we explore the feasibility of translating a face-to-face stress reduction program into an online virtual setting and estimate the effect size of the intervention. Methods and Findings Domain experts in virtual world technology joined with mind body practitioners to translate an existing 8 week relaxation response-based resiliency program into an 8-week virtual world-based program in Second Life™ (SL). Twenty-four healthy volunteers with at least one month's experience in SL completed the program. Each subject filled out the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Symptom Checklist 90- Revised (SCL-90-R) before and after taking part. Participants took part in one of 3 groups of about 10 subjects. The participants found the program to be helpful and enjoyable. Many reported that the virtual environment was an excellent substitute for the preferred face-to-face approach. On quantitative measures, there was a general trend toward decreased perceived stress, (15.7 to 15.0), symptoms of depression, (57.6 to 57.0) and anxiety (56.8 to 54.8). There was a significant decrease of 2.8 points on the SCL-90-R Global Severity Index (p<0.05). Conclusions This pilot project showed that it is feasible to deliver a typical mind-body medical intervention through a virtual environment and that it is well received. Moreover, the small reduction in psychological distress suggests further research is warranted. Based on the data collected for this project, a randomized trial with less than 50 subjects would be appropriately powered if perceived stress is the primary outcome. PMID:22470483

The feasibility and impact of delivering a mind-body intervention in a virtual world.

PubMed

Hoch, Daniel B; Watson, Alice J; Linton, Deborah A; Bello, Heather E; Senelly, Marco; Milik, Mariola T; Baim, Margaret A; Jethwani, Kamal; Fricchione, Gregory L; Benson, Herbert; Kvedar, Joseph C

2012-01-01

Mind-body medical approaches may ameliorate chronic disease. Stress reduction is particularly helpful, but face-to-face delivery systems cannot reach all those who might benefit. An online, 3-dimensional virtual world may be able to support the rich interpersonal interactions required of this approach. In this pilot study, we explore the feasibility of translating a face-to-face stress reduction program into an online virtual setting and estimate the effect size of the intervention. Domain experts in virtual world technology joined with mind body practitioners to translate an existing 8 week relaxation response-based resiliency program into an 8-week virtual world-based program in Second Life™ (SL). Twenty-four healthy volunteers with at least one month's experience in SL completed the program. Each subject filled out the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Symptom Checklist 90- Revised (SCL-90-R) before and after taking part. Participants took part in one of 3 groups of about 10 subjects. The participants found the program to be helpful and enjoyable. Many reported that the virtual environment was an excellent substitute for the preferred face-to-face approach. On quantitative measures, there was a general trend toward decreased perceived stress, (15.7 to 15.0), symptoms of depression, (57.6 to 57.0) and anxiety (56.8 to 54.8). There was a significant decrease of 2.8 points on the SCL-90-R Global Severity Index (p<0.05). This pilot project showed that it is feasible to deliver a typical mind-body medical intervention through a virtual environment and that it is well received. Moreover, the small reduction in psychological distress suggests further research is warranted. Based on the data collected for this project, a randomized trial with less than 50 subjects would be appropriately powered if perceived stress is the primary outcome.

New Mexico State Energy Research and Development Program contribution to Lovington 100-Kilowatt Photovoltaic Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Risser, V. V.

1982-06-01

In 1977 the New Mexico State Energy Research and Development (R & D) Program provided $25,000 to the New Mexico Solar Energy Institute to be used in conjunction with US Department of Energy (DOE) funding for design, engineering, and installation of a proposed 150-kilowatt peak photovoltaic (PV) system in Lovington, New Mexico. An additional $75,000 was also committed contingent on award of a contract for construction, test, and evaluation of the system. This award was made in 1979 and the PV system was completed in 1981. Even though budget constraints dictated reduction of the plant size to 100-kilowatts peak, this system has produced more energy than any other flat-plate PV system in the world. The utilization of the R & D Program funding in contributing to the success of this important New Mexico energy project is detailed.

76 FR 70408 - Information Collection; Understanding Value Trade-Offs Regarding Fire Hazard Reduction Programs...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-14

... Regarding Fire Hazard Reduction Programs in the Wildland-Urban Interface AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA... Regarding Fire Hazard Reduction Programs in the Wildland-Urban Interface. DATES: Comments must be received... holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Understanding Value Trade-offs Regarding Fire Hazard Reduction...

Sample size and power calculations for detecting changes in malaria transmission using antibody seroconversion rate.

PubMed

Sepúlveda, Nuno; Paulino, Carlos Daniel; Drakeley, Chris

2015-12-30

Several studies have highlighted the use of serological data in detecting a reduction in malaria transmission intensity. These studies have typically used serology as an adjunct measure and no formal examination of sample size calculations for this approach has been conducted. A sample size calculator is proposed for cross-sectional surveys using data simulation from a reverse catalytic model assuming a reduction in seroconversion rate (SCR) at a given change point before sampling. This calculator is based on logistic approximations for the underlying power curves to detect a reduction in SCR in relation to the hypothesis of a stable SCR for the same data. Sample sizes are illustrated for a hypothetical cross-sectional survey from an African population assuming a known or unknown change point. Overall, data simulation demonstrates that power is strongly affected by assuming a known or unknown change point. Small sample sizes are sufficient to detect strong reductions in SCR, but invariantly lead to poor precision of estimates for current SCR. In this situation, sample size is better determined by controlling the precision of SCR estimates. Conversely larger sample sizes are required for detecting more subtle reductions in malaria transmission but those invariantly increase precision whilst reducing putative estimation bias. The proposed sample size calculator, although based on data simulation, shows promise of being easily applicable to a range of populations and survey types. Since the change point is a major source of uncertainty, obtaining or assuming prior information about this parameter might reduce both the sample size and the chance of generating biased SCR estimates.

Economic choice for hardwood sawmill operations (ECHO)

Treesearch

P.H. Steele; Philip A. Araman; C. Boden

2002-01-01

Reductions in sawkerf on headrigs and resaws can dramatically increase lumber recovery. Research has also shown that lumber target size reductions are even more important than kerf reductions in providing increased lumber recovery. Decreases in either sawkerf or lumber size, however, always come at some cost in both capital and variable costs. Determining whether the...

Cardiovascular response to prescribed detraining among recreational athletes.

PubMed

Pedlar, Charles R; Brown, Marcel G; Shave, Robert E; Otto, James M; Drane, Aimee; Michaud-Finch, Jennifer; Contursi, Miranda; Wasfy, Meagan M; Hutter, Adolph; Picard, Michael H; Lewis, Gregory D; Baggish, Aaron L

2018-04-01

Exercise-induced cardiac remodeling (EICR) and the attendant myocardial adaptations characteristic of the athlete's heart may regress during periods of exercise reduction or abstinence. The time course and mechanisms underlying this reverse remodeling, specifically the impact of concomitant plasma volume (PV) contraction on cardiac chamber size, remain incompletely understood. We therefore studied recreational runners ( n = 21, age 34 ± 7 yr; 48% male) who completed an 18-wk training program (~7 h/wk) culminating in the 2016 Boston Marathon after which total exercise exposure was confined to <2 h/wk (no single session >1 h) for 8 wk. Cardiac structure and function, exercise capacity, and PV were assessed at peak fitness (10-14 days before) and at 4 wk and 8 wk postmarathon. Mixed linear modeling adjusting for age, sex, V̇o 2peak , and marathon finish time was used to compare data across time points. Physiological detraining was evidenced by serial reductions in treadmill performance. Two distinct phases of myocardial remodeling and hematological adaptation were observed. After 4 wk of detraining, there were significant reductions in PV (Δ -6.0%, P < 0.01), left ventricular (LV) wall thickness (Δ -8.1%, <0.05), LV mass (Δ -10.3%, P < 0.001), and right atrial area (Δ -8.2%, P < 0.001). After 8 wk of detraining, there was a significant reduction in right ventricle chamber size (end-diastolic area Δ = -8.0%, P < 0.05) without further concomitant reductions in PV or LV wall thickness. Abrupt reductions in exercise training stimulus result in a structure-specific time course of reverse cardiac remodeling that occurs largely independently of PV contraction. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Significant reverse cardiac remodeling, previously documented among competitive athletes, extends to recreational runners and occurs with a distinct time course. Initial reductions in plasma volume and left ventricular (LV) mass, driven by reductions in wall thickness, are followed by contraction of the right ventricle. Consistent with data from competitive athletes, LV chamber volumes appear less responsive to detraining and may be a more permanent adaptation to sport.

Posterior dental size reduction in hominids: the Atapuerca evidence.

PubMed

Bermúdez de Castro, J M; Nicolas, M E

1995-04-01

In order to reassess previous hypotheses concerning dental size reduction of the posterior teeth during Pleistocene human evolution, current fossil dental evidence is examined. This evidence includes the large sample of hominid teeth found in recent excavations (1984-1993) in the Sima de los Huesos Middle Pleistocene cave site of the Sierra de Atapuerca (Burgos, Spain). The lower fourth premolars and molars of the Atapuerca hominids, probably older than 300 Kyr, have dimensions similar to those of modern humans. Further, these hominids share the derived state of other features of the posterior teeth with modern humans, such as a similar relative molar size and frequent absence of the hypoconulid, thus suggesting a possible case of parallelism. We believe that dietary changes allowed size reduction of the posterior teeth during the Middle Pleistocene, and the present evidence suggests that the selective pressures that operated on the size variability of these teeth were less restrictive than what is assumed by previous models of dental reduction. Thus, the causal relationship between tooth size decrease and changes in food-preparation techniques during the Pleistocene should be reconsidered. Moreover, the present evidence indicates that the differential reduction of the molars cannot be explained in terms of restriction of available growth space. The molar crown area measurements of a modern human sample were also investigated. The results of this study, as well as previous similar analyses, suggest that a decrease of the rate of cell proliferation, which affected the later-forming crown regions to a greater extent, may be the biological process responsible for the general and differential dental size reduction that occurred during human evolution.

Influence of TiO2 hollow sphere size on its photo-reduction activity for toxic Cr(VI) removal.

PubMed

Cai, Jiabai; Wu, Xueqing; Zheng, Fengying; Li, Shunxing; Wu, Yaling; Lin, Yanping; Lin, Liting; Liu, Biwen; Chen, Qiaoying; Lin, Luxiu

2017-03-15

After polystyrene@titanium dioxide (PS@TiO 2 ) composite with different size was calcined at designated temperature, TiO 2 hollow sphere with controllable size was obtained for high efficient photo-reduction of Cr(VI). The feature of the TiO 2 hollow sphere was investigated by SEM, TEM, XRD, UV-Vis, and photoluminescence. The photo-reduction of Cr(VI) were measured for the performance assessment of the TiO 2 hollow sphere, Cr(VI) was used as an electron acceptor. After irradiation for 2h, the photo-reduction rate of Cr(VI) (pH=2.82) for TiO 2 (450nm) was 96%, which exhibited an increase of 5% and 8% compared with TiO 2 (370nm) and TiO 2 (600nm). The absorption edges of TiO 2 hollow sphere (450nm) was largest with the increasing of hollow sphere size from 370 to 600nm. The optimal hollow sphere size of TiO 2 was 450nm for the photo-reduction of Cr(VI), because the light-harvesting efficiency (the best of absorption edge) and photo-generated electron-hole separation rate (the best of photo-reduction rate) of TiO 2 hollow sphere were controlled by its hollow sphere size. In addition, we find that the behavior of the hydrogen production was inhibited by the coexistence Cr(VI) solution. This study can improve our understanding of the mechanism for the activity enhancement by the optimal hollow sphere size of TiO 2 . Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Biofuel manufacturing from woody biomass: effects of sieve size used in biomass size reduction.

PubMed

Zhang, Meng; Song, Xiaoxu; Deines, T W; Pei, Z J; Wang, Donghai

2012-01-01

Size reduction is the first step for manufacturing biofuels from woody biomass. It is usually performed using milling machines and the particle size is controlled by the size of the sieve installed on a milling machine. There are reported studies about the effects of sieve size on energy consumption in milling of woody biomass. These studies show that energy consumption increased dramatically as sieve size became smaller. However, in these studies, the sugar yield (proportional to biofuel yield) in hydrolysis of the milled woody biomass was not measured. The lack of comprehensive studies about the effects of sieve size on energy consumption in biomass milling and sugar yield in hydrolysis process makes it difficult to decide which sieve size should be selected in order to minimize the energy consumption in size reduction and maximize the sugar yield in hydrolysis. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap in the literature. In this paper, knife milling of poplar wood was conducted using sieves of three sizes (1, 2, and 4 mm). Results show that, as sieve size increased, energy consumption in knife milling decreased and sugar yield in hydrolysis increased in the tested range of particle sizes.

Meta-analysis of free-response studies, 1992-2008: assessing the noise reduction model in parapsychology.

PubMed

Storm, Lance; Tressoldi, Patrizio E; Di Risio, Lorenzo

2010-07-01

We report the results of meta-analyses on 3 types of free-response study: (a) ganzfeld (a technique that enhances a communication anomaly referred to as "psi"); (b) nonganzfeld noise reduction using alleged psi-enhancing techniques such as dream psi, meditation, relaxation, or hypnosis; and (c) standard free response (nonganzfeld, no noise reduction). For the period 1997-2008, a homogeneous data set of 29 ganzfeld studies yielded a mean effect size of 0.142 (Stouffer Z = 5.48, p = 2.13 x 10(-8)). A homogeneous nonganzfeld noise reduction data set of 16 studies yielded a mean effect size of 0.110 (Stouffer Z = 3.35, p = 2.08 x 10(-4)), and a homogeneous data set of 14 standard free-response studies produced a weak negative mean effect size of -0.029 (Stouffer Z = -2.29, p = .989). The mean effect size value of the ganzfeld database was significantly higher than the mean effect size of the standard free-response database but was not higher than the effect size of the nonganzfeld noise reduction database [corrected].We also found that selected participants (believers in the paranormal, meditators, etc.) had a performance advantage over unselected participants, but only if they were in the ganzfeld condition.

Life Adaptation Skills Training (LAST) for persons with depression: A randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Chen, Yun-Ling; Pan, Ay-Woan; Hsiung, Ping-Chuan; Chung, Lyinn; Lai, Jin-Shei; Shur-Fen Gau, Susan; Chen, Tsyr-Jang

2015-10-01

To investigate the efficacy of the "Life Adaptation Skills Training (LAST)" program for persons with depression. Sixty-eight subjects with depressive disorder were recruited from psychiatric outpatient clinics in Taipei city and were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (N=33), or a control group (N=35). The intervention group received 24-sessions of the LAST program, as well as phone contact mainly related to support for a total of 24 times. The control group only received phone contact 24 times. The primary outcome measure utilized was the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF-Taiwan version. Secondary outcome measures included the Occupational self-assessment, the Mastery scale, the Social support questionnaire, the Beck anxiety inventory, the Beck depression inventory-II, and the Beck scale for suicide ideation. The mixed-effects linear model was applied to analyze the incremental efficacy of the LAST program, and the partial eta squared (ηp(2)) was used to examine the within- and between- group effect size. The subjects who participated in the LAST program showed significant incremental improvements with moderate to large between-group effect sizes on their level of anxiety (-5.45±2.34, p<0.05; ηp(2)=0.083) and level of suicidal ideation (-3.09±1.11, p<0.01; ηp(2)=0.157) when compared to the control group. The reduction of suicidal ideations had a maintenance effect for three months after the end of intervention (-3.44±1.09, p<0.01), with moderate between-group effect sizes (ηp(2)=0.101). Both groups showed significant improvement on overall QOL, overall health, physical QOL, psychological QOL, level of anxiety, and level of depression. The within-group effect sizes achieved large effects in the intervention group (ηp(2)=0.328-0.544), and were larger than that of the control group. A small sample size in the study, a high dropout rate, lower compliance rates for the intervention group, and lacking of true control group. The occupation-based LAST program, which focuses on lifestyle rearrangement and coping skills enhancement, could significantly improve the level of anxiety and suicidal ideations for persons with depression. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High-Speed Jet Noise Reduction NASA Perspective

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huff, Dennis L.; Handy, J. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

History shows that the problem of high-speed jet noise reduction is difficult to solve. the good news is that high performance military aircraft noise is dominated by a single source called 'jet noise' (commercial aircraft have several sources). The bad news is that this source has been the subject of research for the past 50 years and progress has been incremental. Major jet noise reduction has been achieved through changing the cycle of the engine to reduce the jet exit velocity. Smaller reductions have been achieved using suppression devices like mixing enhancement and acoustic liners. Significant jet noise reduction without any performance loss is probably not possible! Recent NASA Noise Reduction Research Programs include the High Speed Research Program, Advanced Subsonic Technology Noise Reduction Program, Aerospace Propulsion and Power Program - Fundamental Noise, and Quiet Aircraft Technology Program.

Electrodeposition of nano-sized bismuth on copper foil as electrocatalyst for reduction of CO2 to formate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lv, Weixin; Zhou, Jing; Bei, Jingjing; Zhang, Rui; Wang, Lei; Xu, Qi; Wang, Wei

2017-01-01

Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to formate is energetically inefficient because high overpotential is required for reduction of CO2 to formate on most traditional catalysts. In this paper, a novel nano-sized Bi-based electrocatalyst deposited on a Cu foil has been synthesized, which can be used as a cathode for electrochemical reduction of CO2 to formate with a low overpotential (0.69 V) and a high selectivity (91.3%). The electrocatalyst can show excellent catalytic performance toward reduction of CO2 which can probably be attributed to the nano-sized structure and the surface oxide layer. The energy efficiency for reduction of CO2 to formate can reach to 50% when an IrxSnyRuzO2/Ti electrode is used as anode, it is one of the highest values found in the literatures and very practicable for sustainable fuel synthesis.

Milk Lacking α-Casein Leads to Permanent Reduction in Body Size in Mice

PubMed Central

Kolb, Andreas F.; Huber, Reinhard C.; Lillico, Simon G.; Carlisle, Ailsa; Robinson, Claire J.; Neil, Claire; Petrie, Linda; Sorensen, Dorte B.; Olsson, I. Anna S.; Whitelaw, C. Bruce A.

2011-01-01

The major physiological function of milk is the transport of amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids and minerals to mammalian offspring. Caseins, the major milk proteins, are secreted in the form of a micelle consisting of protein and calcium-phosphate. We have analysed the role of the milk protein α-casein by inactivating the corresponding gene in mice. Absence of α-casein protein significantly curtails secretion of other milk proteins and calcium-phosphate, suggesting a role for α-casein in the establishment of casein micelles. In contrast, secretion of albumin, which is not synthesized in the mammary epithelium, into milk is not reduced. The absence of α-casein also significantly inhibits transcription of the other casein genes. α-Casein deficiency severely delays pup growth during lactation and results in a life-long body size reduction compared to control animals, but has only transient effects on physical and behavioural development of the pups. The data support a critical role for α-casein in casein micelle assembly. The results also confirm lactation as a critical window of metabolic programming and suggest milk protein concentration as a decisive factor in determining adult body weight. PMID:21789179

In situ X-ray absorption fine structure analysis of redox reactions of nickel species with variable particle sizes supported on silica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamoto, Yusaku; Suzuki, Atsushi; Tsutsumi, Naoki; Katagiri, Masaki; Yamashita, Shohei; Niwa, Yasuhiro; Katayama, Misaki; Inada, Yasuhiro

2018-02-01

The chemical states of Ni species were systematically investigated using an in situ XAFS technique for a series of SiO2-supported Ni catalysts with different Ni particle sizes. The Ni particles were refined by varying the Ni loading in the range between 0.10 and 5 wt% and by adding citric acid into the precursor solution. An in situ observation cell for fluorescence-yield XAFS measurements was developed for the dilute Ni catalysts. The chemical state of the supported Ni species converted between Ni(0) and NiO, and no other stable species were formed during the temperature-programmed oxidation and reduction processes. Refinement of the Ni particles resulted in decreasing the oxidation temperature and increasing the reduction temperature. These shifts were explained by the affinity of NiO to SiO2, and more effective stabilization was thus anticipated for flattened small NiO particles with an increased contact area. In addition, the inhomogeneous distribution of small Ni particles observed for dilute catalysts was explained in terms of the precursor solution volume when nuclei of the precursor compound precipitated on SiO2 during the drying process.

Quantitative evaluation of reduction of plaque-like hard exudates in diabetic macular edema after intravitreal triamcinolone injection.

PubMed

Cekiç, Osman; Bardak, Yavuz; Tiğ, U Sahin; Yildizoğlu, Uzeyir; Bardak, Handan

2008-04-01

To describe a new method of quantifying the amount of plaque-like hard exudates after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection in diabetic macular edema. This study included 22 eyes of 14 patients (mean age, 63 years) with chronic diabetic macular edema and plaque-like hard exudates. The patients were injected with a single dose of 4 mg intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. The optic disc size as relative size unit was taken to quantify the hard exudates: Total areas of exudates and the optic nerve head were computed from fundus pictures with a digital analysis program on magnified images. The former was divided by the latter, and the results were expressed as a percentage value. The ratio was used to track improvements in a given eye over 6 months. Average ratio of hard exudates to optic nerve head area reduced to 81% of its initial value at 1 month (P=0.007), to 54% at 3 months (P<0.001) and to 41% at 6 months (P<0.001). The new method allowed detection of a significant reduction of ratio of hard exudates to optic disc area of diabetic plaque-like hard exudates following 4 mg intravitreal triamcinolone.

Influence of the size reduction of organic waste on their anaerobic digestion.

PubMed

Palmowski, L M; Müller, J A

2000-01-01

The rate-limiting step in anaerobic digestion of organic solid waste is generally their hydrolysis. A size reduction of the particles and the resulting enlargement of the available specific surface can support the biological process in two ways. Firstly, in case of substrates with a high content of fibres and a low xegradability, their comminution yields to an improved digester gas production. This leads to a decreased amount of residues to be disposed of and to an increased quantity of useful digester gas. The second effect of the particle size reduction observed with all the substrates but particularly with those of low degradability is a reduction of the technical digestion time. Furthermore, the particle size of organic waste has an influence on the dewaterability after codigestion with sewage sludge. The presence of organic waste residues improves the dewaterability measured as specific resistance to filtration but this positive effect is attenuated if the particle size of the solids is reduced.

Watershed Controls on the Proper Scale of Economic Markets for Pollution Reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rigby, J.; Doyle, M. W.; Yates, A.

2010-12-01

Markets for tradable discharge permits (TDPs) are an increasingly popular policy instrument for obtaining cost-effective nutrient reduction targets across watersheds. Such markets are also an emerging, dynamic coupling between economic institutions and stream hydrology/biogeochemistry as trading markets become explicit determinants for the spatial distribution of stream nutrient loads. A central problem in any environmental market program is setting the size of the market, as there are distinct trade-offs for large versus small markets. While the overall cost-effectiveness of permit trading increases with the size of the market, the potential for localized and highly damaging nutrient concentrations, or “hotspots”, also increases. Smaller market size reduces the potential for hot spots by dispersing the location of trades, but this may increase the net costs of water quality compliance significantly through both the restriction of possible trading partners and price manipulation by market participants. This project couples a microeconomic model for TDPs (based on possible configurations of mutually exclusive trading zones within the basin) with a semi-distributed water quality model to examine watershed controls on the configuration and scale of such markets. Our results show a wide variation in total annual cost of pollution abatement based on choice of market design -- often with large differences in cost between very similar configurations. This framework is also applied to a 10-member trading program among wastewater treatment plants in the Neuse River, NC, in order to assess (1) the optimum market design for the Upper Neuse basin and (2) how these costs compare with expected costs under alternative market structures (e.g., trading ratio system) and (3) the cost improvements over traditional command-and-control regulatory frameworks. We find that the optimal zone configuration is almost always a lower cost option when compared to a trading ratio scheme and that the optimal design depends largely on the range of plant sizes and their geographic distribution within the stream network. Leveraging this model, we can develop a heuristic understanding of how the shape or topography of watersheds, and/or the spatial distribution of polluters may constrain the utility of market mechanisms in water quality regulation.

Surface Characteristics and Catalytic Activity of Copper Deposited Porous Silicon Powder

PubMed Central

Abdul Halim, Muhammad Yusri; Tan, Wei Leng; Abu Bakar, Noor Hana Hanif; Abu Bakar, Mohamad

2014-01-01

Porous structured silicon or porous silicon (PS) powder was prepared by chemical etching of silicon powder in an etchant solution of HF: HNO3: H2O (1:3:5 v/v). An immersion time of 4 min was sufficient for depositing Cu metal from an aqueous solution of CuSO4 in the presence of HF. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the Cu particles aggregated upon an increase in metal content from 3.3 wt% to 9.8 wt%. H2-temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR) profiles reveal that re-oxidation of the Cu particles occurs after deposition. Furthermore, the profiles denote the existence of various sizes of Cu metal on the PS. The Cu-PS powders show excellent catalytic reduction on the p-nitrophenol regardless of the Cu loadings. PMID:28788272

Benefits of a hospital-based peer intervention program for violently injured youth.

PubMed

Shibru, Daniel; Zahnd, Elaine; Becker, Marla; Bekaert, Nic; Calhoun, Deane; Victorino, Gregory P

2007-11-01

Exposure to violence predisposes youths to future violent behavior. Breaking the cycle of violence in inner cities is the primary objective of hospital-based violence intervention and prevention programs. An evaluation was undertaken to determine if a hospital-based, peer intervention program, "Caught in the Crossfire," reduces the risk of criminal justice involvement, decreases hospitalizations from traumatic reinjury, diminishes death from intentional violent trauma, and is cost effective. We designed a retrospective cohort study conducted between January 1998 and June 2003 at a university-based urban trauma center. The duration of followup was 18 months. Patients were 12 to 20 years of age and were hospitalized for intentional violent trauma. The "enrolled" group had a minimum of five interactions with an intervention specialist. The control group was selected from the hospital database by matching age, gender, race or ethnicity, type of injury, and year of admission. All patients came from socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. The total sample size was 154 patients. Participation in the hospital-based peer intervention program lowered the risk of criminal justice involvement (relative risk=0.67; 95% CI, 0.45, 0.99; p=0.04). There was no effect on risks of reinjury and death. Subsequent violent criminal behavior was reduced by 7% (p=0.15). Logistic regression analysis showed age had a confounding effect on the association between program participation and criminal justice involvement (relative risk=0.71; p=0.043). When compared with juvenile detention center costs, the total cost reduction derived from the intervention program annually was $750,000 to $1.5 million. This hospital-based peer intervention program reduces the risk of criminal justice system involvement, is more effective with younger patients, and is cost effective. Any effect on reinjury and death will require a larger sample size and longer followup.

The Nevada Class Size Reduction Evaluation Study, 1995.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nevada State Dept. of Education, Carson City.

A primary purpose for reducing the student-teacher ratio in the early grades is to make students more successful in their later years. This document contains two separate, but interrelated reports that examined two aspects of the 1989 Class Size Reduction (CSR) Act in Nevada. The Act called for a reduction in student-teacher ratios for selected…

78 FR 33810 - Fishing Capacity Reduction Program for the Southeast Alaska Purse Seine Salmon Fishery

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-05

... Capacity Reduction Program for the Southeast Alaska Purse Seine Salmon Fishery AGENCY: National Marine... reduction loan for the fishing capacity reduction program in the Southeast Alaska purse seine salmon fishery... July 22, 2012. Since then, all harvesters of Southeast Alaska purse seine salmon must pay the fee and...

An intensive effort to reduce fertility in Taoyuan County, Taiwan: 1973 intermediate report.

PubMed

Sun, T H

1974-08-01

From 1951 to 1973, the crude birthrate in Taiwan declined more than 50%; there is still work to be done to reduce the annual growth rate to less than 1%. This reduction was due to a change in the age composition of the population, an increase in the age at marriage, and reduced marital fertility (contraception and induced abortion). Further reductions will rely mainly on further reductions in marital fertility. An intensive family planning program, reaching 60% of eligible couples and concentrating on the pill, loop, and condom methods, has been active since 1964. Fertility will decline when the ideal family size lowers and when son preference is eliminated. 2 high fertility counties, Taipei and Taoyuan, were selected for intensified activity in 1972. Imp roved activities included: 1) systematic home visits and use of a control card system, 2) strengthened supervision of workers, 3) improved training and publicity programs, 4) use of incentives for loop referrals, and 5) encouragement of word-of-mouth publicity by satisfied contraceptors. Schedules and targets were met or exceeded. The long-range results cannot be measured yet. Reasons for the greater success of the project in Taoyuan than in Taipei are examined. Lessons learned from the project are enumerated. It can be seen that intensive local government operations can be successful, particularly when more and better paid workers are used.

Seasonal body size reductions with warming covary with major body size gradients in arthropod species.

PubMed

Horne, Curtis R; Hirst, Andrew G; Atkinson, David

2017-03-29

Major biological and biogeographical rules link body size variation with latitude or environmental temperature, and these rules are often studied in isolation. Within multivoltine species, seasonal temperature variation can cause substantial changes in adult body size, as subsequent generations experience different developmental conditions. Yet, unlike other size patterns, these common seasonal temperature-size gradients have never been collectively analysed. We undertake the largest analysis to date of seasonal temperature-size gradients in multivoltine arthropods, including 102 aquatic and terrestrial species from 71 global locations. Adult size declines in warmer seasons in 86% of the species examined. Aquatic species show approximately 2.5-fold greater reduction in size per °C of warming than terrestrial species, supporting the hypothesis that greater oxygen limitation in water than in air forces aquatic species to exhibit greater plasticity in body size with temperature. Total percentage change in size over the annual cycle appears relatively constant with annual temperature range but varies between environments, such that the overall size reduction in aquatic-developing species (approx. 31%) is almost threefold greater than in terrestrial species (approx. 11%). For the first time, we show that strong correlations exist between seasonal temperature-size gradients, laboratory responses and latitudinal-size clines, suggesting that these patterns share common drivers. © 2017 The Author(s).

Component and System Sensitivity Considerations for Design of a Lunar ISRU Oxygen Production Plant

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Linne, Diane L.; Gokoglu, Suleyman; Hegde, Uday G.; Balasubramaniam, Ramaswamy; Santiago-Maldonado, Edgardo

2009-01-01

Component and system sensitivities of some design parameters of ISRU system components are analyzed. The differences between terrestrial and lunar excavation are discussed, and a qualitative comparison of large and small excavators is started. The effect of excavator size on the size of the ISRU plant's regolith hoppers is presented. Optimum operating conditions of both hydrogen and carbothermal reduction reactors are explored using recently developed analytical models. Design parameters such as batch size, conversion fraction, and maximum particle size are considered for a hydrogen reduction reactor while batch size, conversion fraction, number of melt zones, and methane flow rate are considered for a carbothermal reduction reactor. For both reactor types the effect of reactor operation on system energy and regolith delivery requirements is presented.

Rapid 3D bioprinting from medical images: an application to bone scaffolding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Daniel Z.; Peng, Matthew W.; Shinde, Rohit; Khalid, Arbab; Hong, Abigail; Pennacchi, Sara; Dawit, Abel; Sipzner, Daniel; Udupa, Jayaram K.; Rajapakse, Chamith S.

2018-03-01

Bioprinting of tissue has its applications throughout medicine. Recent advances in medical imaging allows the generation of 3-dimensional models that can then be 3D printed. However, the conventional method of converting medical images to 3D printable G-Code instructions has several limitations, namely significant processing time for large, high resolution images, and the loss of microstructural surface information from surface resolution and subsequent reslicing. We have overcome these issues by creating a JAVA program that skips the intermediate triangularization and reslicing steps and directly converts binary dicom images into G-Code. In this study, we tested the two methods of G-Code generation on the application of synthetic bone graft scaffold generation. We imaged human cadaveric proximal femurs at an isotropic resolution of 0.03mm using a high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) scanner. These images, of the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) format, were then processed through two methods. In each method, slices and regions of print were selected, filtered to generate a smoothed image, and thresholded. In the conventional method, these processed images are converted to the STereoLithography (STL) format and then resliced to generate G-Code. In the new, direct method, these processed images are run through our JAVA program and directly converted to G-Code. File size, processing time, and print time were measured for each. We found that this new method produced a significant reduction in G-Code file size as well as processing time (92.23% reduction). This allows for more rapid 3D printing from medical images.

Alcohol Interventions for Mandated College Students: A Meta-Analytic Review

PubMed Central

Carey, Kate B.; Scott-Sheldon, Lori A. J.; Garey, Lorra; Elliott, Jennifer C.; Carey, Michael P.

2016-01-01

Objective When college students violate campus alcohol policies, they typically receive disciplinary sanctions that include alcohol education or counseling. This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of these “mandated interventions” to prevent future alcohol misuse. Methods Studies were included if they evaluated an individual- or group-level intervention, sampled students mandated to an alcohol program, used a pretest-posttest design, and assessed alcohol use as an outcome. Thirty-one studies with 68 separate interventions (N = 8,621 participants; 35% women; 85% White) were coded by independent raters with respect to sample, design, methodological features, and intervention content; the raters also calculated weighted mean effect sizes, using random-effects models. A priori predictors were examined to explain variability in effect sizes. Results In the five studies that used assessment-only control groups, mandated students reported significantly less drinking relative to controls (between-group contrasts), d+ ranged from 0.13-0.20 for quantity and intoxication outcomes. In the 31 studies that provided within-group contrasts, significant effects were observed for all outcomes in the short-term (i.e., ≤ 3 months post-intervention), with d+ ranging from 0.14-0.27; however, fewer significant effects appeared at longer follow-ups. Four commercially-available intervention protocols (i.e., BASICS, e-CHUG, Alcohol 101, and Alcohol Skills Training Program) were associated with risk reduction. Conclusions Providing mandated interventions to students who violate campus alcohol policies is an effective short-term risk reduction strategy. Continued research is needed to maintain initial gains, identify the most useful intervention components, and determine the cost-effectiveness of delivery modes. PMID:27100126

What We Have Learned about Class Size Reduction in California. Capstone Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bohrnstedt, George W., Ed.; Stecher, Brian M., Ed.

This final report on the California Class Size Reduction (CSR) initiative summarizes findings from three earlier reports dating back to 1997. Chapter 1 recaps the history of California's CSR initiative and includes a discussion of what state leaders' expectations were when CSR was passed. The chapter also describes research on class-size reduction…

The Cost of Class Size Reduction: Advice for Policymakers. RAND Graduate School Dissertation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reichardt, Robert E.

This dissertation provides information to state-level policymakers that will help them avoid two implementation problems seen in the past in California's class-size-reduction (CSR) reform. The first problem was that flat, per student reimbursement did not adequately cover costs in districts with larger pre-CSR class-sizes or smaller schools. The…

Insular dwarfism in hippos and a model for brain size reduction in Homo floresiensis.

PubMed

Weston, Eleanor M; Lister, Adrian M

2009-05-07

Body size reduction in mammals is usually associated with only moderate brain size reduction, because the brain and sensory organs complete their growth before the rest of the body during ontogeny. On this basis, 'phyletic dwarfs' are predicted to have a greater relative brain size than 'phyletic giants'. However, this trend has been questioned in the special case of dwarfism of mammals on islands. Here we show that the endocranial capacities of extinct dwarf species of hippopotamus from Madagascar are up to 30% smaller than those of a mainland African ancestor scaled to equivalent body mass. These results show that brain size reduction is much greater than predicted from an intraspecific 'late ontogenetic' model of dwarfism in which brain size scales to body size with an exponent of 0.35. The nature of the proportional change or grade shift observed here indicates that selective pressures on brain size are potentially independent of those on body size. This study demonstrates empirically that it is mechanistically possible for dwarf mammals on islands to evolve significantly smaller brains than would be predicted from a model of dwarfing based on the intraspecific scaling of the mainland ancestor. Our findings challenge current understanding of brain-body allometric relationships in mammals and suggest that the process of dwarfism could in principle explain small brain size, a factor relevant to the interpretation of the small-brained hominin found on the Island of Flores, Indonesia.

Insular dwarfism in hippos and a model for brain size reduction in Homo floresiensis

PubMed Central

Weston, Eleanor M.; Lister, Adrian M.

2009-01-01

Body size reduction in mammals is usually associated with only moderate brain size reduction as the brain and sensory organs complete their growth before the rest of the body during ontogeny1,2. On this basis “phyletic dwarfs” are predicted to have a higher relative brain size than “phyletic giants”1,3. This trend has been questioned, however, in the special case of dwarfism of mammals on islands4. Here we show that the endocranial capacities of extinct dwarf species of hippopotamus from Madagascar are up to 30% smaller than those of a mainland African ancestor scaled to equivalent body mass. These results show brain size reduction is much greater than predicted from an intraspecific ‘late ontogenetic’ model of dwarfism where brain size scales to body size with an exponent of 0.35. The nature of the proportional change or grade shift2,5 observed here indicates that selective pressures upon brain size are potentially independent from those on body size. This study demonstrates empirically that it is mechanistically possible for dwarf mammals on islands to evolve significantly smaller brains than would be predicted from a model of dwarfing based on the intraspecific scaling of the mainland ancestor. Our findings challenge our understanding of brain-body allometric relationships in mammals and suggest that the process of dwarfism could in principle explain small brain size, a factor relevant to the interpretation of the small-brained hominin found on the Island of Flores, Indonesia6. PMID:19424156

Effect of four different size reduction methods on the particle size, solubility enhancement and physical stability of nicergoline nanocrystals.

PubMed

Martena, Valentina; Shegokar, Ranjita; Di Martino, Piera; Müller, Rainer H

2014-09-01

Nicergoline, a poorly soluble active pharmaceutical ingredient, possesses vaso-active properties which causes peripheral and central vasodilatation. In this study, nanocrystals of nicergoline were prepared in an aqueous solution of polysorbate 80 (nanosuspension) by using four different laboratory scale size reduction techniques: high pressure homogenization (HPH), bead milling (BM) and combination techniques (high pressure homogenization followed by bead milling HPH + BM, and bead milling followed by high pressure homogenization BM + HPH). Nanocrystals were investigated regarding to their mean particles size, zeta potential and particle dissolution. A short term physical stability study on nanocrystals stored at three different temperatures (4, 20 and 40 °C) was performed to evaluate the tendency to change in particle size, aggregation and zeta potential. The size reduction technique and the process parameters like milling time, number of homogenization cycles and pressure greatly affected the size of nanocrystals. Among the techniques used, the combination techniques showed superior and consistent particle size reduction compared to the other two methods, HPH + BM and BM + HPH giving nanocrystals of a mean particle size of 260 and 353 nm, respectively. The particle dissolution was increased for any nanocrystals samples, but it was particularly increased by HPH and combination techniques. Independently to the production method, nicergoline nanocrystals showed slight increase in particle size over the time, but remained below 500 nm at 20 °C and refrigeration conditions.

Summary of an Analysis of Pupil-Teacher Ratio and Class Size: Differences That Make a Difference and Its Implications on Staffing for Class-Size Reduction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sharp, Mark A.

The purpose of this paper was to share findings from an earlier study and to provide a framework for administrators to use in the implementation of class-size reduction (CSR) in their buildings. The study examined actual and average class size (CS), pupil-teacher ratios (PTR), and their differences. A primary goal was to clarify the ramifications…

Vectorized program architectures for supercomputer-aided circuit design

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

Rizzoli, V.; Ferlito, M.; Neri, A.

1986-01-01

Vector processors (supercomputers) can be effectively employed in MIC or MMIC applications to solve problems of large numerical size such as broad-band nonlinear design or statistical design (yield optimization). In order to fully exploit the capabilities of a vector hardware, any program architecture must be structured accordingly. This paper presents a possible approach to the ''semantic'' vectorization of microwave circuit design software. Speed-up factors of the order of 50 can be obtained on a typical vector processor (Cray X-MP), with respect to the most powerful scaler computers (CDC 7600), with cost reductions of more than one order of magnitude. Thismore » could broaden the horizon of microwave CAD techniques to include problems that are practically out of the reach of conventional systems.« less

78 FR 10135 - Fishing Capacity Reduction Program for the Longline Catcher Processor Subsector of the Bering Sea...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-13

... reduction loan to finance the non-pollock groundfish fishing capacity reduction program. DATES: The non... finance reduction program costs. Subpart L of 50 CFR part 600 is the framework rule generally implementing... higher fee rate will be credited to future landings. Fee collection and submission shall follow...

40 CFR 93.165 - Early emission reduction credit programs at Federal facilities and installation subject to...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 20 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Early emission reduction credit... Federal Actions to State or Federal Implementation Plans § 93.165 Early emission reduction credit programs... the SIP or TIP in that area, create an early emissions reductions credit program. The Federal agency...

40 CFR 93.165 - Early emission reduction credit programs at Federal facilities and installation subject to...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 20 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Early emission reduction credit... Federal Actions to State or Federal Implementation Plans § 93.165 Early emission reduction credit programs... the SIP or TIP in that area, create an early emissions reductions credit program. The Federal agency...

Graphene prepared by thermal reduction–exfoliation of graphite oxide: Effect of raw graphite particle size on the properties of graphite oxide and graphene

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

Dao, Trung Dung; Jeong, Han Mo, E-mail: hmjeong@mail.ulsan.ac.kr

Highlights: • Effect of raw graphite particle size on properties of GO and graphene is reported. • Size of raw graphite affects oxidation degree and chemical structure of GO. • Highly oxidized GO results in small-sized but well-exfoliated graphene. • GO properties affect reduction degree, structure, and conductivity of graphene. - Abstract: We report the effect of raw graphite size on the properties of graphite oxide and graphene prepared by thermal reduction–exfoliation of graphite oxide. Transmission electron microscope analysis shows that the lateral size of graphene becomes smaller when smaller size graphite is used. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms that graphitemore » with smaller size is more effectively oxidized, resulting in a more effective subsequent exfoliation of the obtained graphite oxide toward graphene. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrates that reduction of the graphite oxide derived from smaller size graphite into graphene is more efficient. However, Raman analysis suggests that the average size of the in-plane sp{sup 2}-carbon domains on graphene is smaller when smaller size graphite is used. The enhanced reduction degree and the reduced size of sp{sup 2}-carbon domains contribute contradictively to the electrical conductivity of graphene when the particle size of raw graphite reduces.« less

40 CFR 761.353 - Second level of sample selection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... reduction is to limit the amount of time required to manually cut up larger particles of the waste to pass through a 9.5 millimeter (mm) screen. (a) Selecting a portion of the subsample for particle size reduction... table to select one of these quarters. (b) Reduction of the particle size by the use of a 9.5 mm screen...

40 CFR 761.353 - Second level of sample selection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... reduction is to limit the amount of time required to manually cut up larger particles of the waste to pass through a 9.5 millimeter (mm) screen. (a) Selecting a portion of the subsample for particle size reduction... table to select one of these quarters. (b) Reduction of the particle size by the use of a 9.5 mm screen...

40 CFR 761.353 - Second level of sample selection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... reduction is to limit the amount of time required to manually cut up larger particles of the waste to pass through a 9.5 millimeter (mm) screen. (a) Selecting a portion of the subsample for particle size reduction... table to select one of these quarters. (b) Reduction of the particle size by the use of a 9.5 mm screen...

Rapid Calculation of Spacecraft Trajectories Using Efficient Taylor Series Integration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scott, James R.; Martini, Michael C.

2011-01-01

A variable-order, variable-step Taylor series integration algorithm was implemented in NASA Glenn's SNAP (Spacecraft N-body Analysis Program) code. SNAP is a high-fidelity trajectory propagation program that can propagate the trajectory of a spacecraft about virtually any body in the solar system. The Taylor series algorithm's very high order accuracy and excellent stability properties lead to large reductions in computer time relative to the code's existing 8th order Runge-Kutta scheme. Head-to-head comparison on near-Earth, lunar, Mars, and Europa missions showed that Taylor series integration is 15.8 times faster than Runge- Kutta on average, and is more accurate. These speedups were obtained for calculations involving central body, other body, thrust, and drag forces. Similar speedups have been obtained for calculations that include J2 spherical harmonic for central body gravitation. The algorithm includes a step size selection method that directly calculates the step size and never requires a repeat step. High-order Taylor series integration algorithms have been shown to provide major reductions in computer time over conventional integration methods in numerous scientific applications. The objective here was to directly implement Taylor series integration in an existing trajectory analysis code and demonstrate that large reductions in computer time (order of magnitude) could be achieved while simultaneously maintaining high accuracy. This software greatly accelerates the calculation of spacecraft trajectories. At each time level, the spacecraft position, velocity, and mass are expanded in a high-order Taylor series whose coefficients are obtained through efficient differentiation arithmetic. This makes it possible to take very large time steps at minimal cost, resulting in large savings in computer time. The Taylor series algorithm is implemented primarily through three subroutines: (1) a driver routine that automatically introduces auxiliary variables and sets up initial conditions and integrates; (2) a routine that calculates system reduced derivatives using recurrence relations for quotients and products; and (3) a routine that determines the step size and sums the series. The order of accuracy used in a trajectory calculation is arbitrary and can be set by the user. The algorithm directly calculates the motion of other planetary bodies and does not require ephemeris files (except to start the calculation). The code also runs with Taylor series and Runge-Kutta used interchangeably for different phases of a mission.

The Impact of a Universal Class-Size Reduction Policy: Evidence from Florida's Statewide Mandate

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chingos, Matthew M.

2012-01-01

Class-size reduction (CSR) mandates presuppose that resources provided to reduce class size will have a larger impact on student outcomes than resources that districts can spend as they see fit. I estimate the impact of Florida's statewide CSR policy by comparing the deviations from prior achievement trends in districts that were required to…

Utilization of 3-month yoga program for adults at high risk for type 2 diabetes: a pilot study.

PubMed

Yang, Kyeongra; Bernardo, Lisa M; Sereika, Susan M; Conroy, Molly B; Balk, Judy; Burke, Lora E

2011-01-01

Various modes of physical activity, combined with dieting, have been widely recommended to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Among these, yoga holds promise for reducing risk factors for type 2 diabetes by promoting weight loss, improving glucose levels and reducing blood pressure and lipid levels. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of implementing a 12-week yoga program among adults at high risk for type 2 diabetes. Twenty-three adults (19 Whites and 4 non-Whites) were randomly assigned to the yoga intervention group or the educational group. The yoga group participated in a 3-month yoga intervention with sessions twice per week and the educational group received general health educational materials every 2 weeks. All participants completed questionnaires and had blood tests at baseline and at the end of 3 months. Effect sizes were reported to summarize the efficacy of the intervention. All participants assigned to the yoga intervention completed the yoga program without complication and expressed high satisfaction with the program (99.2%). Their yoga session attendance ranged from 58.3 to 100%. Compared with the education group, the yoga group experienced improvements in weight, blood pressure, insulin, triglycerides and exercise self-efficacy indicated by small to large effect sizes. This preliminary study indicates that a yoga program would be a possible risk reduction option for adults at high risk for type 2 diabetes. In addition, yoga holds promise as an approach to reducing cardiometabolic risk factors and increasing exercise self-efficacy for this group.

Comparison of Individual and Pooled Stool Samples for the Assessment of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infection Intensity and Drug Efficacy

PubMed Central

Mekonnen, Zeleke; Meka, Selima; Ayana, Mio; Bogers, Johannes; Vercruysse, Jozef; Levecke, Bruno

2013-01-01

Background In veterinary parasitology samples are often pooled for a rapid assessment of infection intensity and drug efficacy. Currently, studies evaluating this strategy in large-scale drug administration programs to control human soil-transmitted helminths (STHs; Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm), are absent. Therefore, we developed and evaluated a pooling strategy to assess intensity of STH infections and drug efficacy. Methods/Principal Findings Stool samples from 840 children attending 14 primary schools in Jimma, Ethiopia were pooled (pool sizes of 10, 20, and 60) to evaluate the infection intensity of STHs. In addition, the efficacy of a single dose of mebendazole (500 mg) in terms of fecal egg count reduction (FECR; synonym of egg reduction rate) was evaluated in 600 children from two of these schools. Individual and pooled samples were examined with the McMaster egg counting method. For each of the three STHs, we found a significant positive correlation between mean fecal egg counts (FECs) of individual stool samples and FEC of pooled stool samples, ranging from 0.62 to 0.98. Only for A. lumbricoides was any significant difference in mean FEC of the individual and pooled samples found. For this STH species, pools of 60 samples resulted in significantly higher FECs. FECR for the different number of samples pooled was comparable in all pool sizes, except for hookworm. For this parasite, pools of 10 and 60 samples provided significantly higher FECR results. Conclusion/Significance This study highlights that pooling stool samples holds promise as a strategy for rapidly assessing infection intensity and efficacy of administered drugs in programs to control human STHs. However, further research is required to determine when and how pooling of stool samples can be cost-effectively applied along a control program, and to verify whether this approach is also applicable to other NTDs. PMID:23696905

Impact of programming strategies aimed at reducing nonessential implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapies on mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Tan, Vern Hsen; Wilton, Stephen B; Kuriachan, Vikas; Sumner, Glen L; Exner, Derek V

2014-02-01

Patients who receive implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapies are at higher risk of death versus those who do not. Programmed settings to reduce nonessential implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapies (therapy reduction programming) have been developed but may have adverse effects. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the relationship between therapy reduction programming with the risks of death from any cause, implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks, and syncope. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched to identify relevant studies. Those that followed patients for ≥6 months and reported mortality were included. Six met the inclusion criteria; 4 randomized (Comparison of Empiric to Physician-Tailored Programming of ICDs [EMPIRIC], Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial-Reduce Inappropriate Therapy [MADIT-RIT], Avoid Delivering Therapies for Non-sustained Arrhythmias in ICD Patients III [ADVANCE III], and Programming Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators in Patients with Primary Prevention Indication to Prolong Time to First Shock [PROVIDE]) and 2 prospective studies (Role of Long Detection Window Programming in Patients With Left Ventricular Dysfunction, Non-ischemic Etiology in Primary Prevention Treated with a Biventricular ICD [RELEVANT] and Primary Prevention Parameters Evaluation [PREPARE]). These 6 studies included 7687 (3598 conventional and 4089 therapy reduction programming) patients. Most (77%) participants were men, had a history of ischemic heart disease (56%), and were prescribed β-blockers (84%). Therapy reduction programming was associated with a 30% relative reduction in mortality (95% confidence interval, 16%-41%; P<0.001). No significant heterogeneity among studies was observed (P=0.6). A similar 26% reduction in mortality was observed when only the 4 randomized trials were included (95% confidence interval, 11%-40%; P=0.002). These results were not significantly altered after adjustment for baseline characteristics. No significant difference in the risk of syncope was observed with conventional versus therapy reduction programming (P=0.5). Therapy reduction programming results in a large, significant, and consistent reduction in mortality, with no apparent increase in the risk of syncope.

Reduction of Portion Size and Eating Rate Is Associated with BMI-SDS Reduction in Overweight and Obese Children and Adolescents: Results on Eating and Nutrition Behaviour from the Observational KgAS Study.

PubMed

Torbahn, Gabriel; Gellhaus, Ines; Koch, Benjamin; von Kries, Rüdiger; Obermeier, Viola; Holl, Reinhard W; Fink, Katharina; van Egmond-Fröhlich, Andreas

2017-01-01

Treatment of paediatric obesity focuses on changes of nutrition and eating behaviour and physical activity. The evaluation of the patient education programme by KgAS was utilised to analyse the association of changes of portion size, eating rate and dietary habits with BMI-SDS reductions. Patients (n = 297) were examined at the beginning and at the end of treatment and after 1-year follow-up at different out-patient centres. Their parents completed questionnaires including estimation of children's portion size, eating rate and frequency of food intake. Associations of 1- and 2-year changes in BMI-SDS and behaviour were calculated for patients with complete data in BMI-SDS, portion size, eating rate, frequency of green, yellow and red food intake (n = 131) by multiple linear regression models. Significant changes were found in the desired direction for BMI-SDS, portion size, eating rate and the intake of unfavourable red food items both after 1 and 2 years as well as for the consumption of favourable green food items after 1 year. Significant positive associations with BMI-SDS reduction after 1 and 2 years were detected for portion size (Cohen's f2 0.13 and 0.09) and eating rate (Cohen's f2 0.20 and 0.10), respectively. Reduced portion sizes and eating rates are associated with BMI-SDS reduction after 1 and 2 years. These findings suggest to focus on appropriate portion sizes and reduced eating rates in patient education programmes. © 2017 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg.

Clinician-led, peer-led, and internet-delivered dissonance-based eating disorder prevention programs: Acute effectiveness of these delivery modalities.

PubMed

Stice, Eric; Rohde, Paul; Shaw, Heather; Gau, Jeff M

2017-09-01

Because independent trials have provided evidence for the efficacy and effectiveness of the dissonance-based Body Project eating disorder prevention program, the present trial tested whether clinicians produce the largest intervention effects, or whether delivery can be task-shifted to less expensive undergraduate peer educators or to Internet delivery without effect size attenuation, focusing on acute effects. In this study, 680 young women (M age = 22.2 years, SD = 7.1) recruited at colleges in 2 states were randomized to clinician-led Body Project groups, peer-led Body Project groups, the Internet-based eBody Project, or an educational video control condition. Participants in all 3 variants of the Body Project intervention showed significantly greater reductions in eating disorder risk factors and symptoms than did educational video controls. Participants in clinician-led and peer-led Body Project groups showed significantly greater reductions in risk factors than did eBody Project participants, but effects for the 2 types of groups were similar. Eating disorder onset over 7-month follow-up was significantly lower for peer-led Body Project group participants versus eBody Project participants (2.2% vs. 8.4%) but did not differ significantly between other conditions. The evidence that all 3 dissonance-based prevention programs outperformed an educational video condition, that both group-based interventions outperformed the Internet-based intervention in risk factor reductions, and that the peer-led groups showed lower eating disorder onset over follow-up than did the Internet-based intervention is novel. These acute-effects data suggest that both group-based interventions produce superior eating disorder prevention effects than does the Internet-based intervention and that delivery can be task-shifted to peer leaders. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

76 FR 40320 - Risk Reduction Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-08

... identifying and analyzing applicable hazards and (2) develops plans to mitigate that risk. Each RRP is...-2009-0038] RIN 2130-AC11 Risk Reduction Program AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA... certain railroads to develop a Risk Reduction Program (RRP). The Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008...

Experiential Teaching Increases Medication Calculation Accuracy Among Baccalaureate Nursing Students.

PubMed

Hurley, Teresa V

Safe medication administration is an international goal. Calculation errors cause patient harm despite education. The research purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of an experiential teaching strategy to reduce errors in a sample of 78 baccalaureate nursing students at a Northeastern college. A pretest-posttest design with random assignment into equal-sized groups was used. The experiential strategy was more effective than the traditional method (t = -0.312, df = 37, p = .004, 95% CI) with a reduction in calculation errors. Evaluations of error type and teaching strategies are indicated to facilitate course and program changes.

Remotely piloted aircraft in the civil environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gregory, T. J.; Nelms, W. P.; Karmarkar, J. S.

1977-01-01

Improved remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs), i.e., incorporating reductions in size, weight, and cost, are becoming available for civilian applications. Existing RPA programs are described and predicted into the future. Attention is given to the NASA Mini-Sniffer, which will fly to altitudes of more than 20,000 m, sample the atmosphere behind supersonic cruise aircraft, and telemeter the data to ground stations. Design and operating parameters of the aircraft are given, especially the optical sensing systems, and civilian RPA uses are outlined, including airborne research, remote mapping, rescue, message relay, and transportation of need materials. Civil regulatory factors are also dealt with.

Important Factors for Early Market Microgrids: Demand Response and Plug-in Electric Vehicle Charging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, David Masaki

Microgrids are evolving concepts that are growing in interest due to their potential reliability, economic and environmental benefits. As with any new concept, there are many unresolved issues with regards to planning and operation. In particular, demand response (DR) and plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) charging are viewed as two key components of the future grid and both will likely be active technologies in the microgrid market. However, a better understanding of the economics associated with DR, the impact DR can have on the sizing of distributed energy resource (DER) systems and how to accommodate and price PEV charging is necessary to advance microgrid technologies. This work characterizes building based DR for a model microgrid, calculates the DER systems for a model microgrid under DR through a minimization of total cost, and determines pricing methods for a PEV charging station integrated with an individual building on the model microgrid. It is shown that DR systems which consist only of HVAC fan reductions provide potential economic benefits to the microgrid through participation in utility DR programs. Additionally, peak shaving DR reduces the size of power generators, however increasing DR capacity does not necessarily lead to further reductions in size. As it currently stands for a microgrid that is an early adopter of PEV charging, current installation costs of PEV charging equipment lead to a system that is not competitive with established commercial charging networks or to gasoline prices for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).

Nutritional, Economic, and Environmental Costs of Milk Waste in a Classroom School Breakfast Program.

PubMed

Blondin, Stacy A; Cash, Sean B; Goldberg, Jeanne P; Griffin, Timothy S; Economos, Christina D

2017-04-01

To measure fluid milk waste in a US School Breakfast in the Classroom Program and estimate its nutritional, economic, and environmental effects. Fluid milk waste was directly measured on 60 elementary school classroom days in a medium-sized, urban district. The US Department of Agriculture nutrition database, district cost data, and carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 e) emissions and water footprint estimates for fluid milk were used to calculate the associated nutritional, economic, and environmental costs. Of the total milk offered to School Breakfast Program participants, 45% was wasted. A considerably smaller portion of served milk was wasted (26%). The amount of milk wasted translated into 27% of vitamin D and 41% of calcium required of School Breakfast Program meals. The economic and environmental costs amounted to an estimated $274 782 (16% of the district's total annual School Breakfast Program food expenditures), 644 893 kilograms of CO 2 e, and 192 260 155 liters of water over the school year in the district. These substantial effects of milk waste undermine the School Breakfast Program's capacity to ensure short- and long-term food security and federal food waste reduction targets. Interventions that reduce waste are urgently needed.

Whooping cough dynamics in Chile (1932-2010): disease temporal fluctuations across a north-south gradient.

PubMed

Lima, Mauricio; Estay, Sergio A; Fuentes, Rodrigo; Rubilar, Paola; Broutin, Hélène; Chowell-Puente, Gerardo

2015-12-30

The spatial-temporal dynamics of Bordetella pertussis remains as a highly interesting case in infectious disease epidemiology. Despite large-scale vaccination programs in place for over 50 years around the world, frequent outbreaks are still reported in many countries. Here, we use annual time series of pertussis incidence from the thirteen different regions of Chile (1952-2010) to study the spatial-temporal dynamics of Pertussis. The period 1975-1995 was characterized by a strong 4 year cycle, while the last two decades of the study period (1990-2010) were characterized by disease resurgence without significant periodic patterns. During the first decades, differences in periodic patterns across regions can be explained by the differences in susceptible recruitment. The observed shift in periodicity from the period 1952-1974 to the period 1975-1995 across regions was relatively well predicted by the susceptible recruitment and population size. However, data on vaccination rates was not taken into account in this study. Our findings highlight how demography and population size have interacted with the immunization program in shaping periodicity along a unique latitudinal gradient. Widespread B. pertussis vaccination appears to lead to longer periodic dynamics, which is line with a reduction in B. pertussis transmission, but our findings indicate that regions characterized by both low birth rate and population size decreased in periodicity following immunization efforts.

Deforestation and stream warming affect body size of Amazonian fishes.

PubMed

Ilha, Paulo; Schiesari, Luis; Yanagawa, Fernando I; Jankowski, KathiJo; Navas, Carlos A

2018-01-01

Declining body size has been suggested to be a universal response of organisms to rising temperatures, manifesting at all levels of organization and in a broad range of taxa. However, no study to date evaluated whether deforestation-driven warming could trigger a similar response. We studied changes in fish body size, from individuals to assemblages, in streams in Southeastern Amazonia. We first conducted sampling surveys to validate the assumption that deforestation promoted stream warming, and to test the hypothesis that warmer deforested streams had reduced fish body sizes relative to cooler forest streams. As predicted, deforested streams were up to 6 °C warmer and had fish 36% smaller than forest streams on average. This body size reduction could be largely explained by the responses of the four most common species, which were 43-55% smaller in deforested streams. We then conducted a laboratory experiment to test the hypothesis that stream warming as measured in the field was sufficient to cause a growth reduction in the dominant fish species in the region. Fish reared at forest stream temperatures gained mass, whereas those reared at deforested stream temperatures lost mass. Our results suggest that deforestation-driven stream warming is likely to be a relevant factor promoting observed body size reductions, although other changes in stream conditions, like reductions in organic matter inputs, can also be important. A broad scale reduction in fish body size due to warming may be occurring in streams throughout the Amazonian Arc of Deforestation, with potential implications for the conservation of Amazonian fish biodiversity and food supply for people around the Basin.

Deforestation and stream warming affect body size of Amazonian fishes

PubMed Central

Yanagawa, Fernando I.; Jankowski, KathiJo; Navas, Carlos A.

2018-01-01

Declining body size has been suggested to be a universal response of organisms to rising temperatures, manifesting at all levels of organization and in a broad range of taxa. However, no study to date evaluated whether deforestation-driven warming could trigger a similar response. We studied changes in fish body size, from individuals to assemblages, in streams in Southeastern Amazonia. We first conducted sampling surveys to validate the assumption that deforestation promoted stream warming, and to test the hypothesis that warmer deforested streams had reduced fish body sizes relative to cooler forest streams. As predicted, deforested streams were up to 6 °C warmer and had fish 36% smaller than forest streams on average. This body size reduction could be largely explained by the responses of the four most common species, which were 43–55% smaller in deforested streams. We then conducted a laboratory experiment to test the hypothesis that stream warming as measured in the field was sufficient to cause a growth reduction in the dominant fish species in the region. Fish reared at forest stream temperatures gained mass, whereas those reared at deforested stream temperatures lost mass. Our results suggest that deforestation-driven stream warming is likely to be a relevant factor promoting observed body size reductions, although other changes in stream conditions, like reductions in organic matter inputs, can also be important. A broad scale reduction in fish body size due to warming may be occurring in streams throughout the Amazonian Arc of Deforestation, with potential implications for the conservation of Amazonian fish biodiversity and food supply for people around the Basin. PMID:29718960

Reducing the standard serving size of alcoholic beverages prompts reductions in alcohol consumption.

PubMed

Kersbergen, Inge; Oldham, Melissa; Jones, Andrew; Field, Matt; Angus, Colin; Robinson, Eric

2018-05-14

To test whether reducing the standard serving size of alcoholic beverages would reduce voluntary alcohol consumption in a laboratory (study 1) and a real-world drinking environment (study 2). Additionally, we modelled the potential public health benefit of reducing the standard serving size of on-trade alcoholic beverages in the United Kingdom. Studies 1 and 2 were cluster-randomized experiments. In the additional study, we used the Sheffield Alcohol Policy Model to estimate the number of deaths and hospital admissions that would be averted per year in the United Kingdom if a policy that reduces alcohol serving sizes in the on-trade was introduced. A semi-naturalistic laboratory (study 1), a bar in Liverpool, UK (study 2). Students and university staff members (study 1: n = 114, mean age = 24.8 years, 74.6% female), residents from local community (study 2: n = 164, mean age = 34.9 years, 57.3% female). In study 1, participants were assigned randomly to receive standard or reduced serving sizes (by 25%) of alcohol during a laboratory drinking session. In study 2, customers at a bar were served alcohol in either standard or reduced serving sizes (by 28.6-33.3%). Outcome measures were units of alcohol consumed within 1 hour (study 1) and up to 3 hours (study 2). Serving size condition was the primary predictor. In study 1, a 25% reduction in alcohol serving size led to a 20.7-22.3% reduction in alcohol consumption. In study 2, a 28.6-33.3% reduction in alcohol serving size led to a 32.4-39.6% reduction in alcohol consumption. Modelling results indicated that decreasing the serving size of on-trade alcoholic beverages by 25% could reduce the number of alcohol-related hospital admissions and deaths per year in the United Kingdom by 4.4-10.5% and 5.6-13.2%, respectively. Reducing the serving size of alcoholic beverages in the United Kingdom appears to lead to a reduction in alcohol consumption within a single drinking occasion. © 2018 The Authors. Addiction published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society for the Study of Addiction.

The Effect of Kindergarten Classroom Size Reduction on Second Grade Student Achievement: Evidence from California

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Funkhouser, Edward

2009-01-01

Because classroom size reduction (CSR) and standards based testing were implemented at the same time in California during the mid-1990s, it is difficult to isolate the effects of classroom size on outcomes from the effects of curriculum changes. As a result, the main comparison in this paper is very specific--the effect of reduced sized…

Studies on the reduction kinetics of hematite iron ore pellets with noncoking coals for sponge iron plants

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

Kumar, M.; Mohapatra, P.; Patel, S.K.

2009-07-01

In the present investigation, fired pellets were made by mixing hematite iron ore fines of -100, -16+18, and -8+10 mesh size in different ratios and studies on their reduction kinetics in Lakhanpur, Orient OC-2 and Belpahar coals were carried out at temperatures ranging from 850{sup o}C to 1000{sup o}C with a view toward promoting the massive utilization of fines in ironmaking. The rate of reduction in all the fired iron ore pellets increased markedly with an increase in temperature up to 1000{sup o}C, and it was more intense in the first 30min. The values of activation energy, calculated from integralmore » and differential approaches, for the reduction of fired pellets (prepared from iron ore fines of -100 mesh size) in coals were found to be in the range 131-148 and 130-181 kJ mol{sup -1} (for =0.2 to 0.8), indicating the process is controlled by a carbon gasification reaction. The addition of selected larger size particles in the matrix of -100 mesh size fines up to the extent studied decreased the activation energy and slightly increased the reduction rates of resultant fired pellets. In comparison to coal, the reduction of fired pellets in char was characterized by significantly lower reduction rates and higher activation energy.« less

Large but uneven reduction in fish size across species in relation to changing sea temperatures.

PubMed

van Rijn, Itai; Buba, Yehezkel; DeLong, John; Kiflawi, Moshe; Belmaker, Jonathan

2017-09-01

Ectotherms often attain smaller body sizes when they develop at higher temperatures. This phenomenon, known as the temperature-size rule, has important consequences for global fisheries, whereby ocean warming is predicted to result in smaller fish and reduced biomass. However, the generality of this phenomenon and the mechanisms that drive it in natural populations remain unresolved. In this study, we document the maximal size of 74 fish species along a steep temperature gradient in the Mediterranean Sea and find strong support for the temperature-size rule. Importantly, we additionally find that size reduction in active fish species is dramatically larger than for more sedentary species. As the temperature dependence of oxygen consumption depends on activity levels, these findings are consistent with the hypothesis that oxygen is a limiting factor shaping the temperature-size rule in fishes. These results suggest that ocean warming will result in a sharp, but uneven, reduction in fish size that will cause major shifts in size-dependent interactions. Moreover, warming will have major implications for fisheries as the main species targeted for harvesting will show the most substantial declines in biomass. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

77 FR 31587 - Fishing Capacity Reduction Program for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-29

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648-XC048 Fishing Capacity Reduction Program for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries...-loan in the fishing capacity reduction program for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery has been repaid...

77 FR 55191 - Fishing Capacity Reduction Program for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-07

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648-XC219 Fishing Capacity Reduction Program for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries... sub-loan in the fishing capacity reduction program for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery has been...

Dose Reduction Study in Vaginal Balloon Packing Filled With Contrast for HDR Brachytherapy Treatment;HDR; Uterine cervix cancer; Vaginal balloon packing; Contrast; Monte Carlo

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

Saini, Amarjit S.; Zhang, Geoffrey G., E-mail: geoffrey.zhang@moffitt.org; Finkelstein, Steven E.

2011-07-15

Purpose: Vaginal balloon packing is a means to displace organs at risk during high dose rate brachytherapy of the uterine cervix. We tested the hypothesis that contrast-filled vaginal balloon packing reduces radiation dose to organs at risk, such as the bladder and rectum, in comparison to water- or air-filled balloons. Methods and Materials: In a phantom study, semispherical vaginal packing balloons were filled with air, saline solution, and contrast agents. A high dose rate iridium-192 source was placed on the anterior surface of the balloon, and the diode detector was placed on the posterior surface. Dose ratios were taken withmore » each material in the balloon. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, by use of the MC computer program DOSXYZnrc, were performed to study dose reduction vs. balloon size and contrast material, including commercially available iodine- and gadolinium-based contrast agents. Results: Measured dose ratios on the phantom with the balloon radius of 3.4 cm were 0.922 {+-} 0.002 for contrast/saline solution and 0.808 {+-} 0.001 for contrast/air. The corresponding ratios by MC simulations were 0.895 {+-} 0.010 and 0.781 {+-} 0.010. The iodine concentration in the contrast was 23.3% by weight. The dose reduction of contrast-filled balloon ranges from 6% to 15% compared with water-filled balloon and 11% to 26% compared with air-filled balloon, with a balloon size range between 1.4 and 3.8 cm, and iodine concentration in contrast of 24.9%. The dose reduction was proportional to the contrast agent concentration. The gadolinium-based contrast agents showed less dose reduction because of much lower concentrations in their solutions. Conclusions: The dose to the posterior wall of the bladder and the anterior wall of the rectum can be reduced if the vaginal balloon is filled with contrast agent in comparison to vaginal balloons filled with saline solution or air.« less

Optimizing Metalloporphyrin-Catalyzed Reduction Reactions for In Situ Remediation of DOE Contaminants

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

Schlautman, Mark A.

2013-07-14

Past activities have resulted in a legacy of contaminated soil and groundwater at Department of Energy facilities nationwide. Uranium and chromium are among the most frequently encountered and highest-priority metal and radionuclide contaminants at DOE installations. Abiotic chemical reduction of uranium and chromium at contaminated DOE sites can be beneficial because the reduced metal species are less soluble in water, less mobile in the environment, and less toxic to humans and ecosystems. Although direct biological reduction has been reported for U(VI) and Cr(VI) in laboratory studies and at some field sites, the reactions can sometimes be slow or even inhibitedmore » due to unfavorable environmental conditions. One promising approach for the in-situ remediation of DOE contaminants is to develop electron shuttle catalysts that can be delivered precisely to the specific subsurface locations where contaminants reside. Previous research has shown that reduction of oxidized organic and inorganic contaminants often can be catalyzed by electron shuttle systems. Metalloporphyrins and their derivatives are well known electron shuttles for many biogeochemical systems, and thus were selected to study their catalytic capabilities for the reduction of chromium and uranium in the presence of reducing agents. Zero valent iron (ZVI) was chosen as the primary electron donor in most experimental systems. Research proceeded in three phases and the key findings of each phase are reported here. Phase I examined Cr(VI) reduction and utilized micro- and nano-sized ZVI as the electron donors. Electron shuttle catalysts tested were cobalt- and iron-containing metalloporphyrins and Vitamin B12. To aid in the recycle and reuse of the nano-sized ZVI and soluble catalysts, sol-gels and calcium-alginate gel beads were tested as immobilization/support matrices. Although the nano-sized ZVI could be incorporated within the alginate gel beads, preliminary attempts to trap it in sol-gels were not successful. Conversely, the water-soluble catalysts could be trapped within sol-gel matrices but they tended to leach out of the alginate gel beads during use. In general, immobilization of the nano-sized ZVI in gel beads and of the catalysts in sol-gels tended to result in slower rates of Cr(VI) reduction, but these effects could be overcome to some extent by using higher reactant/catalyst concentrations. In addition, the lowering of their effectiveness would likely be offset by the benefits obtained when recycling and reusing the materials because they were immobilized. Addition of the catalytic electron shuttles will be most useful when the micro-sized or nano-sized ZVI becomes less reactive with reaction time. Continued work in Phase II in the area of nano-sized ZVI immobilization led to procedures that were successful in incorporating the iron particles in sol-gel matrices. The water-soluble reductants sodium dithionite and L-ascorbic acid were also tested, but their use appeared to lead to formation of complexes with the uranyl cation which limited their effectiveness. Also, although the sol-gel supported nano-sized ZVI showed some promise at reducing uranium, the fluoride used in the sol-gel synthesis protocol appeared to lead to formation of uranyl-fluoride complexes that were less reactive. Because hexavalent chromium is an anion which does not form complexes with fluoride, it was used to demonstrate the intrinsic reactivity of the sol-gel immobilized nano-sized ZVI. Consistent with our observations in Phase I, the sol-gel matrix once again slowed down the reduction reaction but the expected benefits of recycle/reuse should outweigh this adverse effect. The major emphasis in Phase III of this study was to simultaneously incorporate nano-sized ZVI and water-soluble catalysts in the same sol-gel matrix. The catalysts utilized were cobalt complexes of uroporphyrin and protoporphyrin and Cr(VI) reduction was used to test the efficacy of the combined "catalyst + reductant" sol-gel matrix. When enough catalyst was added to the sol-gels, enhancement of the Cr(VI) reduction reaction was observed. At the lowest levels of catalyst addition, however, the rates of Cr(VI) reduction were similar to those systems which only used sol-gel immobilized nano-sized ZVI without any catalyst present. These findings suggest future areas of research that should be pursued to further optimize abiotic reduction reactions of metals with combined "catalyst + reductant" matrices.« less

The Pennsylvania certified safety committee program: an evaluation of participation and effects on work injury rates.

PubMed

Liu, Hangsheng; Burns, Rachel M; Schaefer, Agnes G; Ruder, Teague; Nelson, Christopher; Haviland, Amelia M; Gray, Wayne B; Mendeloff, John

2010-08-01

Since 1994, Pennsylvania, like several other states, has provided a 5% discount on workers' compensation insurance premiums for firms with a certified joint labor management safety committee. This study explored the factors affecting program participation and evaluated the effect of this program on work injuries. Using Pennsylvania unemployment insurance data (1996-2006), workers' compensation data (1998-2005), and the safety committee audit data (1999-2007), we conducted propensity score matching and regression analysis on the program's impact on injury rates. Larger firms, firms with higher injury rates, firms in high risk industries, and firms without labor unions were more likely to join the safety committee program and less likely to drop out of the program. The injury rates of participants did not decline more than the rates for non-participants; however, rates at participant firms with good compliance dropped more than the rates at participant firms with poor compliance. Firm size and prior injury rates are key predictors of program participation. Firms that complied with the requirement to train their safety committee members did experience reductions in injuries, but non-compliance with that and other requirements was so widespread that no overall impact of the program could be detected. Copyright 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Integrated application of active controls (IAAC) technology to an advanced subsonic transport project. Initial ACT configuration design study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

The initial ACT configuration design task of the integrated application of active controls (IAAC) technology project within the Energy Efficient Transport Program is summarized. A constrained application of active controls technology (ACT) resulted in significant improvements over a conventional baseline configuration previously established. The configuration uses the same levels of technology, takeoff gross weight, payload, and design requirements/objectives as the baseline, except for flying qualities, flutter, and ACT. The baseline wing is moved forward 1.68 m. The configuration incorporates pitch-augmented stability (which enabled an approximately 10% aft shift in cruise center of gravity and a 45% reduction in horizontal tail size), lateral/directional-augmented stability, an angle of attack limiter, wing load alleviation, and flutter mode control. This resulted in a 930 kg reduction in airplane operating empty weight and a 3.6% improvement in cruise efficiency, yielding a 13% range increase. Adjusted to the 3590 km baseline mission range, this amounts to 6% block fuel reduction and a 15.7% higher incremental return on investment, using 1978 dollars and fuel cost.

Evidence of phase nucleation during olivine diffusion creep: a new perspective for mantle strain localisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Précigout, Jacques; Stünitz, Holger

2017-04-01

Mantle strain localisation is of great importance for lithosphere dynamics, but the cause for this phenomenon remains very elusive, particularly in conditions of the strong and ductile uppermost mantle. In these latter, grain size reduction leading to diffusion creep in olivine is believed to be one of the best candidates to account for strain localisation. However, the mechanisms of grain size reduction in this regime are still poorly understood. Here we show the results of Griggs-type experiments that document grain size reduction and material weakening during wet olivine diffusion creep at 900 °C and 1.2 GPa. While occurring for both, mono-phase and two-phase aggregates, grain size reduction is coeval with strain localisation and local phase mixing in olivine-pyroxene aggregates. Based on evidence of fluid inclusions and cracks filled with a fine-grained phase mixture, we conclude that grain size reduces as a result of fluid-assisted nucleation. Cavitation induced by grain boundary sliding (creep cavitation) can be inferred, and may play a critical role for olivine grain size reduction. Amongst their implications for rock rheology in general, our findings highlight a key process for strain localisation in the ductile uppermost mantle. This study has been published under the reference: "Précigout, J., and Stünitz, H. (2016) Evidence of phase nucleation during olivine diffusion creep: a new perspective for mantle strain localisation. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 455: 94-105, doi:101016/j.epsl.2016.09.029".

Comparing fuel reduction treatments for reducing wildfire size and intensity in a boreal forest landscape of northeastern China.

PubMed

Wu, Zhiwei; He, Hong S; Liu, Zhihua; Liang, Yu

2013-06-01

Fuel load is often used to prioritize stands for fuel reduction treatments. However, wildfire size and intensity are not only related to fuel loads but also to a wide range of other spatially related factors such as topography, weather and human activity. In prioritizing fuel reduction treatments, we propose using burn probability to account for the effects of spatially related factors that can affect wildfire size and intensity. Our burn probability incorporated fuel load, ignition probability, and spread probability (spatial controls to wildfire) at a particular location across a landscape. Our goal was to assess differences in reducing wildfire size and intensity using fuel-load and burn-probability based treatment prioritization approaches. Our study was conducted in a boreal forest in northeastern China. We derived a fuel load map from a stand map and a burn probability map based on historical fire records and potential wildfire spread pattern. The burn probability map was validated using historical records of burned patches. We then simulated 100 ignitions and six fuel reduction treatments to compare fire size and intensity under two approaches of fuel treatment prioritization. We calibrated and validated simulated wildfires against historical wildfire data. Our results showed that fuel reduction treatments based on burn probability were more effective at reducing simulated wildfire size, mean and maximum rate of spread, and mean fire intensity, but less effective at reducing maximum fire intensity across the burned landscape than treatments based on fuel load. Thus, contributions from both fuels and spatially related factors should be considered for each fuel reduction treatment. Published by Elsevier B.V.

77 FR 26744 - Fishing Capacity Reduction Program for the Southeast Alaska Purse Seine Salmon Fishery

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-07

... Capacity Reduction Program for the Southeast Alaska Purse Seine Salmon Fishery AGENCY: National Marine... of reduction payment tender of Southeast Alaska purse seine salmon permits. SUMMARY: The National... Southeast Alaska purse seine salmon fishery. The program authorizes NMFS to make payments to permit holders...

Investigation of optimal route to fabricate submicron-sized Sm{sub 2}Fe{sub 17} particles with reduction-diffusion method

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

Okada, Shusuke, E-mail: shusuke-okada@aist.go.jp; Takagi, Kenta; Ozaki, Kimihiro

Submicron-sized Sm{sub 2}Fe{sub 17} powder samples were fabricated by a non-pulverizing process through reduction-diffusion of precursors prepared by a wet-chemical technique. Three precursors having different morphologies, which were micron-sized porous Sm-Fe oxide-impregnated iron nitrate, acicular goethite impregnated-samarium nitrate, and a conventional Sm-Fe coprecipitate, were prepared and subjected to hydrogen reduction and reduction-diffusion treatment to clarify whether these precursors could be convert to Sm{sub 2}Fe{sub 17} without impurity phases and which precursor is the most attractive for producing submicron-sized Sm{sub 2}Fe{sub 17} powder. As a result, all three precursors were successfully converted to Sm{sub 2}Fe{sub 17} powders without impurity phases, andmore » the synthesis route using iron-oxide particle-impregnated samarium oxide was revealed to have the greatest potential among the three routes.« less

Feasibility of the mobile mindfulness-based stress reduction for breast cancer (mMBSR(BC)) program for symptom improvement among breast cancer survivors.

PubMed

Lengacher, Cecile A; Reich, Richard R; Ramesar, Sophia; Alinat, Carissa B; Moscoso, Manolete; Cousin, Lakeshia; Marino, Victoria R; Elias, Maya N; Paterson, Carly L; Pleasant, Michelle L; Rodriguez, Carmen S; Wang, Hsiao-Lan; Kip, Kevin E; Meng, Hongdao; Park, Jong Y

2018-02-01

The purpose of this pilot study was to test the feasibility of delivering the mobile mindfulness-based stress reduction for breast cancer (mMBSR(BC)) program using an iPad and to evaluate its impact on symptom improvement. A single group, pre-posttest design was implemented among female stages 0-III breast cancer survivors (BCS) who completed treatment. Data were collected at baseline and week 6 on measures of psychological and physical symptoms and quality of life. The mMBSR(BC) program is a standardized, stress-reducing intervention that combines sitting and walking meditation, body scan, and yoga and is designed to deliver weekly 2-hour sessions for 6 weeks using an iPad. The mean age of the 15 enrolled BCS was 57 years; one participant was non-Hispanic black, and 14 were non-Hispanic white. Of the 13 who completed the study, there were significant improvements from baseline to 6 weeks post-mMBSR(BC) in psychological and physical symptoms of depression, state anxiety, stress, fear of recurrence, sleep quality, fatigue, and quality of life (P's < .05). Effect sizes for improvements of multiple symptoms ranged from medium to large. These results provide preliminary support that the mMBSR(BC) program may be feasible and acceptable, showing a clinical impact on decreasing psychological and physical symptoms. This mobile-based program offers a delivery of a standardized MBSR(BC) intervention to BCS that is convenient for their own schedule while decreasing symptom burden in the survivorship phase after treatment for breast cancer. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The costs of introducing new technologies into space systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dodson, E. N.; Partma, H.; Ruhland, W.

1992-01-01

A review is conducted of cost-research studies intended to provide guidelines for cost estimates of integrating new technologies into existing satellite systems. Quantitative methods are described for determining the technological state-of-the-art so that proposed programs can be evaluated accurately in terms of their contribution to technological development. The R&D costs associated with the proposed programs are then assessed with attention given to the technological advances. Also incorporated quantifiably are any reductions in the costs of production, operations, and support afforded by the advanced technologies. The proposed model is employed in relation to a satellite sizing and cost study in which a tradeoff between increased R&D costs and reduced production costs is examined. The technology/cost model provides a consistent yardstick for assessing the true relative economic impact of introducing novel techniques and technologies.

A Time-Domain CMOS Oscillator-Based Thermostat with Digital Set-Point Programming

PubMed Central

Chen, Chun-Chi; Lin, Shih-Hao

2013-01-01

This paper presents a time-domain CMOS oscillator-based thermostat with digital set-point programming [without a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) or external resistor] to achieve on-chip thermal management of modern VLSI systems. A time-domain delay-line-based thermostat with multiplexers (MUXs) was used to substantially reduce the power consumption and chip size, and can benefit from the performance enhancement due to the scaling down of fabrication processes. For further cost reduction and accuracy enhancement, this paper proposes a thermostat using two oscillators that are suitable for time-domain curvature compensation instead of longer linear delay lines. The final time comparison was achieved using a time comparator with a built-in custom hysteresis to generate the corresponding temperature alarm and control. The chip size of the circuit was reduced to 0.12 mm2 in a 0.35-μm TSMC CMOS process. The thermostat operates from 0 to 90 °C, and achieved a fine resolution better than 0.05 °C and an improved inaccuracy of ± 0.6 °C after two-point calibration for eight packaged chips. The power consumption was 30 μW at a sample rate of 10 samples/s. PMID:23385403

Promoting the University Social Responsibility in the Capacity Development Program for Landslide Risk Reduction in Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karnawati, D.; Wilopo, W.; Verrier, M.; Fathani, T. F.; Andayani, B.

2011-12-01

One of the most challenges efforts for landslides disaster risk reduction in Indonesia is to provide an effective program for capacity development of the community living in the vulnerable area. Limited access for appropriate information and knowledge about the geology and landslide phenomena as well as the social-security constrains are the major challenges in capacity development program in the landslide prone area. Accordingly, an action for conducting community-based research and education program with respect to landslide mitigation and disaster risk reduction at the village level was established by implementing the University Social Responsibility Program. Such program has been conducted regularly in every academic semester as a part of the formal academic program at Universitas Gadjah Mada , Indonesia. Twenty students with multi-discipline backgrounds and supported by their lectures/advisers have to be deployed at the village for two months to carry out such mission. This action is also conducted under the coordination with the local/ national Government together with the local community, and may also with the private sectors. A series of research actions such as landslide investigation and hazard-risk mapping, social mapping and development of landslide early warning system were carried out in parallel with public education and evacuation drill for community empowerment and landslide risk reduction. A Community Task Force for Disaster Risk Reduction was also established during the community empowerment program, in order to guarantee the affectivity and sustainability of the disaster risk reduction program at the village level. It is crucial that this program is not only beneficial for empowering the village community to tackle the landslide problems, but also important to support the education for sustainable development program at the disaster prone area. Indeed, this capacity development program may also be considered as one best practice for transforming the knowledge into action and the action into knowledge enhancement, with respect to landslide disaster risk reduction.
Scope of problems and the actions conducted by Universitas Gadjah Mada as The University Social Responsibility Program for Landslide Disaster Risk Reduction in Indonesia

Extreme grain size reduction in dolomite: microstructures and mechanisms.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kennedy, L.; White, J. C.

2007-12-01

Pure dolomite sample were deformed at room temperature and under a variety of confining pressures (0 - 100MPa) to examine the processes of grain size reduction. The dolomite is composed of > 97 vol. % dolomite with accessory quartz, calcite, tremolite, and muscovite and has been metamorphosed to amphibolite facies and subsequently annealed. At the hand sample scale, the rock is isotropic, except for minor, randomly oriented tremolite porphyroblasts, and weakly aligned muscovite. At the thin section scale, coarser grains have lobate grain boundaries, exhibit minor to no undulose extinction and few deformation twins, although well- developed subgrains are present. Growth twins are common, as is the presence of well developed {1011} cleavage. Mean grain size 476 microns, and porosity is essentially zero (Austin and Kennedy, 2006). Samples contain diagonal to subvertical faults. Fractures are lined with an exceptionally fine-grained, powdered dolomite. Even experiments done at no confining pressure and stopped before sliding on the fracture surfaces occurred had significant powdered gouge developed along the surfaces. In this regard, fracturing of low porosity, pure dolomite, with metamorphic textures (e.g. lobate, interlocking grain boundaries) results in the development of fine-grained gouge. As expected the dolomite exhibited an increase in strength with increasing confining pressure, with a maximum differential stress of ~400MPa at 100 MPa confining pressure. At each chosen confining pressure, two experiments were performed and stopped at different stages along the load-displacement curve: just before yield stress and at peak stress. Microstructures at each stage were observed in order to determine the possible mechanisms for extreme grain size reduction. SEM work shows that in samples with little to no apparent displacement along microfractures, extreme grain size reduction still exists, suggesting that frictional sliding and subsequent cataclasis may not be the mechanism responsible for grain size reduction. Within individual dolomite clasts, apparent Mode I cracks are also lined with powedered gouge. Alternative mechanisms for grain size reduction are explored. Austin et al. 2005, Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 243, 51-66.3.

75 FR 33570 - Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fishing Capacity Reduction Framework

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-14

.... 100330171-0232-01] RIN 0648-AY79 Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fishing Capacity Reduction Framework... regulations specifying procedures for implementing fishing capacity reduction programs (reduction programs) in... either to surrender their fishing permits including relevant fishing histories for that fishery, or...

Probabilistic analysis for fatigue strength degradation of materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Royce, Lola

1989-01-01

This report presents the results of the first year of a research program conducted for NASA-LeRC by the University of Texas at San Antonio. The research included development of methodology that provides a probabilistic treatment of lifetime prediction of structural components of aerospace propulsion systems subjected to fatigue. Material strength degradation models, based on primitive variables, include both a fatigue strength reduction model and a fatigue crack growth model. Linear elastic fracture mechanics is utilized in the latter model. Probabilistic analysis is based on simulation, and both maximum entropy and maximum penalized likelihood methods are used for the generation of probability density functions. The resulting constitutive relationships are included in several computer programs, RANDOM2, RANDOM3, and RANDOM4. These programs determine the random lifetime of an engine component, in mechanical load cycles, to reach a critical fatigue strength or crack size. The material considered was a cast nickel base superalloy, one typical of those used in the Space Shuttle Main Engine.

A Tensor Product Formulation of Strassen's Matrix Multiplication Algorithm with Memory Reduction

DOE PAGES

Kumar, B.; Huang, C. -H.; Sadayappan, P.; ...

1995-01-01

In this article, we present a program generation strategy of Strassen's matrix multiplication algorithm using a programming methodology based on tensor product formulas. In this methodology, block recursive programs such as the fast Fourier Transforms and Strassen's matrix multiplication algorithm are expressed as algebraic formulas involving tensor products and other matrix operations. Such formulas can be systematically translated to high-performance parallel/vector codes for various architectures. In this article, we present a nonrecursive implementation of Strassen's algorithm for shared memory vector processors such as the Cray Y-MP. A previous implementation of Strassen's algorithm synthesized from tensor product formulas required working storagemore » of size O(7 n ) for multiplying 2 n × 2 n matrices. We present a modified formulation in which the working storage requirement is reduced to O(4 n ). The modified formulation exhibits sufficient parallelism for efficient implementation on a shared memory multiprocessor. Performance results on a Cray Y-MP8/64 are presented.« less

Reusing remediated CCA-treated wood

Treesearch

Carol A. Clausen

2003-01-01

Options for recycling and reusing chromated-copper-arsenate- (CCA) treated material include dimensional lumber and round wood size reduction, composites, and remediation. Size reduction by remilling, shaving, or resawing CCA-treated wood reduces the volume of landfilled waste material and provides many options for reusing used treated wood. Manufacturing composite...

Class Size Reduction and Urban Students. ERIC Digest.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schwartz, Wendy

Researchers have long investigated whether smaller classes improve student achievement. Their conclusions suggest that class size reduction (CSR) can result in greater in-depth coverage of subject matter by teachers, enhanced learning and stronger engagement by students, more personalized teacher-student relationships, and safer schools with fewer…

Impact of a Web-based worksite health promotion program on absenteeism.

PubMed

Niessen, Maurice A J; Kraaijenhagen, Roderik A; Dijkgraaf, Marcel G W; Van Pelt, Danielle; Van Kalken, Coen K; Peek, Niels

2012-04-01

To evaluate the effect of participation in a comprehensive, Web-based worksite health promotion program on absenteeism. Study population consists of Dutch workers employed at a large financial services company. Linear regression was used to assess the impact of program attendance on the difference between baseline and follow-up absenteeism rates, controlling for gender, age, job level, years of employment, and noncompletion of the program. Data from 20,797 individuals were analyzed; 3826 individuals enrolled in the program during the study period. A 20.3% reduction in absenteeism was shown among program attendees compared with nonparticipants during a median follow-up period of 23.3 months. Participating in the worksite health promotion program led to an immediate reduction in absenteeism. Improved psychological well-being, increased exercise, and weight reduction are possible pathways toward this reduction.

Seasonal thermoregulatory responses in mammals.

PubMed

Lovegrove, Barry G

2005-05-01

This study examined the proportional seasonal winter adjustments of total and mass-specific basal power (watts and watts g-1, respectively), thermal conductance (watts g-1 degrees C-1), non-shivering thermogenesis capacity (ratio of NST/basal power), body temperature ( degrees C), and body mass (g) of mammals. The responses are best summarized for three different body size classes; small mammals (<100 g), intermediate-sized mammals (0.1-10 kg), and large mammals (>10 kg). The principal adjustments of the small mammals center on energy conservation, especially the Dehnel Effect, the winter reduction in body size of as much as 50%, accompanied by reductions in mass-specific basal power. On average, these reductions reduce the total basal power approximately in direct proportion to the mass reductions. Reductions in mass-specific basal power are matched by concomitant reductions in conductance to maintain the setpoint body temperature during winter. The overall thermoregulatory adjustments in small mammals serve to (a) lower overall winter power consumption, (b) maintain the setpoint body temperature, and (c) lower the lower critical limit of thermoneutrality and hence thermoregulatory costs. In intermediate-size mammals, the seasonal response is centered more on increasing thermogenic capacity by increasing basal power and NST capacity, accompanied by predictable and large reductions in conductance. The Dehnel effect is negligible. Very large mammals undergo the largest reductions in total and mass-specific basal power and conductance. However, there are too few data to resolve whether the reductions in total basal power can be attributed to the Dehnel effect, because the moderate decreases in body mass may also be caused by nutritional stress. Apart from the seasonal changes in basal power, these observations are consistent with the predictions of Heldmaier's seasonal acclimatization model.

Convergent evolution of reduced energy demands in extremophile fish

PubMed Central

Arias-Rodriguez, Lenin; Tobler, Michael

2017-01-01

Convergent evolution in organismal function can arise from nonconvergent changes in traits that contribute to that function. Theory predicts that low resource availability and high maintenance costs in extreme environments select for reductions in organismal energy demands, which could be attained through modifications of body size or metabolic rate. We tested for convergence in energy demands and underlying traits by investigating livebearing fish (genus Poecilia) that have repeatedly colonized toxic, hydrogen sulphide-rich springs. We quantified variation in body size and routine metabolism across replicated sulphidic and non-sulphidic populations in nature, modelled total organismal energy demands, and conducted a common-garden experiment to test whether population differences had a genetic basis. Sulphidic populations generally exhibited smaller body sizes and lower routine metabolic rates compared to non-sulphidic populations, which together caused significant reductions in total organismal energy demands in extremophile populations. Although both mechanisms contributed to variation in organismal energy demands, variance partitioning indicated reductions of body size overall had a greater effect than reductions of routine metabolism. Finally, population differences in routine metabolism documented in natural populations were maintained in common-garden reared individuals, indicating evolved differences. In combination with other studies, these results suggest that reductions in energy demands may represent a common theme in adaptation to physiochemical stressors. Selection for reduced energy demand may particularly affect body size, which has implications for life history evolution in extreme environments. PMID:29077740

Evaluation of a Worksite-Controlled Smoking Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glasgow, Russell E.; And Others

1984-01-01

Evaluated the relative effectiveness of three versions of a controlled smoking program conducted in the worksite: abrupt reduction, gradual reduction, or gradual reduction plus feedback on nicotine consumption. All conditions were effective. There was some indication that the gradual reduction condition was more effective than the abrupt…

5 CFR 362.306 - Reduction in force and termination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Reduction in force and termination. 362.306 Section 362.306 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS PATHWAYS PROGRAMS Recent Graduates Program § 362.306 Reduction in force and termination. (a) Reduction in...

5 CFR 362.306 - Reduction in force and termination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Reduction in force and termination. 362.306 Section 362.306 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS PATHWAYS PROGRAMS Recent Graduates Program § 362.306 Reduction in force and termination. (a) Reduction in...

75 FR 62326 - Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fishing Capacity Reduction Framework

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-08

.... 100330171-0388-02] RIN 0648-AY79 Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fishing Capacity Reduction Framework... implementing fishing capacity reduction programs (reduction programs) in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens... pays harvesters in a fishery that has more vessels than capacity either to surrender their fishing...

Inactivation of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris ATCC 49025 spores in apple juice by pulsed light. Influence of initial contamination and required reduction levels.

PubMed

Ferrario, Mariana I; Guerrero, Sandra N

The purpose of this study was to analyze the response of different initial contamination levels of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris ATCC 49025 spores in apple juice as affected by pulsed light treatment (PL, batch mode, xenon lamp, 3pulses/s, 0-71.6J/cm 2 ). Biphasic and Weibull frequency distribution models were used to characterize the relationship between inoculum size and treatment time with the reductions achieved after PL exposure. Additionally, a second order polynomial model was computed to relate required PL processing time to inoculum size and requested log reductions. PL treatment caused up to 3.0-3.5 log reductions, depending on the initial inoculum size. Inactivation curves corresponding to PL-treated samples were adequately characterized by both Weibull and biphasic models (R adj 2 94-96%), and revealed that lower initial inoculum sizes were associated with higher inactivation rates. According to the polynomial model, the predicted time for PL treatment increased exponentially with inoculum size. Copyright © 2017 Asociación Argentina de Microbiología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Stock enhancement or sea ranching? Insights from monitoring the genetic diversity, relatedness and effective population size in a seeded great scallop population (Pecten maximus).

PubMed

Morvezen, R; Boudry, P; Laroche, J; Charrier, G

2016-09-01

The mass release of hatchery-propagated stocks raises numerous questions concerning its efficiency in terms of local recruitment and effect on the genetic diversity of wild populations. A seeding program, consisting of mass release of hatchery-produced juveniles in the local naturally occurring population of great scallops (Pecten maximus L.), was initiated in the early 1980s in the Bay of Brest (France). The present study aims at evaluating whether this seeding program leads to actual population enhancement, with detectable effects on genetic diversity and effective population size, or consists of sea ranching with limited genetic consequences on the wild stock. To address this question, microsatellite-based genetic monitoring of three hatchery-born and naturally recruited populations was conducted over a 5-year period. Results showed a limited reduction in allelic richness but a strong alteration of allelic frequencies in hatchery populations, while genetic diversity appeared very stable over time in the wild populations. A temporal increase in relatedness was observed in both cultured stock and wild populations. Effective population size (Ne) estimates were low and variable in the wild population. Moreover, the application of the Ryman-Laikre model suggested a high contribution of hatchery-born scallops to the reproductive output of the wild population. Overall, the data suggest that the main objective of the seeding program, which is stock enhancement, is fulfilled. Moreover, gene flow from surrounding populations and/or the reproductive input of undetected sub-populations within the bay may buffer the Ryman-Laikre effect and ensure the retention of the local genetic variability.

Correction to storm, Tressoldi, and di Risio (2010).

PubMed

2015-03-01

Reports an error in "Meta-analysis of free-response studies, 1992-2008: Assessing the noise reduction model in parapsychology" by Lance Storm, Patrizio E. Tressoldi and Lorenzo Di Risio (Psychological Bulletin, 2010[Jul], Vol 136[4], 471-485). In the article, the sentence giving the formula in the second paragraph on p. 479 was stated incorrectly. The corrected sentence is included. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2010-12718-001.) [Correction Notice: An erratum for this article was reported in Vol 136(5) of Psychological Bulletin (see record 2010-17510-009). In the article, the second to last sentence of the abstract (p. 471) was stated incorrectly. The sentence should read as follows: "The mean effect size value of the ganzfeld database was significantly higher than the mean effect size of the standard free-response database but was not higher than the effect size of the nonganzfeld noise reduction database."] We report the results of meta-analyses on 3 types of free-response study: (a) ganzfeld (a technique that enhances a communication anomaly referred to as "psi"); (b) nonganzfeld noise reduction using alleged psi-enhancing techniques such as dream psi, meditation, relaxation, or hypnosis; and (c) standard free response (nonganzfeld, no noise reduction). For the period 1997-2008, a homogeneous data set of 29 ganzfeld studies yielded a mean effect size of 0.142 (Stouffer Z = 5.48, p = 2.13 × 10-8). A homogeneous nonganzfeld noise reduction data set of 16 studies yielded a mean effect size of 0.110 (Stouffer Z = 3.35, p = 2.08 × 10-4), and a homogeneous data set of 14 standard free-response studies produced a weak negative mean effect size of -0.029 (Stouffer Z = -2.29, p = .989). The mean effect size value of the ganzfeld database were significantly higher than the mean effect size of the nonganzfeld noise reduction and the standard free-response databases. We also found that selected participants (believers in the paranormal, meditators, etc.) had a performance advantage over unselected participants, but only if they were in the ganzfeld condition. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved.

Importance of clay size minerals for Fe(III) respiration in a petroleum-contaminated aquifer

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shelobolina, Evgenya S.; Anderson, Robert T.; Vodyanitskii, Yury N.; Sivtsov, Anatolii V.; Yuretich, Richard; Lovely, Derek R.

2004-01-01

The availability of Fe(III)-bearing minerals for dissimilatory Fe(III) reduction was evaluated in sediments from a petroleum-contaminated sandy aquifer near Bemidji, Minnesota (USA). First, the sediments from a contaminated area of the aquifer, in which Fe(III) reduction was the predominant terminal electron accepting process, were compared with sediments from a nearby, uncontaminated site. Data from 0.5 m HCl extraction of different size fractions of the sediments revealed that the clay size fraction contributed a significant portion of the ‘bio-available’ Fe(III) in the background sediment and was the most depleted in ‘bio-available’ Fe(III) in the iron-reducing sediment. Analytical transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the disappearance of thermodynamically unstable Fe(III) and Mn(IV) hydroxides (ferrihydrite and Fe vernadite), as well as a decrease in the abundance of goethite and lepidocrocite in the clay size fraction from the contaminated sediment. TEM observations and X-ray diffraction examination did not provide strong evidence of Fe(III)-reduction-related changes within another potential source of ‘bio-available’ Fe(III) in the clay size fraction – ferruginous phyllosilicates. However, further testing in the laboratory with sediments from the methanogenic portion of the aquifer that were depleted in microbially reducible Fe(III) revealed the potential for microbial reduction of Fe(III) associated with phyllosilicates. Addition of a clay size fraction from the uncontaminated sediment, as well as Fe(III)-coated kaolin and ferruginous nontronite SWa-1, as sources of poorly crystalline Fe(III) hydroxides and structural iron of phyllosilicates respectively, lowered steady-state hydrogen concentrations consistent with a stimulation of Fe(III) reduction in laboratory incubations of methanogenic sediments. There was no change in hydrogen concentration when non-ferruginous clays or no minerals were added. This demonstrated that Fe(III)-bearing clay size minerals were essential for microbial Fe(III) reduction and suggested that both potential sources of ‘bio-available’ Fe(III) in the clay size fraction, poorly crystalline Fe(III) hydroxides and structural Fe(III) of phyllosilicates, were important sources of electron acceptor for indigenous iron-reducing microorganisms in this aquifer.

Effects of Fragmented Fe Intermetallic Compounds on Ductility in Al-Si-Mg Alloys.

PubMed

Kim, JaeHwang; Kim, DaeHwan

2018-03-01

Fe is intentionally added in order to form the Fe intermetallic compounds (Fe-IMCs) during casting. Field emission scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) was conducted to understand microstructural changes and chemical composition analyses. The needlelike Fe-IMCs based on two dimensional observation with hundreds of micro size are modified to fragmented particles with the minimum size of 300 nm through clod rolling with 80% thickness reduction. The ratio of Fe:Si on the fragmented Fe-IMCs after 80% reduction is close to 1:1, representing the β-Al5FeSi. The yield and tensile strengths are increased with increasing reduction rate. On the other hand, the elongation is decreased with the 40% reduction, but slightly increased with the 60% reduction. The elongation is dramatically increased over two times for the specimen of 80% reduction compared with that of the as-cast. Fracture behavior is strongly affected by the morphology and size of Fe-IMCs. The fracture mode is changed from brittle to ductile with the microstructure modification of Fe-IMCs.

20. VIEW OF THE INTERIOR OF THE ADVANCED SIZE REDUCTION ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

20. VIEW OF THE INTERIOR OF THE ADVANCED SIZE REDUCTION FACILITY USED TO CUT PLUTONIUM CONTAMINATED GLOVE BOXES AND MISCELLANEOUS LARGE EQUIPMENT DOWN TO AN EASILY PACKAGED SIZE FOR DISPOSAL. ROUTINE OPERATIONS WERE PERFORMED REMOTELY, USING HOISTS, MANIPULATOR ARMS, AND GLOVE PORTS TO REDUCE BOTH INTENSITY AND TIME OF RADIATION EXPOSURE TO THE OPERATOR. (11/6/86) - Rocky Flats Plant, Plutonium Fabrication, Central section of Plant, Golden, Jefferson County, CO

Comprehensive Truck Size and Weight (TS&W) Study. Phase 1-synthesis, working paper 7 : truck costs and truck size and weight regulations

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-07-01

This report presents the Cost Benefit Analysis Test Plan for the national evaluation of the Los Angeles County Congestion Reduction Demonstration (LAC CRD) under the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Congestion Reduction Demonstra...

Comprehensive Truck Size and Weight (TS&W) Study. Phase 1-synthesis, working paper 6 : traffic operations and truck size and weight regulations

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-04-01

This report presents the Exogenous Factors Test Plan for the national evaluation of the Los Angeles County Congestion Reduction Demonstration (LAC CRD) under the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Congestion Reduction Demonstration...

Financing Class Size Reduction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Achilles, C. M.

2005-01-01

Class size reduction has been shown to, among other things, improve academic achievement for all students and particularly for low-income and minority students. With the No Child Left Behind Act's heavy emphasis on scientifically based research, adequate yearly progress, and disaggregated results, one wonders why all children aren't enrolled in…

Lean Gasoline System Development for Fuel Efficient Small Cars

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

Smith, Stuart R.

2013-11-25

The General Motors and DOE cooperative agreement program DE-EE0003379 is completed. The program has integrated and demonstrated a lean-stratified gasoline engine, a lean aftertreatment system, a 12V Stop/Start system and an Active Thermal Management system along with the necessary controls that significantly improves fuel efficiency for small cars. The fuel economy objective of an increase of 25% over a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu and the emission objective of EPA T2B2 compliance have been accomplished. A brief review of the program, summarized from the narrative is: The program accelerates development and synergistic integration of four cost competitive technologies to improve fuel economymore » of a light-duty vehicle by at least 25% while meeting Tier 2 Bin 2 emissions standards. These technologies can be broadly implemented across the U.S. light-duty vehicle product line between 2015 and 2025 and are compatible with future and renewable biofuels. The technologies in this program are: lean combustion, innovative passive selective catalyst reduction lean aftertreatment, 12V stop/start and active thermal management. The technologies will be calibrated in a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu mid-size sedan for final fuel economy demonstration.« less

Contingent valuation of fuel hazard reduction treatments

Treesearch

John B. Loomis; Armando Gonzalez-Caban

2008-01-01

This chapter presents a stated preference technique for estimating the public benefits of reducing wildfires to residents of California, Florida, and Montana from two alternative fuel reduction programs: prescribed burning, and mechanical fuels reduction. The two fuel reduction programs under study are quite relevant to people living in California, Florida, and...

The Role of Dog Population Management in Rabies Elimination—A Review of Current Approaches and Future Opportunities

PubMed Central

Taylor, Louise H.; Wallace, Ryan M.; Balaram, Deepashree; Lindenmayer, Joann M.; Eckery, Douglas C.; Mutonono-Watkiss, Beryl; Parravani, Ellie; Nel, Louis H.

2017-01-01

Free-roaming dogs and rabies transmission are integrally linked across many low-income countries, and large unmanaged dog populations can be daunting to rabies control program planners. Dog population management (DPM) is a multifaceted concept that aims to improve the health and well-being of free-roaming dogs, reduce problems they may cause, and may also aim to reduce dog population size. In theory, DPM can facilitate more effective rabies control. Community engagement focused on promoting responsible dog ownership and better veterinary care could improve the health of individual animals and dog vaccination coverage, thus reducing rabies transmission. Humane DPM tools, such as sterilization, could theoretically reduce dog population turnover and size, allowing rabies vaccination coverage to be maintained more easily. However, it is important to understand local dog populations and community attitudes toward them in order to determine whether and how DPM might contribute to rabies control and which DPM tools would be most successful. In practice, there is very limited evidence of DPM tools achieving reductions in the size or turnover of dog populations in canine rabies-endemic areas. Different DPM tools are frequently used together and combined with rabies vaccinations, but full impact assessments of DPM programs are not usually available, and therefore, evaluation of tools is difficult. Surgical sterilization is the most frequently documented tool and has successfully reduced dog population size and turnover in a few low-income settings. However, DPM programs are mostly conducted in urban settings and are usually not government funded, raising concerns about their applicability in rural settings and sustainability over time. Technical demands, costs, and the time necessary to achieve population-level impacts are major barriers. Given their potential value, we urgently need more evidence of the effectiveness of DPM tools in the context of canine rabies control. Cheaper, less labor-intensive tools for dog sterilization will be extremely valuable in realizing the potential benefits of reduced population turnover and size. No one DPM tool will fit all situations, but if DPM objectives are achieved dog populations may be stabilized or even reduced, facilitating higher dog vaccination coverages that will benefit rabies elimination efforts. PMID:28740850

Characteristics and effectiveness of diabetes self-management educational programs targeted to racial/ethnic minority groups: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression.

PubMed

Ricci-Cabello, Ignacio; Ruiz-Pérez, Isabel; Rojas-García, Antonio; Pastor, Guadalupe; Rodríguez-Barranco, Miguel; Gonçalves, Daniela C

2014-07-19

It is not clear to what extent educational programs aimed at promoting diabetes self-management in ethnic minority groups are effective. The aim of this work was to systematically review the effectiveness of educational programs to promote the self-management of racial/ethnic minority groups with type 2 diabetes, and to identify programs' characteristics associated with greater success. We undertook a systematic literature review. Specific searches were designed and implemented for Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, ISI Web of Knowledge, Scirus, Current Contents and nine additional sources (from inception to October 2012). We included experimental and quasi-experimental studies assessing the impact of educational programs targeted to racial/ethnic minority groups with type 2 diabetes. We only included interventions conducted in countries members of the OECD. Two reviewers independently screened citations. Structured forms were used to extract information on intervention characteristics, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness. When possible, we conducted random-effects meta-analyses using standardized mean differences to obtain aggregate estimates of effect size with 95% confidence intervals. Two reviewers independently extracted all the information and critically appraised the studies. We identified thirty-seven studies reporting on thirty-nine educational programs. Most of them were conducted in the US, with African American or Latino participants. Most programs obtained some benefits over standard care in improving diabetes knowledge, self-management behaviors and clinical outcomes. A meta-analysis of 20 randomized controlled trials (3,094 patients) indicated that the programs produced a reduction in glycated hemoglobin of -0.31% (95% CI -0.48% to -0.14%). Diabetes knowledge and self-management measures were too heterogeneous to pool. Meta-regressions showed larger reduction in glycated hemoglobin in individual and face to face delivered interventions, as well as in those involving peer educators, including cognitive reframing techniques, and a lower number of teaching methods. The long-term effects remain unknown and cost-effectiveness was rarely estimated. Diabetes self-management educational programs targeted to racial/ethnic minority groups can produce a positive effect on diabetes knowledge and on self-management behavior, ultimately improving glycemic control. Future programs should take into account the key characteristics identified in this review.

Development of a Low Cost 10kW Tubular SOFC Power System

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

Bessette, Norman; Litka, Anthony; Rawson, Jolyon

The DOE program funded from 2003 through early 2013 has brought the Acumentrics SOFC program from an early stage R&D program to an entry level commercial product offering. The development work started as one of the main core teams under the DOE Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA) program administered by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) of the DOE. During the first phase of the program, lasting approximately 3-4 years, a 5kW machine was designed, manufactured and tested against the specification developed by NETL. This unit was also shipped to NETL for independent verification testing which validated all ofmore » the results achieved while in the laboratory at Acumentrics. The Acumentrics unit passed all criteria established from operational stability, efficiency, and cost projections. Passing of the SECA Phase I test allowed the program to move into Phase II of the program. During this phase, the overall objective was to further refine the unit meeting a higher level of performance stability as well as further cost reductions. During the first year of this new phase, the NETL SECA program was refocused towards larger size units and operation on coal gasification due to the severe rise in natural gas prices and refocus on the US supply of indigenous coal. At this point, the program was shifted to the U.S. DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) division located in Golden, Colorado. With this shift, the focus remained on smaller power units operational on gaseous fuels for a variety of applications including micro combined heat and power (mCHP). To achieve this goal, further enhancements in power, life expectancy and reductions in cost were necessary. The past 5 years have achieved these goals with machines that can now achieve over 40% electrical efficiency and field units that have now operated for close to a year and a half with minimal maintenance. The following report details not only the first phase while under the SECA program and the key achievements but also the results while under EERE’s leadership and the transition to an early commercial product offering.« less

Can a chronic disease management pulmonary rehabilitation program for COPD reduce acute rural hospital utilization?

PubMed

Rasekaba, T M; Williams, E; Hsu-Hage, B

2009-01-01

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) imposes a costly burden on healthcare. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is the best practice to better manage COPD to improve patient outcomes and reduce acute hospital care utilization. To evaluate the impact of a once-weekly, eight-week multidisciplinary PR program as an integral part of the COPD chronic disease management (CDM) Program at Kyabram District Health Services. The study compared two cohorts of COPD patients: CDM-PR Cohort (4-8 weeks) and Opt-out Cohort (0-3 weeks) between February 2006 and March 2007. The CDM-PR Program involved multidisciplinary patient education and group exercise training. Nonparametric statistical tests were used to compare acute hospital care utilization 12 months before and after the introduction of CDM-PR. The number of patients involved in the CDM-PR Cohort was 29 (n = 29), and that in the Opt-out Cohort was 24 (n = 24). The CDM-PR Cohort showed significant reductions in cumulative acute hospital care utilization indicators (95% emergency department presentations, 95% inpatient admissions, 99% length of stay; effect sizes = 0.62-0.66, P < 0.001) 12 months after the introduction of the CDM Program; in contrast, changes in the cumulative indicators were statistically insignificant for the Opt-out Cohort (emergency department presentations decreased by 5%, inpatient admissions decreased by 12%, length of stay increased by 30%; effect size = 0.14-0.40, P > 0.05). Total costs associated with the hospital care utilization decreased from $130,000 to $7,500 for the CDM-PR Cohort and increased from $77,700 to $101,200 for the Opt-out Cohort. Participation in the CDM-PR for COPD patients can significantly reduce acute hospital care utilization and associated costs in a small rural health service.

CT breast dose reduction with the use of breast positioning and organ-based tube current modulation.

PubMed

Fu, Wanyi; Tian, Xiaoyu; Sturgeon, Gregory M; Agasthya, Greeshma; Segars, William Paul; Goodsitt, Mitchell M; Kazerooni, Ella A; Samei, Ehsan

2017-02-01

This study aimed to investigate the breast dose reduction potential of a breast-positioning (BP) technique for thoracic CT examinations with organ-based tube current modulation (OTCM). This study included 13 female anthropomorphic computational phantoms (XCAT, age range: 27-65 y.o., weight range: 52-105.8 kg). Each phantom was modified to simulate three breast sizes in standard supine geometry. The modeled breasts were then morphed to emulate BP that constrained the majority of the breast tissue inside the 120° anterior tube current (mA) reduction zone. The OTCM mA value was modeled using a ray-tracing program, which reduced the mA to 20% in the anterior region with a corresponding increase to the posterior region. The organ doses were estimated by a validated Monte Carlo program for a typical clinical CT system (SOMATOM Definition Flash, Siemens Healthcare). The simulated organ doses and organ doses normalized by CTDI vol were used to compare three CT protocols: attenuation-based tube current modulation (ATCM), OTCM, and OTCM with BP (OTCM BP ). On average, compared to ATCM, OTCM reduced breast dose by 19.3 ± 4.5%, whereas OTCM BP reduced breast dose by 38.6 ± 8.1% (an additional 23.8 ± 9.4%). The dose saving of OTCM BP was more significant for larger breasts (on average 33, 38, and 44% reduction for 0.5, 1, and 2 kg breasts, respectively). Compared to ATCM, OTCM BP also reduced thymus and heart dose by 15.1 ± 7.4% and 15.9 ± 6.2% respectively. In thoracic CT examinations, OTCM with a breast-positioning technique can markedly reduce unnecessary exposure to radiosensitive organs in anterior chest wall, specifically breast tissue. The breast dose reduction is more notable for women with larger breasts. © 2016 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

International Space Station USOS Crew Quarters Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Broyan, James Lee, Jr.; Borrego, Melissa Ann; Bahr, Juergen F.

2008-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) United States Operational Segment (USOS) currently provides a Temporary Sleep Station (TeSS) as crew quarters for one crewmember in the Laboratory Module. The Russian Segment provides permanent crew quarters (Kayutas) for two crewmembers in the Service Module. The TeSS provides limited electrical, communication, and ventilation functionality. A new permanent rack sized USOS ISS Crew Quarters (CQ) is being developed. Up to four CQs can be installed into the Node 2 element to increase the ISS crewmember size to six. The new CQs will provide private crewmember space with enhanced acoustic noise mitigation, integrated radiation reduction material, controllable airflow, communication equipment, redundant electrical systems, and redundant caution and warning systems. The rack sized CQ is a system with multiple crewmember restraints, adjustable lighting, controllable ventilation, and interfaces that allow each crewmember to personalize their CQ workspace. Providing an acoustically quiet and visually isolated environment, while ensuring crewmember safety, is critical for obtaining crewmember rest and comfort to enable long term crewmember performance. The numerous human factor, engineering, and program considerations during the concept, design, and prototyping are outlined in the paper.

Effects of behavioral stress reduction Transcendental Meditation intervention in Persons with HIV

PubMed Central

Chhatre, Sumedha; Metzger, David S.; Frank, Ian; Boyer, Jean; Thompson, Edward; Nidich, Sanford; Montaner, Luis J.; Jayadevappa, Ravishankar

2013-01-01

Stress is implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of HIV. The Transcendental Meditation is a behavioral stress reduction program that incorporates mind-body approach, and has demonstrated effectiveness in improving outcomes via stress reduction. We evaluated the feasibility of implementing Transcendental Meditation and its effects on outcomes in persons with HIV. In this community based single blinded Phase-I, randomized controlled trial, outcomes (psychological and physiological stress, immune activation, generic and HIV-specific health related quality of life, depression and quality of well-being) were assessed at baseline and at six months, and were compared using parametric and non-parametric tests. Twenty two persons with HIV were equally randomized to Transcendental Meditation intervention or healthy eating (HE) education control group. Retention was 100% in Transcendental Meditation group and 91% in healthy eating control group. The Transcendental Meditation group exhibited significant improvement in vitality. Significant between group differences were observed for generic and HIV-specific health related quality of life.. Small sample size may possibly limit the ability to observe significant differences in some outcomes. Transcendental Meditation stress reduction intervention in community dwelling adults with HIV is viable and can enhance health related quality of life. Further research with large sample and longer follow-up is needed to validate our results. PMID:23394825

Size and morphology controlled NiSe nanoparticles as efficient catalyst for the reduction reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subbarao, Udumula; Marakatti, Vijaykumar S.; Amshumali, Mungalimane K.; Loukya, B.; Singh, Dheeraj Kumar; Datta, Ranjan; Peter, Sebastian C.

2016-12-01

Facile and efficient ball milling and polyol methods were employed for the synthesis of nickel selenide (NiSe) nanoparticle. The particle size of the NiSe nanoparticle has been controlled mechanically by varying the ball size in the milling process. The role of the surfactants in the formation of various morphologies was studied. The compounds were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The efficiency of the NiSe nanoparticle as a catalyst was tested for the reduction of para-nitroaniline (PNA) to para-phenyldiamine (PPD) and para-nitrophenol (PNP) to para-aminophenol (PAP) using NaBH4 as the reducing agent. Particle size, morphology and the presence of surfactant played a crucial role in the reduction process.

Cooperative Threat Reduction: Cooperation Threat Reduction Program Liquid Propellant Disposition Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2002-09-01

This audit is one in a series of audits the Deputy Secretary of Defense requested. As part of the Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) Program, DoD agreed to assist the Russian Federation in disposing of its liquid rocket propellant. Public Law 102-228 (section 2551 NOTE, title 22, United States Code), the Soviet Nuclear Threat Reduction Act of 1991 designates DoD as the executive agent for the CTR Program. Specific objectives of the act are to destroy chemical, nuclear, and other weapons; transport, store, disable, and safeguard weapons in connection with their destruction; and establish verifiable safeguards against proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (International Security Policy), under the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, develops, coordinates, and oversees implementation of policy for the CTR Program. The CTR Directorate, Defense Threat Reduction Agency operates the program.

Long-term acclimatory response to excess excitation energy: evidence for a role of hydrogen peroxide in the regulation of photosystem II antenna size.

PubMed

Borisova-Mubarakshina, Maria M; Ivanov, Boris N; Vetoshkina, Daria V; Lubimov, Valeriy Y; Fedorchuk, Tatyana P; Naydov, Ilya A; Kozuleva, Marina A; Rudenko, Natalia N; Dall'Osto, Luca; Cazzaniga, Stefano; Bassi, Roberto

2015-12-01

Higher plants possess the ability to trigger a long-term acclimatory response to different environmental light conditions through the regulation of the light-harvesting antenna size of photosystem II. The present study provides an insight into the molecular nature of the signal which initiates the high light-mediated response of a reduction in antenna size. Using barley (Hordeum vulgare) plants, it is shown (i) that the light-harvesting antenna size is not reduced in high light with a low hydrogen peroxide content in the leaves; and (ii) that a decrease in the antenna size is observed in low light in the presence of an elevated concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the leaves. In particular, it has been demonstrated that the ability to reduce the antenna size of photosystem II in high light is restricted to photosynthetic apparatus with a reduced level of the plastoquinone pool and with a low hydrogen peroxide content. Conversely, the reduction of antenna size in low light is induced in photosynthetic apparatus possessing elevated hydrogen peroxide even when the reduction level of the plastoquinone pool is low. Hydrogen peroxide affects the relative abundance of the antenna proteins that modulate the antenna size of photosystem II through a down-regulation of the corresponding lhcb mRNA levels. This work shows that hydrogen peroxide contributes to triggering the photosynthetic apparatus response for the reduction of the antenna size of photosystem II by being the molecular signal for the long-term acclimation of plants to high light. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

High-yield fabrication and properties of 1.4 nm nanodiamonds with narrow size distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stehlik, Stepan; Varga, Marian; Ledinsky, Martin; Miliaieva, Daria; Kozak, Halyna; Skakalova, Viera; Mangler, Clemens; Pennycook, Timothy J.; Meyer, Jannik C.; Kromka, Alexander; Rezek, Bohuslav

2016-12-01

Detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) with a typical size of 5 nm have attracted broad interest in science and technology. Further size reduction of DNDs would bring these nanoparticles to the molecular-size level and open new prospects for research and applications in various fields, ranging from quantum physics to biomedicine. Here we show a controllable size reduction of the DND mean size down to 1.4 nm without significant particle loss and with additional disintegration of DND core agglutinates by air annealing, leading to a significantly narrowed size distribution (±0.7 nm). This process is scalable to large quantities. Such molecular-sized DNDs keep their diamond structure and characteristic DND features as shown by Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, STEM and EELS. The size of 1 nm is identified as a limit, below which the DNDs become amorphous.

High-yield fabrication and properties of 1.4 nm nanodiamonds with narrow size distribution

PubMed Central

Stehlik, Stepan; Varga, Marian; Ledinsky, Martin; Miliaieva, Daria; Kozak, Halyna; Skakalova, Viera; Mangler, Clemens; Pennycook, Timothy J.; Meyer, Jannik C.; Kromka, Alexander; Rezek, Bohuslav

2016-01-01

Detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) with a typical size of 5 nm have attracted broad interest in science and technology. Further size reduction of DNDs would bring these nanoparticles to the molecular-size level and open new prospects for research and applications in various fields, ranging from quantum physics to biomedicine. Here we show a controllable size reduction of the DND mean size down to 1.4 nm without significant particle loss and with additional disintegration of DND core agglutinates by air annealing, leading to a significantly narrowed size distribution (±0.7 nm). This process is scalable to large quantities. Such molecular-sized DNDs keep their diamond structure and characteristic DND features as shown by Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, STEM and EELS. The size of 1 nm is identified as a limit, below which the DNDs become amorphous. PMID:27910924

High-yield fabrication and properties of 1.4 nm nanodiamonds with narrow size distribution.

PubMed

Stehlik, Stepan; Varga, Marian; Ledinsky, Martin; Miliaieva, Daria; Kozak, Halyna; Skakalova, Viera; Mangler, Clemens; Pennycook, Timothy J; Meyer, Jannik C; Kromka, Alexander; Rezek, Bohuslav

2016-12-02

Detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) with a typical size of 5 nm have attracted broad interest in science and technology. Further size reduction of DNDs would bring these nanoparticles to the molecular-size level and open new prospects for research and applications in various fields, ranging from quantum physics to biomedicine. Here we show a controllable size reduction of the DND mean size down to 1.4 nm without significant particle loss and with additional disintegration of DND core agglutinates by air annealing, leading to a significantly narrowed size distribution (±0.7 nm). This process is scalable to large quantities. Such molecular-sized DNDs keep their diamond structure and characteristic DND features as shown by Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, STEM and EELS. The size of 1 nm is identified as a limit, below which the DNDs become amorphous.

Genetic Gain and Inbreeding from Genomic Selection in a Simulated Commercial Breeding Program for Perennial Ryegrass.

PubMed

Lin, Zibei; Cogan, Noel O I; Pembleton, Luke W; Spangenberg, German C; Forster, John W; Hayes, Ben J; Daetwyler, Hans D

2016-03-01

Genomic selection (GS) provides an attractive option for accelerating genetic gain in perennial ryegrass () improvement given the long cycle times of most current breeding programs. The present study used simulation to investigate the level of genetic gain and inbreeding obtained from GS breeding strategies compared with traditional breeding strategies for key traits (persistency, yield, and flowering time). Base population genomes were simulated through random mating for 60,000 generations at an effective population size of 10,000. The degree of linkage disequilibrium (LD) in the resulting population was compared with that obtained from empirical studies. Initial parental varieties were simulated to match diversity of current commercial cultivars. Genomic selection was designed to fit into a company breeding program at two selection points in the breeding cycle (spaced plants and miniplot). Genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) for productivity traits were trained with phenotypes and genotypes from plots. Accuracy of GEBVs was 0.24 for persistency and 0.36 for yield for single plants, while for plots it was lower (0.17 and 0.19, respectively). Higher accuracy of GEBVs was obtained for flowering time (up to 0.7), partially as a result of the larger reference population size that was available from the clonal row stage. The availability of GEBVs permit a 4-yr reduction in cycle time, which led to at least a doubling and trebling genetic gain for persistency and yield, respectively, than the traditional program. However, a higher rate of inbreeding per cycle among varieties was also observed for the GS strategy. Copyright © 2016 Crop Science Society of America.

Quality of Life and Compassion Satisfaction in Clinicians: A Pilot Intervention Study for Reducing Compassion Fatigue.

PubMed

Klein, Colleen J; Riggenbach-Hays, Jami J; Sollenberger, Laura M; Harney, Diane M; McGarvey, Jeremy S

2018-06-01

Compassion fatigue (CF) is prevalent in healthcare professionals, particularly in those caring for chronic, acutely ill, and/or those patients who might be moving toward comfort care. Over time, CF can lead to burnout (BO) and secondary traumatic stress and an overall decrease in professional quality of life. In this pilot study, participants completed a resiliency program focused on education about CF and self-awareness of its individualized impact and were expected to develop ongoing self-care practices to prevent/address the untoward effects. Healthcare professionals ( N = 15) participated in a formalized educational program consisting of three 90-minute educational sessions held 2 weeks apart. Preassessment and postintervention data were collected electronically in survey format. A postprogram evaluation was also offered. Upon completion of the program, participants noted an increase in compassion satisfaction (CS) and a small reduction in BO. Secondary traumatic stress remained unchanged. Feedback about the program was positive, and participants reported the impact on their clinical practice and life to be moderately high. At 6 months, over half of the participants continued to report positive impact on their personal/professional lives. While the small sample size of this pilot study limits the generalizability of the findings, there were positive effects for CS and BO in participants over time, indicating possible benefits of providing self-care education to healthcare providers. Additional research with a larger sample size is needed to address how healthcare providers might further benefit from resiliency education and interventions to improve professional quality of life.

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

Wiser, Ryan; Barbose, Galen; Heeter, Jenny

This analysis is the first-ever comprehensive assessment of the benefits and impacts of state renewable portfolio standards (RPSs). This joint National Renewable Energy Laboratory-Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory project provides a retrospective analysis of RPS program benefits and impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions reductions, air pollution emission reductions, water use reductions, gross jobs and economic development impacts, wholesale electricity price reduction impacts, and natural gas price reduction impacts. Wherever possible, benefits and impacts are quantified in monetary terms. The paper will inform state policymakers, RPS program administrators, industry, and others about the costs and benefits of state RPS programs. In particular,more » the work seeks to inform decision-making surrounding ongoing legislative proposals to scale back, freeze, or expand existing RPS programs, as well as future discussions about increasing RPS targets or otherwise increasing renewable energy associated with Clean Power Plan compliance or other emission-reduction goals.« less

Retrospective Analysis of the Benefits and Impacts of U.S. Renewable Portfolio Standards

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

Wiser, Ryan; Barbose, Galen; Heeter, Jenny

This analysis is the first-ever comprehensive assessment of the benefits and impacts of state renewable portfolio standards (RPSs). This joint National Renewable Energy Laboratory-Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory project provides a retrospective analysis of RPS program benefits and impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions reductions, air pollution emission reductions, water use reductions, gross jobs and economic development impacts, wholesale electricity price reduction impacts, and natural gas price reduction impacts. Wherever possible, benefits and impacts are quantified in monetary terms. The paper will inform state policymakers, RPS program administrators, industry, and others about the costs and benefits of state RPS programs. In particular,more » the work seeks to inform decision-making surrounding ongoing legislative proposals to scale back, freeze, or expand existing RPS programs, as well as future discussions about increasing RPS targets or otherwise increasing renewable energy associated with Clean Power Plan compliance or other emission-reduction goals.« less

Egg size and laying order of snowy egrets, great egrets, and black-crowned night-herons

USGS Publications Warehouse

Custer, T.W.; Frederick, P.C.

1990-01-01

The nesting biology of the family Ardeidae (bitterns, herons, and egrets) has been intensively studied (e.g., Owen 1960, Milstein et al. 1970, Werschkul 1979), but egg size in relation to laying order bas not received attention. The last egg laid in gull and tern clutches is generally smaller than preceding eggs (e.g., Parsons 1970, Nisbet 1978). The relative size of the final egg in a clutch decreases with increased body size among bird species and this relationship may be correlated with an increased brood-reduction strategy (Slagsvold et al. 1984). Relative egg size could be an important component to brood reduction, because egg size can affect subsequent survival of young (Parsons 1970, Nisbet 1978, Lundberg and Vaisanen 1979).

Reduction-responsive PEtOz-SS-PCL micelle with tailored size to overcome blood-brain barrier and enhance doxorubicin antiglioma effect.

PubMed

Li, Yuling; Baiyang, Li; Leran, Bu; Zhen, Wang; Yandong, Xie; Baixiang, Du; Dandan, Zhu; Yufu, Zhu; Jun, Liang; Rutong, Yu; Hongmei, Liu

2017-11-01

A series of novel reduction-responsive micelles with tailored size were designed and prepared to release doxorubicin (DOX) for treating glioma, which were developed based on amphiphilic block copolymer poly (2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-b-poly (ε-caprolactone) (PEtOz-SS-PCL) and the micelle size could be regulated by designing the polymer structure. The DOX-loaded PEtOz-SS-PCL micelles had small size and rapid drug release in reductive intracellular environments. Biodistribution and in vivo imaging studies in C6 glioma mice tumor model showed that DOX loaded PEtOz-SS-PCL43 micelles with the smallest size had superior accumulation and fast drug release in tumor sites. In vivo antitumor activity demonstrated that DOX-loaded PEtOz-SS-PCL43 micelles improved antitumor efficacy in contrast to PEtOz-SS-PCL micelles with larger size toward the orthotopic C6-Luci cells-bearing mice. This study shows great potential in tailoring the micelle size and introducing the responsive bonds or compartment for intracellular drug delivery and release in glioma treatment by designing the architecture of the polymer.

Size and morphology controlled NiSe nanoparticles as efficient catalyst for the reduction reactions

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

Subbarao, Udumula; Marakatti, Vijaykumar S.; Amshumali, Mungalimane K.

Facile and efficient ball milling and polyol methods were employed for the synthesis of nickel selenide (NiSe) nanoparticle. The particle size of the NiSe nanoparticle has been controlled mechanically by varying the ball size in the milling process. The role of the surfactants in the formation of various morphologies was studied. The compounds were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The efficiency of the NiSe nanoparticle as a catalyst was tested for the reduction of para-nitroaniline (PNA) to para-phenyldiamine (PPD) and para-nitrophenol (PNP) to para-aminophenol (PAP)more » using NaBH{sub 4} as the reducing agent. Particle size, morphology and the presence of surfactant played a crucial role in the reduction process. - Graphical abstract: NiSe nanoparticles in different size and morphology were synthesized using facile ball milling and polyol methods. Particle size, morphology and the presence of surfactant in these materials played a crucial role in the hydrogenation of PNA and PNP. - Highlights: • NiSe nanoparticles synthesized using ball milling and solution phase methods. • NiSe nanoparticle is an efficient catalyst for the reduction of PNA and PNP. • NiSe is found to be better than the best reported noble metal catalysts.« less

Space Station Freedom solar array design development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Winslow, Cindy; Bilger, Kevin; Baraona, Cosmo

1989-01-01

The Space Station Freedom solar array program is required to provide a 75-kW power module that uses eight solar array (SA) wings over a four-year period in low earth orbit (LEO). Each wing will be capable of providing 23.4 kW at the 4-yr design point. The design of flexible-substrate SAs that must survive exposure to the space environment, including atomic oxygen, for an operating life of fifteen years is discussed. The tradeoff study and development areas being investigated include solar cell module size, solar cell weld pads, panel stiffener frames, materials inherently resistant to atomic oxygen, and weight reduction design alternatives.

A coded tracking telemetry system

USGS Publications Warehouse

Howey, P.W.; Seegar, W.S.; Fuller, M.R.; Titus, K.; Amlaner, Charles J.

1989-01-01

We describe the general characteristics of an automated radio telemetry system designed to operate for prolonged periods on a single frequency. Each transmitter sends a unique coded signal to a receiving system that encodes and records only the appropriater, pre-programmed codes. A record of the time of each reception is stored on diskettes in a micro-computer. This system enables continuous monitoring of infrequent signals (e.g. one per minute or one per hour), thus extending operation life or allowing size reduction of the transmitter, compared to conventional wildlife telemetry. Furthermore, when using unique codes transmitted on a single frequency, biologists can monitor many individuals without exceeding the radio frequency allocations for wildlife.

Synthesis and Hydrodeoxygenation Properties of Ruthenium Phosphide Catalysts

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

Bowker, Richard H.; Smith, Mica C.; Pease, Melissa

2011-07-01

Ru2P/SiO2 and RuP/SiO2 catalysts were prepared by the temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) of uncalcined precursors containing hypophosphite ion (H2PO2-) as the phosphorus source. The Ru2P/SiO2 and RuP/SiO2 catalysts had small average particle sizes (~4 nm) and high CO chemisorption capacities (90-110 umol/g). The Ru phosphide catalysts exhibited similar or higher furan (C4H4O) hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) activities than did a Ru/SiO2 catalyst, and the phosphide catalysts favored C4 hydrocarbon products while the Ru metal catalyst produced primarily C3 hydrocarbons.

Eye growth and myopia development: Unifying theory and Matlab model.

PubMed

Hung, George K; Mahadas, Kausalendra; Mohammad, Faisal

2016-03-01

The aim of this article is to present an updated unifying theory of the mechanisms underlying eye growth and myopia development. A series of model simulation programs were developed to illustrate the mechanism of eye growth regulation and myopia development. Two fundamental processes are presumed to govern the relationship between physiological optics and eye growth: genetically pre-programmed signaling and blur feedback. Cornea/lens is considered to have only a genetically pre-programmed component, whereas eye growth is considered to have both a genetically pre-programmed and a blur feedback component. Moreover, based on the Incremental Retinal-Defocus Theory (IRDT), the rate of change of blur size provides the direction for blur-driven regulation. The various factors affecting eye growth are shown in 5 simulations: (1 - unregulated eye growth): blur feedback is rendered ineffective, as in the case of form deprivation, so there is only genetically pre-programmed eye growth, generally resulting in myopia; (2 - regulated eye growth): blur feedback regulation demonstrates the emmetropization process, with abnormally excessive or reduced eye growth leading to myopia and hyperopia, respectively; (3 - repeated near-far viewing): simulation of large-to-small change in blur size as seen in the accommodative stimulus/response function, and via IRDT as well as nearwork-induced transient myopia (NITM), leading to the development of myopia; (4 - neurochemical bulk flow and diffusion): release of dopamine from the inner plexiform layer of the retina, and the subsequent diffusion and relay of neurochemical cascade show that a decrease in dopamine results in a reduction of proteoglycan synthesis rate, which leads to myopia; (5 - Simulink model): model of genetically pre-programmed signaling and blur feedback components that allows for different input functions to simulate experimental manipulations that result in hyperopia, emmetropia, and myopia. These model simulation programs (available upon request) can provide a useful tutorial for the general scientist and serve as a quantitative tool for researchers in eye growth and myopia. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program; time to expand

USGS Publications Warehouse

Steinbrugge, K.V.

1990-01-01

All of us in earthquake engineering, seismology, and many related disciplines have been directly or indirectly affected by the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP). This program was the result of the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-124). With well over a decade of experience, should this expression of public policy now take a different or expanded role? 

Mind magic: a pilot study of preventive mind-body-based stress reduction in behaviorally inhibited and activated children.

PubMed

Jellesma, Francine C; Cornelis, Janine

2012-03-01

The aim of this pilot study was to examine a mind-body-based preventive intervention program and to determine relationships between children's behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and behavioral activation system, stress, and stress reduction after the program. Children participated in the program (n=30) or in a control condition (n=24). They filled out questionnaires before and after the program and reported their levels of stress before and after each of the five sessions. The program consisted of weekly sessions. Each session incorporated yoga postures, visualization, and social exercises. Breathing techniques were integrated. Stress reductions were only seen in the intervention group and mainly in children with high BIS--irrespective of their behavioral activation system. The results demonstrate that children with high BIS may benefit from a mind-body-based stress reduction program.

Assessing the impact of harm reduction programs on law enforcement in Southeast Asia: a description of a regional research methodology.

PubMed

Thomson, Nick; Moore, Tim; Crofts, Nick

2012-07-09

For over 15 years the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) has been a leading donor for harm reduction projects in Southeast Asia. The recent AusAID-supported harm reduction projects of greatest significance have included the Asia Regional HIV/AIDS Project (AHRP), from 2002 until 2007,1 and the HIV/AIDS Asia Regional Program (HAARP), from 2007 until 2015.2 Both projects included in their design specific strategies for engaging with law enforcement agencies at country level. The main focus of these strategies has been to develop law enforcement harm reduction policy and curriculum, and the design and implementation of specific harm reduction training for law enforcement officers.In July 2008, the Australian Development Research Awards (ADRA) funded the Nossal Institute for Global Health at the University of Melbourne to establish a research project created to assess the influence of harm reduction programs on the policy and operational practices of law enforcement agencies in Southeast Asia, known as the LEHRN Project (Law Enforcement, Harm Reduction, Nossal Institute Project). The ADRA is a unique grant research mechanism that specifically funds development research to improve the understanding and informed decision making of the implementation of Australian aid effectiveness.While the need to engage law enforcement when establishing harm reduction programs was well documented, little was known about the impact or influence of harm reduction programs on policy and practices of law enforcement agencies. The LEHRN Project provided the opportunity to assess the impact of harm reduction programs on law enforcement in Southeast Asia, with a focus on Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao PDR.

Assessing the impact of harm reduction programs on law enforcement in Southeast Asia: a description of a regional research methodology

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

For over 15 years the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) has been a leading donor for harm reduction projects in Southeast Asia. The recent AusAID-supported harm reduction projects of greatest significance have included the Asia Regional HIV/AIDS Project (AHRP), from 2002 until 2007,1 and the HIV/AIDS Asia Regional Program (HAARP), from 2007 until 2015.2 Both projects included in their design specific strategies for engaging with law enforcement agencies at country level. The main focus of these strategies has been to develop law enforcement harm reduction policy and curriculum, and the design and implementation of specific harm reduction training for law enforcement officers. In July 2008, the Australian Development Research Awards (ADRA) funded the Nossal Institute for Global Health at the University of Melbourne to establish a research project created to assess the influence of harm reduction programs on the policy and operational practices of law enforcement agencies in Southeast Asia, known as the LEHRN Project (Law Enforcement, Harm Reduction, Nossal Institute Project). The ADRA is a unique grant research mechanism that specifically funds development research to improve the understanding and informed decision making of the implementation of Australian aid effectiveness. While the need to engage law enforcement when establishing harm reduction programs was well documented, little was known about the impact or influence of harm reduction programs on policy and practices of law enforcement agencies. The LEHRN Project provided the opportunity to assess the impact of harm reduction programs on law enforcement in Southeast Asia, with a focus on Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao PDR. PMID:22769050

Computer programs for computing particle-size statistics of fluvial sediments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stevens, H.H.; Hubbell, D.W.

1986-01-01

Two versions of computer programs for inputing data and computing particle-size statistics of fluvial sediments are presented. The FORTRAN 77 language versions are for use on the Prime computer, and the BASIC language versions are for use on microcomputers. The size-statistics program compute Inman, Trask , and Folk statistical parameters from phi values and sizes determined for 10 specified percent-finer values from inputed size and percent-finer data. The program also determines the percentage gravel, sand, silt, and clay, and the Meyer-Peter effective diameter. Documentation and listings for both versions of the programs are included. (Author 's abstract)

Class Size Reduction or Rapid Formative Assessment?: A Comparison of Cost-Effectiveness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yeh, Stuart S.

2009-01-01

The cost-effectiveness of class size reduction (CSR) was compared with the cost-effectiveness of rapid formative assessment, a promising alternative for raising student achievement. Drawing upon existing meta-analyses of the effects of student-teacher ratio, evaluations of CSR in Tennessee, California, and Wisconsin, and RAND cost estimates, CSR…

Early Implementation of the Class Size Reduction Initiative.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Illig, David C.

A survey of school districts was conducted to determine the initial progress and problems associated with the 1997 Class Size Reduction (CSR) Initiative. Data reveal that most school districts had enough space for smaller classes for at least two grade levels; small school districts were much less likely to report space constraints. The CSR did…

Oil sorption by lignocellulosic fibers

Treesearch

Beom-Goo Lee; James S. Han; Roger M. Rowell

1999-01-01

The oil sorption capacities of cotton fiber, kenaf bast fiber, kenaf core fiber, and moss fiber were compared after refining, extraction, and reduction in particle sizes. The tests were conducted on diesel oil in a pure form. Cotton fiber showed the highest capacity, followed by kenaf core and bast fibers. Wetting, extraction, and reduction in particle size all...

Woody biomass pretreatment for cellulosic ethanol production : technology and energy consumption evaluation

Treesearch

Junyong Zhu; X.J. Pan

2010-01-01

This review presents a comprehensive discussion of the key technical issues in woody biomass pretreatment: barriers to efficient cellulose saccharification, pretreatment energy consumption, in particular energy consumed for wood-size reduction, and criteria to evaluate the performance of a pretreatment. A post-chemical pretreatment size-reduction approach is proposed...

The False Promise of Class-Size Reduction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chingos, Matthew M.

2011-01-01

Class-size reduction, or CSR, is enormously popular with parents, teachers, and the public in general. Many parents believe that their children will benefit from more individualized attention in a smaller class and many teachers find smaller classes easier to manage. The pupil-teacher ratio is an easy statistic for the public to monitor as a…

Wilderness adventure therapy effects on the mental health of youth participants.

PubMed

Bowen, Daniel J; Neill, James T; Crisp, Simon J R

2016-10-01

Adventure therapy offers a prevention, early intervention, and treatment modality for people with behavioural, psychological, and psychosocial issues. It can appeal to youth-at-risk who are often less responsive to traditional psychotherapeutic interventions. This study evaluated Wilderness Adventure Therapy (WAT) outcomes based on participants' pre-program, post-program, and follow-up responses to self-report questionnaires. The sample consisted of 36 adolescent out-patients with mixed mental health issues who completed a 10-week, manualised WAT intervention. The overall short-term standardised mean effect size was small, positive, and statistically significant (0.26), with moderate, statistically significant improvements in psychological resilience and social self-esteem. Total short-term effects were within age-based adventure therapy meta-analytic benchmark 90% confidence intervals, except for the change in suicidality which was lower than the comparable benchmark. The short-term changes were retained at the three-month follow-up, except for family functioning (significant reduction) and suicidality (significant improvement). For participants in clinical ranges pre-program, there was a large, statistically significant reduction in depressive symptomology, and large to very large, statistically significant improvements in behavioural and emotional functioning. These changes were retained at the three-month follow-up. These findings indicate that WAT is as effective as traditional psychotherapy techniques for clinically symptomatic people. Future research utilising a comparison or wait-list control group, multiple sources of data, and a larger sample, could help to qualify and extend these findings. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Group cognitive behavior therapy for Japanese patients with social anxiety disorder: preliminary outcomes and their predictors

PubMed Central

Chen, Junwen; Nakano, Yumi; Ietzugu, Tetsuji; Ogawa, Sei; Funayama, Tadashi; Watanabe, Norio; Noda, Yumiko; Furukawa, Toshi A

2007-01-01

Background A number of studies have provided strong evidence for the use of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) in the treatment of social anxiety disorder (SAD). However, all of the previous reports were from Europe and North America and it is unknown whether Western psychological therapies are effective for SAD in non-Western cultures. The present pilot study aimed to evaluate CBT program for SAD which was originally developed for Western patients, among Japanese patients. Methods Fifty-seven outpatients who participated in group CBT for SAD were evaluated using eight self-reported and one clinician-administered questionnaires to measure various aspects of SAD symptomatology at the beginning and at the end of the program. Pre- and post-treatment scores were compared and the magnitude of treatment effect was quantified as well based once on the intention-to-treat (ITT) and once among the completers only. We also examined baseline predictors of the CBT outcomes. Results Seven patients (12%) did not complete the program. For the ITT sample, the percentage of reduction was 20% to 30% and the pre to post treatment effect sizes ranged from 0.37 to 1.01. Among the completers, the respective figures were 20% to 33% and 0.41 to 1.19. We found no significant pretreatment predictor of the outcomes. Conclusion Group CBT for SAD is acceptable and can bring about a similar degree of symptom reduction among Japanese patients with SAD as among Western patients. PMID:18067685

COSMIC: Software catalog 1991 edition diskette format

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

The PC edition of the annual COSMIC Software contains descriptions of the over 1,200 computer programs available for use within the United States as of January 1, 1991. By using the PC version of the catalog, it is possible to conduct extensive searches of the software inventory for programs that meet specific criteria. Elements such as program keywords, hardware specifications, source code languages, and title acronyms can be used for the basis of such searches. After isolating those programs that might be of best interest to the user, it is then possible to either view at the monitor, or generate a hardcopy listing of all information on those packages. In addition to the program elements that the user can search on, information such as total program size, distribution media, and program price, as well as extensive abstracts on the program, are also available to the user at this time. Another useful feature of the catalog allows for the retention of programs that meet certain search criteria between individual sessions of using the catalog. This allows users to save the information on those programs that are of interest to them in different areas of application. They can then recall a specific collection of programs for information retrieval or further search reduction if desired. In addition, this version of the catalog is adaptable to a network/shared resource environment, allowing multiple users access to a single copy of the catalog database simultaneously.

Ka-band MMIC subarray technology program (Ka-Mist)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pottenger, Warren

1995-01-01

The broad objective of this program was to demonstrate a proof of concept insertion of Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) device technology into an innovative (tile architecture) active phased array antenna application supporting advanced EHF communication systems. Ka-band MMIC arrays have long been considered as having high potential for increasing the capability of space, aircraft, and land mobile communication systems in terms of scan performance, data rate, link margin, and flexibility while offering a significant reduction in size, weight, and power consumption. Insertion of MMIC technology into antenna systems, particularly at millimeter wave frequencies using low power and low noise amplifiers in close proximity to the radiating elements, offers a significant improvement in the array transmit efficiency, receive system noise figure, and overall array reliability. Application of active array technology also leads to the use of advanced beamforming techniques that can improve beam agility, diversity, and adaptivity to complex signal environments.

Solving large-scale fixed cost integer linear programming models for grid-based location problems with heuristic techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noor-E-Alam, Md.; Doucette, John

2015-08-01

Grid-based location problems (GBLPs) can be used to solve location problems in business, engineering, resource exploitation, and even in the field of medical sciences. To solve these decision problems, an integer linear programming (ILP) model is designed and developed to provide the optimal solution for GBLPs considering fixed cost criteria. Preliminary results show that the ILP model is efficient in solving small to moderate-sized problems. However, this ILP model becomes intractable in solving large-scale instances. Therefore, a decomposition heuristic is proposed to solve these large-scale GBLPs, which demonstrates significant reduction of solution runtimes. To benchmark the proposed heuristic, results are compared with the exact solution via ILP. The experimental results show that the proposed method significantly outperforms the exact method in runtime with minimal (and in most cases, no) loss of optimality.

Short-Term-Effectiveness of a Relationship Education Program for Distressed Military Couples, in the Context of Foreign Assignments for the German Armed Forces. Preliminary Findings From a Randomized Controlled Study.

PubMed

Kröger, Christoph; Kliem, Sören; Zimmermann, Peter; Kowalski, Jens

2018-04-01

This study examines the short-term effectiveness of a relationship education program designed for military couples. Distressed couples were randomly placed in either a wait-list control group or an intervention group. We conducted training sessions before a 3-month foreign assignment, and refresher courses approximately 6-week post-assignment. We analyzed the dyadic data of 32 couples, using hierarchical linear modeling in a two-level model. Reduction in unresolved conflicts was found in the intervention group, with large pre-post effects for both partners. Relationship satisfaction scores were improved, with moderate-to-large effects only for soldiers, rather than their partners. Post-follow-up effect sizes suggested further improvement in the intervention group. Future research should examine the long-term effectiveness of this treatment. © 2017 American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Effect of Study Design on Sample Size in Studies Intended to Evaluate Bioequivalence of Inhaled Short‐Acting β‐Agonist Formulations

PubMed Central

Zeng, Yaohui; Singh, Sachinkumar; Wang, Kai

2017-01-01

Abstract Pharmacodynamic studies that use methacholine challenge to assess bioequivalence of generic and innovator albuterol formulations are generally designed per published Food and Drug Administration guidance, with 3 reference doses and 1 test dose (3‐by‐1 design). These studies are challenging and expensive to conduct, typically requiring large sample sizes. We proposed 14 modified study designs as alternatives to the Food and Drug Administration–recommended 3‐by‐1 design, hypothesizing that adding reference and/or test doses would reduce sample size and cost. We used Monte Carlo simulation to estimate sample size. Simulation inputs were selected based on published studies and our own experience with this type of trial. We also estimated effects of these modified study designs on study cost. Most of these altered designs reduced sample size and cost relative to the 3‐by‐1 design, some decreasing cost by more than 40%. The most effective single study dose to add was 180 μg of test formulation, which resulted in an estimated 30% relative cost reduction. Adding a single test dose of 90 μg was less effective, producing only a 13% cost reduction. Adding a lone reference dose of either 180, 270, or 360 μg yielded little benefit (less than 10% cost reduction), whereas adding 720 μg resulted in a 19% cost reduction. Of the 14 study design modifications we evaluated, the most effective was addition of both a 90‐μg test dose and a 720‐μg reference dose (42% cost reduction). Combining a 180‐μg test dose and a 720‐μg reference dose produced an estimated 36% cost reduction. PMID:29281130

Facing Your Fears in Adolescence: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders and Anxiety

PubMed Central

Reaven, Judy; Blakeley-Smith, Audrey; Leuthe, Eileen; Moody, Eric; Hepburn, Susan

2012-01-01

Adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are at high risk for developing psychiatric symptoms, with anxiety disorders among the most commonly cooccurring. Cognitive behavior therapies (CBTs) are considered the best practice for treating anxiety in the general population. Modified CBT approaches for youth with high-functioning ASD and anxiety have resulted in significant reductions in anxiety following intervention. The purpose of the present study was to develop an intervention for treating anxiety in adolescents with ASD based on a CBT program designed for school-aged children. The Facing Your Fears-Adolescent Version (FYF-A) program was developed; feasibility and acceptability data were obtained, along with initial efficacy of the intervention. Twenty-four adolescents, aged 13–18, completed the FYF-A intervention. Results indicated significant reductions in anxiety severity and interference posttreatment, with low rates of anxiety maintained at 3-month follow-up. In addition, nearly 46% of teen participants met criteria for a positive treatment response on primary diagnosis following the intervention. Initial findings from the current study are encouraging and suggest that modified group CBT for adolescents with high-functioning ASD may be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms. Limitations include small sample size and lack of control group. Future directions are discussed. PMID:23091719

Graduated driver licensing programs and fatal crashes of 16-year-old drivers: a national evaluation.

PubMed

Chen, Li-Hui; Baker, Susan P; Li, Guohua

2006-07-01

Implementation of graduated driver licensing programs is associated with reductions in crash rates of young drivers, but graduated driver licensing programs vary in their components. The impact of programs with different components is unknown. The purpose of this work was to determine which graduated driver licensing programs are associated with the greatest reductions in fatal motor vehicle crashes involving 16-year-old drivers. We conducted a retrospective study of all 16-year-old drivers involved in fatal crashes in the United States from 1994 through 2004 using data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System and the US Census Bureau. We measured incidence rate ratios of fatal motor vehicle crashes involving 16-year-old drivers according to graduated driver licensing programs, adjusted for state and year. Compared with state quarters with no graduated driver licensing program components, reductions of 16% to 21% in fatal crash involvement rates of 16-year-old drivers occurred with programs that included > or = 3-month mandatory waiting period, nighttime driving restriction, and either > or = 30 hours of supervised driving or passenger restriction. Reductions of 18% to 21% occurred in state quarters with programs that included > or = 5 of the 7 components examined. Drivers aged 20 to 24 or 25 to 29 years did not experience significant reductions. Comprehensive graduated driver licensing programs are associated with reductions of approximately 20% in 16-year-old drivers' fatal crash involvement rates. The greatest benefit seems to be associated with programs that include age requirements and > or = 3 months of waiting before the intermediate stage, nighttime driving restriction, and either > or = 30 hours of supervised driving or passenger restriction.

Poverty Reduction in Zambia: A Conceptual Analysis of the Zambian Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Imboela, Bruce Lubinda

2005-01-01

Poverty reduction strategy papers (PRSPs) present a recipient country's program of intent for the utilization of World Bank loans and grants to alleviate debt under the bank's programs of action for poverty reduction in highly indebted poor countries (HIPCs). This article argues that structural transformation is a prerequisite for poverty…

Particle size reduction to the nanometer range: a promising approach to improve buccal absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs

PubMed Central

Rao, Shasha; Song, Yunmei; Peddie, Frank; Evans, Allan M

2011-01-01

Poorly water-soluble drugs, such as phenylephrine, offer challenging problems for buccal drug delivery. In order to overcome these problems, particle size reduction (to the nanometer range) and cyclodextrin complexation were investigated for permeability enhancement. The apparent solubility in water and the buccal permeation of the original phenylephrine coarse powder, a phenylephrine–cyclodextrin complex and phenylephrine nanosuspensions were characterized. The particle size and particle surface properties of phenylephrine nanosuspensions were used to optimize the size reduction process. The optimized phenylephrine nanosuspension was then freeze dried and incorporated into a multi-layered buccal patch, consisting of a small tablet adhered to a mucoadhesive film, yielding a phenylephrine buccal product with good dosage accuracy and improved mucosal permeability. The design of the buccal patch allows for drug incorporation without the need to change the mucoadhesive component, and is potentially suited to a range of poorly water-soluble compounds. PMID:21753876

Particle size reduction to the nanometer range: a promising approach to improve buccal absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs.

PubMed

Rao, Shasha; Song, Yunmei; Peddie, Frank; Evans, Allan M

2011-01-01

Poorly water-soluble drugs, such as phenylephrine, offer challenging problems for buccal drug delivery. In order to overcome these problems, particle size reduction (to the nanometer range) and cyclodextrin complexation were investigated for permeability enhancement. The apparent solubility in water and the buccal permeation of the original phenylephrine coarse powder, a phenylephrine-cyclodextrin complex and phenylephrine nanosuspensions were characterized. The particle size and particle surface properties of phenylephrine nanosuspensions were used to optimize the size reduction process. The optimized phenylephrine nanosuspension was then freeze dried and incorporated into a multi-layered buccal patch, consisting of a small tablet adhered to a mucoadhesive film, yielding a phenylephrine buccal product with good dosage accuracy and improved mucosal permeability. The design of the buccal patch allows for drug incorporation without the need to change the mucoadhesive component, and is potentially suited to a range of poorly water-soluble compounds.

WASTE REDUCTION OF TECHNOLOGY EVALUATIONS OF THE U.S. EPA WRITE PROGRAM

EPA Science Inventory

The Waste Reduction Innovative Technology Evaluation (WRITE)Program was established in 1989 to provide objective, accurate performance and cost data about waste reducing technologies for a variety of industrial and commercial application. EPA's Risk Reduction Engineering Laborato...

Size Reduction Techniques for Large Scale Permanent Magnet Generators in Wind Turbines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khazdozian, Helena; Hadimani, Ravi; Jiles, David

2015-03-01

Increased wind penetration is necessary to reduce U.S. dependence on fossil fuels, combat climate change and increase national energy security. The U.S Department of Energy has recommended large scale and offshore wind turbines to achieve 20% wind electricity generation by 2030. Currently, geared doubly-fed induction generators (DFIGs) are typically employed in the drivetrain for conversion of mechanical to electrical energy. Yet, gearboxes account for the greatest downtime of wind turbines, decreasing reliability and contributing to loss of profit. Direct drive permanent magnet generators (PMGs) offer a reliable alternative to DFIGs by eliminating the gearbox. However, PMGs scale up in size and weight much more rapidly than DFIGs as rated power is increased, presenting significant challenges for large scale wind turbine application. Thus, size reduction techniques are needed for viability of PMGs in large scale wind turbines. Two size reduction techniques are presented. It is demonstrated that 25% size reduction of a 10MW PMG is possible with a high remanence theoretical permanent magnet. Additionally, the use of a Halbach cylinder in an outer rotor PMG is investigated to focus magnetic flux over the rotor surface in order to increase torque. This work was supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1069283 and a Barbara and James Palmer Endowment at Iowa State University.

Demographic Structure, Sex Ratio and Growth Rates of Southern Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) on the Spawning Ground

PubMed Central

Farley, Jessica H.; Eveson, J. Paige; Davis, Tim L. O.; Andamari, Retno; Proctor, Craig H.; Nugraha, Budi; Davies, Campbell R.

2014-01-01

The demographics of the southern bluefin tuna (SBT) Thunnus maccoyii spawning stock were examined through a large-scale monitoring program of the Indonesian longline catch on the spawning ground between 1995 and 2012. The size and age structure of the spawning population has undergone significant changes since monitoring began. There has been a reduction in the relative abundance of larger/older SBT in the catch since the early 2000s, and a corresponding decrease in mean length and age, but there was no evidence of a significant truncation of the age distribution. Pulses of young SBT appear in the catches in the early- and mid-2000s and may be the first evidence of increased recruitment into the spawning stock since 1995. Fish in these two recruitment pulses were spawned around 1991 and 1997. Size-related variations in sex ratio were also observed with female bias for fish less than 170 cm FL and male bias for fish greater than 170 cm FL. This trend of increasing proportion of males with size above 170 cm FL is likely to be related to sexual dimorphism in growth rates as male length-at-age is greater than that for females after age 10 years. Mean length-at-age of fish aged 8–10 years was greater for both males and females on the spawning ground than off the spawning ground, suggesting that size may be the dominant factor determining timing of maturation in SBT. In addition to these direct results, the data and samples from this program have been central to the assessment and management of this internationally harvested stock. PMID:24797529

Effective reduction in the nanoparticle sizes of NiO obtained via the pyrolysis of nickel malonate precursor modified using oleylamine surfactant

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

Lontio Fomekong, Roussin, E-mail: lonforou@yahoo.fr; Institut de la Matière Condensée et des Nanosciences, Université Catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 1, 1348 Louvain-La-Neuve; Ngolui Lambi, John

2016-09-15

Nickel oxide nanoparticles were synthesized via thermal decomposition of two precursors, the first, a simple nickel malonate and the second, a nickel malonate modified by oleylamine, a surfactant, both having been synthesized by precipitation. While FTIR, TGA and ToF-SIMS were used to characterize the two precursors and to show the presence of oleylamine in the modified precursor, XRD, SEM, TEM and BET were employed to investigate the structure, the morphology and the specific surface area of the decomposition products obtained after pyrolysis. The results showed that the modification of nickel malonate by oleylamine was effective. The XRD results, which showedmore » a cubic structure for the NiO obtained, suggest with SEM an important particle size reduction (at least 54%) when oleylamine was used to modify the nickel malonate precursor. The SEM images also showed a well-defined spherical nanoparticle morphology in both cases, not affected by the presence of oleylamine. The TEM also confirmed the reduction of particle size and their spherical nature but at the same time showed that, in the presence of oleylamine, there was no agglomeration resulting in a more uniform particle size distribution. The specific surface area of the NiO obtained by the oleylamine-modified precursor was 4.7 times larger than that obtained with the regular precursor. This again confirms the particle size reduction. - Highlights: • Nickel malonate precursor has been synthesized by precipitation method. • This precursor was successfully modified by a surfactant (oleylamine). • NiO was identified as the decomposition products of the previous precursors. • Oleylamine has provoked around 54% of particle size reduction of the NiO.« less

Simple size-controlled synthesis of Au nanoparticles and their size-dependent catalytic activity

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

Suchomel, Petr; Kvitek, Libor; Prucek, Robert

The controlled preparation of Au nanoparticles (NPs) in the size range of 6 to 22 nm is explored in this study. The Au NPs were prepared by the reduction of tetrachloroauric acid using maltose in the presence of nonionic surfactant Tween 80 at various concentrations to control the size of the resulting Au NPs. With increasing concentration of Tween 80 a decrease in the size of produced Au NPs was observed, along with a significant decrease in their size distribution. The size-dependent catalytic activity of the synthesized Au NPs was tested in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol with sodium borohydride, resultingmore » in increasing catalytic activity with decreasing size of the prepared nanoparticles. Eley-Rideal catalytic mechanism emerges as the more probable, in contrary to the Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism reported for other noble metal nanocatalysts.« less

Simple size-controlled synthesis of Au nanoparticles and their size-dependent catalytic activity

DOE PAGES

Suchomel, Petr; Kvitek, Libor; Prucek, Robert; ...

2018-03-15

The controlled preparation of Au nanoparticles (NPs) in the size range of 6 to 22 nm is explored in this study. The Au NPs were prepared by the reduction of tetrachloroauric acid using maltose in the presence of nonionic surfactant Tween 80 at various concentrations to control the size of the resulting Au NPs. With increasing concentration of Tween 80 a decrease in the size of produced Au NPs was observed, along with a significant decrease in their size distribution. The size-dependent catalytic activity of the synthesized Au NPs was tested in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol with sodium borohydride, resultingmore » in increasing catalytic activity with decreasing size of the prepared nanoparticles. Eley-Rideal catalytic mechanism emerges as the more probable, in contrary to the Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism reported for other noble metal nanocatalysts.« less

One-Phase Synthesis of Water-Soluble Gold Nanoparticles with Control over Size and Surface Functionalities

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

groups for further coupling to target molecules. Since the classic citrate reduction of aurate to prepare citrate - stabilized AuNPs was pioneered by the...reduced stability against excess salts and changes in solution pH (e.g., citrate -stabilized NPs); (2) the inability to prepare nanocrystals over a wide...size regime ( citrate reduction usually producesAuNPs smaller than 10 nm, but larger sizes require additional refluxing in the presence of sodium citrate

Parking lot runoff quality and treatment efficiencies of a hydrodynamic-settling device in Madison, Wisconsin, 2005-6

USGS Publications Warehouse

Horwatich, Judy A.; Bannerman, Roger T.

2012-01-01

A hydrodynamic-settling device was installed in 2004 to treat stormwater runoff from a roof and parking lot located at the Water Utility Administration Building in Madison, Wis. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the City of Madison, cities in the Waukesha Permit Group, Hydro International, Earth Tech, Inc., National Sanitation Foundation International, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, monitored the device from November 2005 through September 2006 to evaluate it as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Technology Verification Program. Twenty-three runoff events monitored for flow volume and water quality at the device's inlet and outlet were used to calculate the percentage of pollutant reduction for the device. The geometric mean concentrations of suspended sediment (SS), "adjusted" total suspended solids (TSS), total phosphorus (TP), dissolved phosphorus (DP), total recoverable zinc (TZn), and total recoverable copper (TCu) measured at the inlet were 107 mg/L (milligrams per liter), 92 mg/L, 0.17 mg/L, 0.05 mg/L, 38 μg/L (micrograms per liter), and 12 μg/L, respectively, and these concentrations are in the range of values observed in stormwater runoff from other parking lots in Wisconsin and Michigan. Efficiency of the settling device was calculated using the efficiency ratio and summation of loads (SOL) methods. Using the efficiency ratio method, the device reduced concentrations of SS, and DP, by 19, and 15, percent, respectively. Using the efficiency ratio method, the device increased "adjusted" TSS and TZn concentrations by 5 and 19, respectively. Bypass occurred for 3 of the 23 runoff events used in this assessment, and the bypass flow and water-quality concentrations were used to determine the efficiency of the bypass system. Concentrations of SS, "adjusted" TSS, and DP were reduced for the system by 18, 5, and 18, respectively; however, TZn increased by 5 percent. Some of the TSS concentrations were "adjusted" to add the particles that remained on the sieves during sample processing. The loads of SS, "adjusted" TSS, and DP were reduced using the SOL method for the settling device by 38, 9, and 19 percent, respectively, and TZn increased by 13 percent. For the bypass system, the loads of SS, "adjusted" TSS, and DP had percentage reductions of 39, 12, 22, respectively, however TZn increased by 4 percent. The SOL method produced percentage reductions for SS and 'adjusted" TSS that were twice those for the efficiency ratio method. Removing the two large runoff events on August 23 and 24, 2006, from the SOL calculation brought the reduction for SS down to 16 and increased "adjusted" TSS by 4 percent. The two large runoff events were anomalies in that the runoff volumes and dissolved solids concentrations were greatly increased by overflow from an adjacent recycling facility. The SOL method was used to determine the percentage of SS load reduction for six different particle sizes for both the settling device and bypass system. Essentially no load reduction was observed for particles less than 125 micrometers (μm) in diameter, and about a 90-percent reduction occurred for particle sizes greater than 250 μm in diameter. The large removal efficiencies for particle sizes greater than 250 μm in diameter were further supported by the fact that more than 80 percent of the particle sizes trapped in the sump were greater than 250 μm in diameter. These results support the claim by the manufacturer of achieving a large percentage load reduction for particle sizes greater than 250 μm in diameter.

Technical assistance for hazardous-waste reduction

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

Thompson, F.M.; McComas, C.A.

1987-12-01

Minnesota's Waste Management Board has established, developed, and funded the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP). The MnTAP programs offers technical assistance to generators of hazardous waste by offering telephone and onsite consultation, a waste reduction resource bank, information dissemination, a student intern program, and research awards for waste reduction projects. The program has completed three years of successful operation. The increasing interest in and use of MnTAP's services by hazardous-waste generators has justified the belief that state technical assistance programs have an important role to play in helping generators to reduce their waste production.

Formation and characterization of metallic iron grains in coal-based reduction of oolitic iron ore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yong-sheng; Han, Yue-xin; Li, Yan-feng; Li, Yan-jun

2017-02-01

To reveal the formation and characteristics of metallic iron grains in coal-based reduction, oolitic iron ore was isothermally reduced in various reduction times at various reduction temperatures. The microstructure and size of the metallic iron phase were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and a Bgrimm process mineralogy analyzer. In the results, the reduced Fe separates from the ore and forms metallic iron protuberances, and then the subsequent reduced Fe diffuses to the protuberances and grows into metallic iron grains. Most of the metallic iron grains exist in the quasi-spherical shape and inlaid in the slag matrix. The cumulative frequency of metallic iron grain size is markedly influenced by both reduction time and temperature. With increasing reduction temperature and time, the grain size of metallic iron obviously increases. According to the classical grain growth equation, the growth kinetic parameters, i.e., time exponent, growth activation energy, and pre-exponential constant, are estimated to be 1.3759 ± 0.0374, 103.18 kJ·mol-1, and 922.05, respectively. Using these calculated parameters, a growth model is established to describe the growth behavior of metallic iron grains.

1988 Winners of the Cost Reduction Incentive Awards.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Association of College and University Business Officers, Washington, DC.

Outstanding cost-reduction programs implemented at colleges and universities during calendar year 1987 are recognized. Each of the 54 award-winning ideas is described in a paragraph-length program summary. Although some aspects of programs may be unique to a particular institution, creative administrators are challenged to tailor the programs to…

A Facile pH Controlled Citrate-Based Reduction Method for Gold Nanoparticle Synthesis at Room Temperature.

PubMed

Tyagi, Himanshu; Kushwaha, Ajay; Kumar, Anshuman; Aslam, Mohammed

2016-12-01

The synthesis of gold nanoparticles using citrate reduction process has been revisited. A simplified room temperature approach to standard Turkevich synthesis is employed to obtain fairly monodisperse gold nanoparticles. The role of initial pH alongside the concentration ratio of reactants is explored for the size control of Au nanoparticles. The particle size distribution has been investigated using UV-vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope (TEM). At optimal pH of 5, gold nanoparticles obtained are highly monodisperse and spherical in shape and have narrower size distribution (sharp surface plasmon at 520 nm). For other pH conditions, particles are non-uniform and polydisperse, showing a red-shift in plasmon peak due to aggregation and large particle size distribution. The room temperature approach results in highly stable "colloidal" suspension of gold nanoparticles. The stability test through absorption spectroscopy indicates no sign of aggregation for a month. The rate of reduction of auric ionic species by citrate ions is determined via UV absorbance studies. The size of nanoparticles under various conditions is thus predicted using a theoretical model that incorporates nucleation, growth, and aggregation processes. The faster rate of reduction yields better size distribution for optimized pH and reactant concentrations. The model involves solving population balance equation for continuously evolving particle size distribution by discretization techniques. The particle sizes estimated from the simulations (13 to 25 nm) are close to the experimental ones (10 to 32 nm) and corroborate the similarity of reaction processes at 300 and 373 K (classical Turkevich reaction). Thus, substitution of experimentally measured rate of disappearance of auric ionic species into theoretical model enables us to capture the unusual experimental observations.

Predictive Value of Early Tumor Shrinkage and Density Reduction of Lung Metastases in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treated With Regorafenib.

PubMed

Vanwynsberghe, Hannes; Verbeke, Xander; Coolen, Johan; Van Cutsem, Eric

2017-12-01

The benefit of regorafenib in colorectal cancer is not very pronounced. At present, there is lack of predictive biological or radiological markers. We studied if density reduction or small changes in size of lung metastases could be a predictive marker. We retrospectively measured density in size of lung metastases of all patients included in the CORRECT and CONSIGN trials at our center. Contrast-enhanced CT scan at baseline and at week 8 were compared. Data of progressive-free survival and overall survival were collected from the CORRECT and CONSIGN trials. A significant difference in progressive-free survival was seen in 3 groups: response or stable disease in size (5.36 vs. 3.96 months), response in density (6.03 vs. 2.72 months), and response in corrected density (6.14 vs. 3.08 months). No difference was seen for response in size versus stable disease or progressive disease in size. For overall survival, a difference was observed in the same 3 groups: response or stable disease in size (9.89 vs. 6.44 months), response in density (9.59 vs. 7.04 months), and response in corrected density (9.09 vs. 7.16 months). No difference was seen for response in size versus stable disease or progressive disease in size. Density reduction in lung metastases might be a good predictive parameter to predict outcome for regorafenib. Early tumor progression might be a negative predictive factor. If further validated, density reduction and early tumor progression might be useful to ameliorate the cost-benefit of regorafenib. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Principals as Middle Managers: School Leadership during the Implementation of Primary Class Size Reduction Policy in Ontario

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Flessa, Joseph J.

2012-01-01

Previous work on policy implementation has often suggested that schools leave their "thumbprints" on policies received from above. During the implementation of Primary Class Size Reduction (PCS) Initiative in Ontario, Canada, however, school principals spoke with remarkable uniformity about the ways PCS affected their work. This article…

District Resource Capacity and the Effects of Educational Policy: The Case of Primary Class Size Reduction in Ontario

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mascall, Blair; Leung, Joannie

2012-01-01

In a study of Ontario, Canada's province-wide Primary Class Size Reduction (PCS) Initiative, school districts' ability to direct and support schools was related to their experience with planning and monitoring, interest in innovation, and its human and fiscal resource base. Districts with greater "resource capacity" were able to…

A Plan for the Evaluation of California's Class Size Reduction Initiative.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kirst, Michael; Bomstedt, George; Stecher, Brian

In July 1996, California began its Class Size Reduction (CSR) Initiative. To gauge the effectiveness of this initiative, an analysis of its objectives and an overview of proposed strategies for evaluating CSR are presented here. An outline of the major challenges that stand between CSR and its mission are provided. These include logistical…

Ontario's Primary Class Size Reduction Initiative: Report on Early Implementation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bascia, Nina

2010-01-01

Reduction in the size of classes from Kindergarten to Grade 3 was a major Liberal Party campaign promise in Ontario's 2003 provincial election. It was intended to demonstrate a new government's commitment to improving public education. By the 2008-09 school year, the provincial government's goals had been achieved: over 90% of all primary classes…

Three Essays on the Economics of Education: Class-Size Reduction, Teacher Labor Markets, and Teacher Effectiveness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dieterle, Steven

2012-01-01

Prior research has established the potential for achievement gains from attending smaller classes. However, large statewide class-size reduction (CSR) policies have not been found to consistently realize such gains. A leading explanation for the disappointing performance of CSR policies is that schools are forced to hire additional teachers of…

A Comparison of QEIA and Non-QEIA Schools: Implications of Class Size Reduction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Platt, Louise Carolyn Sater

2013-01-01

The purpose of this research study is to compare student achievement changes between matched QEIA and non-QEIA schools in an effort to infer effects of the most significant feature of QEIA funding, class size reduction. The study addressed the critical question--are there demonstrated, significant differences in student achievement gains between…

What the Research Tells Us: Class Size Reduction. Information Capsule. Volume 1001

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Romanik, Dale

2010-01-01

This Information Capsule examines the background and history in addition to research findings pertaining to class size reduction (CSR). This Capsule concludes that although educational researchers have not definitively agreed upon the effectiveness of CSR, given its almost universal public appeal, there is little doubt it is here to stay in some…

Class Size Reduction: Lessons Learned from Experience. Policy Brief No. Twenty-Three.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McRobbie, Joan; Finn, Jeremy D.; Harman, Patrick

New federal proposals have fueled national interest in class-size reduction (CSR). However, CSR raises numerous concerns, some of which are addressed in this policy brief. The text draws on the experiences of states and districts that have implemented CSR. The brief addresses the following 15 concerns: Do small classes in and of themselves affect…

When could a stigma program to address mental illness in the workplace break even?

PubMed

Dewa, Carolyn S; Hoch, Jeffrey S

2014-10-01

To explore basic requirements for a stigma program to produce sufficient savings to pay for itself (that is, break even). A simple economic model was developed to compare reductions in total short-term disability (SDIS) cost relative to a stigma program's costs. A 2-way sensitivity analysis is used to illustrate conditions under which this break-even scenario occurs. Using estimates from the literature for the SDIS costs, this analysis shows that a stigma program can provide value added even if there is no reduction in the length of an SDIS leave. To break even, a stigma program with no reduction in the length of an SDIS leave would need to prevent at least 2.5 SDIS claims in an organization of 1000 workers. Similarly, a stigma program can break even with no reduction in the number of SDIS claims if it is able to reduce SDIS episodes by at least 7 days in an organization of 1000 employees. Modelling results, such as those presented in our paper, provide information to help occupational health payers become prudent buyers in the mental health market place. While in most cases, the required reductions seem modest, the real test of both the model and the program occurs once a stigma program is piloted and evaluated in a real-world setting.

Effect of temperature in the selective reduction process of limonite nickel ore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayangsari, W.; Febriana, Eni; Prasetyo, A. B.

2018-05-01

Temperature is the main factor for the reduction process that influence to reduction degree, phase and morphology transformation. In order to determine these effects which is caused by reduction temperature, this study was conducted. Limoniticnickel ore was prepared by drying and size reduction. A part of prepared limonitewas characterized with XRF to determine the chemical composition. The other part was mixed with reducing agent and CaSO4 to produce pellet. A series of selective reduction processes were conducted to the pellet by using graphite crucible in the muffle furnace carbolite at 800° - 1100°C for 60 minutes. Reduced ore characterized by using XRD and SEM analysis. Based on the result study, weight loss and reduction degree increase as temperature raised along with CaSO4 addition. Moreover, it caused decomposition and transformation to the metallic phase of kamacite and iron up to 7.51% and 41.44% respectively in the reduction process at 1100°C for 60 minutes. Furthermore, particle size growth as metallic phase content increased.

Mindfulness meditation-based stress reduction: experience with a bilingual inner-city program.

PubMed

Roth, B; Creaser, T

1997-03-01

This article describes a bilingual mindfulness meditation-based stress reduction program in an inner-city setting. Mindfulness meditation is defined, and the practices of breathing meditation, eating meditation, walking meditation, and mindful yoga are described. Data analysis examined compliance, medical and psychologic symptom reduction, and changes in self-esteem, of English- and Spanish-speaking patients who completed the 8-week Stress Reduction and Relaxation Program at the Community Health Center in Meriden, Conn. Statistically significant decreases in medical and psychologic symptoms and improvement in self-esteem were found. Many program completers reported dramatic changes in attitudes, beliefs, habits, and behaviors. Despite the limitations of the research design, these findings suggest that a mindfulness meditation course can be an effective health care intervention when utilized by English- and Spanish-speaking patients in an inner-city community health center. The article includes a discussion of factors to be considered when establishing a mindfulness meditation-based stress reduction program in a health care setting.

Selective hydrodeoxygenation of cyclic vicinal diols to cyclic alcohols over tungsten oxide-palladium catalysts.

PubMed

Amada, Yasushi; Ota, Nobuhiko; Tamura, Masazumi; Nakagawa, Yoshinao; Tomishige, Keiichi

2014-08-01

Hydrodeoxygenation of cyclic vicinal diols such as 1,4-anhydroerythritol was conducted over catalysts containing both a noble metal and a group 5-7 transition-metal oxide. The combination of Pd and WOx allowed the removal of one of the two OH groups selectively. 3-Hydroxytetrahydrofuran was obtained from 1,4-anhydroerythritol in 72 and 74% yield over WOx -Pd/C and WOx -Pd/ZrO2 , respectively. The WOx -Pd/ZrO2 catalyst was reusable without significant loss of activity if the catalyst was calcined as a method of regeneration. Characterization of WOx -Pd/C with temperature-programmed reduction, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy suggested that Pd metal particles approximately 9 nm in size were formed on amorphous tungsten oxide particles. A reaction mechanism was proposed on the basis of kinetics, reaction results with tungsten oxides under an atmosphere of Ar, and density functional theory calculations. A tetravalent tungsten center (W(IV) ) was formed by reduction of WO3 with the Pd catalyst and H2 , and this center served as the reductant for partial hydrodeoxygenation. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The reduction of takeoff ground roll by the application of a nose gear jump strut

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eppel, Joseph C.; Maisel, Martin D.; Mcclain, J. Greer; Luce, W.

1994-01-01

A series of flight tests were conducted to evaluate the reduction of takeoff ground roll distance obtainable from a rapid extension of the nose gear strut. The NASA Quiet Short-haul Research Aircraft (QSRA) used for this investigation is a transport-size short take off and landing (STOL) research vehicle with a slightly swept wing that employs the upper surface blowing (USB) concept to attain the high lift levels required for its low-speed, short-field performance. Minor modifications to the conventional nose gear assembly and the addition of a high-pressure pneumatic system and a control system provided the extendable nose gear, or jump strut, capability. The limited flight test program explored the effects of thrust-to-weight ratio, wing loading, storage tank initial pressure, and control valve open time duration on the ground roll distance. The data show that a reduction of takeoff ground roll on the order of 10 percent was achieved with the use of the jump strut, as predicted. Takeoff performance with the jump strut was also found to be essentially independent of the pneumatic supply pressure and was only slightly affected by control valve open time within the range of the parameters examined.

Integrated Application of Active Controls (IAAC) technology to an advanced subsonic transport project: Wing planform study and final configuration selection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

The Wing Planform Study and Final Configuration Selection Task of the Integrated Application of Active Controls (IAAC) Technology Project within the Energy Efficient Transport Program is documented. Application of Active Controls Technology (ACT) in combination with increased wing span resulted in significant improvements over the Conventional Baseline Configuration (Baseline) and the Initial ACT Configuration previously established. The configurations use the same levels of technology, takeoff gross weight, and payload as the Baseline. The Final ACT Configuration (Model 768-107) incorporates pitch-augmented stability (which enabled an approximately 10% aft shift in cruise center of gravity and a 44% reduction in horizontal tail size), lateral/directional-augmented stability, an angle-of-attack limiter, and wing-load alleviation. Flutter-mode control was not beneficial for this configuration. This resulted in an 890 kg (1960 lb) reduction in airplane takeoff gross weight and a 9.8% improvement in cruise lift/drag. At the Baseline mission range (3589 km 1938 nmi), this amounts to 10% block-fuel reduction. Results of this task strongly indicate that the IAAC Project should proceed with the Final ACT evaluation, and begin the required control system development and test.

Transit investments for greenhouse gas and energy reduction program : second assessment report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-08-01

This report is the second assessment of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administrations Transit Investments for : Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) Program. The TIGGER Program provides capital funds to transit age...

Effects of mindfulness meditation on chronic pain: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

la Cour, Peter; Petersen, Marian

2015-04-01

This randomized controlled clinical trial investigated the effects of mindfulness meditation on chronic pain. A total of 109 patients with nonspecific chronic pain were randomized to either a standardized mindfulness meditation program (mindfulness-based stress reduction [MBSR]) or to a wait list control. Pain, physical function, mental function, pain acceptance, and health-related quality of life were measured. The SF36 vitality scale was chosen as the primary outcome measure; the primary end point was after completing the MBSR course. Within a 2.5-year period, 43 of the 109 randomized patients completed the mindfulness program, while 47 remained in the control group. Data were compared at three time points: at baseline, after completion of the course/waiting period, and at the 6-month follow-up. Significant effect (Cohen's d = 0.39) was found on the primary outcome measure, the SF36 vitality scale. On the secondary variables, significant medium to large size effects (Cohen's d = 0.37-0.71) were found for lower general anxiety and depression, better mental quality of life (psychological well-being), feeling in control of the pain, and higher pain acceptance. Small (nonsignificant) effect sizes were found for pain measures. There were no significant differences in the measures just after the intervention vs the 6-month follow-up. A standardized mindfulness program (MBSR) contributes positively to pain management and can exert clinically relevant effects on several important dimensions in patients with long-lasting chronic pain. © 2014 American Academy of Pain Medicine.

Modification of family size in families reporting history of haemophilia from Maharashtra, India.

PubMed

Potnis-Lele, Mugdha; Kar, Anita

2003-04-01

In India, genetic counselling services are largely unavailable. The question of whether awareness of the hereditary nature of the disorder leads to modified family size in affected families remains unanswered. The objective of this study was to determine whether family history of haemophilia resulted in modification of family size in families reporting haemophilia in the State of Maharashtra, India. The study was a retrospective cohort analysis from pedigrees collected from an earlier survey on haemophilia in Maharashtra. Pedigree data were manually defined into families with or without experience of haemophilia. Family size was defined as the number of live births per woman as documented in the pedigree. The data were analysed using Microsoft Excel package (version 2000) and SPSS package (version 10). Family size of obligate carriers who were daughters of patients was significantly less than the family size of obligate carriers who reported haemophilia in a brother or maternal relative (z = 7.14, P < 0.001). As compared with parents from an older generation, a significant reduction in the number of children born to younger families with haemophilia was observed, irrespective of family history of the condition. In families with history of haemophilia, there was no significant reduction in the number of families with more than one affected son in between two generations of parents (chi(2) = 1.43). The results revealed a reduction in size of families with haemophilia over a generation, which possibly reflected the reducing fertility trends observed in the Indian population. Reduction in the number of children born to women with a haemophilic father suggested a comprehension of father to daughter transmission of haemophilia. This was not true when relatives other than the father were affected. The lack of significant reduction in the number of families with history of haemophilia of having more than one affected son may suggest a compensatory response to the high mortality associated with the disorder in India.

Cognitive workload reduction in hospital information systems : Decision support for order set optimization.

PubMed

Gartner, Daniel; Zhang, Yiye; Padman, Rema

2018-06-01

Order sets are a critical component in hospital information systems that are expected to substantially reduce physicians' physical and cognitive workload and improve patient safety. Order sets represent time interval-clustered order items, such as medications prescribed at hospital admission, that are administered to patients during their hospital stay. In this paper, we develop a mathematical programming model and an exact and a heuristic solution procedure with the objective of minimizing physicians' cognitive workload associated with prescribing order sets. Furthermore, we provide structural insights into the problem which lead us to a valid lower bound on the order set size. In a case study using order data on Asthma patients with moderate complexity from a major pediatric hospital, we compare the hospital's current solution with the exact and heuristic solutions on a variety of performance metrics. Our computational results confirm our lower bound and reveal that using a time interval decomposition approach substantially reduces computation times for the mathematical program, as does a K -means clustering based decomposition approach which, however, does not guarantee optimality because it violates the lower bound. The results of comparing the mathematical program with the current order set configuration in the hospital indicates that cognitive workload can be reduced by about 20.2% by allowing 1 to 5 order sets, respectively. The comparison of the K -means based decomposition with the hospital's current configuration reveals a cognitive workload reduction of about 19.5%, also by allowing 1 to 5 order sets, respectively. We finally provide a decision support system to help practitioners analyze the current order set configuration, the results of the mathematical program and the heuristic approach.

Cost-utility analysis of screening for diabetic retinopathy in Japan: a probabilistic Markov modeling study.

PubMed

Kawasaki, Ryo; Akune, Yoko; Hiratsuka, Yoshimune; Fukuhara, Shunichi; Yamada, Masakazu

2015-02-01

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness for a screening interval longer than 1 year detecting diabetic retinopathy (DR) through the estimation of incremental costs per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) based on the best available clinical data in Japan. A Markov model with a probabilistic cohort analysis was framed to calculate incremental costs per QALY gained by implementing a screening program detecting DR in Japan. A 1-year cycle length and population size of 50,000 with a 50-year time horizon (age 40-90 years) was used. Best available clinical data from publications and national surveillance data was used, and a model was designed including current diagnosis and management of DR with corresponding visual outcomes. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed considering uncertainties in the parameters. In the base-case analysis, the strategy with a screening program resulted in an incremental cost of 5,147 Japanese yen (¥; US$64.6) and incremental effectiveness of 0.0054 QALYs per person screened. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was ¥944,981 (US$11,857) per QALY. The simulation suggested that screening would result in a significant reduction in blindness in people aged 40 years or over (-16%). Sensitivity analyses suggested that in order to achieve both reductions in blindness and cost-effectiveness in Japan, the screening program should screen those aged 53-84 years, at intervals of 3 years or less. An eye screening program in Japan would be cost-effective in detecting DR and preventing blindness from DR, even allowing for the uncertainties in estimates of costs, utility, and current management of DR.

Facts about Upper and Lower Limb Reduction Defects

MedlinePlus

... its normal size or is missing. What We Know About Upper and Lower Limb Reduction Defects How ... and productive lives. What We Still Do Not Know About Upper and Lower Limb Reduction Defects What ...

Impact of the non-contributory social pension program 70 y más on older adults' mental well-being.

PubMed

Salinas-Rodríguez, Aarón; Torres-Pereda, Ma Del Pilar; Manrique-Espinoza, Betty; Moreno-Tamayo, Karla; Téllez-Rojo Solís, Martha María

2014-01-01

In 2007, a non-contributory pension program was launched in rural areas of Mexico. The program consisted in a non-conditional cash transfer of US$40 monthly to all older adults (OA) aged 70 and over. We evaluate the effect of the program on mental well-being of its beneficiaries. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used. For the quantitative component, we used the selection criteria established by the program (age and locality size) to form the Intervention (OA aged 70-74 residing in rural localities, <2500 inhabitants) and Control groups (OA aged 70-74, in localities with 2501-2700 inhabitants). Baseline data collection was conducted in 2007 where 5,465 OA were interviewed. The follow-up survey was conducted in 2008, and it was possible to interview 5,270 OA, with a response rate of 96%. A difference-in-difference linear probability model with individual fixed effect was used to estimate the impact of the program on mental well-being indicators. In 2009 a qualitative component was designed to explore possible causal pathways of such effect. After a year of exposure, the program had a significant effect on reduction of depressive symptoms (β = -0.06, CI95% -0.12; -0.01) and an increase in empowerment indicators: OA participated in important household decisions (β = 0.09, CI95% 0.03;0.15); and OA participated in household decisions pertaining to expenses (β = 0.11, CI95% 0.05;0.18). Qualitative analysis found a strong trend showing a reduction of sadness, and feeling of increasing empowerment. These results suggest that a non-conditional transfer in older ages have an impact beyond the economic sphere, impacting even the mental well-being. This effect could be explained because the pension produces feelings of safety and welfare. It is recommendable that governments should invest efforts towards universalizing the non-contributory pension programs in order to ensure a basic income for the elderly.

The control of Pt and Ru nanoparticle size on high surface area supports.

PubMed

Liu, Qiuli; Joshi, Upendra A; Über, Kevin; Regalbuto, John R

2014-12-28

Supported Ru and Pt nanoparticles are synthesized by the method of strong electrostatic adsorption and subsequently treated under different steaming-reduction conditions to achieve a series of catalysts with controlled particle sizes, ranging from 1 to 8 nm. While in the case of oxidation-reduction conditions, only Pt yielded particles ranging from 2.5 to 8 nm in size and a loss of Ru was observed. Both Ru and Pt sinter faster in air than in hydrogen. This methodology allows the control of particle size using a "production-scalable" catalyst synthesis method which can be applied to high surface area supports with common metal precursors.

Reproductive preferences in Matlab, Bangladesh: levels, motivation and differentials.

PubMed

Razzaque, A

1996-03-01

This study provides evidence that aspirations for a smaller family and poverty both determined the reduction in family size preferences in the Matlab area of Bangladesh. Data are obtained from a variety of data sets: the 1990 Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Survey; the 1982 Socioeconomic Survey; and the 1991 Qualitative Survey. Both treatment and nontreatment areas of Matlab experienced a fertility decline during 1976-90, from 6.9 to 3.6 children/woman in the treatment area and from 7.2 to 5.2 in the control area. In this study, multiple classification analysis and logistic regression analysis were conducted. Findings indicate that mean desired family sizes were similar in both areas and slightly higher in the treatment area. Desired family size declined during 1975-90. Most of the decline probably occurred prior to 1985. Findings from qualitative interviews indicate that most women reported that the smaller desired family size was related to the direct economic cost of children. Women also reported that family planning was now available and that in the past there were more resources for caring for large families. Mothers-in-law were open to informing their daughters-in-law about the desire for small families. This motivation for a small family among older and younger women was not present 10 years ago. Findings reveal that desired family size did not vary by age, family size, socioeconomic group, or existence of the Family Planning and Health Services Program.

The effect of a portion size intervention on French fries consumption, plate waste, satiety and compensatory caloric intake: an on-campus restaurant experiment.

PubMed

Vermote, Marie; Versele, Vickà; Stok, Marijn; Mullie, Patrick; D'Hondt, Eva; Deforche, Benedicte; Clarys, Peter; Deliens, Tom

2018-04-13

One of the driving factors of dietary overconsumption throughout the last decennia is the increase of food portion sizes. Larger portions induce higher daily energy intake, so reducing portion size may reduce intake of excess calories. However, real-life studies about the effects of portion size reduction are lacking. Therefore, this study examined the effect of a French fries portion size reduction on French fries consumption, French fries plate waste, satiety and caloric intake during the subsequent afternoon among university students and employees in a Belgian on-campus restaurant setting. Moreover, this study evaluated consumers' perception about the portion size reduction. The study took place over a two-time (i.e. baseline and intervention week) 4-day period (Tuesday-Friday) in the on-campus restaurant where ±1200 meals are served every day. French fries' portions were reduced by 20% by replacing the usual porcelain bowl served during the baseline week (±200 g) with smaller volume paper bags during the intervention week (±159 g) in a pre-post real-life experiment. French fries consumption and plate waste were measured in 2056 consumers at baseline and 2175 consumers at intervention. Additionally, interviews were conducted directly after lunch and again between 4 and 6 p.m. on the same day to assess satiety and caloric intake at pre and post in a small subsample of both French fries consumers (n = 19) and non-French fries consumers (n = 14). Post-intervention, the same subsample was interviewed about their perception of the portion size reduction (n = 28). Total French fries intake decreased by 9.1%, and total plate waste decreased by 66.4%. No differences were found in satiety or caloric intake between baseline and intervention week among the French fries' consumers. The majority (n = 24, 86%) of French fries consumers noticed the reduction in portion size during the intervention. Although most participants (n = 19, 68%) perceived the reduced portion size as sufficient, only a minority of participants (n = 9, 32%) indicated post-intervention that they would agree with a permanent implementation. Reducing portion size may lead to reduced caloric intake, without changing perceived levels of satiety.

Effect of particle size on oral absorption of carvedilol nanosuspensions: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

PubMed Central

Liu, Dandan; Pan, Hao; He, Fengwei; Wang, Xiaoyu; Li, Jinyu; Yang, Xinggang; Pan, Weisan

2015-01-01

The purpose of this work was to explore the particle size reduction effect of carvedilol on dissolution and absorption. Three suspensions containing different sized particles were prepared by antisolvent precipitation method or in combination with an ultrasonication process. The suspensions were characterized for particle size, surface morphology, and crystalline state. The crystalline form of carvedilol was changed into amorphous form after antisolvent precipitation. The dissolution rate of carvedilol was significantly accelerated by a reduction in particle size. The intestinal absorption of carvedilol nanosuspensions was greatly improved in comparison with microsuspensions and solution in the in situ single-pass perfusion experiment. The in vivo evaluation demonstrated that carvedilol nanosuspensions and microsuspensions exhibited markedly increased Cmax (2.09- and 1.48-fold) and AUC0−t (2.11- and 1.51-fold), and decreased Tmax (0.34- and 0.48-fold) in contrast with carvedilol coarse suspensions. Moreover, carvedilol nanosuspensions showed good biocompatibility with the rat gastric mucosa in in vivo gastrointestinal irritation test. The entire results implicated that the dissolution rate and the oral absorption of carvedilol were significantly affected by the particle size. Particle size reduction to form nanosized particles was found to be an efficient method for improving the oral bioavailability of carvedilol. PMID:26508852

Canada's Voluntary ARET Program: Limited Success Despite Industry Cosponsorship

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Antweiler, Werner; Harrison, Kathryn

2007-01-01

The Accelerated Reduction/Elimination of Toxins (ARET) Challenge was a voluntary program initiated in 1994 by the Government of Canada. Unlike the U.S. 33/50 Program, ARET involved industry partners in negotiation and cosponsorship of the program, with the intention that early involvement would yield stronger commitment to voluntary reductions. We…

Mathematics and mallard management

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cowardin, L.M.; Johnson, D.H.

1979-01-01

Waterfowl managers can effectively use simple population models to aid in making management decisions. We present a basic model of the change in population size as related to survival and recruitment. A management technique designed to increase survival of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) by limiting harvest on the Chippewa National Forest, Minnesota, is used to illustrate the application of models in decision making. The analysis suggests that the management technique would be of limited effectiveness. In a 2nd example, the change in mallard population in central North Dakota is related to implementing programs to create dense nesting cover with or without supplementary predator control. The analysis suggests that large tracts of land would be required to achieve a hypothetical management objective of increasing harvest by 50% while maintaining a stable population. Less land would be required if predator reduction were used in combination with cover management, but questions about effectiveness and ecological implications of large scale predator reduction remain unresolved. The use of models as a guide to planning research responsive to the needs of management is illustrated.

Experimentally induced testicular dysgenesis syndrome originates in the masculinization programming window

PubMed Central

van den Driesche, Sander; Kilcoyne, Karen R.; Wagner, Ida; Rebourcet, Diane; Mitchell, Rod; McKinnell, Chris; Macpherson, Sheila; Donat, Roland; Shukla, Chitranjan J.; Jorgensen, Anne; Skakkebaek, Niels E.; Sharpe, Richard M.

2017-01-01

The testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) hypothesis, which proposes that common reproductive disorders of newborn and adult human males may have a common fetal origin, is largely untested. We tested this hypothesis using a rat model involving gestational exposure to dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which suppresses testosterone production by the fetal testis. We evaluated if induction of TDS via testosterone suppression is restricted to the “masculinization programming window” (MPW), as indicated by reduction in anogenital distance (AGD). We show that DBP suppresses fetal testosterone equally during and after the MPW, but only DBP exposure in the MPW causes reduced AGD, focal testicular dysgenesis, and TDS disorders (cryptorchidism, hypospadias, reduced adult testis size, and compensated adult Leydig cell failure). Focal testicular dysgenesis, reduced size of adult male reproductive organs, and TDS disorders and their severity were all strongly associated with reduced AGD. We related our findings to human TDS cases by demonstrating similar focal dysgenetic changes in testes of men with preinvasive germ cell neoplasia (GCNIS) and in testes of DBP-MPW animals. If our results are translatable to humans, they suggest that identification of potential causes of human TDS disorders should focus on exposures during a human MPW equivalent, especially if negatively associated with offspring AGD. PMID:28352662

Effects of Lewis Number on Temperatures of Spherical Diffusion Flames

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Santa, K. J.; Sun, Z.; Chao, B. H.; Sunderland, P. B.; Axelbaum, R. I.; Urban, D. L.; Stocker, D. P.

2007-01-01

Spherical diffusion flames supported on a porous sphere were studied numerically and experimentally. Experiments were performed in 2.2 s and 5.2 s microgravity facilities. Numerical results were obtained from a Chemkin-based program. The program simulates flow from a porous sphere into a quiescent environment, yields both steady-state and transient results, and accounts for optically thick gas-phase radiation. The low flow velocities and long residence times in these diffusion flames lead to enhanced radiative and diffusive effects. Despite similar adiabatic flame temperatures, the measured and predicted temperatures varied by as much as 700 K. The temperature reduction correlates with flame size but characteristic flow times and, importantly, Lewis number also influence temperature. The numerical results show that the ambient gas Lewis number would have a strong effect on flame temperature if the flames were steady and nonradiating. For example, a 10% decrease in Lewis number would increase the steady-state flame temperature by 200 K. However, for these transient, radiating flames the effect of Lewis number is small. Transient predictions of flame sizes are larger than those observed in microgravity experiments. Close agreement could not be obtained without either increasing the model s thermal and mass diffusion properties by 30% or reducing mass flow rate by 25%.

Effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation therapy as a worksite health promotion program in the automobile assembly line

PubMed Central

SUNDRAM, Bala Murali; DAHLUI, Maznah; CHINNA, Karuthan

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) as part of a Worksite Health Promotion Program on self-perceived stress, anxiety and depression among male automotive assembly-line workers through a quasi-experimental trial. Two assembly plants were chosen with one receiving PMR therapy and the other Pamphlets. Intention-to-treat analysis was conducted to test the effectiveness of the relaxation therapy. Stress, Depression and Anxiety levels were measured using the shortened DASS-21 questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Independent sample t test and Repeated-measures analysis of variance to test the significance of the effects of intervention (time * group) for the measures of Stress, Depression and Anxiety. Significant favourable intervention effects on stress were found in the PMR group (Effect size=0.6) as compared to the Pamphlet group (Effect size=0.2). There was a significant group *time interaction effect (p<0.001) on Stress levels. Depression and Anxiety levels were minimal at baseline in both the groups with mild or no reduction in levels. The improvement in stress levels showed the potential of PMR therapy as a coping strategy at the workplace. Further research in this field is necessary to examine the beneficial effects of coping strategies in the workplace. PMID:26726829

Effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation therapy as a worksite health promotion program in the automobile assembly line.

PubMed

Sundram, Bala Murali; Dahlui, Maznah; Chinna, Karuthan

2016-06-10

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) as part of a Worksite Health Promotion Program on self-perceived stress, anxiety and depression among male automotive assembly-line workers through a quasi-experimental trial. Two assembly plants were chosen with one receiving PMR therapy and the other Pamphlets. Intention-to-treat analysis was conducted to test the effectiveness of the relaxation therapy. Stress, Depression and Anxiety levels were measured using the shortened DASS-21 questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Independent sample t test and Repeated-measures analysis of variance to test the significance of the effects of intervention (time * group) for the measures of Stress, Depression and Anxiety. Significant favourable intervention effects on stress were found in the PMR group (Effect size=0.6) as compared to the Pamphlet group (Effect size=0.2). There was a significant group *time interaction effect (p<0.001) on Stress levels. Depression and Anxiety levels were minimal at baseline in both the groups with mild or no reduction in levels. The improvement in stress levels showed the potential of PMR therapy as a coping strategy at the workplace. Further research in this field is necessary to examine the beneficial effects of coping strategies in the workplace.

Assessment of the Performance Potential of Advanced Subsonic Transport Concepts for NASA's Environmentally Responsible Aviation Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nickol, Craig L.; Haller, William J.

2016-01-01

NASA's Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) project has matured technologies to enable simultaneous reductions in fuel burn, noise, and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions for future subsonic commercial transport aircraft. The fuel burn reduction target was a 50% reduction in block fuel burn (relative to a 2005 best-in-class baseline aircraft), utilizing technologies with an estimated Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4-6 by 2020. Progress towards this fuel burn reduction target was measured through the conceptual design and analysis of advanced subsonic commercial transport concepts spanning vehicle size classes from regional jet (98 passengers) to very large twin aisle size (400 passengers). Both conventional tube-and-wing (T+W) concepts and unconventional (over-wing-nacelle (OWN), hybrid wing body (HWB), mid-fuselage nacelle (MFN)) concepts were developed. A set of propulsion and airframe technologies were defined and integrated onto these advanced concepts which were then sized to meet the baseline mission requirements. Block fuel burn performance was then estimated, resulting in reductions relative to the 2005 best-in-class baseline performance ranging from 39% to 49%. The advanced single-aisle and large twin aisle T+W concepts had reductions of 43% and 41%, respectively, relative to the 737-800 and 777-200LR aircraft. The single-aisle OWN concept and the large twin aisle class HWB concept had reductions of 45% and 47%, respectively. In addition to their estimated fuel burn reduction performance, these unconventional concepts have the potential to provide significant noise reductions due, in part, to engine shielding provided by the airframe. Finally, all of the advanced concepts also have the potential for significant NOx emissions reductions due to the use of advanced combustor technology. Noise and NOx emissions reduction estimates were also generated for these concepts as part of the ERA project.

A systematic review of economic evaluations of population-based sodium reduction interventions.

PubMed

Hope, Silvia F; Webster, Jacqui; Trieu, Kathy; Pillay, Arti; Ieremia, Merina; Bell, Colin; Snowdon, Wendy; Neal, Bruce; Moodie, Marj

2017-01-01

To summarise evidence describing the cost-effectiveness of population-based interventions targeting sodium reduction. A systematic search of published and grey literature databases and websites was conducted using specified key words. Characteristics of identified economic evaluations were recorded, and included studies were appraised for reporting quality using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist. Twenty studies met the study inclusion criteria and received a full paper review. Fourteen studies were identified as full economic evaluations in that they included both costs and benefits associated with an intervention measured against a comparator. Most studies were modelling exercises based on scenarios for achieving salt reduction and assumed effects on health outcomes. All 14 studies concluded that their specified intervention(s) targeting reductions in population sodium consumption were cost-effective, and in the majority of cases, were cost saving. Just over half the studies (8/14) were assessed as being of 'excellent' reporting quality, five studies fell into the 'very good' quality category and one into the 'good' category. All of the identified evaluations were based on modelling, whereby inputs for all the key parameters including the effect size were either drawn from published datasets, existing literature or based on expert advice. Despite a clear increase in evaluations of salt reduction programs in recent years, this review identified relatively few economic evaluations of population salt reduction interventions. None of the studies were based on actual implementation of intervention(s) and the associated collection of new empirical data. The studies universally showed that population-based salt reduction strategies are likely to be cost effective or cost saving. However, given the reliance on modelling, there is a need for the effectiveness of new interventions to be evaluated in the field using strong study designs and parallel economic evaluations.

Directed evolution of cell size in Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Yoshida, Mari; Tsuru, Saburo; Hirata, Naoko; Seno, Shigeto; Matsuda, Hideo; Ying, Bei-Wen; Yomo, Tetsuya

2014-12-17

In bacteria, cell size affects chromosome replication, the assembly of division machinery, cell wall synthesis, membrane synthesis and ultimately growth rate. In addition, cell size can also be a target for Darwinian evolution for protection from predators. This strong coupling of cell size and growth, however, could lead to the introduction of growth defects after size evolution. An important question remains: can bacterial cell size change and/or evolve without imposing a growth burden? The directed evolution of particular cell sizes, without a growth burden, was tested with a laboratory Escherichia coli strain. Cells of defined size ranges were collected by a cell sorter and were subsequently cultured. This selection-propagation cycle was repeated, and significant changes in cell size were detected within 400 generations. In addition, the width of the size distribution was altered. The changes in cell size were unaccompanied by a growth burden. Whole genome sequencing revealed that only a few mutations in genes related to membrane synthesis conferred the size evolution. In conclusion, bacterial cell size could evolve, through a few mutations, without growth reduction. The size evolution without growth reduction suggests a rapid evolutionary change to diverse cell sizes in bacterial survival strategies.

Comparative evaluation of rotary ProTaper, Profile, and conventional stepback technique on reduction in Enterococcus faecalis colony-forming units and vertical root fracture resistance of root canals.

PubMed

Singla, Mamta; Aggarwal, Vivek; Logani, Ajay; Shah, Naseem

2010-03-01

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of various root canal instrumentation techniques with different instrument tapers on cleaning efficacy and resultant vertical root fracture (VRF) strength of the roots. Fifty human mandibular first premolar roots were enlarged to ISO size 20, inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis [ATCC2912] for 72 hours and divided into 5 groups: group I: prepared with .02 taper hand instruments ISO size 40; group II: Profile .04 taper size 40; group III: Profile .06 taper size 40; group IV: ProTaper size F4; and group V (control group) further divided into: Va: with bacterial inoculation and no mechanical instrumentation; and Group Vb: neither bacterial inoculation nor mechanical instrumentation. Cleaning efficacy was evaluated in terms of reduction of colony forming units (CFUs). The VRF strength was evaluated using D11 spreader as wedge in an Instron testing machine. Root canals instrumented with ProTaper and 6% Profile instruments showed maximum reduction in CFUs, with statistically insignificant difference between them. The VRF resistance decreased in all instrumented groups. The difference of VRF between 2% and 4% taper Profile groups was statistically insignificant (P = .195). One-way analysis of variance showed that canals instrumented with ProTaper F4 showed maximum reduction in VRF resistance compared with control uninstrumented group. Profile 6% taper instruments offer the advantage of maximum debridement without significant reduction in root fracture resistance. Copyright 2010 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of particle size of drug on conversion of crystals to an amorphous state in a solid dispersion with crospovidone.

PubMed

Sugamura, Yuka; Fujii, Makiko; Nakanishi, Sayaka; Suzuki, Ayako; Shibata, Yusuke; Koizumi, Naoya; Watanabe, Yoshiteru

2011-01-01

The effect of particle size on amorphization of drugs in a solid dispersion (SD) was investigated for two drugs, indomethacin (IM) and nifedipine (NP). The SD of drugs were prepared in a mixture with crospovidone by a variety of mechanical methods, and their properties investigated by particle sizing, thermal analysis, and powder X-ray diffraction. IM, which had an initial particle size of 1 µm and tends to aggregate, was forced through a sieve to break up the particles. NP, which had a large initial particle size, was jet-milled. In both cases, reduction of the particle size of the drugs enabled transition to an amorphous state below the melting point of the drug. The reduction in particle size is considered to enable increased contact between the crospovidone and drug particles, increasing interactions between the two compounds. © 2011 Pharmaceutical Society of Japan

78 FR 51811 - Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-21

... support public transit agencies in making capital investments that would assist in the reduction of energy... collection: Transit Investments in Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) Program. The information... Investments in Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) Program (OMB Number: 2132-0566). Abstract: The...

5 CFR 362.408 - Termination and reduction in force.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Termination and reduction in force. 362.408 Section 362.408 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS PATHWAYS PROGRAMS Presidential Management Fellows Program § 362.408 Termination and reduction in force. (a...

5 CFR 362.205 - Reduction in force (RIF) and termination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Reduction in force (RIF) and termination. 362.205 Section 362.205 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS PATHWAYS PROGRAMS Internship Program § 362.205 Reduction in force (RIF) and termination. (a...

5 CFR 362.205 - Reduction in force (RIF) and termination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Reduction in force (RIF) and termination. 362.205 Section 362.205 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS PATHWAYS PROGRAMS Internship Program § 362.205 Reduction in force (RIF) and termination. (a...

5 CFR 362.408 - Termination and reduction in force.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Termination and reduction in force. 362.408 Section 362.408 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS PATHWAYS PROGRAMS Presidential Management Fellows Program § 362.408 Termination and reduction in force. (a...

Use of loud phonation as a voice therapy technique for children with vocal nodules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Noriko; Hirose, Hajime; Nishiyama, Koichiro

2003-10-01

For the treatment of vocal nodules, educational programs for vocal hygiene and voice training for acquisition of correct phonation are essential. In the case of children, special considerations are necessary as some of their vocal behaviors and reaction to voice disorders are different from those of adults. In this study, a voice therapy program for child vocal nodules were developed and good results were obtained for six children. They were four boys and two girls (Age: 4-11 yr) and bilateral nodules were found for all of them. In addition to a conventional vocal hygiene program for children, correct production of loud voice (so-called gBeltingh) was the major focus of the voice therapy as the visual inspection of the larynges and perceptual evaluations of the voice revealed inappropriate loud voice production with laryngeal constriction in all children. After 5-24 voice therapy sessions, disappearance of the nodules was found in five children and the reduction of the nodule sizes was found in one child. Improvement of the GRBAS scores, longer maximum phonation time, and extension of vocal ranges were found after the completion of the therapy programs.

Evaluating the efficacy of a landscape scale feral cat control program using camera traps and occupancy models.

PubMed

Comer, Sarah; Speldewinde, Peter; Tiller, Cameron; Clausen, Lucy; Pinder, Jeff; Cowen, Saul; Algar, Dave

2018-03-28

The impact of introduced predators is a major factor limiting survivorship and recruitment of many native Australian species. In particular, the feral cat and red fox have been implicated in range reductions and population declines of many conservation dependent species across Australia, including ground-nesting birds and small to medium-sized mammals. The impact of predation by feral cats since their introduction some 200 years ago has altered the structure of native fauna communities and led to the development of landscape-scale threat abatement via baiting programs with the feral cat bait, Eradicat. Demonstrating the effectiveness of broad-scale programs is essential for managers to fine tune delivery and timing of baiting. Efficacy of feral cat baiting at the Fortescue Marsh in the Pilbara, Western Australia was tested using camera traps and occupancy models. There was a significant decrease in probability of site occupancy in baited sites in each of the five years of this study, demonstrating both the effectiveness of aerial baiting for landscape-scale removal of feral cats, and the validity of camera trap monitoring techniques for detecting changes in feral cat occupancy during a five-year baiting program.

Retrofitting the AutoBayes Program Synthesis System with Concrete Syntax

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fischer, Bernd; Visser, Eelco

2004-01-01

AutoBayes is a fully automatic, schema-based program synthesis system for statistical data analysis applications. Its core component is a schema library. i.e., a collection of generic code templates with associated applicability constraints which are instantiated in a problem-specific way during synthesis. Currently, AutoBayes is implemented in Prolog; the schemas thus use abstract syntax (i.e., Prolog terms) to formulate the templates. However, the conceptual distance between this abstract representation and the concrete syntax of the generated programs makes the schemas hard to create and maintain. In this paper we describe how AutoBayes is retrofitted with concrete syntax. We show how it is integrated into Prolog and describe how the seamless interaction of concrete syntax fragments with AutoBayes's remaining legacy meta-programming kernel based on abstract syntax is achieved. We apply the approach to gradually mitigate individual schemas without forcing a disruptive migration of the entire system to a different First experiences show that a smooth migration can be achieved. Moreover, it can result in a considerable reduction of the code size and improved readability of the code. In particular, abstracting out fresh-variable generation and second-order term construction allows the formulation of larger continuous fragments.

Two-step size reduction and post-washing of steam exploded corn stover improving simultaneous saccharification and fermentation for ethanol production.

PubMed

Liu, Zhi-Hua; Chen, Hong-Zhang

2017-01-01

The simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of corn stover biomass for ethanol production was performed by integrating steam explosion (SE) pretreatment, hydrolysis and fermentation. Higher SE pretreatment severity and two-step size reduction increased the specific surface area, swollen volume and water holding capacity of steam exploded corn stover (SECS) and hence facilitated the efficiency of hydrolysis and fermentation. The ethanol production and yield in SSF increased with the decrease of particle size and post-washing of SECS prior to fermentation to remove the inhibitors. Under the SE conditions of 1.5MPa and 9min using 2.0cm particle size, glucan recovery and conversion to glucose by enzymes were 86.2% and 87.2%, respectively. The ethanol concentration and yield were 45.0g/L and 85.6%, respectively. With this two-step size reduction and post-washing strategy, the water utilization efficiency, sugar recovery and conversion, and ethanol concentration and yield by the SSF process were improved. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Exploring the Relationship Between Treatment Satisfaction, Perceived Improvements in Functioning and Well-Being and Gambling Harm Reduction Among Clients of Pathological Gambling Treatment Programs

PubMed Central

Bernhard, Bo; Abarbanel, Brett L. L.; St. John, Sarah; Kalina, Ashlee

2014-01-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between treatment service quality, perceived improvement in social, functional, and material well-being and reduction in gambling behaviors among clients of Nevada state-funded pathological gambling treatment programs. Utilizing survey data from 361 clients from 2009 to 2010, analyses revealed that client satisfaction with treatment services is positively associated with perceived improvements in social, functional, and material well-being, abstinence from gambling, reduction in gambling thoughts and reduction in problems associated with gambling, even after controlling for various respondent characteristics. These findings can be useful to treatment program staff in managing program development and allocating resources. PMID:23756725

Impact of HIV prevention programs on drug users in Malaysia.

PubMed

Kamarulzaman, Adeeba

2009-11-01

Faced with a rising HIV epidemic among injecting drug users, harm reduction policies and programs were introduced in Malaysia in 2005. The positive impact seen since the introduction of these programs comprise the inclusion of the health aspects of illicit drug use in the country's drug policies; better access to antiretroviral therapy for injecting drug users who are HIV infected; reduction in HIV-risk behavior; and greater social benefits, including increased employment. Despite these achievements, tension between law enforcement and public health persists, as harm reduction exists alongside an overall drug policy that is based on abstinence and zero tolerance. Unless there is harmonization of this policy, sustainability and scale-up of harm reduction programs will remain a challenge.

Application of RVA and Time-Lapse Photography to Explore Effects of Extent of Chlorination, Milling Extraction Rate, and Particle-Size Reduction of Flour on Cake-Baking Functionality

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Three factors (extent of chlorination, milling extraction rate and particle-size reduction) in the cake-bakeing functionality of Croplan 594W flour were explored by Rapid Visco-Analyzer (RVA) and time-lapse photography. The extent of chlorination and milling extraction rate showed dramatic effects,...

On energy consumption for size-reduction and yields from subsequent enzymatic saccharification of pretreated lodgepole pine

Treesearch

W. Zhu; Junyong Zhu; Roland Gleisner; X.J. Pan

2010-01-01

This study investigated the effects of chemical pretreatment and disk-milling conditions on energy consumption for size-reduction and the efficiency of enzymatic cellulose saccharification of a softwood. Lodgepole pine wood chips produced from thinnings of a 100-year-old unmanaged forest were pretreated by hot-water, dilute-acid, and two SPORL processes (Sulfite...

The Impact of California's Class Size Reduction Initiative on Student Achievement: Detailed Findings from Eight School Districts.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mitchell, Douglas E.; Mitchell, Ross E.

This report presents a comprehensive preliminary analysis of how California's Class Size Reduction (CSR) initiative has impacted student achievement during the first 2 years of implementation. The analysis is based on complete student, classroom, and teacher records from 26,126 students in 1,174 classrooms from 83 schools in 8 Southern California…

Class-Size Reduction: Using What's Been Learned To Inform Educational Decisions. The Informed Educator Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boniface, Russell; Protheroe, Nancy

Class-size reduction (CSR) has been a complex and contentious issue for the last quarter century. Although the small-class concept was adopted because it appealed to common sense, research over time has revealed a mix of confounding variables, instead of a definitive conclusion. Some CSR efforts, such as Tennessee's Project STAR and Wisconsin's…

Oxygen reduction reaction on highly-durable Pt/nanographene fuel cell catalyst synthesized employing in-liquid plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amano, Tomoki; Kondo, Hiroki; Takeda, Keigo; Ishikawa, Kenji; Kano, Hiroyuki; Hiramatsu, Mineo; Sekine, Makoto; Hori, Masaru

2016-09-01

We recently have established ultrahigh-speed synthesis method of nanographene materials employing in-liquid plasma, and reported high durability of Pt/nanographene composites as a fuel cell catalyst. Crystallinity and domain size of nanographene materials were essential to their durability. However, their mechanism is not clarified yet. In this study, we investigated the oxygen reduction reaction using three-types of nanographene materials with different crystallinity and domain sizes, which were synthesized using ethanol, 1-propanol and 1-butanol, respectively. According to our previous studies, the nanographene material synthesized using the lower molecular weight alcohol has the higher crystallinity and larger domain size. Pt nanoparticles were supported on the nanographene surfaces by reducing 8 wt% H2PtCl6 diluted with H2O. Oxygen reduction current densities at a potential of 0.2 V vs. RHE were 5.43, 5.19 and 3.69 mA/cm2 for the samples synthesized using ethanol, 1-propanol and 1-butanol, respectively. This means that the higher crystallinity nanographene showed the larger oxygen reduction current density. The controls of crystallinity and domain size of nanographene materials are essential to not only their durability but also highly efficiency as catalyst electrodes.

Promoter Effects of Alkali Metal Cations on the Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide

DOE PAGES

Resasco, Joaquin; Chen, Leanne D.; Clark, Ezra; ...

2017-07-24

The electrochemical reduction of CO 2 is known to be influenced by the identity of the alkali metal cation in the electrolyte; however, a satisfactory explanation for this phenomenon has not been developed. Here we present the results of experimental and theoretical studies aimed at elucidating the effects of electrolyte cation size on the intrinsic activity and selectivity of metal catalysts for the reduction of CO 2. Experiments were conducted under conditions where the influence of electrolyte polarization is minimal in order to show that cation size affects the intrinsic rates of formation of certain reaction products, most notably formore » HCOO –, C 2H 4, and C 2H 5OH over Cu(100)- and Cu(111)-oriented thin films, and for CO and HCOO– over polycrystalline Ag and Sn. Interpretation of the findings for CO 2 reduction was informed by studies of the reduction of glyoxal and CO, key intermediates along the reaction pathway to final products. Density functional theory calculations show that the alkali metal cations influence the distribution of products formed as a consequence of electrostatic interactions between solvated cations present at the outer Helmholtz plane and adsorbed species having large dipole moments. As a result, the observed trends in activity with cation size are attributed to an increase in the concentration of cations at the outer Helmholtz plane with increasing cation size.« less

Promoter Effects of Alkali Metal Cations on the Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide

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

Resasco, Joaquin; Chen, Leanne D.; Clark, Ezra

The electrochemical reduction of CO 2 is known to be influenced by the identity of the alkali metal cation in the electrolyte; however, a satisfactory explanation for this phenomenon has not been developed. Here we present the results of experimental and theoretical studies aimed at elucidating the effects of electrolyte cation size on the intrinsic activity and selectivity of metal catalysts for the reduction of CO 2. Experiments were conducted under conditions where the influence of electrolyte polarization is minimal in order to show that cation size affects the intrinsic rates of formation of certain reaction products, most notably formore » HCOO –, C 2H 4, and C 2H 5OH over Cu(100)- and Cu(111)-oriented thin films, and for CO and HCOO– over polycrystalline Ag and Sn. Interpretation of the findings for CO 2 reduction was informed by studies of the reduction of glyoxal and CO, key intermediates along the reaction pathway to final products. Density functional theory calculations show that the alkali metal cations influence the distribution of products formed as a consequence of electrostatic interactions between solvated cations present at the outer Helmholtz plane and adsorbed species having large dipole moments. As a result, the observed trends in activity with cation size are attributed to an increase in the concentration of cations at the outer Helmholtz plane with increasing cation size.« less

Los Angeles congestion reduction demonstration express lanes program : national evaluation report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-08-01

This document presents the final report on the national evaluation of the Los Angeles Congestion Reduction Demonstration (LA CRD) ExpressLanes Program under the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) CRD Program. The LA CRD projects fo...

Development of sustainable Palladium-based catalysts for removal of persistent contaminants from drinking water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shuai, Danmeng

Pd-based catalytic reduction has emerged as an advanced treatment technology for drinking water decontamination, and a suite of persistent contaminants including oxyanions, N-nitrosoamines, and halogenated compounds are amenable to catalytic reduction. The primary goal of this study is to develop novel Pd-based catalysts with enhanced performance (i.e., activity, selectivity, and sustainability) to remove contaminants from drinking water. The effects of water quality (i.e., co-contaminants in water matrix), catalyst support, and catalyst metal were explored, and they provide insights for preparing catalysts with faster kinetics, higher selectivity, and extended lifetime. Azo dyes are wide-spread contaminants, and they are potentially co-exisiting with target contaminants amenable for catalytic removal. The probe azo dye methyl orange (MO) enhanced catalytic reduction kinetics of a suite of oxyanions (i.e., nitrate, nitrite, bromate, chlorate, and perchlorate) and diatrizoate significantly but not N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) with a variety of Pd-based catalysts. Nitrate was selected as a probe contaminant, and several different azo dyes (i.e., (methyl orange, methyl red, fast yellow AB, metanil yellow, acid orange 7, congo red, eriochrome black T, acid red 27, acid yellow 11, and acid yellow 17) were evaluated for their ability to enhance reduction. A hydrogen atom shuttling mechanism was proposed and a kinetic model was proposed based on Bronsted-Evans-Polanyi (BEP) theory, and they suggest sorbed azo dyes and reduced hydrazo dyes shuttle hydrogen atoms to oxyanions or diatrizoate to enhance their reduction kinetics. Next, vapor-grown carbon nanofiber (CNF) supports were used to explore the effects of Pd nanoparticle size and interior versus exterior loading on nitrite reduction activity and selectivity (i.e., dinitrogen over ammonia production). In order to evaluate the amount of interior versus exterior loading of Pd nanoparticles, a fast and accurate geometric model was developed based on two-dimensional transmission electron microscopy (2D TEM). Results from my method agree adequately with 3D scanning transmission electron microscopy (3D TEM), which is recognized as a convincing method to evaluate interior versus exterior loading. By using Pd CNF catalysts for nitrite reduction, results show that both activity and selectivity are not significantly impacted by Pd interior versus exterior loading. Turnover frequencies (TOFs) among all CNF catalysts are consistent, suggesting faster kinetics are achieved on catalysts with smaller Pd nanoparticles, and suggesting nitrite reduction is neither sensitive to Pd location on CNFs nor Pd structure. However selectivity to dinitrogen is more favorable on larger Pd nanoparticles. Therefore, an optimum Pd nanoparticle size on CNFs balances high reduction kinetics and selectivity to dinitrogen. CNF Pd catalysts perform better than conventional activated or alumina supported Pd catalysts in term of kinetics and selectivity for nitrite reduction, and they maintain consistent activity during multiple reduction cycles. Lastly, the structure-sensitivity of catalytic activity and selectivity for contaminant nitrite, NDMA, and diatrizoate removal were investigated on shape- and size-controlled Pd nanoparticles. Results show that TOFs for nitrite, NDMA, and diatrizoate are dependent on coordination numbers of surface Pd sites at low contaminant concentration, but TOFs for nitrite at high concentration are consistent. Selectivity to ammonia for nitrite reduction decreases with increasing surface Pd sites, i.e., decreasing Pd nanoparticle size irrespective of nitrite concentration, but NDMA reduction is neither shape- nor size-specific, and it exclusively proceeds to ammonia and dimethylamine. Diatrizoate reduction selectivity is also likely to be nonspecific to shape and size, and a series of deiodinated intermediates, 3,5-diacetamidobenzoic acid, and iodide are the produced. Hence, this study suggests that contaminant reduction kinetics and selectivity are Pd shape and size dependent, and the dependence varies by contaminant type and concentration. In summary, Pd-based catalysts can be tailored for enhanced activity, selectivity, and longevity, and catalytic treatment holds the promise for advanced drinking water treatment.

Does Class Size Make a Difference?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glass, Gene V.; Down, A. Graham

1979-01-01

Argues that study findings indicate that lowered class size increases student achievement and improves school attitudes. Counter argument indicates there is little educational payoff and great monetary expense in small reductions in class size. (RH)

Body size reductions in nonmammalian eutheriodont therapsids (Synapsida) during the end-Permian mass extinction.

PubMed

Huttenlocker, Adam K

2014-01-01

The extent to which mass extinctions influence body size evolution in major tetrapod clades is inadequately understood. For example, the 'Lilliput effect,' a common feature of mass extinctions, describes a temporary decrease in body sizes of survivor taxa in post-extinction faunas. However, its signature on existing patterns of body size evolution in tetrapods and the persistence of its impacts during post-extinction recoveries are virtually unknown, and rarely compared in both geologic and phylogenetic contexts. Here, I evaluate temporal and phylogenetic distributions of body size in Permo-Triassic therocephalian and cynodont therapsids (eutheriodonts) using a museum collections-based approach and time series model fitting on a regional stratigraphic sequence from the Karoo Basin, South Africa. I further employed rank order correlation tests on global age and clade rank data from an expanded phylogenetic dataset, and performed evolutionary model testing using Brownian (passive diffusion) models. Results support significant size reductions in the immediate aftermath of the end-Permian mass extinction (ca. 252.3 Ma) consistent with some definitions of Lilliput effects. However, this temporal succession reflects a pattern that was underscored largely by Brownian processes and constructive selectivity. Results also support two recent contentions about body size evolution and mass extinctions: 1) active, directional evolution in size traits is rare over macroevolutionary time scales and 2) geologically brief size reductions may be accomplished by the ecological removal of large-bodied species without rapid originations of new small-bodied clades or shifts from long-term evolutionary patterns.

About the Drift Reduction Technology Program

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The new voluntary Drift Reduction Technology (DRT) Program will encourage the manufacture, marketing, and use of safer spray technology and equipment scientifically verified to reduce pesticide drift.

32 CFR 318.8 - Request for correction or amendment to a record.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... DEFENSE (CONTINUED) PRIVACY PROGRAM DEFENSE THREAT REDUCTION AGENCY PRIVACY PROGRAM § 318.8 Request for correction or amendment to a record. (a) An individual may request that the Defense Threat Reduction Agency... Division, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, 45045 Aviation Drive, Dulles, VA 20166-7517. (c) The requester...

Power, Propulsion, and Communications for Microspacecraft Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

deGroot, W. A.; Maloney, T. M.; Vanderaar, M. J.

1998-01-01

The development of small sized, low weight spacecraft should lead to reduced scientific mission costs by lowering fabrication and launch costs. An order of magnitude reduction in spacecraft size can be obtained by miniaturizing components. Additional reductions in spacecraft weight, size, and cost can be obtained by utilizing the synergy that exists between different spacecraft systems. The state-of-the-art of three major systems, spacecraft power, propulsion, and communications is discussed. Potential strategies to exploit the synergy between these systems and/or the payload are identified. Benefits of several of these synergies are discussed.

Controlling Endemic Pathogens—Challenges and Opportunities

PubMed Central

Shankaran, Sunita S.; James, William L.

2016-01-01

Abstract By most measures, the University of Utah Centralized Zebrafish Animal Resource is a successful zebrafish core facility: we house ∼4000–5000 tanks for over 16 research groups; provide services and equipment for ∼150 users; are currently undergoing an expansion by 3000 tanks; and have been praised by institutional and national regulatory agencies for the cleanliness and efficiency of our facility. In recent years, we have implemented new programs to improve the overall health of our colony and believe we have seen a reduction in apparently sick fish. However, there are still deficiencies in our monitoring and pathogen control programs. Our histopathology sample sizes have been insufficient to estimate prevalence, but our sentinel tank program reveals the presence of Pseudoloma neurophilia and myxozoan, presumably Myxidium streisinger, in our facility. As we develop protocols to further reduce the burden of disease, we are focused on defining our baseline, establishing goals, and implementing methods to monitor our progress. The data generated by this approach will allow us to evaluate and implement the most cost-effective protocols to improve fish health. PMID:26982004

Reduced Trauma Symptoms and Perceived Stress in Male Prison Inmates through the Transcendental Meditation Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Nidich, Sanford; O'connor, Tom; Rutledge, Thomas; Duncan, Jeff; Compton, Blaze; Seng, Angela; Nidich, Randi

2016-01-01

Trauma events are four times more prevalent in inmates than in the general public and are associated with increased recidivism and other mental and physical health issues. To evaluate the effects of Transcendental Meditation (TM) on trauma symptoms in male inmates. One hundred eighty-one inmates with a moderate- to high-risk criminal profile were randomly assigned to either the TM program or to a usual care control group. The Trauma Symptom Checklist and the Perceived Stress Scale were administered at baseline and four-month posttest. Significant reductions in total trauma symptoms, anxiety, depression, dissociation, and sleep disturbance subscales, and perceived stress in the TM group were found compared with controls (all p values < 0.001). The high-trauma subgroup analysis further showed a higher magnitude of effects in the TM group compared with controls on all outcomes, with Cohen effect sizes ranging from 0.67 to 0.89. Results are consistent with those of prior studies of the TM program in other populations and its effects on trauma symptoms and perceived stress.

The Ontario Uterine Fibroid Embolization Trial. Part 2. Uterine fibroid reduction and symptom relief after uterine artery embolization for fibroids.

PubMed

Pron, Gaylene; Bennett, John; Common, Andrew; Wall, Jane; Asch, Murray; Sniderman, Kenneth

2003-01-01

To evaluate fibroid uterine volume reduction, symptom relief, and patient satisfaction with uterine artery embolization (UAE) for symptomatic fibroids. Multicenter, prospective, single-arm clinical treatment trial. Eight Ontario university and community hospitals. Five hundred thirty-eight patients undergoing bilateral UAE. Bilateral UAE performed with polyvinyl alcohol particles sized 355-500 microm. Three-month follow-up evaluations including fibroid uterine volume reductions, patient reported symptom improvement (7-point scale), symptom life-impact (10-point scale) reduction, and treatment satisfaction (6-point scale). Median uterine and dominant fibroid volume reductions were 35% and 42%, respectively. Significant improvements were reported for menorrhagia (83%), dysmenorrhea (77%), and urinary frequency/urgency (86%). Mean menstrual duration was significantly reduced after UAE (7.6 to 5.4 days). Improvements in menorrhagia were unrelated to pre-UAE uterine size or post-UAE uterine volume reduction. Amenorrhea occurring after the procedure was highly age dependent, ranging from 3% (1%-7%) in women under age 40 to 41% (26%-58%) in women age 50 or older. Median fibroid life-impact scores were significantly reduced after UAE (8.0 to 3.0). The majority (91%) expressed satisfaction with UAE treatment. UAE reduced fibroid uterine volume and provided significant relief of menorrhagia that was unrelated to initial fibroid uterine size or volume reduction. Patient satisfaction with short-term UAE treatment outcomes was high.

HYPERDIRE-HYPERgeometric functions DIfferential REduction: Mathematica-based packages for the differential reduction of generalized hypergeometric functions: Lauricella function FC of three variables

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bytev, Vladimir V.; Kniehl, Bernd A.

2016-09-01

We present a further extension of the HYPERDIRE project, which is devoted to the creation of a set of Mathematica-based program packages for manipulations with Horn-type hypergeometric functions on the basis of differential equations. Specifically, we present the implementation of the differential reduction for the Lauricella function FC of three variables. Catalogue identifier: AEPP_v4_0 Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEPP_v4_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: GNU General Public License, version 3 No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 243461 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 61610782 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: Mathematica. Computer: All computers running Mathematica. Operating system: Operating systems running Mathematica. Classification: 4.4. Does the new version supersede the previous version?: No, it significantly extends the previous version. Nature of problem: Reduction of hypergeometric function FC of three variables to a set of basis functions. Solution method: Differential reduction. Reasons for new version: The extension package allows the user to handle the Lauricella function FC of three variables. Summary of revisions: The previous version goes unchanged. Running time: Depends on the complexity of the problem.

Scalability of an Evidence-Based Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program: New Evidence From 5 Cluster-Randomized Evaluations of the Teen Outreach Program.

PubMed

Francis, Kimberly; Philliber, Susan; Walsh-Buhi, Eric R; Philliber, Ashley; Seshadri, Roopa; Daley, Ellen

2016-09-01

To determine if the Teen Outreach Program (TOP), a youth development and service learning program, can reduce sexual risk-taking behaviors compared with a business as usual or benign counterfactual. We synthesized results of 5 independent studies conducted in 5 geographically and ethnically diverse locations between 2011 and 2015 with 17 194 middle and high school students. Each study cluster-randomized classes, teachers, or schools to treatment or control groups and included the students enrolled in those clusters at baseline in an intent-to-treat analysis. Multilevel models tested impacts on recent sexual activity, recent unprotected sexual activity, and sexual initiation among the sexually inexperienced at baseline at approximately 1 and 2 years after baseline. Precision-weighted average effect sizes showed nonsignificant reductions of 1 percentage point or less in recent sexual activity (5 studies: -0.6; P = .32), recent unprotected sex (5 studies: -0.2; P = .76), and sexual initiation (4 studies: -1.1; P = .10) after 1 year. There was little evidence of the effectiveness of TOP in reducing sexual risk-taking behaviors. Results underscored the importance of continually evaluating evidence-based programs that have previously been shown to be effective.

Effects of temperature and dissolved oxygen on Se(IV) removal and Se(0) precipitation by Shewanella sp. HN-41.

PubMed

Lee, Ji-Hoon; Han, Jaehong; Choi, Heechul; Hur, Hor-Gil

2007-08-01

Facultative anaerobic Shewanella sp. strain HN-41 was able to utilize selenite (Se(IV)) as a sole electron acceptor for respiration in anaerobic condition, resulting in reduction of Se(IV) and then precipitation of elemental Se nano-sized spherical particles, which were identified using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy. When the effects on Se(IV) reduction to elemental Se were studied by varying incubation temperatures and dissolved oxygen contents, Se(IV) reduction occurred more actively with higher removal rate of Se(IV) in aqueous phase and well-shaped spherical Se(0) nanoparticles were formed from the incubations under N(2) (100%) or N(2):O(2) (80%:20%) at 30 degrees C with average diameter values of 181+/-40 nm and 164+/-24 nm, respectively, while relatively less amounts of irregular-shaped Se(0) nanoparticles were produced with negligible amount of Se(IV) reduction and removal under 100% of O(2). The Se particle size distributions based on scanning electron microscopy also showed a general tendency towards decreased Se particle size as oxygen content increased, whereas the particle size seemed uncorrelated to the change in the incubation temperature. These results also suggest that the size-controlled biological Se(0) nanospheres production may be achieved simply by changing the culture conditions.

Partially oxidized iridium clusters within dendrimers: size-controlled synthesis and selective hydrogenation of 2-nitrobenzaldehyde

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Higaki, Tatsuya; Kitazawa, Hirokazu; Yamazoe, Seiji; Tsukuda, Tatsuya

2016-06-01

Iridium clusters nominally composed of 15, 30 or 60 atoms were size-selectively synthesized within OH-terminated poly(amidoamine) dendrimers of generation 6. Spectroscopic characterization revealed that the Ir clusters were partially oxidized. All the Ir clusters efficiently converted 2-nitrobenzaldehyde to anthranil and 2-aminobenzaldehyde under atmospheric hydrogen at room temperature in toluene via selective hydrogenation of the NO2 group. The selectivity toward 2-aminobenzaldehyde over anthranil was improved with the reduction of the cluster size. The improved selectivity is ascribed to more efficient reduction than intramolecular heterocyclization of a hydroxylamine intermediate on smaller clusters that have a higher Ir(0)-phase population on the surface.Iridium clusters nominally composed of 15, 30 or 60 atoms were size-selectively synthesized within OH-terminated poly(amidoamine) dendrimers of generation 6. Spectroscopic characterization revealed that the Ir clusters were partially oxidized. All the Ir clusters efficiently converted 2-nitrobenzaldehyde to anthranil and 2-aminobenzaldehyde under atmospheric hydrogen at room temperature in toluene via selective hydrogenation of the NO2 group. The selectivity toward 2-aminobenzaldehyde over anthranil was improved with the reduction of the cluster size. The improved selectivity is ascribed to more efficient reduction than intramolecular heterocyclization of a hydroxylamine intermediate on smaller clusters that have a higher Ir(0)-phase population on the surface. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr01460g

Effectiveness of the online weight reduction program KiloCoach™ and comparison with other evaluated commercial direct intervention and online programs.

PubMed

Longin, Rita; Grasse, Marina; Aspalter, Rosa; Waldherr, Karin

2012-01-01

Preliminary results indicated effectiveness of the online weight reduction program KiloCoach. The current study presents a large collection of user data and compares KiloCoach with other evaluated commercial weight loss programs. Furthermore, potential factors influencing the effectiveness of internet weight loss programs should be identified. 4,310 data sets of KiloCoach users were available, 3,150 of them were suitable for further analysis. 946 program users were considered completers (at least 60 days of continuous protocol). For comparison with other programs, different subsamples were drawn that matched to the inclusion criteria of reference studies. On average, KiloCoach overweight and obese completers lost 4.5 % of initial body weight. KiloCoach was as effective as the commercial program Weight Watchers® after 1 year (6.4% vs. 5.3% weight loss; p = 0.11) and 2 years (5.1% vs. 3.2% weight loss; p = 0.15). KiloCoach proved to be more effective than other online programs (Viktklubb, eDiets.com) as well as an in-person behavioral program, but less effective than Vtrim®, an online behavioral program providing intensive support. In comparison to reference programs, KiloCoach proved to be effective for weight reduction. The effect of online weight reduction programs seems to depend on methods and features applied.

Combining Primary Prevention and Risk Reduction Approaches in Sexual Assault Protection Programming

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Menning, Chadwick; Holtzman, Mellisa

2015-01-01

Objective: The object of this study is to extend prior evaluations of Elemental, a sexual assault protection program that combines primary prevention and risk reduction strategies within a single program. Participants and Methods: During 2012 and 2013, program group and control group students completed pretest, posttest, and 6-week and 6-month…

Waste reduction plan for The Oak Ridge National Laboratory

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

Schultz, R.M.

1990-04-01

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a multipurpose Research and Development (R D) facility. These R D activities generate numerous small waste streams. Waste minimization is defined as any action that minimizes the volume or toxicity of waste by avoiding its generation or recycling. This is accomplished by material substitution, changes to processes, or recycling wastes for reuse. Waste reduction is defined as waste minimization plus treatment which results in volume or toxicity reduction. The ORNL Waste Reduction Program will include both waste minimization and waste reduction efforts. Federal regulations, DOE policies and guidelines, increased costs and liabilities associatedmore » with the management of wastes, limited disposal options and facility capacities, and public consciousness have been motivating factors for implementing comprehensive waste reduction programs. DOE Order 5820.2A, Section 3.c.2.4 requires DOE facilities to establish an auditable waste reduction program for all LLW generators. In addition, it further states that any new facilities, or changes to existing facilities, incorporate waste minimization into design considerations. A more recent DOE Order, 3400.1, Section 4.b, requires the preparation of a waste reduction program plan which must be reviewed annually and updated every three years. Implementation of a waste minimization program for hazardous and radioactive mixed wastes is sited in DOE Order 5400.3, Section 7.d.5. This document has been prepared to address these requirements. 6 refs., 1 fig., 2 tabs.« less

Effect of open channel filter on particle emissions of modern diesel engine.

PubMed

Heikkilä, Juha; Rönkkö, Topi; Lähde, Tero; Lemmetty, Mikko; Arffman, Anssi; Virtanen, Annele; Keskinen, Jorma; Pirjola, Liisa; Rothe, Dieter

2009-10-01

Particle emissions of modern diesel engines are of a particular interest because of their negative health effects. The special interest is in nanosized solid particles. The effect of an open channel filter on particle emissions of a modern heavy-duty diesel engine (MAN D2066 LF31, model year 2006) was studied. Here, the authors show that the open channel filter made from metal screen efficiently reduced the number of the smallest particles and, notably, the number and mass concentration of soot particles. The filter used in this study reached 78% particle mass reduction over the European Steady Cycle. Considering the size-segregated number concentration reduction, the collection efficiency was over 95% for particles smaller than 10 nm. The diffusion is the dominant collection mechanism in small particle sizes, thus the collection efficiency decreased as particle size increased, attaining 50% at 100 nm. The overall particle number reduction was 66-99%, and for accumulation-mode particles the number concentration reduction was 62-69%, both depending on the engine load.

Ontogenetic Tooth Reduction in Stenopterygius quadriscissus (Reptilia: Ichthyosauria): Negative Allometry, Changes in Growth Rate, and Early Senescence of the Dental Lamina

PubMed Central

Dick, Daniel G.; Maxwell, Erin E.

2015-01-01

We explore the functional, developmental, and evolutionary processes which are argued to produce tooth reduction in the extinct marine reptile Stenopterygius quadriscissus (Reptilia: Ichthyosauria). We analyze the relationship between mandible growth and tooth size, shape, and count, to establish an ontogenetic trend. The pattern in S. quadriscissus is consistent with hypotheses of tooth size reduction by neutral selection, and this unusual morphology (a functionally edentulous rostrum) was produced by a series of different evolutionary developmental changes that are known for other taxa showing tooth reduction and loss. Specifically, this species evolved functional edentulism by evolutionary changes in the growth allometry of the dentition and by altering growth rates through ontogeny. This observation supports previous hypotheses that S. quadriscissus underwent ontogenetic tooth reduction. Tooth reduction in S. quadriscissus may be caused by unique selective pressures resulting from prey choice and feeding behavior, expanding our current understanding of the mechanisms producing tooth reduction. PMID:26579712

Ontogenetic Tooth Reduction in Stenopterygius quadriscissus (Reptilia: Ichthyosauria): Negative Allometry, Changes in Growth Rate, and Early Senescence of the Dental Lamina.

PubMed

Dick, Daniel G; Maxwell, Erin E

2015-01-01

We explore the functional, developmental, and evolutionary processes which are argued to produce tooth reduction in the extinct marine reptile Stenopterygius quadriscissus (Reptilia: Ichthyosauria). We analyze the relationship between mandible growth and tooth size, shape, and count, to establish an ontogenetic trend. The pattern in S. quadriscissus is consistent with hypotheses of tooth size reduction by neutral selection, and this unusual morphology (a functionally edentulous rostrum) was produced by a series of different evolutionary developmental changes that are known for other taxa showing tooth reduction and loss. Specifically, this species evolved functional edentulism by evolutionary changes in the growth allometry of the dentition and by altering growth rates through ontogeny. This observation supports previous hypotheses that S. quadriscissus underwent ontogenetic tooth reduction. Tooth reduction in S. quadriscissus may be caused by unique selective pressures resulting from prey choice and feeding behavior, expanding our current understanding of the mechanisms producing tooth reduction.

XRP -- SMM XRP Data Analysis & Reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McSherry, M.; Lawden, M. D.

This manual describes the various programs that are available for the reduction and analysis of XRP data. These programs have been developed under the VAX operating system. The original programs are resident on a VaxStation 3100 at the Solar Data Analysis Center (NASA/GSFC Greenbelt MD).

Size-dependent effects in supported highly dispersed Fe2O3 catalysts, doped with Pt and Pd

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cherkezova-Zheleva, Zara; Shopska, Maya; Mitov, Ivan; Kadinov, Georgi

2010-06-01

Series of Fe and Fe-Me (Me = Pt or Pd) catalyst supported on γ-Al2O3, TiO2 (anatase) or diatomite were prepared by the incipient wetness impregnation method. The metal loading was 8 wt.% Fe and 0.7 wt.% noble metal. The preparation and pretreatment conditions of all studied samples were kept to be the same. X-ray diffraction, Moessbauer spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and temperature-programmed reduction are used for characterization of the supports and the samples at different steps during their treatment and catalytic tests. The catalytic activity of the samples was tested in the reaction of total benzene oxidation. The physicochemical and catalytic properties of the obtained materials are compared with respect of the different chemical composition, dispersion of used carriers and of the supported phases. Samples with the same composition prepared by mechanical mixing are studied as catalysts for comparison and for clearing up the presence of size-dependent effect, also.

Laser Shearographic Inspection for Debonds in Sprayed On Foam Insulation (SOFI)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, F. W.; Hooker, J.; Simmons, S.

1997-01-01

Preliminary results of shearographic inspections of the test panels simulating the Space Shuttle's external tank (ET) spray on foam insulation (SOFI) are presented. Debonding of SOFI may introduce flight debris that may damage the orbiter's thermal protection system (TPS) exposing the orbiter (as well as the ET) to thermal loading. It is estimated that 90 percent of the TPS damage on the orbiter's 'belly' results from debonded SOFI during ascent. A series of test panels were fabricated, with programmed debonds of different geometries and sizes, to determine the sensitivity of shearography as a function of debond size, SOFI thickness,'and vacuum excitation. Results show that a Probability of Detection (POD) of 0.95 or better can be expected for debonds with a diameter equal to the SOFI thickness as less than 0.4-psi pressure reduction. More testing will be required to validate the laser shearography imaging process for certifying its use in nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of Space Shuttle space flight components.

Illicit Drug Users in the Tanzanian Hinterland: Population Size Estimation Through Key Informant-Driven Hot Spot Mapping.

PubMed

Ndayongeje, Joel; Msami, Amani; Laurent, Yovin Ivo; Mwankemwa, Syangu; Makumbuli, Moza; Ngonyani, Alois M; Tiberio, Jenny; Welty, Susie; Said, Christen; Morris, Meghan D; McFarland, Willi

2018-02-12

We mapped hot spots and estimated the numbers of people who use drugs (PWUD) and who inject drugs (PWID) in 12 regions of Tanzania. Primary (ie, current and past PWUD) and secondary (eg, police, service providers) key informants identified potential hot spots, which we visited to verify and count the number of PWUD and PWID present. Adjustments to counts and extrapolation to regional estimates were done by local experts through iterative rounds of discussion. Drug use, specifically cocaine and heroin, occurred in all regions. Tanga had the largest numbers of PWUD and PWID (5190 and 540, respectively), followed by Mwanza (3300 and 300, respectively). Findings highlight the need to strengthen awareness of drug use and develop prevention and harm reduction programs with broader reach in Tanzania. This exercise provides a foundation for understanding the extent and locations of drug use, a baseline for future size estimations, and a sampling frame for future research.

Is the lionfish invasion waning? Evidence from The Bahamas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benkwitt, Cassandra E.; Albins, Mark A.; Buch, Kevin L.; Ingeman, Kurt E.; Kindinger, Tye L.; Pusack, Timothy J.; Stallings, Christopher D.; Hixon, Mark A.

2017-12-01

Indo-Pacific lionfishes ( Pterois volitans/ miles) have undergone rapid population growth and reached extremely high densities in parts of the invaded Atlantic. However, their long-term population trends in areas without active management programs are unknown. Since 2005, we have monitored lionfish abundance in the Exuma Cays of the central Bahamas on 64 reefs ranging in size from 1 to 4000 m2. Lionfish densities increased from the first sighting in 2005 through 2009, leveled off between 2010 and 2011, and then began to decrease. By 2015, densities had noticeably declined on most of these reefs, despite a lack of culling or fishing efforts in this part of The Bahamas. There was no consistent change in lionfish size structure through time. We discuss possible causes of the decline, including reductions in larval supply or survival, hurricanes, interactions with native species, and intraspecific interactions. Further studies are required to determine whether the declines will persist. In the meantime, we recommend that managers continue efforts to control invasive lionfish abundances locally.

Pocketing mechanics of SRM nozzle liner

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Verderaime, V. S.

1986-01-01

A systems approach was adopted to study the pocketing phenomena on a solid rocket nozzle liner. The classical thermoelastic analysis was used to identify marginally strained regions on the composite liner erosion surface and at a depth coincident with the peak value of the across ply coefficient of thermal expansion. A failure criterion was introduced which included a thermal term and permitted failure assessment over the charred liner. The method was verified by satisfactory application to a reported related experiment. Liner pocketing mechanism was attributed to very localized material degradation caused during manufacturing process either by reduction of fiber strength and/or by concentration of resin volume fraction. Pocketing scenario over the degraged material was constructed with supporting formulation to predict size of fissures with respect to degraded material size and location in the liner and with burn time. Sensitivities of liner material parameters were determined to influence test programs designed to update mechanical data base of carbon cloth phenolic over the char temperature range.

Lessons Learned From Community-Based Approaches to Sodium Reduction

PubMed Central

Kane, Heather; Strazza, Karen; Losby PhD, Jan L.; Lane, Rashon; Mugavero, Kristy; Anater, Andrea S.; Frost, Corey; Margolis, Marjorie; Hersey, James

2017-01-01

Purpose This article describes lessons from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention initiative encompassing sodium reduction interventions in six communities. Design A multiple case study design was used. Setting This evaluation examined data from programs implemented in six communities located in New York (Broome County, Schenectady County, and New York City); California (Los Angeles County and Shasta County); and Kansas (Shawnee County). Subjects Participants (n = 80) included program staff, program directors, state-level staff, and partners. Measures Measures for this evaluation included challenges, facilitators, and lessons learned from implementing sodium reduction strategies. Analysis The project team conducted a document review of program materials and semi structured interviews 12 to 14 months after implementation. The team coded and analyzed data deductively and inductively. Results Five lessons for implementing community-based sodium reduction approaches emerged: (1) build relationships with partners to understand their concerns, (2) involve individuals knowledgeable about specific venues early, (3) incorporate sodium reduction efforts and messaging into broader nutrition efforts, (4) design the program to reduce sodium gradually to take into account consumer preferences and taste transitions, and (5) identify ways to address the cost of lower-sodium products. Conclusion The experiences of the six communities may assist practitioners in planning community-based sodium reduction interventions. Addressing sodium reduction using a community-based approach can foster meaningful change in dietary sodium consumption. PMID:24575726

Future development programs. [for emission reduction and production of aircraft engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waters, L.

1976-01-01

A company program was planned which has a main drive to develop those emission reduction concepts that have the promise of earliest success. These programs were proposed in an attempt to enhance existing engine systems, exploiting their potential for emission reduction as far as is compatible with retaining the well established features in them that are well understood and in current production. The intended programs identified in the area of new concepts were: (1) upgrading the TCM fuel system, (2) evaluation of accelerator pump, (3) reduced cooling requirement, and (4) variable spark timing.

Parallel Nonnegative Least Squares Solvers for Model Order Reduction

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-01

NNLS problems that arise when the Energy Conserving Sampling and Weighting hyper -reduction procedure is used when constructing a reduced-order model...ScaLAPACK and performance results are presented. nonnegative least squares, model order reduction, hyper -reduction, Energy Conserving Sampling and...optimal solution. ........................................ 20 Table 6 Reduced mesh sizes produced for each solver in the ECSW hyper -reduction step

Development of a 2-h suicide prevention program for medical staff including nurses and medical residents: A two-center pilot trial.

PubMed

Nakagami, Yukako; Kubo, Hiroaki; Katsuki, Ryoko; Sakai, Tomomichi; Sugihara, Genichi; Naito, Chisako; Oda, Hiroyuki; Hayakawa, Kohei; Suzuki, Yuriko; Fujisawa, Daisuke; Hashimoto, Naoki; Kobara, Keiji; Cho, Tetsuji; Kuga, Hironori; Takao, Kiyoshi; Kawahara, Yoko; Matsumura, Yumi; Murai, Toshiya; Akashi, Koichi; Kanba, Shigenobu; Otsuka, Kotaro; Kato, Takahiro A

2018-01-01

Suicide is a crucial global health concern and effective suicide prevention has long been warranted. Mental illness, especially depression is the highest risk factor of suicide. Suicidal risk is increased in people not only with mental illness but also with physical illnesses, thus medical staff caring for physically-ill patients are also required to manage people with suicidal risk. In the present study, we evaluated our newly developed suicide intervention program among medical staff. We developed a 2-h suicide intervention program for medical staff, based on the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), which had originally been developed for the general population. We conducted this program for 74 medical staff members from 2 hospitals. Changes in knowledge, perceived skills, and confidence in early intervention of depression and suicide-prevention were evaluated using self-reported questionnaires at 3 points; pre-program, immediately after the program, and 1 month after program. This suicide prevention program had significant effects on improving perceived skills and confidence especially among nurses and medical residents. These significant effects lasted even 1 month after the program. Design was a single-arm study with relatively small sample size and short-term follow up. The present study suggests that the major target of this effective program is nurses and medical residents. Future research is required to validate the effects of the program with control groups, and also to assess long-term effectiveness and actual reduction in suicide rates. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dry fractionation process as an important step in current and future lignocellulose biorefineries: a review.

PubMed

Barakat, Abdellatif; de Vries, Hugo; Rouau, Xavier

2013-04-01

The use of lignocellulosic biomass is promising for biofuels and materials and new technologies for the conversion need to be developed. However, the inherent properties of native lignocellulosic materials make them resistant to enzymatic and chemical degradation. Lignocellulosic biomass requires being pretreated to change the physical and chemical properties of lignocellulosic matrix in order to increase cell wall polymers accessibility and bioavailability. Mechanical size reduction may be chemical free intensive operation thanks to decreasing particles size and cellulose crystallinity, and increasing accessible surface area. Changes in these parameters improve the digestibility and the bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass. However, mechanical size reduction requires cost-effective approaches from an energy input point of view. Therefore, the energy consumption in relation to physicochemical properties of lignocellulosic biomass was discussed. Even more, chemical treatments combined with physicochemical size reduction approaches are proposed to reduce energy consumption in this review. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimizing Blocking and Nonblocking Reduction Operations for Multicore Systems: Hierarchical Design and Implementation

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

Gorentla Venkata, Manjunath; Shamis, Pavel; Graham, Richard L

2013-01-01

Many scientific simulations, using the Message Passing Interface (MPI) programming model, are sensitive to the performance and scalability of reduction collective operations such as MPI Allreduce and MPI Reduce. These operations are the most widely used abstractions to perform mathematical operations over all processes that are part of the simulation. In this work, we propose a hierarchical design to implement the reduction operations on multicore systems. This design aims to improve the efficiency of reductions by 1) tailoring the algorithms and customizing the implementations for various communication mechanisms in the system 2) providing the ability to configure the depth ofmore » hierarchy to match the system architecture, and 3) providing the ability to independently progress each of this hierarchy. Using this design, we implement MPI Allreduce and MPI Reduce operations (and its nonblocking variants MPI Iallreduce and MPI Ireduce) for all message sizes, and evaluate on multiple architectures including InfiniBand and Cray XT5. We leverage and enhance our existing infrastructure, Cheetah, which is a framework for implementing hierarchical collective operations to implement these reductions. The experimental results show that the Cheetah reduction operations outperform the production-grade MPI implementations such as Open MPI default, Cray MPI, and MVAPICH2, demonstrating its efficiency, flexibility and portability. On Infini- Band systems, with a microbenchmark, a 512-process Cheetah nonblocking Allreduce and Reduce achieves a speedup of 23x and 10x, respectively, compared to the default Open MPI reductions. The blocking variants of the reduction operations also show similar performance benefits. A 512-process nonblocking Cheetah Allreduce achieves a speedup of 3x, compared to the default MVAPICH2 Allreduce implementation. On a Cray XT5 system, a 6144-process Cheetah Allreduce outperforms the Cray MPI by 145%. The evaluation with an application kernel, Conjugate Gradient solver, shows that the Cheetah reductions speeds up total time to solution by 195%, demonstrating the potential benefits for scientific simulations.« less

9 CFR 145.33 - Terminology and classification; flocks and products.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

...) Salmonella Education/Reduction Program or the Fishmeal Inspection Program of the National Marine Fisheries... participants in the Animal Protein Products Industry (APPI) Salmonella Education/Reduction Program or the... of the house). A representative sample of males and females should be sampled. The samples shall be...

9 CFR 145.33 - Terminology and classification; flocks and products.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

...) Salmonella Education/Reduction Program or the Fishmeal Inspection Program of the National Marine Fisheries... participants in the Animal Protein Products Industry (APPI) Salmonella Education/Reduction Program or the... of the house). A representative sample of males and females should be sampled. The samples shall be...

9 CFR 145.33 - Terminology and classification; flocks and products.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

...) Salmonella Education/Reduction Program or the Fishmeal Inspection Program of the National Marine Fisheries... participants in the Animal Protein Products Industry (APPI) Salmonella Education/Reduction Program or the... of the house). A representative sample of males and females should be sampled. The samples shall be...

[Ecological Correlates of Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Korean Blue-collar Workers: A Multi-level Study].

PubMed

Hwang, Won Ju; Park, Yunhee

2015-12-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate individual and organizational level of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors associated with CVD risk in Korean blue-collar workers working in small sized companies. Self-report questionnaires and blood sampling for lipid and glucose were collected from 492 workers in 31 small sized companies in Korea. Multilevel modeling was conducted to estimate effects of related factors at the individual and organizational level. Multilevel regression analysis showed that workers in the workplace having a cafeteria had 1.81 times higher CVD risk after adjusting for factors at the individual level (p=.022). The explanatory power of variables related to organizational level variances in CVD risk was 17.1%. The results of this study indicate that differences in the CVD risk were related to organizational factors. It is necessary to consider not only individual factors but also organizational factors when planning a CVD risk reduction program. The factors caused by having cafeteria in the workplace can be reduced by improvement in the CVD-related risk environment, therefore an organizational-level intervention approach should be available to reduce CVD risk of workers in small sized companies in Korea.

48 CFR 52.223-10 - Waste Reduction Program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Reduction Program (MAY 2011) (a) Definitions. As used in this clause— Recycling means the series of... prevention, recycling, or purchasing recycled and environmentally preferable products. (b) Consistent with...

48 CFR 52.223-10 - Waste Reduction Program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... Reduction Program (MAY 2011) (a) Definitions. As used in this clause— Recycling means the series of... prevention, recycling, or purchasing recycled and environmentally preferable products. (b) Consistent with...

48 CFR 52.223-10 - Waste Reduction Program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... Reduction Program (MAY 2011) (a) Definitions. As used in this clause— Recycling means the series of... prevention, recycling, or purchasing recycled and environmentally preferable products. (b) Consistent with...

48 CFR 52.223-10 - Waste Reduction Program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... Reduction Program (MAY 2011) (a) Definitions. As used in this clause— Recycling means the series of... prevention, recycling, or purchasing recycled and environmentally preferable products. (b) Consistent with...

48 CFR 52.223-10 - Waste Reduction Program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Reduction Program (AUG 2000) (a) Definitions. As used in this clause— Recycling means the series of... prevention, recycling, or purchasing recycled and environmentally preferable products. (b) Consistent with...

Initial Response to Program, Program Participation, and Weight Reduction Among 375 MOVE! Participants, Augusta, Georgia, 2008-2010.

PubMed

Garvin, Jane T; Hardy, Dale; Xu, Hongyan

2016-04-21

Obesity management guidelines specify initial goals for participation and weight reduction for the first 6 months of a weight-reduction intervention, but guidelines do not specify when to assess early response and make adjustments. We aimed to determine whether very early or early weight reduction in the weight-reduction program MOVE! predicted later participation or achievement of weight-reduction goals. Using clinical data from 375 MOVE! participants enrolled from July 2008 through May 2010, we examined program participation and weight reduction. Very early response was defined as achieving a weight reduction of 0.5% or more at week 2, and early response was defined as achieving weight reduction of 1.0% or more at week 4. Success, or achievement of weight-reduction goal, at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years was defined as a weight reduction of 5% or more. Participation was assessed according to the number of sessions attended within the first 6 months of program enrollment; attendance of 14 or more sessions was classified as high-intensity participation. Very early responders were more than 5 times as likely (odds ratio [OR] = 5.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.69-17.71; P = .005) and early responders were more than 10 times as likely (OR = 10.76; 95% CI, 2.64-43.80; P = .001) to achieve the 6-month weight-reduction goal as participants who were not very early responders or early responders, respectively. Early responders were almost 7 times as likely to achieve the 1-year weight-reduction goal (OR = 6.96; 95% CI, 1.85-26.13; P = .004). Neither very early nor early response predicted participation, high-intensity participation, or success at 2 years. This research supports the predictive value of very early response and early response to MOVE! on weight-reduction success at 6 months; early response also predicted 1-year success, suggesting that the 2-week point may be an ideal time to assess initial response and make intervention adjustments.

Initial Response to Program, Program Participation, and Weight Reduction Among 375 MOVE! Participants, Augusta, Georgia, 2008–2010

PubMed Central

Hardy, Dale; Xu, Hongyan

2016-01-01

Introduction Obesity management guidelines specify initial goals for participation and weight reduction for the first 6 months of a weight-reduction intervention, but guidelines do not specify when to assess early response and make adjustments. We aimed to determine whether very early or early weight reduction in the weight-reduction program MOVE! predicted later participation or achievement of weight-reduction goals. Methods Using clinical data from 375 MOVE! participants enrolled from July 2008 through May 2010, we examined program participation and weight reduction. Very early response was defined as achieving a weight reduction of 0.5% or more at week 2, and early response was defined as achieving weight reduction of 1.0% or more at week 4. Success, or achievement of weight-reduction goal, at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years was defined as a weight reduction of 5% or more. Participation was assessed according to the number of sessions attended within the first 6 months of program enrollment; attendance of 14 or more sessions was classified as high-intensity participation. Results Very early responders were more than 5 times as likely (odds ratio [OR] = 5.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.69–17.71; P = .005) and early responders were more than 10 times as likely (OR = 10.76; 95% CI, 2.64–43.80; P = .001) to achieve the 6-month weight-reduction goal as participants who were not very early responders or early responders, respectively. Early responders were almost 7 times as likely to achieve the 1-year weight-reduction goal (OR = 6.96; 95% CI, 1.85–26.13; P = .004). Neither very early nor early response predicted participation, high-intensity participation, or success at 2 years. Conclusion This research supports the predictive value of very early response and early response to MOVE! on weight-reduction success at 6 months; early response also predicted 1-year success, suggesting that the 2-week point may be an ideal time to assess initial response and make intervention adjustments. PMID:27103265

Proceedings of Conference V: communicating earthquake hazard reduction information: convened under auspices of National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program 22-24 May, 1978

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hays, Walter W.

1978-01-01

(11) achieving landslide hazard reduction. The objective was to identify the most significant lessons learned during the course of each experience and to develop recommendations for improving communication that might be incorporated in the search program of the USGS.

40 CFR 76.5 - NOX emission limitations for Group 1 boilers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) ACID RAIN NITROGEN OXIDES EMISSION REDUCTION PROGRAM § 76.5 NOX emission limitations..., the date on which the unit is required to meet Acid Rain emission reduction requirements for SO2, the... 404(d) of the Act, the date the unit is required to meet Acid Rain emissions reduction requirements...

40 CFR 76.5 - NOX emission limitations for Group 1 boilers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) ACID RAIN NITROGEN OXIDES EMISSION REDUCTION PROGRAM § 76.5 NOX emission limitations..., the date on which the unit is required to meet Acid Rain emission reduction requirements for SO2, the... 404(d) of the Act, the date the unit is required to meet Acid Rain emissions reduction requirements...

40 CFR 76.5 - NOX emission limitations for Group 1 boilers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) ACID RAIN NITROGEN OXIDES EMISSION REDUCTION PROGRAM § 76.5 NOX emission limitations..., the date on which the unit is required to meet Acid Rain emission reduction requirements for SO2, the... 404(d) of the Act, the date the unit is required to meet Acid Rain emissions reduction requirements...

1985 Winners of the Cost Reduction Incentive Awards. Tenth Anniversary.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Association of College and University Business Officers, Washington, DC.

Fifty-two cost reduction efforts on college and university campuses are described, as part of the Cost Reduction Incentive Awards Program sponsored by the National Association of College and University Business Officers and the United States Steel Foundation. The incentive program is designed to stimulate cost-effective ideas and awareness of the…

A weight-neutral versus weight-loss approach for health promotion in women with high BMI: A randomized-controlled trial.

PubMed

Mensinger, Janell L; Calogero, Rachel M; Stranges, Saverio; Tylka, Tracy L

2016-10-01

Weight loss is the primary recommendation for health improvement in individuals with high body mass index (BMI) despite limited evidence of long-term success. Alternatives to weight-loss approaches (such as Health At Every Size - a weight-neutral approach) have been met with their own concerns and require further empirical testing. This study compared the effectiveness of a weight-neutral versus a weight-loss program for health promotion. Eighty women, aged 30-45 years, with high body mass index (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2)) were randomized to 6 months of facilitator-guided weekly group meetings using structured manuals that emphasized either a weight-loss or weight-neutral approach to health. Health measurements occurred at baseline, post-intervention, and 24-months post-randomization. Measurements included blood pressure, lipid panels, blood glucose, BMI, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, distress, self-esteem, quality of life, dietary risk, fruit and vegetable intake, intuitive eating, and physical activity. Intention-to-treat analyses were performed using linear mixed-effects models to examine group-by-time interaction effects and between and within-group differences. Group-by-time interactions were found for LDL cholesterol, intuitive eating, BMI, weight, and dietary risk. At post-intervention, the weight-neutral program had larger reductions in LDL cholesterol and greater improvements in intuitive eating; the weight-loss program had larger reductions in BMI, weight, and larger (albeit temporary) decreases in dietary risk. Significant positive changes were observed overall between baseline and 24-month follow-up for waist-to-hip ratio, total cholesterol, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, self-esteem, and quality of life. These findings highlight that numerous health benefits, even in the absence of weight loss, are achievable and sustainable in the long term using a weight-neutral approach. The trial positions weight-neutral programs as a viable health promotion alternative to weight-loss programs for women of high weight. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

13 CFR 121.301 - What size standards are applicable to financial assistance programs?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false What size standards are applicable to financial assistance programs? 121.301 Section 121.301 Business Credit and Assistance SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION SMALL BUSINESS SIZE REGULATIONS Size Eligibility Provisions and Standards Size...

13 CFR 121.301 - What size standards are applicable to financial assistance programs?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false What size standards are applicable to financial assistance programs? 121.301 Section 121.301 Business Credit and Assistance SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION SMALL BUSINESS SIZE REGULATIONS Size Eligibility Provisions and Standards Size...

Relationship between internal medicine program board examination pass rates, accreditation standards, and program size.

PubMed

Falcone, John L; Gonzalo, Jed D

2014-01-19

To determine Internal Medicine residency program compliance with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education 80% pass-rate standard and the correlation between residency program size and performance on the American Board of Internal Medicine Certifying Examination. Using a cross-sectional study design from 2010-2012 American Board of Internal Medicine Certifying Examination data of all Internal Medicine residency pro-grams, comparisons were made between program pass rates to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education pass-rate standard. To assess the correlation between program size and performance, a Spearman's rho was calculated. To evaluate program size and its relationship to the pass-rate standard, receiver operative characteristic curves were calculated. Of 372 Internal Medicine residency programs, 276 programs (74%) achieved a pass rate of =80%, surpassing the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education minimum standard. A weak correlation was found between residency program size and pass rate for the three-year period (p=0.19, p<0.001). The area underneath the receiver operative characteristic curve was 0.69 (95% Confidence Interval [0.63-0.75]), suggesting programs with less than 12 examinees/year are less likely to meet the minimum Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education pass-rate standard (sensitivity 63.8%, specificity 60.4%, positive predictive value 82.2%, p<0.001). Although a majority of Internal Medicine residency programs complied with Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education pass-rate standards, a quarter of the programs failed to meet this requirement. Program size is positively but weakly associated with American Board of Internal Medicine Certifying Examination performance, suggesting other unidentified variables significantly contribute to program performance.

Effect of Study Design on Sample Size in Studies Intended to Evaluate Bioequivalence of Inhaled Short-Acting β-Agonist Formulations.

PubMed

Zeng, Yaohui; Singh, Sachinkumar; Wang, Kai; Ahrens, Richard C

2018-04-01

Pharmacodynamic studies that use methacholine challenge to assess bioequivalence of generic and innovator albuterol formulations are generally designed per published Food and Drug Administration guidance, with 3 reference doses and 1 test dose (3-by-1 design). These studies are challenging and expensive to conduct, typically requiring large sample sizes. We proposed 14 modified study designs as alternatives to the Food and Drug Administration-recommended 3-by-1 design, hypothesizing that adding reference and/or test doses would reduce sample size and cost. We used Monte Carlo simulation to estimate sample size. Simulation inputs were selected based on published studies and our own experience with this type of trial. We also estimated effects of these modified study designs on study cost. Most of these altered designs reduced sample size and cost relative to the 3-by-1 design, some decreasing cost by more than 40%. The most effective single study dose to add was 180 μg of test formulation, which resulted in an estimated 30% relative cost reduction. Adding a single test dose of 90 μg was less effective, producing only a 13% cost reduction. Adding a lone reference dose of either 180, 270, or 360 μg yielded little benefit (less than 10% cost reduction), whereas adding 720 μg resulted in a 19% cost reduction. Of the 14 study design modifications we evaluated, the most effective was addition of both a 90-μg test dose and a 720-μg reference dose (42% cost reduction). Combining a 180-μg test dose and a 720-μg reference dose produced an estimated 36% cost reduction. © 2017, The Authors. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American College of Clinical Pharmacology.

Impact of a health promotion program on employee health risks and work productivity.

PubMed

Mills, Peter R; Kessler, Ronald C; Cooper, John; Sullivan, Sean

2007-01-01

Evaluate the impact of a multicomponent workplace health promotion program on employee health risks and work productivity. Quasi-experimental 12-month before-after intervention-control study. A multinational corporation headquartered in the United Kingdom. Of 618 employees offered the program, 266 (43%) completed questionnaires before and after the program. A total of 1242 of 2500 (49.7%) of a control population also completed questionnaires 12 months apart. A multicomponent health promotion program incorporating a health risk appraisal questionnaire, access to a tailored health improvement web portal, wellness literature, and seminars and workshops focused upon identified wellness issues. Outcomes were (1) cumulative count of health risk factors and the World Health Organization health and work performance questionnaire measures of (2) workplace absenteeism and (3) work performance. After adjusting for baseline differences, improvements in all three outcomes were significantly greater in the intervention group compared with the control group. Mean excess reductions of 0.45 health risk factors and 0.36 monthly absenteeism days and a mean increase of 0.79 on the work performance scale were observed in the intervention group compared with the control group. The intervention yielded a positive return on investment, even using conservative assumptions about effect size estimation. The results suggest that a well-implemented multicomponent workplace health promotion program can produce sizeable changes in health risks and productivity.

Continuous Adaptive Population Reduction (CAPR) for Differential Evolution Optimization.

PubMed

Wong, Ieong; Liu, Wenjia; Ho, Chih-Ming; Ding, Xianting

2017-06-01

Differential evolution (DE) has been applied extensively in drug combination optimization studies in the past decade. It allows for identification of desired drug combinations with minimal experimental effort. This article proposes an adaptive population-sizing method for the DE algorithm. Our new method presents improvements in terms of efficiency and convergence over the original DE algorithm and constant stepwise population reduction-based DE algorithm, which would lead to a reduced number of cells and animals required to identify an optimal drug combination. The method continuously adjusts the reduction of the population size in accordance with the stage of the optimization process. Our adaptive scheme limits the population reduction to occur only at the exploitation stage. We believe that continuously adjusting for a more effective population size during the evolutionary process is the major reason for the significant improvement in the convergence speed of the DE algorithm. The performance of the method is evaluated through a set of unimodal and multimodal benchmark functions. In combining with self-adaptive schemes for mutation and crossover constants, this adaptive population reduction method can help shed light on the future direction of a completely parameter tune-free self-adaptive DE algorithm.

Research on numerical method for multiple pollution source discharge and optimal reduction program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Mingchang; Dai, Mingxin; Zhou, Bin; Zou, Bin

2018-03-01

In this paper, the optimal method for reduction program is proposed by the nonlinear optimal algorithms named that genetic algorithm. The four main rivers in Jiangsu province, China are selected for reducing the environmental pollution in nearshore district. Dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) is studied as the only pollutant. The environmental status and standard in the nearshore district is used to reduce the discharge of multiple river pollutant. The research results of reduction program are the basis of marine environmental management.

Clinical and MRI activity as determinants of sample size for pediatric multiple sclerosis trials

PubMed Central

Verhey, Leonard H.; Signori, Alessio; Arnold, Douglas L.; Bar-Or, Amit; Sadovnick, A. Dessa; Marrie, Ruth Ann; Banwell, Brenda

2013-01-01

Objective: To estimate sample sizes for pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) trials using new T2 lesion count, annualized relapse rate (ARR), and time to first relapse (TTFR) endpoints. Methods: Poisson and negative binomial models were fit to new T2 lesion and relapse count data, and negative binomial time-to-event and exponential models were fit to TTFR data of 42 children with MS enrolled in a national prospective cohort study. Simulations were performed by resampling from the best-fitting model of new T2 lesion count, number of relapses, or TTFR, under various assumptions of the effect size, trial duration, and model parameters. Results: Assuming a 50% reduction in new T2 lesions over 6 months, 90 patients/arm are required, whereas 165 patients/arm are required for a 40% treatment effect. Sample sizes for 2-year trials using relapse-related endpoints are lower than that for 1-year trials. For 2-year trials and a conservative assumption of overdispersion (ϑ), sample sizes range from 70 patients/arm (using ARR) to 105 patients/arm (TTFR) for a 50% reduction in relapses, and 230 patients/arm (ARR) to 365 patients/arm (TTFR) for a 30% relapse reduction. Assuming a less conservative ϑ, 2-year trials using ARR require 45 patients/arm (60 patients/arm for TTFR) for a 50% reduction in relapses and 145 patients/arm (200 patients/arm for TTFR) for a 30% reduction. Conclusion: Six-month phase II trials using new T2 lesion count as an endpoint are feasible in the pediatric MS population; however, trials powered on ARR or TTFR will need to be 2 years in duration and will require multicentered collaboration. PMID:23966255

The effect of milling time and sintering temperature on Mn, Ti substituted barium hexaferrite nanoparticle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yustanti, Erlina; Manaf, Azwar

2018-04-01

Barium hexaferrite (BaO.6Fe2O3/BaFe12O19) is a permanent magnetic material and microwave absorbing material. The value of microwave absorption can be increased through the engineering of the material structure, while the reduction of crystallite and particle size up to nanometer results device performance improvement to be superior. In this research, the structural engineering through mechanical alloying and crystallite size reduction through high power ultrasonic irradiation will be explained. Mixing and alloying of Sigma Aldrich BaCO3, Fe2O3, MnCO3, TiO2 p.a 99% precursor material used ball mill with powder ratio of vial at 1:10. Mechanical alloying for 60 hours at 160 rpm produced amorphous material. The process of the crystalline embryo nucleation for 4 hours produced multicrystalline material at a sinter temperature of 1100°C. Phase analysis of the mechanical alloying result using x-ray diffractometer was confirmed either the formation of BaO.6Fe2-xMnx/2Tix/2O3 (x=0.5) single phase. Multicrystalline powder of BaO.6Fe2-xMnx/2Tix/2O3 (x=0.5) was obtained through 20 hours hand grinding and re-milling to bulk sample. Crystallite size reduction in the analysis was conducted through particle density variation in ultrasonic reactor and variation of the increase in ultrasonic time. Increase in milling time up to 60 hours produced fragmenting so that particle size reduction from 18.8 µm to 0.9 µm was occurred. The 12-h ultrasonic irradiation at a frequency of 20 kHz amplitude of 60 µm produced a crystallite-size reduction up to 18 nm at a 10 g/L particle density.

Evaluating a Health Risk Reduction Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nagelberg, Daniel B.

1981-01-01

A health risk reduction program at Bowling Green State University (Ohio) tested the efficacy of peer education against the efficacy of returning (by mail) health questionnaire results. A peer health education program did not appear to be effective in changing student attitudes or lifestyles; however, the research methodology may not have been…

FY 2018 Grant Announcement: FY2018 support for Small Water Grant (SWG) and Innovative and Nutrient Sediment Reduction (INSR) Grant

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office is announcing a request for proposals (RFP) for supporting both the:1.Small Watershed Grants (SWG) program; and 2.Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction (INSR) grants program.

Computer program developed for flowsheet calculations and process data reduction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alfredson, P. G.; Anastasia, L. J.; Knudsen, I. E.; Koppel, L. B.; Vogel, G. J.

1969-01-01

Computer program PACER-65, is used for flowsheet calculations and easily adapted to process data reduction. Each unit, vessel, meter, and processing operation in the overall flowsheet is represented by a separate subroutine, which the program calls in the order required to complete an overall flowsheet calculation.

Michigan`s air emission trading program

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

Russette, T.M.; VanKolken, A.M.

1997-12-31

Michigan`s Emission Trading Program took effect on March 16, 1996 after two years of rule development by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Division and affected stakeholders. This program is based on the open market trading model and has been designed to (1) be consistent with existing federal and state rules and regulations, (2) integrate with existing air programs such as the permit program, and (3) address the needs of Michigan`s regulated community. Michigan`s Air Quality Division, along with other interested parties, initiated this program as part of market-based approaches to improve air quality through the reduction ofmore » criteria pollutants (except ozone) and volatile organic compounds. The Emission Trading rules offer potential benefits for Michigan companies that include increased operational flexibility, lower compliance costs, and/or money generated from the sale of the emission reduction credits. The environment also benefits from this program because the rules require that 10 percent of all registered emission reductions must be permanently retired as an air quality benefit. The emission trading program provides new opportunities for consulting firms to assist companies by identifying acceptable ways to generate and use emission reduction credits. Air pollution control companies may also see new opportunities by designing and installing control equipment in order to reduce air emissions. The role of consultants and equipment companies may expand to that of a broker selling and/or buying emission reduction credits on the Emission Trading Registry. Much has been learned since the conception of the air emission trading program. This paper will discuss how the program works in practice compared to what was envisioned in theory and the potential benefits from Michigan`s Emission Trading Program.« less

Microreactor System Design for a NASA In Situ Propellant Production Plant on Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

TeGrotenhuis, W. E.; Wegeng, R. S.; Vanderwiel, D. P.; Whyatt, G. A.; Viswanathan, V. V.; Schielke, K. P.; Sanders, G. B.; Peters, T. A.; Nicholson, Leonard S. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

The NASA In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) program is planning near-term missions to Mars that will include chemical processes for converting the carbon dioxide (CO2) and possibly water from the Martian environment to propellants, oxygen, and other useful chemicals. The use of indigenous resources reduces the size and weight of the payloads from Earth significantly, representing enormous cost savings that make human exploration of Mars affordable. Extraterrestrial chemical processing plants will need to be compact, lightweight, highly efficient under reduced gravity, and extraordinarily reliable for long periods. Microchemical and thermal systems represent capability for dramatic reduction in size and weight, while offering high reliability through massive parallelization. In situ propellant production (ISPP), one aspect of the ISRU program, involves collecting and pressurizing atmospheric CO2, conversion reactions, chemical separations, heat exchangers, and cryogenic storage. A preliminary system design of an ISPP plant based on microtechnology has demonstrated significant size, weight, and energy efficiency gains over the current NASA baseline. Energy management is a strong driver for Mars-based processes, not only because energy is a scarce resource, but because heat rejection is problematic; the low pressure environment makes convective heat transfer ineffective. Energy efficiency gains are largely achieved in the microchemical plant through extensive heat recuperation and energy cascading, which has a small size and weight penalty because the added micro heat exchangers are small. This leads to additional size and weight gains by reducing the required area of waste heat radiators. The microtechnology-based ISPP plant is described in detail, including aspects of pinch analysis for optimizing the heat exchanger network. Three options for thermochemical compression Of CO2 from the Martian atmosphere, adsorption, absorption, and cryogenic freezing, are presented, as well as three options for water decomposition, low temperature electrolysis, high temperature electrolysis, and thermochemical decomposition. Other elements of the plant include Sabatier and reverse water gas shift reactors, water recovery, chemical separations, and cryogenic storage. Data are presented supporting preliminary sizing of components, and results of the system design are compared to the existing NASA baseline that is based on conventional technologies.

Voluntary Mobile Source Programs: Crediting Innovation and Experimentation Brochure

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This EPA document provides guidance on Voluntary Mobile Source Emission Reduction Programs (VMEPs) that could be implemented and credited with emission reductions for State Implementation Plans (SIPs) related purposes.

Overview of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Hazardous Air Pollutant Early Reduction Program.

PubMed

Laznow, J; Daniel, J

1992-01-01

Under provision of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 Title III, the EPA has proposed a regulation (Early Reduction Program) to allow a six-year compliance extension from Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards for sources that voluntarily reduce emissions of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) by 90 percent or more (95 percent or more for particulates) from a base year of 1987 or later. The emission reduction must be made before the applicable MACT standard is proposed for the source category or be subject to an enforceable commitment to achieve the reduction by January 1, 1994 for sources subject to MACT standards prior to 1994. The primary purpose of this program is to encourage reduction of HAPs emissions sooner than otherwise required. Industry would be allowed additional time in evaluating emission reduction options and developing more cost-effective compliance strategies, although, under strict guidelines to ensure actual, significant and verifiable emission reductions occur.

A Meta-Analysis of Class Sizes and Ratios in Early Childhood Education Programs: Are Thresholds of Quality Associated with Greater Impacts on Cognitive, Achievement, and Socioemotional Outcomes?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bowne, Jocelyn Bonnes; Magnuson, Katherine A.; Schindler, Holly S.; Duncan, Greg J.; Yoshikawa, Hirokazu

2017-01-01

This study uses data from a comprehensive database of U.S. early childhood education program evaluations published between 1960 and 2007 to evaluate the relationship between class size, child-teacher ratio, and program effect sizes for cognitive, achievement, and socioemotional outcomes. Both class size and child-teacher ratio showed nonlinear…

Gas Bubble Migration and Trapping in Porous Media: Pore-Scale Simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahabadi, Nariman; Zheng, Xianglei; Yun, Tae Sup; van Paassen, Leon; Jang, Jaewon

2018-02-01

Gas bubbles can be naturally generated or intentionally introduced in sediments. Gas bubble migration and trapping affect the rate of gas emission into the atmosphere or modify the sediment properties such as hydraulic and mechanical properties. In this study, the migration and trapping of gas bubbles are simulated using the pore-network model extracted from the 3D X-ray image of in situ sediment. Two types of bubble size distribution (mono-sized and distributed-sized cases) are used in the simulation. The spatial and statistical bubble size distribution, residual gas saturation, and hydraulic conductivity reduction due to the bubble trapping are investigated. The results show that the bubble size distribution becomes wider during the gas bubble migration due to bubble coalescence for both mono-sized and distributed-sized cases. And the trapped bubble fraction and the residual gas saturation increase as the bubble size increases. The hydraulic conductivity is reduced as a result of the gas bubble trapping. The reduction in hydraulic conductivity is apparently observed as bubble size and the number of nucleation points increase.

When Could a Stigma Program to Address Mental Illness in the Workplace Break Even?

PubMed Central

Dewa, Carolyn S; Hoch, Jeffrey S

2014-01-01

Objective: To explore basic requirements for a stigma program to produce sufficient savings to pay for itself (that is, break even). Methods: A simple economic model was developed to compare reductions in total short-term disability (SDIS) cost relative to a stigma program’s costs. A 2-way sensitivity analysis is used to illustrate conditions under which this break-even scenario occurs. Results: Using estimates from the literature for the SDIS costs, this analysis shows that a stigma program can provide value added even if there is no reduction in the length of an SDIS leave. To break even, a stigma program with no reduction in the length of an SDIS leave would need to prevent at least 2.5 SDIS claims in an organization of 1000 workers. Similarly, a stigma program can break even with no reduction in the number of SDIS claims if it is able to reduce SDIS episodes by at least 7 days in an organization of 1000 employees. Conclusions: Modelling results, such as those presented in our paper, provide information to help occupational health payers become prudent buyers in the mental health market place. While in most cases, the required reductions seem modest, the real test of both the model and the program occurs once a stigma program is piloted and evaluated in a real-world setting. PMID:25565701

School Facility Recommendations for Class Size Reduction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Evans, Ann M.

The California Department of Education encourages its school districts to make every effort to reduce classroom size and maintain the physical size of 960 square feet for elementary schools and 1,350 square feet for kindergartens. This report examines the Code of Regulations relative to classroom size in elementary, kindergarten, and special…

Body Size Reductions in Nonmammalian Eutheriodont Therapsids (Synapsida) during the End-Permian Mass Extinction

PubMed Central

Huttenlocker, Adam K.

2014-01-01

The extent to which mass extinctions influence body size evolution in major tetrapod clades is inadequately understood. For example, the ‘Lilliput effect,’ a common feature of mass extinctions, describes a temporary decrease in body sizes of survivor taxa in post-extinction faunas. However, its signature on existing patterns of body size evolution in tetrapods and the persistence of its impacts during post-extinction recoveries are virtually unknown, and rarely compared in both geologic and phylogenetic contexts. Here, I evaluate temporal and phylogenetic distributions of body size in Permo-Triassic therocephalian and cynodont therapsids (eutheriodonts) using a museum collections-based approach and time series model fitting on a regional stratigraphic sequence from the Karoo Basin, South Africa. I further employed rank order correlation tests on global age and clade rank data from an expanded phylogenetic dataset, and performed evolutionary model testing using Brownian (passive diffusion) models. Results support significant size reductions in the immediate aftermath of the end-Permian mass extinction (ca. 252.3 Ma) consistent with some definitions of Lilliput effects. However, this temporal succession reflects a pattern that was underscored largely by Brownian processes and constructive selectivity. Results also support two recent contentions about body size evolution and mass extinctions: 1) active, directional evolution in size traits is rare over macroevolutionary time scales and 2) geologically brief size reductions may be accomplished by the ecological removal of large-bodied species without rapid originations of new small-bodied clades or shifts from long-term evolutionary patterns. PMID:24498335

A study of the effectiveness and energy efficiency of ultrasonic emulsification.

PubMed

Li, Wu; Leong, Thomas S H; Ashokkumar, Muthupandian; Martin, Gregory J O

2017-12-20

Three essential experimental parameters in the ultrasonic emulsification process, namely sonication time, acoustic amplitude and processing volume, were individually investigated, theoretically and experimentally, and correlated to the emulsion droplet sizes produced. The results showed that with a decrease in droplet size, two kinetic regions can be separately correlated prior to reaching a steady state droplet size: a fast size reduction region and a steady state transition region. In the fast size reduction region, the power input and sonication time could be correlated to the volume-mean diameter by a power-law relationship, with separate power-law indices of -1.4 and -1.1, respectively. A proportional relationship was found between droplet size and processing volume. The effectiveness and energy efficiency of droplet size reduction was compared between ultrasound and high-pressure homogenisation (HPH) based on both the effective power delivered to the emulsion and the total electric power consumed. Sonication could produce emulsions across a broad range of sizes, while high-pressure homogenisation was able to produce emulsions at the smaller end of the range. For ultrasonication, the energy efficiency was higher at increased power inputs due to more effective droplet breakage at high ultrasound intensities. For HPH the consumed energy efficiency was improved by operating at higher pressures for fewer passes. At the laboratory scale, the ultrasound system required less electrical power than HPH to produce an emulsion of comparable droplet size. The energy efficiency of HPH is greatly improved at large scale, which may also be true for larger scale ultrasonic reactors.

Application of a water cooling treatment and its effect on coal-based reduction of high-chromium vanadium and titanium iron ore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Song-tao; Zhou, Mi; Jiang, Tao; Guan, Shan-fei; Zhang, Wei-jun; Xue, Xiang-xin

2016-12-01

A water cooling treatment was applied in the coal-based reduction of high-chromium vanadium and titanium (V-Ti-Cr) iron ore from the Hongge region of Panzhihua, China. Its effects on the metallization ratio ( η), S removal ratio ( R S), and P removal ratio ( R P) were studied and analyzed on the basis of chemical composition determined via inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The metallic iron particle size and the element distribution of Fe, V, Cr, and Ti in a reduced briquette after water cooling treatment at 1350°C were determined and observed via scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the water cooling treatment improved the η, R S, and R P in the coal-based reduction of V-Ti-Cr iron ore compared to those obtained with a furnace cooling treatment. Meanwhile, the particle size of metallic iron obtained via the water cooling treatment was smaller than that of metallic iron obtained via the furnace cooling treatment; however, the particle size reached 70 μm at 1350°C, which is substantially larger than the minimum particle size required (20 μm) for magnetic separation. Therefore, the water cooling treatment described in this work is a good method for improving the quality of metallic iron in coal-based reduction and it could be applied in the coal-based reduction of V-Ti-Cr iron ore followed by magnetic separation.

Greenhouse gas emission reduction: A case study of Sri Lanka

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

Meier, P.; Munasinghe, M.

1995-12-31

In this paper we describe a case study for Sri Lanka that explores a wide range of options for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Options range from renewable technologies to carbon taxes and transportation sector initiatives. We find that setting electricity prices to reflect long-run marginal cost has a significant beneficial impact on the environment, and the expected benefits predicted on theoretical grounds are confirmed by the empirical results. Pricing reform also has a much broader impact than physical approaches to demand side management, although several options such as compact fluorescent lighting appear to have great potential. Options to reducemore » GHG emissions are limited as Sri Lanka lacks natural gas, and nuclear power is not practical until the system reaches a much larger size. Building the few remaining large hydro facilities would significantly reduce GHG emissions, but these would require costly resettlement programs. Given the inevitability for fossil-fuel base load generation, both clean coal technologies such as pressurized fluidized bed combustion, as well as steam-cycle residual oil fueled plants merit consideration as alternatives to the conventional pulverized coal-fired plants currently being considered. Transportation sector measures necessary to ameliorate local urban air pollution problems, such as vehicle inspection and maintenance programs, also bring about significant reductions of GHG emissions. 51 refs., 10 figs., 3 tabs.« less

Particle size reduction of propellants by cryocycling

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

Whinnery, L.; Griffiths, S.; Lipkin, J.

1995-05-01

Repeated exposure of a propellant to liquid nitrogen causes thermal stress gradients within the material resulting in cracking and particle size reduction. This process is termed cryocycling. The authors conducted a feasibility study, combining experiments on both inert and live propellants with three modeling approaches. These models provided optimized cycle times, predicted ultimate particle size, and allowed crack behavior to be explored. Process safety evaluations conducted separately indicated that cryocycling does not increase the sensitivity of the propellants examined. The results of this study suggest that cryocycling is a promising technology for the demilitarization of tactical rocket motors.

Development of a Systemwide Predator Control Program, Section II : Northern Squawfish Management Program Evaluation, 1996 annual report.

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

Young, Franklin R.

1997-11-01

Predator control fisheries aimed at reducing predation on juvenile salmonids by northern squawfish Ptychocheilus oregonensis were implemented for the seventh consecutive year in the mainstem Columbia and Snake rivers. In this report, we (1) evaluate northern squawfish exploitation and size composition, and compare catch rate of incidentally-harvested fishes among the three major management fisheries in 1996, (2) estimate reductions in predation on juvenile salmonids since implementation of the fisheries, and (3) evaluate changes from 1990-96 in relative abundance, consumption, size and age structure, growth, and fecundity of northern squawfish. Systemwide exploitation of northern squawfish 2 250 mm fork length wasmore » 12.1% for sport-reward, 0.3% for dam-angling, and 0.5% for site-specific gill-net fisheries. Total exploitation was lowest in Lower Monumental Reservoir (0.0%) and highest in McNary Reservoir (18.2%). Mean fork length of harvested northern squawfish was 355 mm in the sport-reward, 391 mm in the dam-angling, and 408 mm in the gill-net fisheries. The dam-angling fishery had the lowest percentage (3.6%) of incidental catch relative to the total number of fish caught. Incidental catch was 27.0% in the sport-reward fishery and 54.6% in the gill-net fishery. If exploitation rates remain similar to mean 1991-96 levels, we estimate that potential predation by northern squawfish on juvenile salmonids in 1997 will be approximately 62% of predation levels prior to the implementation of removal fisheries. Further reductions in predation may be small, unless average exploitation in future years is higher than 1994-96 levels. Relative abundance of northern squawfish declined slightly from 1995 in Bonneville Reservoir, Lower Monumental Dam tailrace, and Little Goose Dam tailrace. Mean abundance for 1994-96 was 48-60% of 1990-93 levels among areas sampled at least five years. Indices of consumption were lower than 1995 in all areas except during summer in the tailrace boat-restricted zones of Bonneville and The Dalles dams. Predation indices have declined 69% from pre- 1994 levels. Decreases in proportional stock density were greater than could be explained by fluctuations in year-class strength, strongly suggesting that sustained removals may be altering the size structure of predator-sized northern squawfish. We found no evidence that northern squawfish have compensated in growth or fecundity in response to sustained exploitation.« less

THE CO2 ABATEMENT POTENTIAL OF CALIFORNIA'S MID-SIZED COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

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

Stadler, Michael; Marnay, Chris; Cardoso, Goncalo

2009-12-31

The Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is working with the California Energy Commission (CEC) todetermine the potential role of commercial sector distributed generation (DG) with combined heat and power (CHP) capability deployment in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reductions. CHP applications at large industrial sites are well known, and a large share of their potential has already been harvested. In contrast, relatively little attention has been paid to the potential of medium-sized commercial buildings, i.e. ones with peak electric loads ranging from 100 kW to 5 MW. We examine how this sector might implement DG with CHP in costmore » minimizing microgrids that are able to adopt and operate various energy technologies, such as solar photovoltaics (PV), on-site thermal generation, heat exchangers, solar thermal collectors, absorption chillers, and storage systems. We apply a mixed-integer linear program (MILP) that minimizes a site?s annual energy costs as its objective. Using 138 representative mid-sized commercial sites in California (CA), existing tariffs of three major electricity distribution ultilities, and performance data of available technology in 2020, we find the GHG reduction potential for this CA commercial sector segment, which represents about 35percent of total statewide commercial sector sales. Under the assumptions made, in a reference case, this segment is estimated to be capable of economically installing 1.4 GW of CHP, 35percent of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) statewide 4 GW goal for total incremental CHP deployment by 2020. However, because CARB?s assumed utilization is far higher than is found by the MILP, the adopted CHP only contributes 19percent of the CO2 target. Several sensitivity runs were completed. One applies a simple feed-in tariff similar to net metering, and another includes a generous self-generation incentive program (SGIP) subsidy for fuel cells. The feed-in tariff proves ineffective at stimulating CHP deployment, while the SGIP buy down is more powerful. The attractiveness of CHP varies widely by climate zone and service territory, but in general, hotter inlandareas and San Diego are the more attractive regions because high cooling loads achieve higher equipment utilization. Additionally, large office buildings are surprisingly good hosts for CHP, so large office buildings in San Diego and hotter urban centers emerge as promising target hosts. Overall the effect on CO2 emissions is limited, never exceeding 27 percent of the CARB target. Nonetheless, results suggest that the CO2 emissions abatement potential of CHP in mid-sized CA buildings is significant, and much more promising than is typically assumed.« less

The Influence of a CO2 Pricing Scheme on Distributed Energy Resources in California's Commercial Buildings

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

Stadler, Michael; Marnay, Chris; Lai, Judy

2010-06-01

The Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is working with the California Energy Commission (CEC) to determine the potential role of commercial-sector distributed energy resources (DER) with combined heat and power (CHP) in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reductions. Historically, relatively little attention has been paid to the potential of medium-sized commercial buildings with peak electric loads ranging from 100 kW to 5 MW. In our research, we examine how these medium-sized commercial buildings might implement DER and CHP. The buildings are able to adopt and operate various technologies, e.g., photovoltaics (PV), on-site thermal generation, heat exchangers, solar thermal collectors,more » absorption chillers, batteries and thermal storage systems. We apply the Distributed Energy Resources Customer Adoption Model (DER-CAM), which is a mixed-integer linear program (MILP) that minimizes a site?s annual energy costs and/or CO2 emissions. Using 138 representative mid-sized commercial sites in California, existing tariffs of major utilities, and expected performance data of available technologies in 2020, we find the GHG reduction potential for these buildings. We compare different policy instruments, e.g., a CO2 pricing scheme or a feed-in tariff (FiT), and show their contributions to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) goals of additional 4 GW CHP capacities and 6.7 Mt/a GHG reduction in California by 2020. By applying different price levels for CO2, we find that there is competition between fuel cells and PV/solar thermal. It is found that the PV/solar thermal adoption increases rapidly, but shows a saturation at high CO2 prices, partly due to limited space for PV and solar thermal. Additionally, we find that large office buildings are good hosts for CHP in general. However, most interesting is the fact that fossil-based CHP adoption also increases with increasing CO2 prices. We will show service territory specific results since the attractiveness of DER varies widely by climate zone and service territory.« less

Research and Development Project Summaries, October 1991

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-10-01

delivery methods, training cost reduction, demonstration of technology’ effectiveness, and the reduction of acquisition risk . The majority of the work...demonstrations, risk reduction developments, and cost-effectiveness investigations in simulator and training technologzv. This advanced development program is a...systems. The program is organized around specific demonstration tasks that target critical technical risks that confront future weapons system

40 CFR 76.5 - NOX emission limitations for Group 1 boilers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) ACID RAIN NITROGEN OXIDES EMISSION REDUCTION PROGRAM § 76.5 NOX emission limitations..., the date on which the unit is required to meet Acid Rain emission reduction requirements for SO2, the... subject to section 404(d) of the Act, the date the unit is required to meet Acid Rain emissions reduction...

78 FR 38730 - Announcement of Funding Awards for Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control, and Lead Hazard Reduction...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-27

... Awards for Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control, and Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Programs for... (OHHLHC) Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control, and Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program Notices of... Grants.gov on December 3, 2012, and amended on January 18, 2013, for the Lead Based Paint Hazard Control...

An Advanced Multiple Alternatives Modeling Formulation for Determining Graduated Fiscal Support Strategies for Operational and Planned Educational Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wholeben, Brent Edward

A rationale is presented for viewing the decision-making process inherent in determining budget reductions for educational programs as most effectively modeled by a graduated funding approach. The major tenets of the graduated budget reduction approach to educational fiscal policy include the development of multiple alternative reduction plans, or…

The Influence of Function, Topography, and Setting on Noncontingent Reinforcement Effect Sizes for Reduction in Problem Behavior: A Meta-Analysis of Single-Case Experimental Design Data

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ritter, William A.; Barnard-Brak, Lucy; Richman, David M.; Grubb, Laura M.

2018-01-01

Richman et al. ("J Appl Behav Anal" 48:131-152, 2015) completed a meta-analytic analysis of single-case experimental design data on noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) for the treatment of problem behavior exhibited by individuals with developmental disabilities. Results showed that (1) NCR produced very large effect sizes for reduction in…

Disruption of growth hormone receptor gene causes diminished pancreatic islet size and increased insulin sensitivity in mice.

PubMed

Liu, Jun-Li; Coschigano, Karen T; Robertson, Katie; Lipsett, Mark; Guo, Yubin; Kopchick, John J; Kumar, Ujendra; Liu, Ye Lauren

2004-09-01

Growth hormone, acting through its receptor (GHR), plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism and in promoting postnatal growth. GHR gene-deficient (GHR(-/-)) mice exhibit severe growth retardation and proportionate dwarfism. To assess the physiological relevance of growth hormone actions, GHR(-/-) mice were used to investigate their phenotype in glucose metabolism and pancreatic islet function. Adult GHR(-/-) mice exhibited significant reductions in the levels of blood glucose and insulin, as well as insulin mRNA accumulation. Immunohistochemical analysis of pancreatic sections revealed normal distribution of the islets despite a significantly smaller size. The average size of the islets found in GHR(-/-) mice was only one-third of that in wild-type littermates. Total beta-cell mass was reduced 4.5-fold in GHR(-/-) mice, significantly more than their body size reduction. This reduction in pancreatic islet mass appears to be related to decreases in proliferation and cell growth. GHR(-/-) mice were different from the human Laron syndrome in serum insulin level, insulin responsiveness, and obesity. We conclude that growth hormone signaling is essential for maintaining pancreatic islet size, stimulating islet hormone production, and maintaining normal insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis.

Estimating risk reduction required to break even in a health promotion program.

PubMed

Ozminkowski, Ronald J; Goetzel, Ron Z; Santoro, Jan; Saenz, Betty-Jo; Eley, Christine; Gorsky, Bob

2004-01-01

To illustrate a formula to estimate the amount of risk reduction required to break even on a corporate health promotion program. A case study design was implemented. Base year (2001) health risk and medical expenditure data from the company, along with published information on the relationships between employee demographics, health risks, and medical expenditures, were used to forecast demographics, risks, and expenditures for 2002 through 2011 and estimate the required amount of risk reduction. Motorola. 52,124 domestic employees. Demographics included age, gender, race, and job type. Health risks for 2001 were measured via health risk appraisal. Risks were noted as either high or low and related to exercise/eating habits, body weight, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, depression, stress, smoking/drinking habits, and seat belt use. Medical claims for 2001 were used to calculate medical expenditures per employee. Assuming a dollar 282 per employee program cost, Motorola employees would need to reduce their lifestyle-related health risks by 1.08% to 1.42% per year to break even on health promotion programming, depending upon the discount rate. Higher or lower program investments would change the risk reduction percentages. Employers can use information from published studies, along with their own data, to estimate the amount of risk reduction required to break even on their health promotion programs.

Defeaturing CAD models using a geometry-based size field and facet-based reduction operators.

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

Quadros, William Roshan; Owen, Steven James

2010-04-01

We propose a method to automatically defeature a CAD model by detecting irrelevant features using a geometry-based size field and a method to remove the irrelevant features via facet-based operations on a discrete representation. A discrete B-Rep model is first created by obtaining a faceted representation of the CAD entities. The candidate facet entities are then marked for reduction by using a geometry-based size field. This is accomplished by estimating local mesh sizes based on geometric criteria. If the field value at a facet entity goes below a user specified threshold value then it is identified as an irrelevant featuremore » and is marked for reduction. The reduction of marked facet entities is primarily performed using an edge collapse operator. Care is taken to retain a valid geometry and topology of the discrete model throughout the procedure. The original model is not altered as the defeaturing is performed on a separate discrete model. Associativity between the entities of the discrete model and that of original CAD model is maintained in order to decode the attributes and boundary conditions applied on the original CAD entities onto the mesh via the entities of the discrete model. Example models are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.« less

Prospective Evaluation of Changes in Tumor Size and Tumor Metabolism in Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: Association and Clinical Implication.

PubMed

Park, Seongyeol; Ha, Seunggyun; Kwon, Hyun Woo; Kim, Woo Hyoung; Kim, Tae-Yong; Oh, Do-Youn; Cheon, Gi Jeong; Bang, Yung-Jue

2017-06-01

A change in tumor size is a well-validated and commonly used value for evaluating response to chemotherapy in cancer. Metabolic changes induced by chemotherapy are related to prognosis in several tumor types. However, the clinical implication of metabolic changes in patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) undergoing chemotherapy remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate response of tumor size and metabolism in AGC during chemotherapy and to reveal the relationship between them in view of their impact on patient survival. Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients with AGC before the initiation of first-line palliative chemotherapy. Using baseline and follow-up contrast-enhanced CT and 18 F-FDG PET, we assessed the tumor diameter, SUV max , and total lesion glycolysis in each lesion and their changes during chemotherapy at the same time. We included all lesions with the maximal longest diameters over 1 cm on CT, and each lesion was evaluated by matched 18 F-FDG PET. We analyzed the association between changes in tumor metabolism and tumor size and performed outcome analysis on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Results: Seventy-four patients were enrolled, and the number of all lesions included in this study was 620. Compared with adenocarcinomas, poorly cohesive carcinomas demonstrated lower SUV max irrespective of tumor size ( P < 0.001). Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive tumors showed higher SUV max than HER2-negative tumors ( P = 0.002). The changes in SUV max due to chemotherapy had a linear correlation with the changes in tumor size of each lesion, and a 30% tumor size reduction was associated with a 50% SUV max reduction ( P < 0.001). Total lesion glycolysis changes also correlated with tumor size changes ( P < 0.001). Better OS and PFS were obtained in patients with both tumor size and SUV max reduction than in patients with either size or SUV max reduction only (OS, P = 0.003; PFS, P = 0.038). Conclusion: Changes in tumor metabolism induced by chemotherapy correlated with changes in tumor size in AGC. Considering both changes in metabolism and size could help predict a more accurate prognosis for AGC patients undergoing chemotherapy. © 2017 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

Metabolic 'engines' of flight drive genome size reduction in birds.

PubMed

Wright, Natalie A; Gregory, T Ryan; Witt, Christopher C

2014-03-22

The tendency for flying organisms to possess small genomes has been interpreted as evidence of natural selection acting on the physical size of the genome. Nonetheless, the flight-genome link and its mechanistic basis have yet to be well established by comparative studies within a volant clade. Is there a particular functional aspect of flight such as brisk metabolism, lift production or maneuverability that impinges on the physical genome? We measured genome sizes, wing dimensions and heart, flight muscle and body masses from a phylogenetically diverse set of bird species. In phylogenetically controlled analyses, we found that genome size was negatively correlated with relative flight muscle size and heart index (i.e. ratio of heart to body mass), but positively correlated with body mass and wing loading. The proportional masses of the flight muscles and heart were the most important parameters explaining variation in genome size in multivariate models. Hence, the metabolic intensity of powered flight appears to have driven genome size reduction in birds.

Source Reduction Assistance Grant Program Guidance for Applicants

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The following FAQs were compiled to benefit prospective applicants seeking to apply for grant s or cooperative agreement funding under the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Source Reduction Assistance (SRA) Grant Program.

A nutrition-physical fitness intervention program for low-income black parents.

PubMed

Sullivan, J; Carter, J P

1985-01-01

An 8-week program taught nutrition and aerobic exercise to obese, low-income black mothers of children under 3 years. A reduction in risk factors for cardiovascular disease in the mothers was anticipated. Culturally adapted aerobic dancing was well-suited for exercise. It was assumed that children would ultimately adopt their parents' changed life style. The program demonstrated a significant reduction in heart rates at rest, but no significant change in heart rates with stress. A significant reduction in body-fat percentage was measured, whereas overall weight reduction was not significant. The consumption of vitamin C, protein, fat, and sodium was reduced. Intake of calcium, iron, carbohydrates, and vitamin A rose significantly. The results indicate the potential effectiveness of such dual intervention programs. Further study would be necessary for more conclusive results and recommendations.

A Nutrition-Physical Fitness Intervention Program for Low-Income Black Parents

PubMed Central

Sullivan, Joan; Carter, James P.

1985-01-01

An 8-week program taught nutrition and aerobic exercise to obese, low-income black mothers of children under 3 years. A reduction in risk factors for cardiovascular disease in the mothers was anticipated. Culturally adapted aerobic dancing was well-suited for exercise. It was assumed that children would ultimately adopt their parents' changed life style. The program demonstrated a significant reduction in heart rates at rest, but no significant change in heart rates with stress. A significant reduction in body-fat percentage was measured, whereas overall weight reduction was not significant. The consumption of vitamin C, protein, fat, and sodium was reduced. Intake of calcium, iron, carbohydrates, and vitamin A rose significantly. The results indicate the potential effectiveness of such dual intervention programs. Further study would be necessary for more conclusive results and recommendations. PMID:3968714

Educating restaurant owners and cooks to lower their own sodium intake is a potential strategy for reducing the sodium contents of restaurant foods: a small-scale pilot study in South Korea.

PubMed

Park, Sohyun; Lee, Heeseung; Seo, Dong-Il; Oh, Kwang-Hwan; Hwang, Taik Gun; Choi, Bo Youl

2016-12-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of a sodium reduction program at local restaurants through nutrition education and examination of the health of restaurant owners and cooks. The study was a single-arm pilot intervention using a pre-post design in one business district with densely populated restaurants in Seoul, South Korea. The intervention focused on improving nutrition behaviors and psychosocial factors through education, health examination, and counseling of restaurant personnel. Forty-eight restaurant owners and cooks completed the baseline survey and participated in the intervention. Forty participants completed the post-intervention survey. The overweight and obesity prevalences were 25.6% and 39.5%, respectively, and 74.4% of participants had elevated blood pressure. After health examination, counseling, and nutrition education, several nutrition behaviors related to sodium intake showed improvement. In addition, those who consumed less salt in their baseline diet (measured with urine dipsticks) were more likely to agree that providing healthy foods to their customers is necessary. This study demonstrated the potential to reduce the sodium contents of restaurant foods by improving restaurant owners' and cooks' psychological factors and their own health behaviors. This small pilot study demonstrated that working with restaurant owners and cooks to improve their own health and sodium intake may have an effect on participation in restaurant-based sodium reduction initiatives. Future intervention studies with a larger sample size and comparison group can focus on improving the health and perceptions of restaurant personnel in order to increase the feasibility and efficacy of restaurant-based sodium reduction programs and policies.

Educating restaurant owners and cooks to lower their own sodium intake is a potential strategy for reducing the sodium contents of restaurant foods: a small-scale pilot study in South Korea

PubMed Central

Lee, Heeseung; Seo, Dong-il; Oh, Kwang-hwan; Hwang, Taik Gun; Choi, Bo Youl

2016-01-01

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of a sodium reduction program at local restaurants through nutrition education and examination of the health of restaurant owners and cooks. SUBJECTS/METHODS The study was a single-arm pilot intervention using a pre-post design in one business district with densely populated restaurants in Seoul, South Korea. The intervention focused on improving nutrition behaviors and psychosocial factors through education, health examination, and counseling of restaurant personnel. Forty-eight restaurant owners and cooks completed the baseline survey and participated in the intervention. Forty participants completed the post-intervention survey. RESULTS The overweight and obesity prevalences were 25.6% and 39.5%, respectively, and 74.4% of participants had elevated blood pressure. After health examination, counseling, and nutrition education, several nutrition behaviors related to sodium intake showed improvement. In addition, those who consumed less salt in their baseline diet (measured with urine dipsticks) were more likely to agree that providing healthy foods to their customers is necessary. This study demonstrated the potential to reduce the sodium contents of restaurant foods by improving restaurant owners' and cooks' psychological factors and their own health behaviors. CONCLUSIONS This small pilot study demonstrated that working with restaurant owners and cooks to improve their own health and sodium intake may have an effect on participation in restaurant-based sodium reduction initiatives. Future intervention studies with a larger sample size and comparison group can focus on improving the health and perceptions of restaurant personnel in order to increase the feasibility and efficacy of restaurant-based sodium reduction programs and policies. PMID:27909562

Development of size reduction equations for calculating power input for grinding pine wood chips using hammer mill

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

Naimi, Ladan J.; Collard, Flavien; Bi, Xiaotao

Size reduction is an unavoidable operation for preparing biomass for biofuels and bioproduct conversion. Yet, there is considerable uncertainty in power input requirement and the uniformity of ground biomass. Considerable gains are possible if the required power input for a size reduction ratio is estimated accurately. In this research three well-known mechanistic equations attributed to Rittinger, Kick, and Bond available for predicting energy input for grinding pine wood chips were tested against experimental grinding data. Prior to testing, samples of pine wood chips were conditioned to 11.7% wb, moisture content. The wood chips were successively ground in a hammer millmore » using screen sizes of 25.4 mm, 10 mm, 6.4 mm, and 3.2 mm. The input power and the flow of material into the grinder were recorded continuously. The recorded power input vs. mean particle size showed that the Rittinger equation had the best fit to the experimental data. The ground particle sizes were 4 to 7 times smaller than the size of installed screen. Geometric mean size of particles were calculated using two methods (1) Tyler sieves and using particle size analysis and (2) Sauter mean diameter calculated from the ratio of volume to surface that were estimated from measured length and width. The two mean diameters agreed well, pointing to the fact that either mechanical sieving or particle imaging can be used to characterize particle size. In conclusion, specific energy input to the hammer mill increased from 1.4 kWh t –1 (5.2 J g –1) for large 25.1-mm screen to 25 kWh t –1 (90.4 J g –1) for small 3.2-mm screen.« less

Development of size reduction equations for calculating power input for grinding pine wood chips using hammer mill

DOE PAGES

Naimi, Ladan J.; Collard, Flavien; Bi, Xiaotao; ...

2016-01-05

Size reduction is an unavoidable operation for preparing biomass for biofuels and bioproduct conversion. Yet, there is considerable uncertainty in power input requirement and the uniformity of ground biomass. Considerable gains are possible if the required power input for a size reduction ratio is estimated accurately. In this research three well-known mechanistic equations attributed to Rittinger, Kick, and Bond available for predicting energy input for grinding pine wood chips were tested against experimental grinding data. Prior to testing, samples of pine wood chips were conditioned to 11.7% wb, moisture content. The wood chips were successively ground in a hammer millmore » using screen sizes of 25.4 mm, 10 mm, 6.4 mm, and 3.2 mm. The input power and the flow of material into the grinder were recorded continuously. The recorded power input vs. mean particle size showed that the Rittinger equation had the best fit to the experimental data. The ground particle sizes were 4 to 7 times smaller than the size of installed screen. Geometric mean size of particles were calculated using two methods (1) Tyler sieves and using particle size analysis and (2) Sauter mean diameter calculated from the ratio of volume to surface that were estimated from measured length and width. The two mean diameters agreed well, pointing to the fact that either mechanical sieving or particle imaging can be used to characterize particle size. In conclusion, specific energy input to the hammer mill increased from 1.4 kWh t –1 (5.2 J g –1) for large 25.1-mm screen to 25 kWh t –1 (90.4 J g –1) for small 3.2-mm screen.« less

The antimicrobial stewardship program in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states: insights from a regional survey.

PubMed

Enani, Mushira A

2016-01-01

The purpose of the current study is to describe the prevalence and characteristics of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to explore opportunities and overcome barriers to effective ASP implementation. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was used to evaluate the current status of ASP: major stewardship components, barriers of implementation and program impact in acute care hospitals of GCC states. Forty-seven healthcare professionals responded from four GCC states, the majority from Saudi Arabia (81%). Twenty-nine (62%) participating hospitals had ASP in place. Of these established programs, 35 (75%) reported lack of funding and personnel as major barriers to program implementation. The top three objectives cited for the hospital ASP were to reduce resistance (72.3%), improve clinical outcomes (70.2%) and reduce costs (44.7%). The reported impact of existing ASP was reduction of inappropriate prescribing (68%), reduction of broad spectrum antibiotic use (63.8%), reduction of healthcare-associated infections (61.7%), reduction of length of stay or mortality metrics (59.6%), reduction in direct antibiotic cost (57.4%) and reduction of reported antibiotic resistance (55.3%). Survey participants from GCC states who have implemented ASP report significant impacts in the reduction of broad spectrum antibiotic use, hospital-acquired infection, inappropriate prescribing and antimicrobial resistance. These findings suggest a promising opportunity to enhance existing ASP through sharing of best practices and support the development of regional guidelines across GCC states.

The antimicrobial stewardship program in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states: insights from a regional survey

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Objectives: The purpose of the current study is to describe the prevalence and characteristics of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to explore opportunities and overcome barriers to effective ASP implementation. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was used to evaluate the current status of ASP: major stewardship components, barriers of implementation and program impact in acute care hospitals of GCC states. Results: Forty-seven healthcare professionals responded from four GCC states, the majority from Saudi Arabia (81%). Twenty-nine (62%) participating hospitals had ASP in place. Of these established programs, 35 (75%) reported lack of funding and personnel as major barriers to program implementation. The top three objectives cited for the hospital ASP were to reduce resistance (72.3%), improve clinical outcomes (70.2%) and reduce costs (44.7%). The reported impact of existing ASP was reduction of inappropriate prescribing (68%), reduction of broad spectrum antibiotic use (63.8%), reduction of healthcare-associated infections (61.7%), reduction of length of stay or mortality metrics (59.6%), reduction in direct antibiotic cost (57.4%) and reduction of reported antibiotic resistance (55.3%). Conclusion: Survey participants from GCC states who have implemented ASP report significant impacts in the reduction of broad spectrum antibiotic use, hospital-acquired infection, inappropriate prescribing and antimicrobial resistance. These findings suggest a promising opportunity to enhance existing ASP through sharing of best practices and support the development of regional guidelines across GCC states. PMID:28989448

75 FR 48815 - Medicaid Program and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP); Revisions to the Medicaid...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-11

... size may be reduced by the finite population correction factor. The finite population correction is a statistical formula utilized to determine sample size where the population is considered finite rather than... program may notify us and the annual sample size will be reduced by the finite population correction...

Fabricating the spherical and flake silver powder used for the optoelectronic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ju, Wei; Ma, Wangjing; Zhang, Fangzhi; Chen, Yixiang; Xie, Jinpeng

2018-01-01

The spherical and flake silver powder with different particle size for the optoelectronic devices was partly prepared by using chemical reduction and ball milling method, and charactered by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser particle size analyzer and thermo-gravimetric(TG) analyzer. The particle size of three series of spherical silver powder fabricated by chemical reduction is about 1.5μm, 1μm and 0.6μm, respectively; after being mechanical milling, the particle size of flake silver powder with high flaky rate is about 10μm, 6μm and 2μm respectively. Thermo gravimetric (TG) and XRD analyses showed that the silver powders have high purity and crystalline, and then the laser particle size and SEM analyses showed that the silver powders has good uniformity.

A Mind-Body Program for Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Morone, Natalia E; Greco, Carol M; Moore, Charity G; Rollman, Bruce L; Lane, Bridget; Morrow, Lisa A; Glynn, Nancy W; Weiner, Debra K

2016-03-01

Treatment of chronic low back pain (LBP) in older adults is limited by the adverse effects of analgesics. Effective nonpharmacologic treatment options are needed. To determine the effectiveness of a mind-body program at increasing function and reducing pain in older adults with chronic LBP. This single-blind, randomized clinical trial compared a mind-body program (n = 140) with a health education program (n = 142). Community-dwelling older adults residing within the Pittsburgh metropolitan area were recruited from February 14, 2011, to June 30, 2014, with 6-month follow-up completed by April 9, 2015. Eligible participants were 65 years or older with functional limitations owing to their chronic LBP (≥11 points on the Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire) and chronic pain (duration ≥3 months) of moderate intensity. Data were analyzed from March 1 to July 1, 2015. The intervention and control groups received an 8-week group program followed by 6 monthly sessions. The intervention was modeled on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program; the control program, on the "10 Keys" to Healthy Aging. Follow-up occurred at program completion and 6 months later. The score on the Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire was the primary outcome and measured functional limitations owing to LBP. Pain (current, mean, and most severe in the past week) was measured with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, pain self-efficacy, and mindfulness. Intent-to-treat analyses were conducted. Of 1160 persons who underwent screening, 282 participants enrolled in the trial (95 men [33.7%] and 187 women [66.3%]; mean [SD] age,74.5 [6.6] years). The baseline mean (SD) Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire scores for the intervention and control groups were 15.6 (3.0) and 15.4 (3.0), respectively. Compared with the control group, intervention participants improved an additional -1.1 (mean, 12.1 vs 13.1) points at 8 weeks and -0.04 (mean, 12.2 vs 12.6) points at 6 months (effect sizes, -0.23 and -0.08, respectively) on the Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire. By 6 months, the intervention participants improved on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale current and most severe pain measures an additional -1.8 points (95% CI, -3.1 to -0.05 points; effect size, -0.33) and -1.0 points (95% CI, -2.1 to 0.2 points; effect size, -0.19), respectively. The changes in Numeric Pain Rating Scale mean pain measure after the intervention were not significant (-0.1 [95% CI, -1.1 to 1.0] at 8 weeks and -1.1 [95% CI, -2.2 to -0.01] at 6 months; effect size, -0.01 and -0.22, respectively). A mind-body program for chronic LBP improved short-term function and long-term current and most severe pain. The functional improvement was not sustained, suggesting that future development of the intervention could focus on durability. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01405716.

50 CFR 600.1003 - Content of a request for a financed program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 12 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Content of a request for a financed program. 600.1003 Section 600.1003 Wildlife and Fisheries FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL... financed program shall: (a) Specify the reduction fishery. (b) Project the amount of the reduction and...

50 CFR 600.1005 - Content of a request for a subsidized program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 12 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Content of a request for a subsidized program. 600.1005 Section 600.1005 Wildlife and Fisheries FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL... subsidized program shall: (a) Specify the reduction fishery. (b) Project the amount of the reduction and...

50 CFR 600.1005 - Content of a request for a subsidized program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 12 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Content of a request for a subsidized program. 600.1005 Section 600.1005 Wildlife and Fisheries FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL... subsidized program shall: (a) Specify the reduction fishery. (b) Project the amount of the reduction and...

50 CFR 600.1005 - Content of a request for a subsidized program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 12 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Content of a request for a subsidized program. 600.1005 Section 600.1005 Wildlife and Fisheries FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL... subsidized program shall: (a) Specify the reduction fishery. (b) Project the amount of the reduction and...

50 CFR 600.1005 - Content of a request for a subsidized program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 10 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Content of a request for a subsidized program. 600.1005 Section 600.1005 Wildlife and Fisheries FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL... subsidized program shall: (a) Specify the reduction fishery. (b) Project the amount of the reduction and...

50 CFR 600.1003 - Content of a request for a financed program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 12 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Content of a request for a financed program. 600.1003 Section 600.1003 Wildlife and Fisheries FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL... financed program shall: (a) Specify the reduction fishery. (b) Project the amount of the reduction and...

50 CFR 600.1003 - Content of a request for a financed program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 10 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Content of a request for a financed program. 600.1003 Section 600.1003 Wildlife and Fisheries FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL... financed program shall: (a) Specify the reduction fishery. (b) Project the amount of the reduction and...

50 CFR 600.1003 - Content of a request for a financed program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 12 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Content of a request for a financed program. 600.1003 Section 600.1003 Wildlife and Fisheries FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL... financed program shall: (a) Specify the reduction fishery. (b) Project the amount of the reduction and...

Findings from the Evaluation of OJJDP's Gang Reduction Program. Juvenile Justice Bulletin

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cahill, Meagan; Hayeslip, David

2010-01-01

This bulletin draws on findings from an independent evaluation, conducted by the Urban Institute, of the Gang Reduction Program's (GRP) Impact in Los Angeles, California; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; North Miami Beach, Florida; and Richmond, Virginia, to examine how effectively these sites implemented the program. Following are some of the authors' key…

77 FR 41754 - Fishing Capacity Reduction Program for the Southeast Alaska Purse Seine Salmon Fishery

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-16

... Capacity Reduction Program for the Southeast Alaska Purse Seine Salmon Fishery AGENCY: National Marine... program in the Southeast Alaska purse seine salmon fishery. NMFS conducted a referendum to approve the..., Chief, Financial Services Division, NMFS, Attn: SE Alaska Purse Seine Salmon Buyback, 1315 East-West...

Reducing the Volume of NASA Earth-Science Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Seungwon; Braverman, Amy J.; Guillaume, Alexandre

2010-01-01

A computer program reduces data generated by NASA Earth-science missions into representative clusters characterized by centroids and membership information, thereby reducing the large volume of data to a level more amenable to analysis. The program effects an autonomous data-reduction/clustering process to produce a representative distribution and joint relationships of the data, without assuming a specific type of distribution and relationship and without resorting to domain-specific knowledge about the data. The program implements a combination of a data-reduction algorithm known as the entropy-constrained vector quantization (ECVQ) and an optimization algorithm known as the differential evolution (DE). The combination of algorithms generates the Pareto front of clustering solutions that presents the compromise between the quality of the reduced data and the degree of reduction. Similar prior data-reduction computer programs utilize only a clustering algorithm, the parameters of which are tuned manually by users. In the present program, autonomous optimization of the parameters by means of the DE supplants the manual tuning of the parameters. Thus, the program determines the best set of clustering solutions without human intervention.

Comet nuclear magnitudes and a new size distribution using archived NEAT data.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bambery, R. J.; Hicks, M. D.; Pravdo, S. H.; Helin, E. F.; Lawrence, K. J.

2002-09-01

A reliable estimate of the size distribution of cometary nuclei provides important constraints on the formation and dynamical/physical evolution of these bodies as well as their relative proportions in the near-Earth population. The basic data of nuclear sizes has been difficult to obtain, due to the shroud of dust that envelopes the nucleus across a wide range of heliocentric distances. Only two comets, P/Halley and P/Borrelly, have had direct imaging of their nuclei from spacecraft encounters, though high spatial-resolution imaging by the Hubble Space Telescope has also yielded very reliable diameters [1]. Other observers have recently used ground-based photometry to obtain cumulative size-frequency distributions which are not in agreement [2,3]. One possible source of error is the need to include data from a wide range of telescopes and reduction techniques. We shall obtain a new estimate of the size-frequency distribution using a self-consistent data-set. The Near-Earth Asteroid Tracking (NEAT) Program at the Jet Propulsion laboratory remotely operates two 1.2-meter telescopes at widely geographically separated locations on a near-nightly basis. All NEAT data is archived and publically available through the SKYMORPH website (http:/skyview.gsfc.nasa.gov/skymorph/skymorph.html) Though optimized to discover near-Earth asteroids, we have obtained over 300 CCD images of approximately 40 short and long-period comets over the last 15 months. Though we model coma contamination for all images, we shall concentrate on the fraction of comets at heliocentric distances greater than 3 AU. Our data will be used to derive an independent comet size-frequency distribution .

Dose tracking and dose auditing in a comprehensive computed tomography dose-reduction program.

PubMed

Duong, Phuong-Anh; Little, Brent P

2014-08-01

Implementation of a comprehensive computed tomography (CT) radiation dose-reduction program is a complex undertaking, requiring an assessment of baseline doses, an understanding of dose-saving techniques, and an ongoing appraisal of results. We describe the role of dose tracking in planning and executing a dose-reduction program and discuss the use of the American College of Radiology CT Dose Index Registry at our institution. We review the basics of dose-related CT scan parameters, the components of the dose report, and the dose-reduction techniques, showing how an understanding of each technique is important in effective auditing of "outlier" doses identified by dose tracking. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Risk reduction and perceived collective efficacy and community support among female sex workers in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, India: the importance of context.

PubMed

Guha, Mohua; Baschieri, Angela; Bharat, Shalini; Bhatnagar, Tarun; Sane, Suvarna Sanjay; Godbole, Sheela V; S, Saravanamurthy P; Mainkar, Mandar Keshav; Williams, Joseph; Collumbien, Martine

2012-10-01

Empowering sex workers to mobilise and influence the structural context that obstructs risk reduction efforts is now seen an essential component of successful HIV prevention programmes. However, success depends on local programme environments and history. The authors analysed data from the Integrated Behavioural and Biological Assessment Round I cross-sectional survey among female sex workers in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. The authors used propensity score matching to estimate the impact of participation in intervention activities on reduction of risk (consistent condom use) and vulnerability (perceived collective efficacy and community support). Background levels of risk and vulnerability as well as intervention impact varied widely across the different settings. The effect size ATT of attending meetings/trainings on consistent condom use was as high as 21% in Tamil Nadu (outside of Chennai) where overall use was lowest at 51%. Overall, levels of perceived collective efficacy were low at the time of the survey; perceived community support was high in Tamil Nadu and especially in Chennai (93%) contrasting with 33% in Mumbai. Consistent with previous research, the context of Mumbai seems least conducive to vulnerability reduction, yet self-help groups had a significant impact on consistent condom use (ATT=10%) and were significantly associated with higher collective efficacy (ATT=31%). Significant risk reduction can be achieved by large-scale female sex worker interventions, but the impact depends on the history of programming, the complexity of the context in which sex work happens and pre-existing levels of support sex workers perceive from their peers.

Solid-State Kinetic Investigations of Nonisothermal Reduction of Iron Species Supported on SBA-15

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Iron oxide catalysts supported on nanostructured silica SBA-15 were synthesized with various iron loadings using two different precursors. Structural characterization of the as-prepared FexOy/SBA-15 samples was performed by nitrogen physisorption, X-ray diffraction, DR-UV-Vis spectroscopy, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. An increasing size of the resulting iron species correlated with an increasing iron loading. Significantly smaller iron species were obtained from (Fe(III), NH4)-citrate precursors compared to Fe(III)-nitrate precursors. Moreover, smaller iron species resulted in a smoother surface of the support material. Temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) of the FexOy/SBA-15 samples with H2 revealed better reducibility of the samples originating from Fe(III)-nitrate precursors. Varying the iron loading led to a change in reduction mechanism. TPR traces were analyzed by model-independent Kissinger method, Ozawa, Flynn, and Wall (OFW) method, and model-dependent Coats-Redfern method. JMAK kinetic analysis afforded a one-dimensional reduction process for the FexOy/SBA-15 samples. The Kissinger method yielded the lowest apparent activation energy for the lowest loaded citrate sample (Ea ≈ 39 kJ/mol). Conversely, the lowest loaded nitrate sample possessed the highest apparent activation energy (Ea ≈ 88 kJ/mol). For samples obtained from Fe(III)-nitrate precursors, Ea decreased with increasing iron loading. Apparent activation energies from model-independent analysis methods agreed well with those from model-dependent methods. Nucleation as rate-determining step in the reduction of the iron oxide species was consistent with the Mampel solid-state reaction model. PMID:29230346

Harm Reduction Agencies as a Potential Site for Buprenorphine Treatment.

PubMed

Fox, Aaron D; Chamberlain, Adam; Frost, Taeko; Cunningham, Chinazo O

2015-01-01

Harm reduction agencies complement addiction treatment by providing diverse services that improve the health of people who use drugs. Buprenorphine maintenance treatment (BMT) is an effective opioid addiction treatment that may be provided from flexible settings, potentially including harm reduction agencies. This study investigated attitudes toward different potential sites for BMT (harm reduction agencies, general medical clinics, and drug treatment programs) among harm reduction clients. Using computer-based interviews, participants indicated preferred potential site for BMT (harm reduction agency, drug treatment program, or general medical clinic), interest in BMT by potential site, motivation for treatment, and barriers to BMT. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with harm reduction agency preference. Of 102 opioid users, the most preferred potential site for BMT was a harm reduction agency (51%), whereas fewer preferred general medical clinics (13%), drug treatment programs (12%), or were not interested in BMT (25%). In multivariable analysis, experiencing ≥1 barrier to BMT was strongly associated with preferring harm reduction agencies (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-11.43). The potential to initiate BMT at harm reduction agencies is highly favorable among harm reduction clients, especially among those experiencing barriers to BMT. Offering BMT at harm reduction agencies could improve access to treatment, but studies are needed to determine safety and efficacy of this approach.

Pratt and Whitney/Boeing Engine Validation of Noise Reduction Concepts: Final Report for NASA Contract NAS3-97144, Phase 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mathews, Douglas; Bock, Larry A.; Bielak, Gerald W.; Dougherty, R. P.; Premo, John W.; Scharpf, Dan F.; Yu, Jia

2014-01-01

Major airports in the world's air transportation systems face a serious problem in providing greater capacity to meet the ever increasing demands of air travel. This problem could be relieved if airports are allowed to increase their operating time, now restricted by curfews and by relaxing present limits on takeoffs and landings. The key operational issue in extending the present curfews is noise. In response to these increasing restrictive noise regulations, NASA has launched a program to validate through engine testing, noise reduction concepts and technologies that have evolved from the Advanced Subsonic Technologies (AST) Noise Reduction Program. The goal of this AST program was to develop and validate technology that reduces engine noise and improves nacelle suppression effectiveness relative to 1992 technology. Contract NAS3-97144 titled "Engine Validation of Noise Reduction Concepts" (EVNRC) was awarded to P&W on August 12, 1997 to conduct full scale noise reduction tests in two Phases on a PW4098 engine. The following Section 1.2 provides a brief description of the overall program. The remainder of this report provides a detailed documentation of Phase I of the program.