40 CFR Table 6 to Subpart Ppp of... - Process Vents From Continuous Unit Operations-Monitoring, Recordkeeping, and Reporting Requirements

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... temperature established in the NCS or operating—PR. d,e Carbon Adsorber f Total regeneration stream mass or volumetric flow during carbon bed regeneration cycle(s), and 1. Record of total regeneration stream mass or volumetric flow for each carbon bed regeneration cycle.2. Record and report the total regeneration stream...

40 CFR Table 6 to Subpart Ppp of... - Process Vents From Continuous Unit Operations-Monitoring, Recordkeeping, and Reporting Requirements

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... operating—PR. d,e Carbon Adsorber f Total regeneration stream mass or volumetric flow during carbon bed regeneration cycle(s), and 1. Record of total regeneration stream mass or volumetric flow for each carbon bed regeneration cycle.2. Record and report the total regeneration stream mass or volumetric flow during each...

Characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in fugitive PM10 emissions from an integrated iron and steel plant.

PubMed

Khaparde, V V; Bhanarkar, A D; Majumdar, Deepanjan; Rao, C V Chalapati

2016-08-15

Fugitive emissions of PM10 (particles <10μm in diameter) and associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were monitored in the vicinity of coking unit, sintering unit, blast furnace and steel manufacturing unit in an integrated iron and steel plant situated in India. Concentrations of PM10, PM10-bound total PAHs, benzo (a) pyrene, carcinogenic PAHs and combustion PAHs were found to be highest around the sintering unit. Concentrations of 3-ring and 4-ring PAHs were recorded to be highest in the coking unit whereas 5-and 6-ring PAHs were found to be highest in other units. The following indicatory PAHs were identified: indeno (1,2,3-cd) pyrene, dibenzo (a,h) anthracene, benzo (k) fluoranthene in blast furnace unit; indeno (1,2,3-cd) pyrene, dibenzo (a,h) anthracene, chrysene in sintering unit; Anthracene, fluoranthene, chrysene in coking unit and acenaphthene, fluoranthene, fluorene in steel making unit. Total-BaP-TEQ (Total BaP toxic equivalent quotient) and BaP-MEQ (Total BaP mutagenic equivalent quotient) concentration levels ranged from 2.4 to 231.7ng/m(3) and 1.9 to 175.8ng/m(3), respectively. BaP and DbA (dibenzo (a,h) anthracene) contribution to total-BaP-TEQ was found to be the highest. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Computerised lung sound monitoring to assess effectiveness of chest physiotherapy and secretion removal: a feasibility study.

PubMed

Ntoumenopoulos, G; Glickman, Y

2012-09-01

To explore the feasibility of computerised lung sound monitoring to evaluate secretion removal in intubated and mechanically ventilated adult patients. Before and after observational investigation. Intensive care unit. Fifteen intubated and mechanically ventilated adult patients receiving chest physiotherapy. Chest physiotherapy included combinations of standard closed airway suctioning, saline lavage, postural drainage, chest wall vibrations, manual-assisted cough and/or lung hyperinflation, dependent upon clinical indications. Lung sound amplitude at peak inspiration was assessed using computerised lung sound monitoring. Measurements were performed immediately before and after chest physiotherapy. Data are reported as mean [standard deviation (SD)], mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Significance testing was not performed due to the small sample size and the exploratory nature of the study. Fifteen patients were included in the study [11 males, four females, mean age 65 (SD 14) years]. The mean total lung sound amplitude at peak inspiration decreased two-fold from 38 (SD 59) units before treatment to 17 (SD 19) units after treatment (mean difference 22, 95% CI of difference -3 to 46). The mean total lung sound amplitude from the lungs of patients with a large amount of secretions (n=9) was over four times 'louder' than the lungs of patients with a moderate or small amount of secretions (n=6) [56 (SD 72) units vs 12 (13) units, respectively; mean difference -44, 95% CI of difference -100 to 11]. The mean total lung sound amplitude decreased in the group of 'loud' right and left lungs (n=15) from 37 (SD 36) units before treatment to 15 (SD 13) units after treatment (mean difference 22, 95% CI of difference 6 to 38). Computerised lung sound monitoring in this small group of patients demonstrated a two-fold decrease in lung sound amplitude following chest physiotherapy. Subgroup analysis also demonstrated decreasing trends in lung sound amplitude in the group of 'loud' lungs following chest physiotherapy. Due to the small sample size and large SDs with high variability in the lung sound amplitude measurements, significance testing was not reported. Further investigation is needed in a larger sample of patients with more accurate measurement of sputum wet weight in order to distinguish between secretion-related effects and changes due to other factors such as airflow rate and pattern. Copyright © 2012 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Linezolid Surveillance Results for the United States: LEADER Surveillance Program 2011

PubMed Central

Mendes, Rodrigo E.; Ross, James E.; Sader, Helio S.; Jones, Ronald N.

2013-01-01

The LEADER surveillance program monitors the in vitro activity of linezolid and comparator agents against Gram-positive bacteria in the United States. In its eighth consecutive year (2011), a total of 60 medical centers from the United States, including seven medical centers specializing in children's health care contributed a total of 7,303 Gram-positive pathogens. The MIC90 value for Staphylococcus aureus was 2 μg/ml, and for coagulase-negative staphylococci, enterococci, Streptococcus pneumoniae, β-hemolytic streptococci, and viridans group streptococci, the MIC90 was 1 μg/ml. The “all organism” linezolid-resistant and nonsusceptible rate was only 0.19%. PMID:23254424

Can I go out for a smoke? A nursing challenge in the epilepsy monitoring unit.

PubMed

Hamilton, M; McLachlan, R S; Burneo, J G

2009-05-01

Cigarette smoking is common in patients with intractable epilepsy. As a preliminary assessment of epilepsy and smoking, we evaluated the impact of breaks for smoking on the investigation of epilepsy patients admitted to our epilepsy monitoring unit. Absences from the epilepsy unit at the London Health Sciences Center were monitored for 6 months by nursing personnel. During these absences, events that occurred were registered as well. This is possible using portable EEG recorders (XLTEK) that patients carry with them all the time. A disadvantage is that video recording is not available if the patient has a seizure outside the unit. Information was entered consecutively in a datasheet. Diagnosis, duration of hospital stay, frequency of breaks, and time outside the unit were recorded. Descriptive and statistical analysis was performed. Two thousand two hundred and ninety trips were recorded. Mean duration of stay was 10 days for smokers and 8.5 for non-smokers. Non-smokers had a total of 439 seizures of which 6 (1.4%) were not recorded, while the smokers had 213, of which 11 (5.2%) were not recorded. Five events did not have electroencephalographic correlation, raising a suspicion of non-epileptic events (pseudoseizures). Despite the low number of events missed, precious information may be lost during smoking trips by patients admitted to the epilepsy unit. Ways to avoid such trips should be implemented in epilepsy monitoring units allowing smoking breaks for patients.

Monitoring of Microscopic Filamentous Fungi in Indoor Air of Transplant Unit.

PubMed

Holý, Ondřej; Matoušková, Ivanka; Kubátová, Alena; Hamal, Petr; Svobodová, Lucie; Jurásková, Eva; Raida, Luděk

2015-12-01

The aim of the study was to control the microbial contamination of indoor air monitored monthly at the Transplant Unit of the University Hospital Olomouc from August 2010 to July 2011. The unit is equipped with a three-stage air filtration system with HEPA filters. The MAS-100 air sampler (Merck, GER) was used. Twenty locations were singled out for the purposes of collecting a total of 720 samplings of the indoor air. Swabs of the HVAC diffusers at the sampling locations were always carried out after the sampling of the indoor air. In total, 480 samples of the indoor air were taken for Sabouraud chloramphenicol agar. In 11 cases (2.29%) the cultivation verified the presence of microscopic filamentous fungi. Only two cases involved the sanitary facilities of a patient isolation box; the other positive findings were from the facilities. The most frequent established genus was Aspergillus spp. (4x), followed by Trichoderma spp. (2x) and Penicillium spp. (2x), Paecilomyces spp., Eurotium spp., and Chrysonilia spp. (1x each). In 2 cases the cultivation established sterile aerial mycelium, unfortunately no further identification was possible. A total of 726 swabs of HVAC diffusers were collected (2 positive-0.28%). The study results demonstrated the efficacy of the HVAC equipment. With the continuing increase in the number of severely immunocompromised patients, hospitals are faced with the growing problem of invasive aspergillosis and other opportunistic infections. Preventive monitoring of microbial air contaminants is of major importance for the control of invasive aspergillosis. Copyright© by the National Institute of Public Health, Prague 2015.

Turbidity and total suspended solid concentration dynamics in streamflow from California oak woodland watersheds

Treesearch

David J. Lewis; Kenneth W. Tate; Randy A. Dahlgren; Jacob Newell

2002-01-01

Resource agencies, private landowners, and citizen monitoring programs utilize turbidity (water clarity) measurements as a water quality indicator for total suspended solids (TSS – mass of solids per unit volume) and other constituents in streams and rivers. The dynamics and relationships between turbidity and TSS are functions of watershed-specific factors and...

Monitoring Exposure to Ebola and Health of U.S. Military Personnel Deployed in Support of Ebola Control Efforts - Liberia, October 25, 2014-February 27, 2015.

PubMed

Cardile, Anthony P; Murray, Clinton K; Littell, Christopher T; Shah, Neel J; Fandre, Matthew N; Drinkwater, Dennis C; Markelz, Brian P; Vento, Todd J

2015-07-03

In response to the unprecedented Ebola virus disease (Ebola) outbreak in West Africa, the U.S. government deployed approximately 2,500 military personnel to support the government of Liberia. Their primary missions were to construct Ebola treatment units (ETUs), train health care workers to staff ETUs, and provide laboratory testing capacity for Ebola. Service members were explicitly prohibited from engaging in activities that could result in close contact with an Ebola-infected patient or coming in contact with the remains of persons who had died from unknown causes. Military units performed twice-daily monitoring of temperature and review of exposures and symptoms ("unit monitoring") on all persons throughout deployment, exit screening at the time of departure from Liberia, and post-deployment monitoring for 21 days at segregated, controlled monitoring areas on U.S. military installations. A total of 32 persons developed a fever during deployment from October 25, 2014, through February 27, 2015; none had a known Ebola exposure or developed Ebola infection. Monitoring of all deployed service members revealed no Ebola exposures or infections. Given their activity restrictions and comprehensive monitoring while deployed to Liberia, U.S. military personnel constitute a unique population with a lower risk for Ebola exposure compared with those working in the country without such measures.

Uses and biases of volunteer water quality data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Loperfido, J.V.; Beyer, P.; Just, C.L.; Schnoor, J.L.

2010-01-01

State water quality monitoring has been augmented by volunteer monitoring programs throughout the United States. Although a significant effort has been put forth by volunteers, questions remain as to whether volunteer data are accurate and can be used by regulators. In this study, typical volunteer water quality measurements from laboratory and environmental samples in Iowa were analyzed for error and bias. Volunteer measurements of nitrate+nitrite were significantly lower (about 2-fold) than concentrations determined via standard methods in both laboratory-prepared and environmental samples. Total reactive phosphorus concentrations analyzed by volunteers were similar to measurements determined via standard methods in laboratory-prepared samples and environmental samples, but were statistically lower than the actual concentration in four of the five laboratory-prepared samples. Volunteer water quality measurements were successful in identifying and classifying most of the waters which violate United States Environmental Protection Agency recommended water quality criteria for total nitrogen (66%) and for total phosphorus (52%) with the accuracy improving when accounting for error and biases in the volunteer data. An understanding of the error and bias in volunteer water quality measurements can allow regulators to incorporate volunteer water quality data into total maximum daily load planning or state water quality reporting. ?? 2010 American Chemical Society.

Electronic monitoring and voice prompts improve hand hygiene and decrease nosocomial infections in an intermediate care unit.

PubMed

Swoboda, Sandra M; Earsing, Karen; Strauss, Kevin; Lane, Stephen; Lipsett, Pamela A

2004-02-01

To determine whether electronic monitoring of hand hygiene and voice prompts can improve hand hygiene and decrease nosocomial infection rates in a surgical intermediate care unit. Three-phase quasi-experimental design. Phase I was electronic monitoring and direct observation; phase II was electronic monitoring and computerized voice prompts for failure to perform hand hygiene on room exit; and phase III was electronic monitoring only. Nine-room, 14-bed intermediate care unit in a university, tertiary-care institution. All patient rooms, utility room, and staff lavatory were monitored electronically. All healthcare personnel including physicians, nurses, nursing support personnel, ancillary staff, all visitors and family members, and any other personnel interacting with patients on the intermediate care unit. All patients with an intermediate care unit length of stay >48 hrs were followed for nosocomial infection. Electronic monitoring during all phases, computerized voice prompts during phase II only. We evaluated a total of 283,488 electronically monitored entries into a patient room with 251,526 exits for 420 days (10,080 hrs and 3,549 patient days). Compared with phase I, hand hygiene compliance in patient rooms improved 37% during phase II (odds ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.83) and 41% in phase III (odds ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.84). When adjusting for patient admissions during each phase, point estimates of nosocomial infections decreased by 22% during phase II and 48% during phase III; when adjusting for patient days, the number of infections decreased by 10% during phase II and 40% during phase III. Although the overall rate of nosocomial infections significantly decreased when combining phases II and III, the association between nosocomial infection and individual phase was not significant. Electronic monitoring provided effective ongoing feedback about hand hygiene compliance. During both the voice prompt phase and post-intervention phase, hand hygiene compliance and nosocomial infection rates improved suggesting that ongoing monitoring and feedback had both a short-term and, perhaps, a longer-term effect.

Isolating the impact of septic systems on fecal pollution in streams of suburban watersheds in Georgia, United States.

PubMed

Sowah, Robert A; Habteselassie, Mussie Y; Radcliffe, David E; Bauske, Ellen; Risse, Mark

2017-01-01

The presence of multiple sources of fecal pollution at the watershed level presents challenges to efforts aimed at identifying the influence of septic systems. In this study multiple approaches including targeted sampling and monitoring of host-specific Bacteroidales markers were used to identify the impact of septic systems on microbial water quality. Twenty four watersheds with septic density ranging from 8 to 373 septic units/km 2 were monitored for water quality under baseflow conditions over a 3-year period. The levels of the human-associated HF183 marker, as well as total and ruminant Bacteroidales, were quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Human-associated Bacteroidales yield was significantly higher in high density watersheds compared to low density areas and was negatively correlated (r = -0.64) with the average distance of septic systems to streams in the spring season. The human marker was also positively correlated with the total Bacteroidales marker, suggesting that the human source input was a significant contributor to total fecal pollution in the study area. Multivariable regression analysis indicates that septic systems, along with forest cover, impervious area and specific conductance could explain up to 74% of the variation in human fecal pollution in the spring season. The results suggest septic system impact through contributions to groundwater recharge during baseflow or failing septic system input, especially in areas with >87 septic units/km 2 . This study supports the use of microbial source tracking approaches along with traditional fecal indicator bacteria monitoring and land use characterization in a tiered approach to isolate the influence of septic systems on water quality in mixed-use watersheds. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dose optimization of total or partial skin electron irradiation by thermoluminescent dosimetry.

PubMed

Schüttrumpf, Lars; Neumaier, Klement; Maihoefer, Cornelius; Niyazi, Maximilian; Ganswindt, Ute; Li, Minglun; Lang, Peter; Reiner, Michael; Belka, Claus; Corradini, Stefanie

2018-05-01

Due to the complex surface of the human body, total or partial skin irradiation using large electron fields is challenging. The aim of the present study was to quantify the magnitude of dose optimization required after the application of standard fields. Total skin electron irradiation (TSEI) was applied using the Stanford technique with six dual-fields. Patients presenting with localized lesions were treated with partial skin electron irradiation (PSEI) using large electron fields, which were individually adapted. In order to verify and validate the dose distribution, in vivo dosimetry with thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) was performed during the first treatment fraction to detect potential dose heterogeneity and to allow for an individual dose optimization with adjustment of the monitor units (MU). Between 1984 and 2017, a total of 58 patients were treated: 31 patients received TSEI using 12 treatment fields, while 27 patients underwent PSEI and were treated with 4-8 treatment fields. After evaluation of the dosimetric results, an individual dose optimization was necessary in 21 patients. Of these, 7 patients received TSEI (7/31). Monitor units (MU) needed to be corrected by a mean value of 117 MU (±105, range 18-290) uniformly for all 12 treatment fields, corresponding to a mean relative change of 12% of the prescribed MU. In comparison, the other 14 patients received PSEI (14/27) and the mean adjustment of monitor units was 282 MU (±144, range 59-500) to single or multiple fields, corresponding to a mean relative change of 22% of the prescribed MU. A second dose optimization to obtain a satisfying dose at the prescription point was need in 5 patients. Thermoluminescent dosimetry allows an individual dose optimization in TSEI and PSEI to enable a reliable adjustment of the MUs to obtain the prescription dose. Especially in PSEI in vivo dosimetry is of fundamental importance.

Assessing stream ecosystem condition in the United States

EPA Science Inventory

This article describes EPA-led efforts to monitor wadeable perennial streams, which comprise an estimated 90% of the total length of all perennial flowing waters in the US, and summarizes selected results from the first national survey of these streams, the national Wadeable Stre...

Operational Reserve: Costs and Considerations

DTIC Science & Technology

material way. Findings include relevant RC costs at approximately 132% of those of a hypothetical equivalent AC unit. The primary contributor to...the Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (DC, M and RA), should monitor the totality of relevant monetary and non -monetary costs for any

SU-F-P-11: Long Term Dosimetric Stability of 6 TomoTherapy Systems

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

Smilowitz, J; Dunkerley, D; Geurts, M

2016-06-15

Purpose: The dosimetric stability of six TomoTherapy units was analyzed to investigate changes in performance over time and with system upgrades. Methods: Energy and output were tracked using monitor chamber signal, onboard MVCT detector signal and external ion chamber measurements. The systems (and monitoring periods) include 3 Hi-Art (67, 61 and 65 mos.), 2 HDA (29 and 25 mos.) and one research unit (7 mo.). Dose Control Stability system (DCS) was installed on 4 systems. Output stability is reported as deviation from reference monitor chamber signal for all systems, and from an external chamber for 4 systems. Energy stability wasmore » monitored using the relative (center versus off-axis) MVCT detector signal and/or the ratio of chamber measurements at 2 depths. The results from the clinical systems were used to benchmark the stability of the research unit, which has the same linear accelerator but runs at a higher dose rate. Results: The output based on monitor chamber data of all six systems is very stable. Non- DCS had a standard deviation of 1.7% and 1.8%. As expected, DCS systems had improved standard deviation: 0.003–0.05%. The energy was also very stable for all units. The standard deviation in exit detector flatness was 0.02–0.3%. Ion chamber output and 20/10 cm ratios supported these results. The stability for the research system, as monitored with a variety of metrics, is on par with the existing systems. Conclusion: The output and energy of six TomoTherapy units over a total of almost 10 years is quite stable. For each system, the results are consistent between the different measurement tools and techniques, proving not only the dosimetric stability, but that these quality parameters can be confirmed with various metrics. A research unit operating at a higher dose rate performed as well as the clinical treatment units. University of Wisconsin and Accuray Inc. (vendor of TomoTherapy systems) have a research agreement which supplies funds for research to the University. This project was partially supporting with these funds.« less

Monitoring of health care personnel employee and occupational health immunization program practices in the United States.

PubMed

Carrico, Ruth M; Sorrells, Nikka; Westhusing, Kelly; Wiemken, Timothy

2014-01-01

Recent studies have identified concerns with various elements of health care personnel immunization programs, including the handling and management of the vaccine. The purpose of this study was to assess monitoring processes that support evaluation of the care of vaccines in health care settings. An 11-question survey instrument was developed for use in scripted telephone surveys. State health departments in all 50 states in the United States and the District of Columbia were the target audience for the surveys. Data from a total of 47 states were obtained and analyzed. No states reported an existing monitoring process for evaluation of health care personnel immunization programs in their states. Our assessment indicates that vaccine evaluation processes for health care facilities are rare to nonexistent in the United States. Identifying existing practice gaps and resultant opportunities for improvements may be an important safety initiative that protects patients and health care personnel. Copyright © 2014 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Clinical Alarms in intensive care: implications of alarm fatigue for the safety of patients1

PubMed Central

Bridi, Adriana Carla; Louro, Thiago Quinellato; da Silva, Roberto Carlos Lyra

2014-01-01

OBJECTIVES: to identify the number of electro-medical pieces of equipment in a coronary care unit, characterize their types, and analyze implications for the safety of patients from the perspective of alarm fatigue. METHOD: this quantitative, observational, descriptive, non-participatory study was conducted in a coronary care unit of a cardiology hospital with 170 beds. RESULTS: a total of 426 alarms were recorded in 40 hours of observation: 227 were triggered by multi-parametric monitors and 199 were triggered by other equipment (infusion pumps, dialysis pumps, mechanical ventilators, and intra-aortic balloons); that is an average of 10.6 alarms per hour. CONCLUSION: the results reinforce the importance of properly configuring physiological variables, the volume and parameters of alarms of multi-parametric monitors within the routine of intensive care units. The alarms of equipment intended to protect patients have increased noise within the unit, the level of distraction and interruptions in the workflow, leading to a false sense of security. PMID:25591100

Post-Remediation Biomonitoring of Pesticides in Marine Waters Near the United Heckathorn Site, Richmond, California

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

Antrim, Liam D.; Kohn, Nancy P.

Marine sediment remediation at the United Heckathorn Superfund Site was completed in April 1997. Water and mussel tissues were sampled in January 1998 from four stations near Lauritzen Canal in Richmond, California, for the first post-remediation monitoring of marine areas near the United Heckathorn Site. Dieldrin and DDT were analyzed in water samples, tissue samples from resident mussels, and tissue samples from transplanted mussels deployed for 4 months. Concentrations of dieldrin and total DDT in water and total DDT in tissue were compared to pre-remediation data available from the California State Mussel Watch program (tissues) and the Ecological Risk Assessmentmore » for the United Heckathorn Superfund Site (tissues and water). Biomonitoring results indicated that pesticides were still bioavailable in the water column, and have not been reduced from pre-remediation levels. Annual biomonitoring will continue to assess the effectiveness of remedial actions at the United Heckathorn Site.« less

A novel hybrid approach for estimating total deposition in the United States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwede, Donna B.; Lear, Gary G.

2014-08-01

Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen and sulfur causes many deleterious effects on ecosystems including acidification and excess eutrophication. Assessments to support development of strategies to mitigate these effects require spatially and temporally continuous values of nitrogen and sulfur deposition. In the U.S., national monitoring networks exist that provide values of wet and dry deposition at discrete locations. While wet deposition can be interpolated between the monitoring locations, dry deposition cannot. Additionally, monitoring networks do not measure the complete suite of chemicals that contribute to total sulfur and nitrogen deposition. Regional air quality models provide spatially continuous values of deposition of monitored species as well as important unmeasured species. However, air quality modeling values are not generally available for an extended continuous time period. Air quality modeling results may also be biased for some chemical species. We developed a novel approach for estimating dry deposition using data from monitoring networks such as the Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET), the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) Ammonia Monitoring Network (AMoN), and the Southeastern Aerosol Research and Characterization (SEARCH) network and modeled data from the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. These dry deposition values estimates are then combined with wet deposition values from the NADP National Trends Network (NTN) to develop values of total deposition of sulfur and nitrogen. Data developed using this method are made available via the CASTNET website.

Interactive chemistry management system (ICMS); Field demonstration results at United Illuminating

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

Noto, F.A.; Farrell, D.M.; Lombard, E.V.

1988-01-01

The authors report on a field demonstration of the interactive chemistry management system (ICMS) performed in the late summer of 1987 at the New Haven Harbor Station of United Illuminating Co. This demonstration was the first installation of the ICMS at an actual plant site. The ICMS is a computer-based system designed to monitor, diagnose, and provide optional automatic control of water and steam chemistry throughout the steam generator cycle. It is one of the diagnostic modules that comprises CE-TOPS (combustion engineering total on-line performance system), which continuously monitors operating conditions and suggests priority actions to increase operation efficiency, extendmore » the performance life of boiler components and reduce maintenance costs. By reducing the number of forced outages through early identification of potentially detrimental conditions, diagnosis of possible causes, and execution of corrective actions, improvements in unit availability and reliability will result.« less

A combination of HPLC and automated data analysis for monitoring the efficiency of high-pressure homogenization.

PubMed

Eggenreich, Britta; Rajamanickam, Vignesh; Wurm, David Johannes; Fricke, Jens; Herwig, Christoph; Spadiut, Oliver

2017-08-01

Cell disruption is a key unit operation to make valuable, intracellular target products accessible for further downstream unit operations. Independent of the applied cell disruption method, each cell disruption process must be evaluated with respect to disruption efficiency and potential product loss. Current state-of-the-art methods, like measuring the total amount of released protein and plating-out assays, are usually time-delayed and involve manual intervention making them error-prone. An automated method to monitor cell disruption efficiency at-line is not available to date. In the current study we implemented a methodology, which we had originally developed to monitor E. coli cell integrity during bioreactor cultivations, to automatically monitor and evaluate cell disruption of a recombinant E. coli strain by high-pressure homogenization. We compared our tool with a library of state-of-the-art methods, analyzed the effect of freezing the biomass before high-pressure homogenization and finally investigated this unit operation in more detail by a multivariate approach. A combination of HPLC and automated data analysis describes a valuable, novel tool to monitor and evaluate cell disruption processes. Our methodology, which can be used both in upstream (USP) and downstream processing (DSP), describes a valuable tool to evaluate cell disruption processes as it can be implemented at-line, gives results within minutes after sampling and does not need manual intervention.

Post-Remediation Biomonitoring of Pesticides and Other Contaminants in Marine Waters and Sediment Near the United Heckathorn Superfund Site, Richmond, California

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

LD Antrim; NP Kohn

This report, PNNL-1 3059 Rev. 1, was published in July 2000 and replaces PNNL-1 3059 which is dated October 1999. The revision corrects tissue concentration units that were reported as dry weight but were actually wet weight, and updates conclusions based on the correct reporting units. Marine sediment remediation at the United Heckathorn Superfund Site was completed in April 1997. Water and mussel tissues were sampled in February 1999 from four stations near Lauritzen Canal in Richmond, California, for Year 2 of post-remediation monitoring of marine areas near the United Heckathom Site. Dieldrin and dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) were analyzed inmore » water samples, tissue samples from resident mussels, and tissue samples from transplanted mussels deployed for 4 months. Concentrations of dieldrin and total DDT in water and total DDT in tissue were compared with Year 1 of post-remediation monitoring, and with preremediation data from the California State Mussel Watch program (tissue s) and the Ecological Risk Assessment for the United Heckathorn Superfund Site (tissues and water). Mussel tissues were also analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), which were detected in sediment samples. Chlorinated pesticide concentrations in water samples were similar to preremediation levels and did not meet remediation goals. Mean dieldrin concentrations in water ranged from 0.62 ng/L to 12.5 ng/L and were higher than the remediation goal (0.14 ng/L) at all stations. Mean total DDT concentrations in water ranged from 14.4 ng/L to 62.3 ng/L and exceeded the remediation goal (0.59 ng/L) at all stations. The highest concentrations of both DDT and dieldrin were found at the Lauritzen Canal/End station. Despite exceedence of the remediation goals, chlorinated pesticide concentrations in Lauritzen Canal water samples were notably lower in 1999 than in 1998. PCBS were not detected in water samples in 1999.« less

Image-based dynamic deformation monitoring of civil engineering structures from long ranges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ehrhart, Matthias; Lienhart, Werner

2015-02-01

In this paper, we report on the vibration and displacement monitoring of civil engineering structures using a state of the art image assisted total station (IATS) and passive target markings. By utilizing the telescope camera of the total station, it is possible to capture video streams in real time with 10fps and an angular resolution of approximately 2″/px. Due to the high angular resolution resulting from the 30x optical magnification of the telescope, large distances to the object to be monitored are possible. The laser distance measurement unit integrated in the total station allows to precisely set the camera's focus position and to relate the angular quantities gained from image processing to units of length. To accurately measure the vibrations and displacements of civil engineering structures, we use circular target markings rigidly attached to the object. The computation of the targets' centers is performed by a least squares adjustment of an ellipse according to the Gauß-Helmert model from which the parameters of the ellipse and their standard deviations are derived. In laboratory experiments, we show that movements can be detected with an accuracy of better than 0.2mm for single frames and distances up to 30m. For static applications, where many video frames can be averaged, accuracies of better than 0.05mm are possible. In a field test on a life-size footbridge, we compare the vibrations measured by the IATS to reference values derived from accelerometer measurements.

ADVANCES IN THE APPLICATION OF REMOTE SENSING TO PLANT INCORPORATED PROTECTANT CROP MONITORING

EPA Science Inventory

Current forecasts call for significant increases to the plantings of transgenic corn in the United States for the 2007 growing season and beyond. Transgenic acreage approaching 80% of the total corn plantings could be realized by 2009. These conditions call for a new approach to ...

Managing Exposure to Benzene and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons at Two Oil Refineries 1977-2014.

PubMed

Tuomi, Tapani; Veijalainen, Henna; Santonen, Tiina

2018-01-24

Air concentrations of and inhalation exposure to total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and benzene was monitored separately at two oil refineries from 1977 to 2014. Prevention policies and control measures that may explain changes were surveyed. The aim was to evaluate how the application of of Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series OHSAS 18001.04 principles as well as Environmental protection Agency EPA and European Oil Company Organisation for Environment, Health and Safety CONCAWE practices have influenced air concentrations. Benzene air concentrations declined in 11 of 17 units, six of which were associated with declining exposures. Benzene air concentrations declined across all units on average by 46%. This amounts to an average yearly decline of 1.7%. TPH air concentrations declined in 10 of 17 units, seven of which were associated with declining exposures. The average decline in TPH air concentrations was 49%, corresponding to 1.3% per year. As a result, average working day exposure in 10 of 17 units have declined significantly and today, benzene and TPH exposure in most units are well below 10% of the current Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL 8h :s). A decline in air concentrations have coincided with consistent implementation of control measures. Such measures include on-line monitoring of leaks; benzene recovery; floating container roofs; improved valves and seals; hermetic pumps; recovery of loading gases and instalment of torches in terminals; cutback in coke combustion; a new production line spanning directly from the dock to aromatics production; and recovery of loading gases in the doc. Other tools in exposure management include personal leak monitors, on-line measurements, monitoring campaigns, risk assessment, and availability and user training of protective equipment. However, improvements are still needed. Hydrocarbon or benzene air concentrations have not declined in 8 of 17 units, in some of which concentrations exceed 10% of the relevant OEL 8h value. In addition, for benzene even 10% of the current OEL, 0.1 ppm, might still possess a risk. With this in mind, methods to estimate exposure at the refineries need to be improved to enable measuring benzene concentrations <0.1 ppm. Shut downs of the refinery have been associated with peaks in exposure concentrations. Consequently, effort should be placed on safe working methods pertaining to shutdowns. Also, the connection and detachment of hoses continues to be problematic from the point of view of controlling exposure.

APPARATUS FOR MEASURING TOTAL NEUTRON CROSS SECTIONS

DOEpatents

Cranberg, L.

1959-10-13

An apparatus is described for measuring high-resolution total neutron cross sections at high counting rate in the range above 50-kev neutron energy. The pulsed-beam time-of-flight technique is used to identify the neutrons of interest which are produced in the target of an electrostatic accelerator. Energy modulation of the accelerator . makes it possible to make observations at 100 energy points simultaneously. 761O An apparatus is described for monitoring the proton resonance of a liquid which is particulariy useful in the continuous purity analysis of heavy water. A hollow shell with parallel sides defines a meander chamber positioned within a uniform magnetic fieid. The liquid passes through an inlet at the outer edge of the chamber and through a spiral channel to the central region of the chamber where an outlet tube extends into the chamber perpendicular to the magnetic field. The radiofrequency energy for the monitor is coupled to a coil positioned coaxially with the outlet tube at its entrance point within the chamber. The improvement lies in the compact mechanical arrangement of the monitor unit whereby the liquid under analysis is subjected to the same magnetic field in the storage and sensing areas, and the entire unit is shielded from external electrostatic influences.

Optimizing an estuarine water quality monitoring program through an entropy-based hierarchical spatiotemporal Bayesian framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alameddine, Ibrahim; Karmakar, Subhankar; Qian, Song S.; Paerl, Hans W.; Reckhow, Kenneth H.

2013-10-01

The total maximum daily load program aims to monitor more than 40,000 standard violations in around 20,000 impaired water bodies across the United States. Given resource limitations, future monitoring efforts have to be hedged against the uncertainties in the monitored system, while taking into account existing knowledge. In that respect, we have developed a hierarchical spatiotemporal Bayesian model that can be used to optimize an existing monitoring network by retaining stations that provide the maximum amount of information, while identifying locations that would benefit from the addition of new stations. The model assumes the water quality parameters are adequately described by a joint matrix normal distribution. The adopted approach allows for a reduction in redundancies, while emphasizing information richness rather than data richness. The developed approach incorporates the concept of entropy to account for the associated uncertainties. Three different entropy-based criteria are adopted: total system entropy, chlorophyll-a standard violation entropy, and dissolved oxygen standard violation entropy. A multiple attribute decision making framework is adopted to integrate the competing design criteria and to generate a single optimal design. The approach is implemented on the water quality monitoring system of the Neuse River Estuary in North Carolina, USA. The model results indicate that the high priority monitoring areas identified by the total system entropy and the dissolved oxygen violation entropy criteria are largely coincident. The monitoring design based on the chlorophyll-a standard violation entropy proved to be less informative, given the low probabilities of violating the water quality standard in the estuary.

The Epimed Monitor ICU Database®: a cloud-based national registry for adult intensive care unit patients in Brazil.

PubMed

Zampieri, Fernando Godinho; Soares, Márcio; Borges, Lunna Perdigão; Salluh, Jorge Ibrain Figueira; Ranzani, Otávio Tavares

2017-01-01

To describe the Epimed Monitor Database®, a Brazilian intensive care unit quality improvement database. We described the Epimed Monitor® Database, including its structure and core data. We presented aggregated informative data from intensive care unit admissions from 2010 to 2016 using descriptive statistics. We also described the expansion and growth of the database along with the geographical distribution of participating units in Brazil. The core data from the database includes demographic, administrative and physiological parameters, as well as specific report forms used to gather detailed data regarding the use of intensive care unit resources, infectious episodes, adverse events and checklists for adherence to best clinical practices. As of the end of 2016, 598 adult intensive care units in 318 hospitals totaling 8,160 intensive care unit beds were participating in the database. Most units were located at private hospitals in the southeastern region of the country. The number of yearly admissions rose during this period and included a predominance of medical admissions. The proportion of admissions due to cardiovascular disease declined, while admissions due to sepsis or infections became more common. Illness severity (Simplified Acute Physiology Score - SAPS 3 - 62 points), patient age (mean = 62 years) and hospital mortality (approximately 17%) remained reasonably stable during this time period. A large private database of critically ill patients is feasible and may provide relevant nationwide epidemiological data for quality improvement and benchmarking purposes among the participating intensive care units. This database is useful not only for administrative reasons but also for the improvement of daily care by facilitating the adoption of best practices and use for clinical research.

Characterization of odorous charge and photochemical reactivity of VOC emissions from a full-scale food waste treatment plant in China.

PubMed

Ni, Zhe; Liu, Jianguo; Song, Mingying; Wang, Xiaowei; Ren, Lianhai; Kong, Xin

2015-03-01

Food waste treatment plants (FWTPs) are usually associated with odorous nuisance and health risks, which are partially caused by volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. This study investigated the VOC emissions from a selected full-scale FWTP in China. The feedstock used in this plant was mainly collected from local restaurants. For a year, the FWTP was closely monitored on specific days in each season. Four major indoor treatment units of the plant, including the storage room, sorting/crushing room, hydrothermal hydrolysis unit, and aerobic fermentation unit, were chosen as the monitoring locations. The highest mean concentration of total VOC emissions was observed in the aerobic fermentation unit at 21,748.2-31,283.3 μg/m3, followed by the hydrothermal hydrolysis unit at 10,798.1-23,144.4 μg/m3. The detected VOC families included biogenic compounds (oxygenated compounds, hydrocarbons, terpenes, and organosulfur compounds) and abiogenic compounds (aromatic hydrocarbons and halocarbons). Oxygenated compounds, particularly alcohols, were the most abundant compounds in all samples. With the use of odor index analysis and principal components analysis, the hydrothermal hydrolysis and aerobic fermentation units were clearly distinguished from the pre-treatment units, as characterized by their higher contributions to odorous nuisance. Methanthiol was the dominant odorant in the hydrothermal hydrolysis unit, whereas aldehyde was the dominant odorant in the aerobic fermentation unit. Terpenes, specifically limonene, had the highest level of propylene equivalent concentration during the monitoring periods. This concentration can contribute to the increase in the atmospheric reactivity and ozone formation potential in the surrounding air. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Safety of oral ibuprofen--analysis of data from the spontaneous reporting system in Poland.

PubMed

Kuchari, Ernest; Han, Stanisław; Karłowicz-Bodalska, Katarzyna; Miśkiewicz, Katarzyna; Kutycka, Elzbieta

2014-01-01

Ibuprofen is a popular over-the-counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, frequently used for the relief of fever, headaches, menstrual and other minor pains as well as a major active ingredient in numerous cold preparations. We analyzed sales volume and data obtained from the monitoring of spontaneous reports on the adverse effects of IBUM soft capsules, IBUM Forte soft capsules, and IBUM oral suspension 100 mg/5 mL collected by the manufacturer (PPF HASCO-LEK S.A. Wroclaw, Poland) and National Monitoring Center in Warszawa in the period between October 2002 and June 2012. A total of 19,644,797 units of IBUM soft capsules 200 mg, 5,678,164 units of IBUM Forte soft capsules 400 mg and 4,333,325 units of IBUM oral suspension 100 mg/5 mL (29,656,286 units altogether) produced by PPF HASCO-LEK S.A. Wrodcaw, P'oland were marketed during the period analyzed. There were 5 spontaneous reports regarding these medications registered in Poland in the period analyzed. Forms of oral ibuprofen are very safe medication rarely causing adverse effects; nevertheless, the existing spontaneous monitoring system of adverse effects in Poland is not sensitive enough to detect all adverse effects and needs improvement.

Evaluation of pollutant source strengths and control strategies in an innovative residential high-rise building

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

NONE

1998-12-31

Describes a study undertaken to assess the indoor air quality in the Clos St-Andre, a 78-unit residential complex in downtown Montreal, through the implementation of a monitoring protocol in three of the building`s suites; and to examine the relationships between mechanical ventilation, material emissions, occupant lifestyle, and indoor air pollutant concentrations. The monitoring protocol consisted of tracer gas, air exchange testing, material emission testing, airtightness testing, and the monitoring of air temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and total volatile organic carbon in the suites. Trends in pollutant concentrations over time in the post-construction period are noted.

Bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in a specialized thyroid surgery unit: would routine intraoperative neuromonitoring alter outcomes?

PubMed

Sarkis, Leba M; Zaidi, Nisar; Norlén, Olov; Delbridge, Leigh W; Sywak, Mark S; Sidhu, Stan B

2017-05-01

Bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy following total thyroidectomy is a rare complication, however, poses significant morbidity to the patient when it does occur. The purpose of this paper was to determine the incidence of bilateral RLN palsy in a specialized thyroid unit and determine whether the routine use of intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) would alter the outcome. This is a retrospective review of prospectively gathered data. A total of 7406 patients underwent total thyroidectomy at the University of Sydney Endocrine Surgical Unit between January 1990 and February 2014. IONM was utilized on a selective basis and we sought to assess whether IONM would have altered outcome in those patients who developed bilateral RLN palsy. Of the 7406 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy, seven patients (0.09%) developed bilateral RLN palsy during the study period. There was one permanent RLN palsy (0.01%) and routine IONM may have prevented one death and altered the outcome in two of the seven patients. Bilateral RLN palsy is a rare entity occurring in one out of 1000 cases in a specialized thyroid unit. IONM may facilitate the decision to pursue delayed surgery where the signal is lost on the first surgical side and has the potential to avoid bilateral RLN palsy following total thyroidectomy. © 2015 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Audit of transfusion procedures in 660 hospitals. A College of American Pathologists Q-Probes study of patient identification and vital sign monitoring frequencies in 16494 transfusions.

PubMed

Novis, David A; Miller, Karen A; Howanitz, Peter J; Renner, Stephen W; Walsh, Molly K

2003-05-01

Hemolytic transfusion reactions are often the result of failure to follow established identification and monitoring procedures. To measure the frequencies with which health care workers completed specific transfusion procedures required for laboratory and blood bank accreditation. In 2 separate studies, participants in the College of American Pathologists Q-Probes laboratory quality improvement program audited nonemergent red blood cell transfusions prospectively and completed questionnaires profiling their institutions' transfusion policies. A total of 660 institutions, predominantly in the United States, at which transfusion medicine services are provided. The percentages of transfusions for which participants completed 4 specific components of patient and blood unit identifications, and for which participants monitored vital signs at 3 specific intervals during transfusions. In the first study, all components of patient identification procedures were performed in 62.3%, and all required patient vital sign monitoring was performed in 81.6% of 12 448 transfusions audited. The median frequencies with which institutions participating in the first study performed all patient identification and monitoring procedures were 69.0% and 90.2%, respectively. In the second study, all components of patient identification were performed in 25.4% and all patient vital sign monitoring was performed in 88.3% of 4046 transfusions audited. The median frequencies with which institutions participating in the second study performed all patient identification and monitoring procedures were 10.0% and 95.0%, respectively. Individual practices and/or institutional policies associated with greater frequencies of patient identification and/or vital sign monitoring included transporting units of blood directly to patient bedsides, having no more than 1 individual handle blood units in route, checking unit labels against physicians' orders, having patients wear identification tags (wristbands), reading identification information aloud when 2 or more transfusionists participated, using written checklists to guide the administration of blood, instructing health care personnel in transfusion practices, and routinely auditing the administration of transfusions. In many hospitals, the functions of identification and vital sign monitoring of patients receiving blood transfusions do not meet laboratory and blood bank accreditation standards. Differences in hospital transfusion policies influence how well health care workers comply with standard practices. We would expect that efforts designed to perfect transfusion policies might also improve performance in those hospitals in which practice compliance is substandard.

Elk monitoring in Lewis and Clark National Historical Park: 2008-2012 synthesis report

USGS Publications Warehouse

Griffin, Paul C.; Jenkins, Kurt J.; Cole, Carla; Clatterbuck, Chris; Boetsch, John; Beirne, Katherine

2014-01-01

tailed P=0.17). Statistical significance of a measure’s trend depends on both the magnitude (i.e., slope) of the observed trend and the number of years the trend continues in the same increasing or decreasing direction. Through simulation modeling we determined how many additional years of surveys would be required to reveal a statistically significant trend, based on the same trends in pellet group density and PAO, and associated variation, observed from 2009-2012. Assuming the same trends persist in the future, simulations indicated that there is a 70% probability that a statistically significant trend would be detected after two more years of conducting pellet group surveys. Relative use by elk during winter, as indexed by elk pellet group density, was generally greatest in the southeast region of the Fort Clatsop unit in or near the large freshwater marsh at the mouth of Colewort Creek and adjacent upland areas. Pellet group density was also higher than average in the north-central forested area, not far from a privately-owned pasture north of the park boundary. This spatial pattern in pellet group densities across the Fort Clatsop unit was consistent across all four years, although specific pellet group densities varied from year to year. Pellet group density declined significantly over time at two points in the southeast of the Fort Clatsop unit, even though pellet group density at those points remained higher than the unit average. Pellet group density increased significantly over time at one point in the north-central region, and at one point in the south-central region of the unit, indicating a slight shift in the distribution of elk use within the Fort Clatsop Unit over the four years. As an index of visitors’ opportunities to see elk in and around the Fort Clatsop Unit, we conducted replicated roadside elk surveys 3-5 times monthly during February, April, June, August, October and December 2008-2012. During each morning of survey, we searched for elk along four routes that totaled 32 km. We examined bimonthly trends in the numbers of elk groups seen, the total number of elk seen, and the observed composition ratios for those six months of the year. The average number of elk groups seen per survey ranged from 0.75 (+/- 0.32 SE) during February to a peak of 1.95 (+/- 0.36 SE) during June. Despite this seasonal variation in numbers of elk groups seen, the average total number of elk seen per morning was less variable. The average ratios of antlered elk to antlerless adult elk (i.e., bulls:cows) and calves to antlerless adult elk (i.e. calves:cows) varied seasonally, with the highest of both average ratios observed in August. We detected no significant trends in the average number of elk groups and total numbers of elk seen per survey from 2008-2012. Similarly, ratios of calves and antlered elk per antlerless elk did not differ over time. Elk groups were frequently seen from January to August in the southeast region of the Fort Clatsop unit, in the vicinity of Colewort Creek. Outside of NPS lands, we observed elk most frequently in open areas near the Astoria regional airport, in the pastures and forests immediately north of the Fort Clatsop unit and, prior to the construction of a residential development, in a pasture northwest of the Fort Clatsop unit. Elk monitoring at Lewis and Clark NHP is still in its initial years and additional monitoring will be required to verify trends that appear to be emerging. For example, the initial monitoring suggested incipient declining trends in both pellet group density and proportion of plots with pellets present, as well as, potentially, a small shift in elk distribution away from a new trail that was recently constructed in the southeast portion of the Fort Clatsop unit. Continued monitoring will aid in determining whether this local change in distribution persists (or, alternatively, resulted from short-term random variation), and whether there will be any positive or negative effect in the northern portion of the unit where a new trail has been constructed. High variability in road counts prevented our ability to find any clear trend in numbers or composition of elk observed in and near Fort Clatsop, but changes in the patterns of observations of elk from roadways suggest that residential development outside the park has reduced the available habitat for elk in some of the areas surveyed, and may have affected spatial use patterns of elk adjacent to some areas of the park. In addition to monitoring future effects of land use changes outside the park, continued monitoring may also prove useful for assessing elk responses to natural succession in forests disturbed by windthrow in December 2007 and to NPS vegetation management activities such as variable density thinning in the forest, trail development, and restoration at Otter Point tidal area and Colewort Creek Slough.

ILI-related school dismissal monitoring system: an overview and assessment.

PubMed

Kann, Laura; Kinchen, Steve; Modzelski, Bill; Sullivan, Madeline; Carr, Dana; Zaza, Stephanie; Graffunder, Corinne; Cetron, Marty

2012-06-01

This report provides an overview and assessment of the School Dismissal Monitoring System (SDMS) that was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Department of Education (ED) to monitor influenza-like illness (ILI)-related school dismissals during the 2009-2010 school year in the United States. SDMS was developed with considerable consultation with CDC's and ED's partners. Further, each state appointed a single school dismissal monitoring contact, even if that state also had its own school-dismissal monitoring system in place. The SDMS received data from three sources: (1) direct reports submitted through CDC's Web site, (2) state monitoring systems, and (3) media scans and online searches. All cases identified through any of the three data sources were verified. Between August 3, 2009, and December 18, 2009, a total of 812 dismissal events (ie, a single school dismissal or dismissal of all schools in a district) were reported in the United States. These dismissal events had an impact on 1947 schools, approximately 623 616 students, and 40 521 teachers. The SDMS yielded real-time, national summary data that were used widely throughout the US government for situational awareness to assess the impact of CDC guidance and community mitigation efforts and to inform the development of guidance, resources, and tools for schools.

How to monitor patient safety in primary care? Healthcare professionals' views

PubMed Central

Samra, R; Car, J; Majeed, A; Vincent, C

2016-01-01

Summary Objective To identify patient safety monitoring strategies in primary care. Design Open-ended questionnaire survey. Participants A total of 113 healthcare professionals returned the survey from a group of 500 who were invited to participate achieving a response rate of 22.6%. Setting North-West London, United Kingdom. Method A paper-based and equivalent online survey was developed and subjected to multiple stages of piloting. Respondents were asked to suggest strategies for monitoring patient safety in primary care. These monitoring suggestions were then subjected to a content frequency analysis which was conducted by two researchers. Main Outcome measures Respondent-derived monitoring strategies. Results In total, respondents offered 188 suggestions for monitoring patient safety in primary care. The content analysis revealed that these could be condensed into 24 different future monitoring strategies with varying levels of support. Most commonly, respondents supported the suggestion that patient safety can only be monitored effectively in primary care with greater levels of staffing or with additional resources. Conclusion Approximately one-third of all responses were recommendations for strategies which addressed monitoring of the individual in the clinical practice environment (e.g. GP, practice nurse) to improve safety. There was a clear need for more staff and resource set aside to allow and encourage safety monitoring. Respondents recommended the dissemination of specific information for monitoring patient safety such as distributing the lessons of significant event audits amongst GP practices to enable shared learning. PMID:27540488

Quantifying the potential export flows of used electronic products in Macau: a case study of PCs.

PubMed

Yu, Danfeng; Song, Qingbin; Wang, Zhishi; Li, Jinhui; Duan, Huabo; Wang, Jinben; Wang, Chao; Wang, Xu

2017-12-01

The used electronic product (UEP) has attracted the worldwide attentions because part of e-waste may be exported from developed countries to developing countries in the name of UEP. On the basis of large foreign trade data of electronic products (e-products), this study adopted the trade data approach (TDA) to quantify the potential exports of UEP in Macau, taking a case study of personal computers (PCs). The results show that the desktop mainframes, LCD monitors, and CRT monitors have more low-unit-value trades with higher trade volumes in the past 10 years, while the laptop and tablet PCs, as the newer technologies, owned the higher ratios of the high-unit-value trades. During the period of 2005-2015, the total mean exports for used laptop and tablet PCs, desktop mainframes, and LCD monitors were approximately 18,592, 79,957, and 43,177 units, respectively, while the possible export volume of used CRT monitors was higher, up to 430,098 units in 2000-2010. Noticed that these potential export volumes could be the lower bound because not all used PCs may be shipped using the PC trade code. For all the four kinds of used PCs, the majority (61.6-98.82%) of the export volumes have gone to Hong Kong, followed by Mainland China and Taiwan. Since 2011, there was no CRT monitor export; however, the other kinds of used PC exports will still exist in Macau in the future. The outcomes are helpful to understand and manage the current export situations of used products in Macau, and can also provide a reference for other countries and regions.

Non-intrusive head movement analysis of videotaped seizures of epileptic origin.

PubMed

Mandal, Bappaditya; Eng, How-Lung; Lu, Haiping; Chan, Derrick W S; Ng, Yen-Ling

2012-01-01

In this work we propose a non-intrusive video analytic system for patient's body parts movement analysis in Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. The system utilizes skin color modeling, head/face pose template matching and face detection to analyze and quantify the head movements. Epileptic patients' heads are analyzed holistically to infer seizure and normal random movements. The patient does not require to wear any special clothing, markers or sensors, hence it is totally non-intrusive. The user initializes the person-specific skin color and selects few face/head poses in the initial few frames. The system then tracks the head/face and extracts spatio-temporal features. Support vector machines are then used on these features to classify seizure-like movements from normal random movements. Experiments are performed on numerous long hour video sequences captured in an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at a local hospital. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed system in pediatric epilepsy monitoring and seizure detection.

Continuous ECG Monitoring in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome or Heart Failure: EASI Versus Gold Standard.

PubMed

Lancia, Loreto; Toccaceli, Andrea; Petrucci, Cristina; Romano, Silvio; Penco, Maria

2018-05-01

The purpose of the study was to compare the EASI system with the standard 12-lead surface electrocardiogram (ECG) for the accuracy in detecting the main electrocardiographic parameters (J point, PR, QT, and QRS) commonly monitored in patients with acute coronary syndromes or heart failure. In this observational comparative study, 253 patients who were consecutively admitted to the coronary care unit with acute coronary syndrome or heart failure were evaluated. In all patients, two complete 12-lead ECGs were acquired simultaneously. A total of 6,072 electrocardiographic leads were compared (3,036 standard and 3,036 EASI). No significant differences were found between the investigate parameters of the two measurement methods, either in patients with acute coronary syndrome or in those with heart failure. This study confirmed the accuracy of the EASI system in monitoring the main ECG parameters in patients admitted to the coronary care unit with acute coronary syndrome or heart failure.

African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, and non-Hispanic whites without GERD or reflux symptoms have equivalent 24-h pH esophageal acid exposure.

PubMed

Vega, Kenneth J; Langford, Tracy; Palacio, Carlos; Watts, Janet; Jamal, M Mazen

2013-12-01

Ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring is, currently, the recommended diagnostic exam for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Data are currently available for African-American (AA) and non-Hispanic white (nHw) volunteers among United States ethnic groups. The purpose of this study was to obtain normal values of 24-h esophageal pH by monitoring healthy adult Hispanic American (HA) volunteers and to compare these with values obtained from healthy AA and nHw volunteers to determine if ethnic variation exists in 24-h esophageal pH. 24-h Dual esophageal pH monitoring was performed for healthy AA, HA, and nHw. Values for total number of reflux episodes, episodes longer than 5 min, total reflux time, and longest reflux episode in the proximal and/or distal esophagus were obtained for all groups. Differences between groups were considered significant if p<0.05. One-hundred and thirty-six subjects volunteered and completed 24-h pH testing. Fifty-three were AA, 25 HA, and 58 nHw, with males accounting for 52, 47, and 47%, respectively, of each group. AA were older than nHw only and nHw had a lower body mass index than both AA and HA. Shorter study duration was observed for HA than for AA and nHw. No difference was observed between ethnic groups for any measured pH data in the proximal or distal esophagus. No difference exists in values obtained during esophageal pH monitoring among healthy AA, HA, and nHw. This indicates that currently accepted normal values of ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring can be used for all major United States ethnic groups without compromising diagnostic accuracy.

Improving IMRT delivery efficiency using intensity limits during inverse planning.

PubMed

Coselmon, Martha M; Moran, Jean M; Radawski, Jeffrey D; Fraass, Benedick A

2005-05-01

Inverse planned intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) fields can be highly modulated due to the large number of degrees of freedom involved in the inverse planning process. Additional modulation typically results in a more optimal plan, although the clinical rewards may be small or offset by additional delivery complexity and/or increased dose from transmission and leakage. Increasing modulation decreases delivery efficiency, and may lead to plans that are more sensitive to geometrical uncertainties. The purpose of this work is to assess the use of maximum intensity limits in inverse IMRT planning as a simple way to increase delivery efficiency without significantly affecting plan quality. Nine clinical cases (three each for brain, prostate, and head/neck) were used to evaluate advantages and disadvantages of limiting maximum intensity to increase delivery efficiency. IMRT plans were generated using in-house protocol-based constraints and objectives for the brain and head/neck, and RTOG 9406 dose volume objectives in the prostate. Each case was optimized at a series of maximum intensity ratios (the product of the maximum intensity and the number of beams divided by the prescribed dose to the target volume), and evaluated in terms of clinical metrics, dose-volume histograms, monitor units (MU) required per fraction (SMLC and DMLC delivery), and intensity map variation (a measure of the beam modulation). In each site tested, it was possible to reduce total monitor units by constraining the maximum allowed intensity without compromising the clinical acceptability of the plan. Monitor unit reductions up to 38% were observed for SMLC delivery, while reductions up to 29% were achieved for DMLC delivery. In general, complicated geometries saw a smaller reduction in monitor units for both delivery types, although DMLC delivery required significantly more monitor units in all cases. Constraining the maximum intensity in an inverse IMRT plan is a simple way to improve delivery efficiency without compromising plan objectives.

SKYMONITOR: A Global Network for Sky Brightness Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, Donald R.; Mckenna, D.; Pulvermacher, R.; Everett, M.

2010-01-01

We are implementing a global network to measure sky brightness at dark-sky critical sites with the goal of creating a multi-decade database. The heart of this project is the Night Sky Brightness Monitor (NSBM), an autonomous 2 channel photometer which measures night sky brightness in the visual wavelengths (Mckenna et al, AAS 2009). Sky brightness is measured every minute at two elevation angles typically zenith and 20 degrees to monitor brightness and transparency. The NSBM consists of two parts, a remote unit and a base station with an internet connection. Currently these devices use 2.4 Ghz transceivers with a range of 100 meters. The remote unit is battery powered with daytime recharging using a solar panel. Data received by the base unit is transmitted via email protocol to IDA offices in Tucson where it will be collected, archived and made available to the user community via a web interface. Two other versions of the NSBM are under development: one for radio sensitive areas using an optical fiber link and the second that reads data directly to a laptop for sites without internet access. NSBM units are currently undergoing field testing at two observatories. With support from the National Science Foundation, we will construct and install a total of 10 units at astronomical observatories. With additional funding, we will locate additional units at other sites such as National Parks, dark-sky preserves and other sites where dark sky preservation is crucial. We will present the current comparison with the National Park Service sky monitoring camera. We anticipate that the SKYMONITOR network will be functioning by the end of 2010.

Design and Evaluation of a Fully Implantable Control Unit for Blood Pumps

PubMed Central

Unthan, Kristin; Gräf, Felix; Laumen, Marco; Finocchiaro, Thomas; Sommer, Christoph; Lanmüller, Hermann; Steinseifer, Ulrich

2015-01-01

As the number of donor hearts is limited while more and more patients suffer from end stage biventricular heart failure, Total Artificial Hearts become a promising alternative to conventional treatment. While pneumatic devices sufficiently supply the patients with blood flow, the patient's quality of life is limited by the percutaneous pressure lines and the size of the external control unit. This paper describes the development of the control unit of the ReinHeart, a fully implantable Total Artificial Heart. General requirements for any implantable control unit are defined from a technical and medical point of view: necessity of a Transcutaneous Energy Transmission, autonomous operation, safety, geometry, and efficiency. Based on the requirements, a prototype is designed; it incorporates a LiFePo4 battery pack with charger, a rectifier for transcutaneous energy transmission, the motor's driver electronics, and a microcontroller which monitors and controls all functions. In validation tests, the control unit demonstrated a stable operation on TET and battery supply and a safe switching from one supply to the other. The overall mean efficiency is 14% on TET and 22% on battery supply. The control unit is suitable for chronic animal trials of the ReinHeart. PMID:26583095

CHARACTERIZATION OF MINE LEACHATES AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF A GROUNDWATER MONITORING STRATEGY FOR MINE SITES

EPA Science Inventory

The total number of mining sites, both active and inactive, in the United States has been estimated to be as high as 82,000. Approximately 80 percent of the current mining activity in this country is associated with the recovery of gold and copper. The quantity of mine wastes p...

Measurements of Atmospheric NH3, NOy/NOx, and NO2 and Deposition of Total Nitrogen at the Beaufort, NC CASTNET Site (BFT142)

EPA Science Inventory

The Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET) is a long-term environmental monitoring program that measures trends in ambient air quality and atmospheric dry pollutant deposition across the United States. CASTNET has been operating since 1987 and currently consists of 89 moni...

40 CFR Table 7 to Subpart Ppp of... - Process Vents From Continuous Unit Operations-Monitoring, Recordkeeping, and Reporting Requirements

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... absorbent is used. Condenser Exit temperature Maximum temperature. Carbon adsorber Total regeneration stream mass or volumetric flow during carbon bed regeneration cycle; and temperature of the carbon bed after regeneration (and within 15 minutes of completing any cooling cycle(s)) Maximum mass or volumetric flow; and...

40 CFR Table 7 to Subpart Ppp of... - Process Vents From Continuous Unit Operations-Monitoring, Recordkeeping, and Reporting Requirements

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... absorbent is used. Condenser Exit temperature Maximum temperature. Carbon adsorber Total regeneration stream mass or volumetric flow during carbon bed regeneration cycle; and temperature of the carbon bed after regeneration (and within 15 minutes of completing any cooling cycle(s)) Maximum mass or volumetric flow; and...

40 CFR Table 7 to Subpart Ppp of... - Process Vents From Continuous Unit Operations-Monitoring, Recordkeeping, and Reporting Requirements

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... absorbent is used. Condenser Exit temperature Maximum temperature. Carbon adsorber Total regeneration stream mass or volumetric flow during carbon bed regeneration cycle; and temperature of the carbon bed after regeneration (and within 15 minutes of completing any cooling cycle(s)) Maximum mass or volumetric flow; and...

Seasonal movement of brown trout in a southern Appalachian river

Treesearch

Kyle H. Burrell; J. Jeffery Isely; David B. Bunnell; David H. Van Lear; C. Andrew Dolloff

2000-01-01

Radio telemetry was used to evaluate the seasonal movement, activity level, and home range size of adult brown trout Salmo trutta in the Chattooga River watershed, one of the southernmost coldwater stream systems in the United States. In all, 27 adult brown trout (262-452 mm total length) were successfully monitored from 16 November 1995 to 15...

A 10-day vacancy period after cleaning and disinfection has no effect on the bacterial load in pig nursery units.

PubMed

Luyckx, K; Millet, S; Van Weyenberg, S; Herman, L; Heyndrickx, M; Dewulf, J; De Reu, K

2016-10-19

Biosecurity measures such as cleaning, disinfection and a vacancy period between production cycles on pig farms are essential to prevent disease outbreaks. No studies have tested the effect of a longer vacancy period on bacterial load in nursery units. The present study evaluated the effect of a 10-day vacancy period in pig nursery units on total aerobic flora, Enterococcus spp., Escherichia coli, faecal coliforms and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Three vacancy periods of 10 days were monitored, each time applied in 3 units. The microbiological load was measured before disinfection and at 1, 4, 7 and 10 days after disinfection. No significant decrease or increase in E. coli, faecal coliforms, MRSA and Enterococcus spp. was noticed. Total aerobic flora counts were the lowest on day 4 after disinfection (i.e. 4.07 log CFU/625 cm 2 ) (P < 0.05), but the difference with other sampling moments was limited (i.e. 0.6 log CFU/625 cm 2 ) and therefore negligible. Furthermore, this observation on day 4 was not confirmed for the other microbiological parameters. After disinfection, drinking nipples were still mostly contaminated with total aerobic flora (i.e. 5.32 log CFU/625 cm 2 ) and Enterococcus spp. (i.e. 95 % of the samples were positive) (P < 0.01); the feeding troughs were the cleanest location (total aerobic flora: 3.53 log CFU/625 cm 2 and Enterococcus spp.: 50 % positive samples) (P < 0.01). This study indicates that prolonging the vacancy period in nursery units to 10 days after disinfection with no extra biosecurity measures has no impact on the environmental load of total aerobic flora, E. coli, faecal coliforms, MRSA and Enterococcus spp..

Comparison of line transects and point counts for monitoring spring migration in forested wetlands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wilson, R.R.; Twedt, D.J.; Elliott, A.B.

2000-01-01

We compared the efficacy of 400-m line transects and sets of three point counts at detecting avian richness and abundance in bottomland hardwood forests and intensively managed cottonwood (Populus deltoides) plantations within the Mississippi Alluvial Valley. We detected more species and more individuals on line transects than on three point counts during 218 paired surveys conducted between 24 March and 3 June, 1996 and 1997. Line transects also yielded more birds per unit of time, even though point counts yielded higher estimates of relative bird density. In structurally more-complex bottomland hardwood forests, we detected more species and individuals on line transects, but in more-open cottonwood plantations, transects surpassed point counts only at detecting species within 50 m of the observer. Species richness and total abundance of Nearctic-Neotropical migrants and temperate migrants were greater on line transects within bottomland hardwood forests. Within cottonwood plantations, however, only species richness of Nearctic-Neotropical migrants and total abundance of temperate migrants were greater on line transects. Because we compared survey techniques using the same observer, within the same forest stand on a given day, we assumed that the technique yielding greater estimates of avian species richness and total abundance per unit of effort is superior. Thus, for monitoring migration within hardwood forests of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, we recommend using line transects instead of point counts.

Statistical strategies for global monitoring of tropical forests

Treesearch

Raymond L. Czaplewski

1991-01-01

The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is conducting a global assessment of tropical forest resources, which will be accomplished by mid-1992. This assessment requires, in part, estimates of the total area of tropical forest cover in 1990, and the rate of change in forest cover between 1980 and 1990. This paper describes: (1) the strategic...

Strategies for global monitoring of tropical forests

Treesearch

Raymond L. Czaplewski

1994-01-01

The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is conducting a global assessment of tropical forest resources, which will be accomplished by mid-1992. This assessment requires, in part, estimates of the total area of tropical forest cover in 1990 and the rate of change in forest cover between 1980 and 1990. The following are described here: (1) the...

Characterization of storm flow dynamics of headwater streams in the South Carolina lower coastal plain

Treesearch

Thomas H. Epps; Daniel R. Hitchcock; Anand D. Jayakaran; Drake R. Loflin; Thomas M. Williams; Devendra M. Amatya

2013-01-01

Hydrologic monitoring was conducted in two first-order lower coastal plain watersheds in South Carolina, United States, a region with increasing growth and land use change. Storm events over a three-year period were analyzed for direct runoff coefficients (ROC) and the total storm response (TSR) as percent rainfall. ROC calculations utilized an empirical hydrograph...

Safety of the batteries and power units used in insulin pumps: A pilot cross-sectional study by the Association for the Study of Innovative Diabetes Treatment in Japan.

PubMed

Murata, Takashi; Nirengi, Shinsuke; Sakane, Naoki; Kuroda, Akio; Hirota, Yushi; Matsuhisa, Munehide; Namba, Mitsuyoshi; Kobayashi, Tetsuro

2017-10-21

We investigated the safety of the batteries and power units used in insulin pumps in Japan. A self-administered questionnaire was sent to the 201 members of the Association for Innovative Diabetes Treatment in Japan. A total of 56 members responded, and among the 1,499 active devices, 66 had episodes of trouble related to the batteries and power units. The ratio of reported troubles to the number of insulin pumps was significantly higher in insulin pumps with a continuous glucose monitoring sensor compared with insulin pumps without a continuous glucose monitoring sensor (odds ratio 2.82, P < 0.05). The cause and the consequences varied. The brands of the batteries varied; alkaline batteries purchased at drug stores and other shops accounted for 19.7%. Termination of battery life within 72 h of use was reported most frequently (50.0%), suspension of the insulin pump (21.2%) and leakage of the battery fluid (4.5%) followed. A total of 53.2% of the reported insulin pumps needed to be replaced, and 37.1% of them recovered after replacement of the battery. As trouble related to the batteries and power units of insulin pumps was frequent, practical guidance should be provided to respective patients regarding the use of reliable batteries, and to be well prepared for unexpected insulin pump failure. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Diabetes Investigation published by Asian Association for the Study of Diabetes (AASD) and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Developing a Carbon Monitoring System For Pinyon-juniper Forests and Woodlands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Falkowski, M. J.; Hudak, A. T.; Fekety, P.; Filippelli, S.

2017-12-01

Pinyon-juniper (PJ) forests and woodlands are the third largest vegetation type in the United States. They cover over 40 million hectares across the western US, representing 40% of the total forest and woodland area in the Intermountain West. Although the density of carbon stored in these ecosystems is relatively low compared to other forest types, the vast area of short stature forests and woodlands (both nationally and globally) make them critical components of regional, national, and global carbon budgets. The overarching goal of this research is to prototype a carbon monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) system for characterizing total aboveground biomass stocks and flux across the PJ vegetation gradient in the western United States. We achieve this by combining in situ forest measurements and novel allometric equations with tree measurements derived from high resolution airborne imagery to map aboveground biomass across 500,000 km2 in the Western US. These high-resolution maps of aboveground biomass are then leveraged as training data to predict biomass flux through time from Landsat time-series data. The results from this research highlight the potential in mapping biomass stocks and flux in open forests and woodlands, and could be easily adopted into an MRV framework.

HEALTH AND NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT OF FREE-RANGING EASTERN INDIGO SNAKES (DRYMARCHON COUPERI) IN GEORGIA, UNITED STATES.

PubMed

Knafo, S Emmanuelle; Norton, Terry M; Mitchell, Mark; Stevenson, Dirk J; Hyslop, Natalie; Poppenga, Robert; Oliva, Marcie; Chen, Tai; Cray, Carolyn; Gibbs, Samantha E J; Durden, Lance; Stedman, Nancy; Divers, Stephen; Dierenfeld, Ellen

2016-12-01

Clinical pathology and nutritional parameters are useful in evaluating and monitoring threatened and endangered wildlife populations, but reference ranges for most snake species are lacking. From 2001 to 2005, health assessments were performed on 58 eastern indigo snakes (EIS) (Drymarchon couperi) captured in the wild in southeastern Georgia, United States. Health and nutritional assessments performed included hematology, serum biochemistry, fat-soluble vitamins, heavy metals, pesticide contaminants, parasitology, and surveys of other pathogens. Significant differences in total solids, packed cell volume, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, albumin : globulin ratio, amylase, triglycerides, and bile acids between males and females were observed. Additionally, there was a significant difference between liver and kidney concentrations for vitamins A and E. As previously noted in captive EIS, total Ca was elevated in comparison to concentrations reported in other snake species. Parasitism was a common finding in sampled EIS, but the overall health status of this free-ranging population appeared good. A winter-time dermatitis was found in most snakes, which resolved in the summer months. This study represents the first health and nutritional assessment of free-ranging EIS, and provides needed data to guide monitoring and conservation efforts.

Ionospheric TEC Weather Map Over South America

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahashi, H.; Wrasse, C. M.; Denardini, C. M.; Pádua, M. B.; de Paula, E. R.; Costa, S. M. A.; Otsuka, Y.; Shiokawa, K.; Monico, J. F. Galera; Ivo, A.; Sant'Anna, N.

2016-11-01

Ionospheric weather maps using the total electron content (TEC) monitored by ground-based Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receivers over South American continent, TECMAP, have been operationally produced by Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais's Space Weather Study and Monitoring Program (Estudo e Monitoramento Brasileiro de Clima Especial) since 2013. In order to cover the whole continent, four GNSS receiver networks, (Rede Brasileiro de Monitoramento Contínuo) RBMC/Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics, Low-latitude Ionospheric Sensor Network, International GNSS Service, and Red Argentina de Monitoreo Satelital Continuo, in total 140 sites, have been used. TECMAPs with a time resolution of 10 min are produced in 12 h time delay. Spatial resolution of the map is rather low, varying between 50 and 500 km depending on the density of the observation points. Large day-to-day variabilities of the equatorial ionization anomaly have been observed. Spatial gradient of TEC from the anomaly trough (total electron content unit, 1 TECU = 1016 el m-2 (TECU) <10) to the crest region (TECU > 80) causes a large ionospheric range delay in the GNSS positioning system. Ionospheric plasma bubbles, their seeding and development, could be monitored. This plasma density (spatial and temporal) variability causes not only the GNSS-based positioning error but also radio wave scintillations. Monitoring of these phenomena by TEC mapping becomes an important issue for space weather concern for high-technology positioning system and telecommunication.

Check and Report Ebola (CARE) Hotline: The User Perspective of an Innovative Tool for Postarrival Monitoring of Ebola in the United States.

PubMed

McCarthy, Ilana Olin; Wojno, Abbey E; Joseph, Heather A; Teesdale, Scott

2017-11-14

The response to the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic included an unprecedented effort from federal, state, and local public health authorities to monitor the health of travelers entering the United States from countries with Ebola outbreaks. The Check and Report Ebola (CARE) Hotline, a novel approach to monitoring, was designed to enable travelers to report their health status daily to an interactive voice recognition (IVR) system. The system was tested with 70 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) federal employees returning from deployments in outbreak countries. The objective of this study was to describe the development of the CARE Hotline as a tool for postarrival monitoring and examine the usage characteristics and user experience of the tool during a public health emergency. Data were obtained from two sources. First, the CARE Hotline system produced a call log which summarized the usage characteristics of all 70 users' daily health reports. Second, we surveyed federal employees (n=70) who used the CARE Hotline to engage in monitoring. A total of 21 (21/70, 30%) respondents were included in the survey analytic sample. While the CARE Hotline was used for monitoring, 70 users completed a total of 1313 calls. We found that 94.06% (1235/1313) of calls were successful, and the average call time significantly decreased from the beginning of the monitoring period to the end by 32 seconds (Z score=-6.52, P<.001). CARE Hotline call log data were confirmed by user feedback; survey results indicated that users became more familiar with the system and found the system easier to use, from the beginning to the end of their monitoring period. The majority of the users were highly satisfied (90%, 19/21) with the system, indicating ease of use and convenience as primary reasons, and would recommend it for future monitoring efforts (90%, 19/21). The CARE Hotline garnered high user satisfaction, required minimal reporting time from users, and was an easily learned tool for monitoring. This phone-based technology can be modified for future public health emergencies. ©Ilana Olin McCarthy, Abbey E Wojno, Heather A Joseph, Scott Teesdale. Originally published in JMIR Public Health and Surveillance (http://publichealth.jmir.org), 14.11.2017.

Long-term monitoring and prediction for settlement and composition of refuse in Shanghai Laogang Municipal Landfill.

PubMed

Jiangying, Liu; Dimin, Xu; Youcai, Zhao; Shaowei, Chen; Guojian, Li; Qi, Zhou

2004-09-01

Parameters about composition of refuse such as mass percentage of biodegradable matter, volatile solid, organic carbon, cellulose, total sugar, and settlement were monitored and analyzed in a large-scale experimental unit. The empirical formulas between composition and refuse age were established in terms of the data obtained from the experimental unit and verified by comparing with the corresponding parameters of refuse in the closed landfill units from 1991 until 1994 in the Shanghai Laogang Municipal Landfill. Furthermore, the long-term prediction for the composition of refuse was made, and it was predicted that the half-life is 7 to 11 years for biodegradable matter, 9 to 12 years for organic carbon or volatile solid, 7 to 16 years for cellulose, and 4 to 6 years for total sugar. In addition, a mathematical model, based on the mechanism of refuse biodegradation in the landfill, was developed to simulate the relationship between the settlement and the refuse age and manifests the secondary settlement potential. The mathematical model was proved not only to be reliable but also should be accurate for predicting the settlement of the landfill. The secondary settlement, which mainly results from the slow and gradual biodegradation of refuse, is linear with respect to the exponent of refuse age. Finally, according to the settlement model and empirical biodegradation formulas, it may be predicted that, 79.4% of biodegradable matter, 92.9% of total sugar, 72.7% of volatile solid and organic carbon, and 73.1% of cellulose will be biodegraded and that 79% of the maximum secondary settlement potential will occur before the Shanghai Laogang Municipal Landfill is in a high stabilization situation, i.e., approximately 21 years after final closure.

A Monte Carlo program to calculate the exposure rate from airborne radioactive gases inside a nuclear reactor containment building.

PubMed

Sherbini, S; Tamasanis, D; Sykes, J; Porter, S W

1986-12-01

A program was developed to calculate the exposure rate resulting from airborne gases inside a reactor containment building. The calculations were performed at the location of a wall-mounted area radiation monitor. The program uses Monte Carlo techniques and accounts for both the direct and scattered components of the radiation field at the detector. The scattered component was found to contribute about 30% of the total exposure rate at 50 keV and dropped to about 7% at 2000 keV. The results of the calculations were normalized to unit activity per unit volume of air in the containment. This allows the exposure rate readings of the area monitor to be used to estimate the airborne activity in containment in the early phases of an accident. Such estimates, coupled with containment leak rates, provide a method to obtain a release rate for use in offsite dose projection calculations.

Fluorometric determination of the DNA concentration in municipal drinking water.

PubMed Central

McCoy, W F; Olson, B H

1985-01-01

DNA concentrations in municipal drinking water samples were measured by fluorometry, using Hoechst 33258 fluorochrome. The concentration, extraction, and detection methods used were adapted from existing techniques. The method is reproducible, fast, accurate, and simple. The amounts of DNA per cell for five different bacterial isolates obtained from drinking water samples were determined by measuring DNA concentration and total cell concentration (acridine orange epifluorescence direct cell counting) in stationary pure cultures. The relationship between DNA concentration and epifluorescence total direct cell concentration in 11 different drinking water samples was linear and positive; the amounts of DNA per cell in these samples did not differ significantly from the amounts in pure culture isolates. We found significant linear correlations between DNA concentration and colony-forming unit concentration, as well as between epifluorescence direct cell counts and colony-forming unit concentration. DNA concentration measurements of municipal drinking water samples appear to monitor changes in bacteriological quality at least as well as total heterotrophic plate counting and epifluorescence direct cell counting. PMID:3890737

The hidden treasures of long-term paired watershed monitoring in the forests and grasslands of Arizona, USA

Treesearch

B. Poff; D. G. Neary; V. Henderson; A. Tecle

2012-01-01

Beginning in the 1950s, researchers of the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service established a series of paired watershed studies throughout north-central and eastern Arizona. A total of nine experimental watershed areas were established in the pinyon-juniper and chaparral woodlands, as well as the ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forests. While most...

Implementation of a patient blood management monitoring and feedback program significantly reduces transfusions and costs.

PubMed

Mehra, Tarun; Seifert, Burkhardt; Bravo-Reiter, Silvina; Wanner, Guido; Dutkowski, Philipp; Holubec, Tomas; Moos, Rudolf M; Volbracht, Jörk; Manz, Markus G; Spahn, Donat R

2015-12-01

Patient blood management (PBM) measures have been shown to be effective in reducing transfusions while maintaining patient outcome. The issuance of transfusion guidelines is seen as being key to the success of PBM programs. As the introduction of guidelines alone did not visibly reduce transfusions in our center, a monitoring and feedback program was established. The aim of our study was to show the effectiveness of such measures in reducing transfusions and cost. We designed a prospective, interventional cohort study with a 3-year time frame (January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2014). In total, 101,794 patients aged 18 years or older were included. The PBM monitoring and feedback program was introduced on January 1, 2014, with the subsequent issuance of quarterly reporting. Within the first year of introduction, transfusion of all allogeneic blood products per 1000 patients was reduced by 27% (red blood cell units, -24%; platelet units, -25%; and fresh-frozen plasma units, -37%; all p < 0.001) leading to direct allogeneic blood product related savings of more than 2 million USD. The number of blood products transfused per case was significantly reduced from 9 ± 19 to 7 ± 14 (p < 0.001). With an odds ratio of 0.86 (95% confidence interval, 0.82-0.91), the introduction of our PBM monitoring and feedback program was a significant independent factor in the reduction of transfusion probability (p < 0.001). Our PBM monitoring and feedback program was highly efficacious in reducing the transfusion of allogeneic blood products and transfusion-related costs. © 2015 AABB.

Seafloor Geodetic Monitoring of the Central Andean Subduction Zone: The Geosea Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopp, H.; Lange, D.; Contreras Reyes, E.; Behrmann, J. H.; McGuire, J. J.; Flueh, E. R.

2014-12-01

Seafloor geodesy has been identified as one of the central tools in marine geosciences to monitor seafloor deformation at high resolution. To quantify strain accumulation and assess the resultant hazard potential we urgently need systems to resolve seafloor crustal deformation. The GeoSEA (Geodetic Earthquake Observatory on the Seafloor) array consists of a seafloor transponder network comprising a total of 35 units and a wave glider acting as a surface unit (GeoSURF) to ensure satellite correspondence, data transfer and monitor system health. For horizontal direct path measurements, the system utilizes acoustic ranging techniques with a ranging precision better than 15 mm and long term stability over 2 km distance. Vertical motion is obtained from pressure gauges. Integrated inclinometers monitor station settlement in two horizontal directions. Travel time between instruments and the local water sound velocity will be recorded autonomously subsea without system or human intervention for up to 3.5 years. Data from the autonomous network on the seafloor can be retrieved via the integrated high-speed acoustic telemetry link without recovering the seafloor units. In late 2015 GeoSEA will be installed on the Iquique segment of the South America - Nazca convergent plate boundary to monitor crustal deformation. The Iquique seismic gap experienced the 2014 Mw 8.1 Pisagua earthquake, which apparently occurred within a local locking minimum. It is thus crucial to better resolve resolve strain in the forearc between the mainland and the trench in order to improve our understanding of forearc deformation required for hazard assessment. Mobile autonomous seafloor arrays for continuous measurement of active seafloor deformation in hazard zones have the potential to lead to transformative discoveries of plate boundary/fault zone tectonic processes and address a novel element of marine geophysical research.

Total Phosphorus Loads for Selected Tributaries to Sebago Lake, Maine

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hodgkins, Glenn A.

2001-01-01

The streamflow and water-quality datacollection networks of the Portland Water District (PWD) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as of February 2000 were analyzed in terms of their applicability for estimating total phosphorus loads for selected tributaries to Sebago Lake in southern Maine. The long-term unit-area mean annual flows for the Songo River and for small, ungaged tributaries are similar to the long-term unit-area mean annual flows for the Crooked River and other gaged tributaries to Sebago Lake, based on a regression equation that estimates mean annual streamflows in Maine. Unit-area peak streamflows of Sebago Lake tributaries can be quite different, based on a regression equation that estimates peak streamflows for Maine. Crooked River had a statistically significant positive relation (Kendall's Tau test, p=0.0004) between streamflow and total phosphorus concentration. Panther Run had a statistically significant negative relation (p=0.0015). Significant positive relations may indicate contributions from nonpoint sources or sediment resuspension, whereas significant negative relations may indicate dilution of point sources. Total phosphorus concentrations were significantly larger in the Crooked River than in the Songo River (Wilcoxon rank-sum test, p<0.0001). Evidence was insufficient, however, to indicate that phosphorus concentrations from medium-sized drainage basins, at a significance level of 0.05, were different from each other or that concentrations in small-sized drainage basins were different from each other (Kruskal-Wallis test, p= 0.0980, 0.1265). All large- and medium-sized drainage basins were sampled for total phosphorus approximately monthly. Although not all small drainage basins were sampled, they may be well represented by the small drainage basins that were sampled. If the tributaries gaged by PWD had adequate streamflow data, the current PWD tributary monitoring program would probably produce total phosphorus loading data that would represent all gaged and ungaged tributaries to Sebago Lake. Outside the PWD tributary-monitoring program, the largest ungaged tributary to Sebago Lake contains 1.5 percent of the area draining to the lake. In the absence of unique point or nonpoint sources of phosphorus, ungaged tributaries are unlikely to have total phosphorus concentrations that differ significantly from those in the small tributaries that have concentration data. The regression method, also known as the rating-curve method, was used to estimate the annual total phosphorus load for Crooked River, Northwest River, and Rich Mill Pond Outlet for water years 1996-98. The MOVE.1 method was used to estimate daily streamflows for the regression method at Northwest River and Rich Mill Pond Outlet, where streamflows were not continuously monitored. An averaging method also was used to compute annual loads at the three sites. The difference between the regression estimate and the averaging estimate for each of the three tributaries was consistent with what was expected from previous studies.

Sodium monitoring in commercially processed and restaurant foods.

PubMed

Ahuja, Jaspreet K C; Pehrsson, Pamela R; Haytowitz, David B; Wasswa-Kintu, Shirley; Nickle, Melissa; Showell, Bethany; Thomas, Robin; Roseland, Janet; Williams, Juhi; Khan, Mona; Nguyen, Quynhanh; Hoy, Kathy; Martin, Carrie; Rhodes, Donna; Moshfegh, Alanna; Gillespie, Cathleen; Gunn, Janelle; Merritt, Robert; Cogswell, Mary

2015-03-01

Most sodium in the US diet comes from commercially processed and restaurant foods. Sodium reduction in these foods is key to several recent public health efforts. The objective was to provide an overview of a program led by the USDA, in partnership with other government agencies, to monitor sodium contents in commercially processed and restaurant foods in the United States. We also present comparisons of nutrients generated under the program to older data. We track ∼125 commercially processed and restaurant food items ("sentinel foods") annually using information from food manufacturers and periodically by nationwide sampling and laboratory analyses. In addition, we monitor >1100 other commercially processed and restaurant food items, termed "priority-2 foods" (P2Fs) biennially by using information from food manufacturers. These foods serve as indicators for assessing changes in the sodium content of commercially processed and restaurant foods in the United States. We sampled all sentinel foods nationwide and reviewed all P2Fs in 2010-2013 to determine baseline sodium concentrations. We updated sodium values for 73 sentinel foods and 551 P2Fs in the USDA's National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (releases 23-26). Sodium values changed by at least 10% for 43 of the sentinel foods, which, for 31 foods, including commonly consumed foods such as bread, tomato catsup, and potato chips, the newer sodium values were lower. Changes in the concentrations of related nutrients (total and saturated fat, total sugar, potassium, or dietary fiber) that were recommended by the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans for reduced or increased consumption accompanied sodium reduction. The results of sodium reduction efforts, based on resampling of the sentinel foods or re-review of P2Fs, will become available beginning in 2015. This monitoring program tracks sodium reduction efforts, improves food composition databases, and strengthens national nutrition monitoring. © 2015 American Society for Nutrition.

Sodium monitoring in commercially processed and restaurant foods

PubMed Central

Ahuja, Jaspreet KC; Pehrsson, Pamela R; Haytowitz, David B; Wasswa-Kintu, Shirley; Nickle, Melissa; Showell, Bethany; Thomas, Robin; Roseland, Janet; Williams, Juhi; Khan, Mona; Nguyen, Quynhanh; Hoy, Kathy; Martin, Carrie; Rhodes, Donna; Moshfegh, Alanna; Gillespie, Cathleen; Gunn, Janelle; Merritt, Robert; Cogswell, Mary

2015-01-01

Background Most sodium in the US diet comes from commercially processed and restaurant foods. Sodium reduction in these foods is key to several recent public health efforts. Objective The objective was to provide an overview of a program led by the USDA, in partnership with other government agencies, to monitor sodium contents in commercially processed and restaurant foods in the United States. We also present comparisons of nutrients generated under the program to older data. Design We track ∼125 commercially processed and restaurant food items (“sentinel foods”) annually using information from food manufacturers and periodically by nationwide sampling and laboratory analyses. In addition, we monitor >1100 other commercially processed and restaurant food items, termed “priority-2 foods” (P2Fs) biennially by using information from food manufacturers. These foods serve as indicators for assessing changes in the sodium content of commercially processed and restaurant foods in the United States. We sampled all sentinel foods nationwide and reviewed all P2Fs in 2010–2013 to determine baseline sodium concentrations. Results We updated sodium values for 73 sentinel foods and 551 P2Fs in the USDA’s National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (releases 23–26). Sodium values changed by at least 10% for 43 of the sentinel foods, which, for 31 foods, including commonly consumed foods such as bread, tomato catsup, and potato chips, the newer sodium values were lower. Changes in the concentrations of related nutrients (total and saturated fat, total sugar, potassium, or dietary fiber) that were recommended by the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans for reduced or increased consumption accompanied sodium reduction. The results of sodium reduction efforts, based on resampling of the sentinel foods or re-review of P2Fs, will become available beginning in 2015. Conclusion This monitoring program tracks sodium reduction efforts, improves food composition databases, and strengthens national nutrition monitoring. PMID:25733648

F-Area Hazardous Waste Management Facility groundwater monitoring report, Third and fourth quarters 1995: Volume 1

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

NONE

1996-03-01

Groundwater at the F-Area Hazardous Waste Management Facility (HWMF) is monitored in compliance with applicable regulations. Monitoring results are compared to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) Groundwater Protection Standard (GWPS). Historically and currently, gross alpha, nitrates, nonvolatile beta, and tritium are among the primary constituents to exceed standards. Numerous other radionuclides and hazardous constituents also exceed the GWPS in the groundwater during the second half of 1995, notably cadmium, lead, radium-226, radium-228, strontium-90, and total alpha-emitting radium. The elevated constituents were found primarily in the water table (aquifer zone IIB{sub 2}), however, several other aquifermore » unit monitoring wells contained elevated levels of constituents. Water-level maps indicate that the groundwater flow rates and directions at the F-Area HWMF have remained relatively constant since the basins ceased to be active in 1988.« less

Recent developments in water quality monitoring for Space Station reclaimed wastewaters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Small, John W.; Verostko, Charles E.; Linton, Arthur T.; Burchett, Ray

1987-01-01

This paper discusses the recent developments in water quality monitoring for Space Station reclaimed wastewaters. A preprototype unit that contains an ultraviolet absorbance organic carbon monitor integrated with pH and conductivity sensors is presented. The preprototype has provisions for automated operation and is a reagentless flow-through system without any gas/liquid interfaces. The organic carbon monitor detects by utraviolet absorbance the organic impurities in reclaimed wastewater which may be correlated to the organic carbon content of the water. A comparison of the preprototype organic carbon detection values with actual total organic carbon measurements is presented. The electrolyte double junction concept for the pH sensor and fixed electrodes for both the pH and conductivity sensors are discussed. In addition, the development of a reagentless organic carbon analyzer that incorporates ultraviolet oxidation and infrared detection is presented. Detection sensitivities, hardware development, and operation are included.

Monitoring surface-water quality in Arizona: the fixed-station network

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tadayon, Saeid

2000-01-01

Arizona is an arid State in which economic development is influenced largely by the quantity and quality of water and the location of adequate water supplies. In 1995, surface water supplied about 58 percent of total withdrawals in Arizona. Of the total amount of surface water used in 1995, about 89 percent was for agriculture, 10 percent for public supply, and 1 percent for industrial supply (including mining and thermoelectric; Solley and others, 1998). As a result of rapid population growth in Arizona, historic agricultural lands in the Phoenix (Maricopa County) and Tucson (Pima County) areas are now being developed for residential and commercial use; thus, the amount of water used for public supply is increasing. The Clean Water Act was established by U.S. Congress (1972) in response to public concern about water-pollution control. The act defines a process by which the United States Congress and the citizens are informed of the Nation’s progress in restoring and maintaining the quality of our waters. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is the State-designated agency for this process and, as a result, has developed a monitoring program to assess water quality in Arizona. The ADEQ is required to submit a water-quality assessment report to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) every 2 years. The USEPA summarizes the reports from each State and submits a report to the Congress characterizing water quality in the United States. These reports serve to inform Congress and the public of the Nation’s progress toward the restoration and maintenance of water quality in the United States (Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, 1998).

Evaluation of a new monochloramine generation system for controlling Legionella in building hot water systems.

PubMed

Duda, Scott; Kandiah, Sheena; Stout, Janet E; Baron, Julianne L; Yassin, Mohamed; Fabrizio, Marie; Ferrelli, Juliet; Hariri, Rahman; Wagener, Marilyn M; Goepfert, John; Bond, James; Hannigan, Joseph; Rogers, Denzil

2014-11-01

To evaluate the efficacy of a new monochloramine generation system for control of Legionella in a hospital hot water distribution system. A 495-bed tertiary care hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The hospital has 12 floors covering approximately 78,000 m(2). The hospital hot water system was monitored for a total of 29 months, including a 5-month baseline sampling period prior to installation of the monochloramine system and 24 months of surveillance after system installation (postdisinfection period). Water samples were collected for microbiological analysis (Legionella species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Acinetobacter species, nitrifying bacteria, heterotrophic plate count [HPC] bacteria, and nontuberculous mycobacteria). Chemical parameters monitored during the investigation included monochloramine, chlorine (free and total), nitrate, nitrite, total ammonia, copper, silver, lead, and pH. A significant reduction in Legionella distal site positivity was observed between the pre- and postdisinfection periods, with positivity decreasing from an average of 53% (baseline) to an average of 9% after monochloramine application (P<0.5]). Although geometric mean HPC concentrations decreased by approximately 2 log colony-forming units per milliliter during monochloramine treatment, we did not observe significant changes in other microbial populations. This is the first evaluation in the United States of a commercially available monochloramine system installed on a hospital hot water system for Legionella disinfection, and it demonstrated a significant reduction in Legionella colonization. Significant increases in microbial populations or other negative effects previously associated with monochloramine use in large municipal cold water systems were not observed.

Free Flap Reconstruction Monitoring Techniques and Frequency in the Era of Restricted Resident Work Hours.

PubMed

Patel, Urjeet A; Hernandez, David; Shnayder, Yelizaveta; Wax, Mark K; Hanasono, Matthew M; Hornig, Joshua; Ghanem, Tamer A; Old, Matthew; Jackson, Ryan S; Ledgerwood, Levi G; Pipkorn, Patrik; Lin, Lawrence; Ong, Adrian; Greene, Joshua B; Bekeny, James; Yiu, Yin; Noureldine, Salem; Li, David X; Fontanarosa, Joel; Greenbaum, Evan; Richmon, Jeremy D

2017-08-01

Free flap reconstruction of the head and neck is routinely performed with success rates around 94% to 99% at most institutions. Despite experience and meticulous technique, there is a small but recognized risk of partial or total flap loss in the postoperative setting. Historically, most microvascular surgeons involve resident house staff in flap monitoring protocols, and programs relied heavily on in-house resident physicians to assure timely intervention for compromised flaps. In 2003, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education mandated the reduction in the hours a resident could work within a given week. At many institutions this new era of restricted resident duty hours reshaped the protocols used for flap monitoring to adapt to a system with reduced resident labor. To characterize various techniques and frequencies of free flap monitoring by nurses and resident physicians; and to determine if adapted resident monitoring frequency is associated with flap compromise and outcome. This multi-institutional retrospective review included patients undergoing free flap reconstruction to the head and/or neck between January 2005 and January 2015. Consecutive patients were included from different academic institutions or tertiary referral centers to reflect evolving practices. Technique, frequency, and personnel for flap monitoring; flap complications; and flap success. Overall, 1085 patients (343 women [32%] and 742 men [78%]) from 9 institutions were included. Most patients were placed in the intensive care unit postoperatively (n = 790 [73%]), while the remaining were placed in intermediate care (n = 201 [19%]) or in the surgical ward (n = 94 [7%]). Nurses monitored flaps every hour (q1h) for all patients. Frequency of resident monitoring varied, with 635 patients monitored every 4 hours (q4h), 146 monitored every 8 hours (q8h), and 304 monitored every 12 hours (q12h). Monitoring techniques included physical examination (n = 949 [87%]), handheld external Doppler sonography (n = 739 [68%]), implanted Doppler sonography (n = 333 [31%]), and needle stick (n = 349 [32%]); 105 patients (10%) demonstrated flap compromise, prompting return to the operating room in 96 patients. Of these 96 patients, 46 had complete flap salvage, 22 had partial loss, and 37 had complete loss. The frequency of resident flap checks did not affect the total flap loss rate (q4h, 25 patients [4%]; q8h, 8 patients [6%]; and q12h, 8 patients [3%]). Flap salvage rates for compromised flaps were not statistically different. Academic centers rely primarily on q1h flap checks by intensive care unit nurses using physical examination and Doppler sonography. Reduced resident monitoring frequency did not alter flap salvage nor flap outcome. These findings suggest that institutions may successfully monitor free flaps with decreased resident burden.

The 1988 Antarctic ozone monitoring Nimbus-7 TOMS data atlas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krueger, Arlin J.; Penn, Lanning M.; Larko, David E.; Doiron, Scott D.; Guimaraes, Patricia T.

1989-01-01

Because of the great environmental significance of ozone and to support continuing research at McMurdo, Syowa, and other Southern Hemisphere stations, the development of the 1988 ozone hole was monitored using data from the Nimbus-7 Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) instrument, produced in near-real-time. This Atlas provides a complete set of daily polar orthographic projections of the TOMS total ozone measurements over the Southern Hemisphere for the period August 1 through November 17, 1988. Although total ozone in mini-holes briefly dropped below 150 DU in late August, the main ozone hole is seen to be much less pronounced than in 1987. Minimum values, observed in late September and early October 1988, were seldom less than 175 DU. Compared with the same period in 1987, when a pronounced ozone hole whose minimum value of 109 Dobson Units (DU) was the lowest total ozone ever observed, the 1988 ozone hole is displaced from the South Pole, opposing a persistent maximum with values consistently above 500 DU. Daily ozone values above selected Southern Hemisphere stations are presented, along with comparisons of the 1988 ozone distribution to that of other years.

Force-Balance Dynamic Display

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferris, Alice T.; White, William C.

1988-01-01

Balance dynamic display unit (BDDU) is compact system conditioning six dynamic analog signals so they are monitored simultaneously in real time on single-trace oscilloscope. Typical BDDU oscilloscope display in scan mode shows each channel occupying one-sixth of total trace. System features two display modes usable with conventional, single-channel oscilloscope: multiplexed six-channel "bar-graph" format and single-channel display. Two-stage visual and audible limit alarm provided for each channel.

Gypsy moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) flight behavior and phenology based on field-deployed automated pheromone-baited traps

Treesearch

Patrick C. Tobin; Kenneth T. Klein; Donna S. Leonard

2009-01-01

Populations of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), are extensively monitored in the United States through the use of pheromone-baited traps.We report on use of automated pheromone-baited traps that use a recording sensor and data logger to record the unique date-time stamp of males as they enter the trap.We deployed a total of 352 automated traps...

Fast-cycling unit of root turnover in perennial herbaceous plants in a cold temperate ecosystem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Kai; Luke McCormack, M.; Li, Le; Ma, Zeqing; Guo, Dali

2016-01-01

Roots of perennial plants have both persistent portion and fast-cycling units represented by different levels of branching. In woody species, the distal nonwoody branch orders as a unit are born and die together relatively rapidly (within 1-2 years). However, whether the fast-cycling units also exist in perennial herbs is unknown. We monitored root demography of seven perennial herbs over two years in a cold temperate ecosystem and we classified the largest roots on the root collar or rhizome as basal roots, and associated finer laterals as secondary, tertiary and quaternary roots. Parallel to woody plants in which distal root orders form a fast-cycling module, basal root and its finer laterals also represent a fast-cycling module in herbaceous plants. Within this module, basal roots had a lifespan of 0.5-2 years and represented 62-87% of total root biomass, thus dominating annual root turnover (60%-81% of the total). Moreover, root traits including root length, tissue density, and biomass were useful predictors of root lifespan. We conclude that both herbaceous and woody plants have fast-cycling modular units and future studies identifying the fast-cycling module across plant species should allow better understanding of how root construction and turnover are linked to whole-plant strategies.

Shared performance monitor in a multiprocessor system

DOEpatents

Chiu, George; Gara, Alan G; Salapura, Valentina

2014-12-02

A performance monitoring unit (PMU) and method for monitoring performance of events occurring in a multiprocessor system. The multiprocessor system comprises a plurality of processor devices units, each processor device for generating signals representing occurrences of events in the processor device, and, a single shared counter resource for performance monitoring. The performance monitor unit is shared by all processor cores in the multiprocessor system. The PMU is further programmed to monitor event signals issued from non-processor devices.

32 × 32 silicon electro-optic switch with built-in monitors and balanced-status units.

PubMed

Qiao, Lei; Tang, Weijie; Chu, Tao

2017-02-09

To construct large-scale silicon electro-optical switches for optical interconnections, we developed a method using a limited number of power monitors inserted at certain positions to detect and determine the optimum operating points of all switch units to eliminate non-uniform effects arising from fabrication errors. We also introduced an optical phase bias to one phase-shifter arm of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI)-type switch unit to balance the two operation statuses of a silicon electro-optical switch during push-pull operation. With these methods, a 32 × 32 MZI-based silicon electro-optical switch was successfully fabricated with 180-nm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process technology, which is the largest scale silicon electro-optical switch to the best of our knowledge. At a wavelength of 1520 nm, the on-chip insertion losses were 12.9 to 16.5 dB, and the crosstalk ranged from -17.9 to -24.8 dB when all units were set to the 'Cross' status. The losses were 14.4 to 18.5 dB, and the crosstalk ranged from -15.1 to -19.0 dB when all units were in the 'Bar' status. The total power consumptions of the 32 × 32 switch were 247.4 and 542.3 mW when all units were set to the 'Cross' and 'Bar' statuses, respectively.

32 × 32 silicon electro-optic switch with built-in monitors and balanced-status units

PubMed Central

Qiao, Lei; Tang, Weijie; Chu, Tao

2017-01-01

To construct large-scale silicon electro-optical switches for optical interconnections, we developed a method using a limited number of power monitors inserted at certain positions to detect and determine the optimum operating points of all switch units to eliminate non-uniform effects arising from fabrication errors. We also introduced an optical phase bias to one phase-shifter arm of a Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI)-type switch unit to balance the two operation statuses of a silicon electro-optical switch during push–pull operation. With these methods, a 32 × 32 MZI-based silicon electro-optical switch was successfully fabricated with 180-nm complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) process technology, which is the largest scale silicon electro-optical switch to the best of our knowledge. At a wavelength of 1520 nm, the on-chip insertion losses were 12.9 to 16.5 dB, and the crosstalk ranged from −17.9 to −24.8 dB when all units were set to the ‘Cross’ status. The losses were 14.4 to 18.5 dB, and the crosstalk ranged from −15.1 to −19.0 dB when all units were in the ‘Bar’ status. The total power consumptions of the 32 × 32 switch were 247.4 and 542.3 mW when all units were set to the ‘Cross’ and ‘Bar’ statuses, respectively. PMID:28181557

ATP bioluminescence: Surface hygiene monitoring in milk preparation room of neonatal intensive care unit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamad, Mahirah; Ishak, Shareena; Jaafar, Rohana; Sani, Norrakiah Abdullah

2018-04-01

ATP Bioluminescence application and standard microbiological analyses were used to evaluate the cleanliness of milk contact surfaces and non-milk contact surfaces in milk preparation room of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). A total of 44 samples including the breast pump, milk bottle, milk bottle screw top and screw ring, teats, measuring cups, waterless warmer, refrigerator, dishwasher and pasteurizer inner wall were tested on May 2017. 3M Clean and Trace Hygiene Monitoring (UXL100 ATP Test swabs) and the bioluminescence reader Clean-Trace NG Luminometer (3M) were used to measure the Relative Light Unit (RLU) and microbiological analysis using 3M Quick Swab and 3MTM PetrifilmTM for enumeration of aerobic count, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacteriaceae, coliform and detection of Escherichia coli (CFU /100cm2 or utensil/item). The RLU values were from 11 to 194 and passed the ATP benchmark for intensive care unit (ICU), < 250 RLU as recommended. Aerobic colony count was only found in waterless warmer (0.05±0.01 mean log CFU/warmer). None of S. aureus, Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli and coliform was detected in all samples. A weak correlation was found between bioluminescence measurements RLU and the microbiological analysis (CFU). However, the use of ATP bioluminescence in monitoring milk preparation room cleanliness can be a useful method for assessing rapidly the surface hygiene as well as to verify the Sanitation Standard Operating Procedure (SSOP) prior to implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) in milk preparation room.

Concurrent Temporal and Spatial Trends in Sulfate and Organic Mass Concentrations Measured in the IMPROVE Monitoring Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malm, William C.; Schichtel, Bret A.; Hand, Jenny L.; Collett, Jeffrey L.

2017-10-01

Recent modeling and field studies have highlighted a relationship between sulfate concentrations and secondarily formed organic aerosols related to isoprene and other volatile biogenic gaseous emissions. The relationship between these biogenic emissions and sulfate is thought to be primarily associated with the effect of sulfate on aerosol acidity, increased aerosol water at high relative humidities, and aerosol volume. The Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) program provides aerosol concentration levels of sulfate (SO4) and organic carbon (OC) at 136 monitoring sites in rural and remote areas of the United States over time periods of between 15 and 28 years. This data set allows for an examination of relationships between these variables over time and space. The relative decreases in SO4 and OC were similar over most of the eastern United States, even though concentrations varied dramatically from one region to another. The analysis implied that for every unit decrease in SO4 there was about a 0.29 decrease in organic aerosol mass (OA = 1.8 × OC). This translated to a 2 μg/m3 decrease in biogenically derived secondary organic aerosol over 15 years in the southeastern United States. The analysis further implied that 35% and 27% in 2001 and 2015, respectively, of average total OA may be biogenically derived secondary organic aerosols and that there was a small but significant decrease in OA not linked to changes in SO4 concentrations. The analysis yields a constraint on ambient SO4-OC relationships that should help to refine and improve regional-scale chemical transport models.

Implementation of a Portable Personal EKG Signal Monitoring System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Tan-Hsu; Chang, Ching-Su; Chen, Yung-Fu; Lee, Cheng

This research develops a portable personal EKG signal monitoring system to help patients monitor their EKG signals instantly to avoid the occurrence of tragedies. This system is built with two main units: signal pro-cessing unit and monitoring and evaluation unit. The first unit consists of EKG signal sensor, signal amplifier, digitalization circuit, and related control circuits. The second unit is a software tool developed on an embedded Linux platform (called CSA). Experimental result indicates that the proposed system has the practical potential for users in health monitoring. It is demonstrated to be more convenient and with greater portability than the conventional PC-based EKG signal monitoring systems. Furthermore, all the application units embedded in the system are built with open source codes, no licensed fee is required for operating systems and authorized applications. Thus, the building cost is much lower than the traditional systems.

Characterization of nutrients and fecal indicator bacteria at a concentrated swine feeding operation in Wake County, North Carolina, 2009-2011

USGS Publications Warehouse

Harden, Stephen L.; Rogers, Shane W.; Jahne, Michael A.; Shaffer, Carrie E.; Smith, Douglas G.

2012-01-01

Study sites were sampled for laboratory analysis of nutrients, total suspended solids (TSS), and (or) fecal indicator bacteria (FIB). Nutrient analyses included measurement of dissolved ammonia, total and dissolved ammonia + organic nitrogen, dissolved nitrate + nitrite, dissolved orthophosphate, and total phosphorus. The FIB analyses included measurement of Escherichia coli and enterococci. Samples of wastewater at the swine facility were collected from a pipe outfall from the swine housing units, two storage lagoons, and the spray fields for analysis of nutrients, TSS, and FIB. Soil samples collected from a spray field were analyzed for FIB. Monitoring locations were established for collecting discharge and water-quality data during storm events at three in-field runoff sites and two sites on the headwater stream (one upstream and one downstream) next to the swine facility. Stormflow samples at the five monitoring locations were collected for four storm events during 2009 to 2010 and analyzed for nutrients, TSS, and FIB. Monthly water samples also were collected during base-flow conditions at all four stream sites for laboratory analysis of nutrients, TSS, and (or) FIB.

40 CFR 60.1320 - How do I monitor the load of my municipal waste combustion unit?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... municipal waste combustion unit? 60.1320 Section 60.1320 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION... of Performance for Small Municipal Waste Combustion Units for Which Construction is Commenced After... Monitoring Requirements § 60.1320 How do I monitor the load of my municipal waste combustion unit? (a) If...

40 CFR 60.1320 - How do I monitor the load of my municipal waste combustion unit?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... municipal waste combustion unit? 60.1320 Section 60.1320 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION... of Performance for Small Municipal Waste Combustion Units for Which Construction is Commenced After... Monitoring Requirements § 60.1320 How do I monitor the load of my municipal waste combustion unit? (a) If...

40 CFR 60.1320 - How do I monitor the load of my municipal waste combustion unit?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... municipal waste combustion unit? 60.1320 Section 60.1320 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION... of Performance for Small Municipal Waste Combustion Units for Which Construction is Commenced After... Monitoring Requirements § 60.1320 How do I monitor the load of my municipal waste combustion unit? (a) If...

40 CFR 60.1320 - How do I monitor the load of my municipal waste combustion unit?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... municipal waste combustion unit? 60.1320 Section 60.1320 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION... of Performance for Small Municipal Waste Combustion Units for Which Construction is Commenced After... Monitoring Requirements § 60.1320 How do I monitor the load of my municipal waste combustion unit? (a) If...

40 CFR 60.1320 - How do I monitor the load of my municipal waste combustion unit?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... municipal waste combustion unit? 60.1320 Section 60.1320 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION... of Performance for Small Municipal Waste Combustion Units for Which Construction is Commenced After... Monitoring Requirements § 60.1320 How do I monitor the load of my municipal waste combustion unit? (a) If...

Multi-parameter vital sign database to assist in alarm optimization for general care units.

PubMed

Welch, James; Kanter, Benjamin; Skora, Brooke; McCombie, Scott; Henry, Isaac; McCombie, Devin; Kennedy, Rosemary; Soller, Babs

2016-12-01

Continual vital sign assessment on the general care, medical-surgical floor is expected to provide early indication of patient deterioration and increase the effectiveness of rapid response teams. However, there is concern that continual, multi-parameter vital sign monitoring will produce alarm fatigue. The objective of this study was the development of a methodology to help care teams optimize alarm settings. An on-body wireless monitoring system was used to continually assess heart rate, respiratory rate, SpO 2 and noninvasive blood pressure in the general ward of ten hospitals between April 1, 2014 and January 19, 2015. These data, 94,575 h for 3430 patients are contained in a large database, accessible with cloud computing tools. Simulation scenarios assessed the total alarm rate as a function of threshold and annunciation delay (s). The total alarm rate of ten alarms/patient/day predicted from the cloud-hosted database was the same as the total alarm rate for a 10 day evaluation (1550 h for 36 patients) in an independent hospital. Plots of vital sign distributions in the cloud-hosted database were similar to other large databases published by different authors. The cloud-hosted database can be used to run simulations for various alarm thresholds and annunciation delays to predict the total alarm burden experienced by nursing staff. This methodology might, in the future, be used to help reduce alarm fatigue without sacrificing the ability to continually monitor all vital signs.

Effectiveness of a pressurized stormwater filtration system in Green Bay, Wisconsin: a study for the environmental technology verification program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

USGS Publications Warehouse

Horwatich, J.A.; Corsi, Steven R.; Bannerman, Roger T.

2004-01-01

A pressurized stormwater filtration system was installed in 1998 as a stormwater-treatment practice to treat runoff from a hospital rooftop and parking lot in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This type of filtration system has been installed in Florida citrus groves and sewage treatment plants around the United States; however, this installation is the first of its kind to be used to treat urban runoff and the first to be tested in Wisconsin. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) monitored the system between November 2000 and September 2002 to evaluate it as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Technology Verification Program. Fifteen runoff events were monitored for flow and water quality at the inlet and outlet of the system, and comparison of the event mean concentrations and constituent loads was used to evaluate its effectiveness. Loads were decreased in all particulate-associated constituents monitored, including suspended solids (83 percent), suspended sediment (81 percent), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (26 percent), total phosphorus (54 percent), and total recoverable zinc (62 percent). Total dissolved solids, dissolved phosphorus, and nitrate plus nitrite loads remained similar or increased through the system. The increase in some constituents was most likely due to a ground-water contribution between runoff events. Sand/silt split analysis resulted in the median silt content of 78 percent at the inlet, 87 percent at the outlet, and 3 percent at the flow splitter.

Laser- and Multi-Spectral Monitoring of Natural Objects from UAVs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reiterer, Alexander; Frey, Simon; Koch, Barbara; Stemmler, Simon; Weinacker, Holger; Hoffmann, Annemarie; Weiler, Markus; Hergarten, Stefan

2016-04-01

The paper describes the research, development and evaluation of a lightweight sensor system for UAVs. The system is composed of three main components: (1) a laser scanning module, (2) a multi-spectral camera system, and (3) a processing/storage unit. All three components are newly developed. Beside measurement precision and frequency, the low weight has been one of the challenging tasks. The current system has a total weight of about 2.5 kg and is designed as a self-contained unit (incl. storage and battery units). The main features of the system are: laser-based multi-echo 3D measurement by a wavelength of 905 nm (totally eye save), measurement range up to 200 m, measurement frequency of 40 kHz, scanning frequency of 16 Hz, relative distance accuracy of 10 mm. The system is equipped with both GNSS and IMU. Alternatively, a multi-visual-odometry system has been integrated to estimate the trajectory of the UAV by image features (based on this system a calculation of 3D-coordinates without GNSS is possible). The integrated multi-spectral camera system is based on conventional CMOS-image-chips equipped with a special sets of band-pass interference filters with a full width half maximum (FWHM) of 50 nm. Good results for calculating the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the wide dynamic range vegetation index (WDRVI) have been achieved using the band-pass interference filter-set with a FWHM of 50 nm and an exposure times between 5.000 μs and 7.000 μs. The system is currently used for monitoring of natural objects and surfaces, like forest, as well as for geo-risk analysis (landslides). By measuring 3D-geometric and multi-spectral information a reliable monitoring and interpretation of the data-set is possible. The paper gives an overview about the development steps, the system, the evaluation and first results.

Temporalization of Electric Generation Emissions for Improved Representation of Peak Air Quality Episodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farkas, C. M.; Moeller, M.; Carlton, A. G.

2013-12-01

Photochemical transport models routinely under predict peak air quality events. This deficiency may be due, in part, to inadequate temporalization of emissions from the electric generating sector. The National Emissions Inventory (NEI) reports emissions from Electric Generating Units (EGUs) by either Continuous Emission Monitors (CEMs) that report hourly values or as an annual total. The Sparse Matrix Operator Kernel Emissions preprocessor (SMOKE), used to prepare emissions data for modeling with the CMAQ air quality model, allocates annual emission totals throughout the year using specific monthly, weekly, and hourly weights according to standard classification code (SCC) and location. This approach represents average diurnal and seasonal patterns of electricity generation but does not capture spikes in emissions due to episodic use as with peaking units or due to extreme weather events. In this project we use a combination of state air quality permits, CEM data, and EPA emission factors to more accurately temporalize emissions of NOx, SO2 and particulate matter (PM) during the extensive heat wave of July and August 2006. Two CMAQ simulations are conducted; the first with the base NEI emissions and the second with improved temporalization, more representative of actual emissions during the heat wave. Predictions from both simulations are evaluated with O3 and PM measurement data from EPA's National Air Monitoring Stations (NAMS) and State and Local Air Monitoring Stations (SLAMS) during the heat wave, for which ambient concentrations of criteria pollutants were often above NAAQS. During periods of increased photochemistry and high pollutant concentrations, it is critical that emissions are most accurately represented in air quality models.

Methods for Estimating Annual Wastewater Nutrient Loads in the Southeastern United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

McMahon, Gerard; Tervelt, Larinda; Donehoo, William

2007-01-01

This report describes an approach for estimating annual total nitrogen and total phosphorus loads from point-source dischargers in the southeastern United States. Nutrient load estimates for 2002 were used in the calibration and application of a regional nutrient model, referred to as the SPARROW (SPAtially Referenced Regression On Watershed attributes) watershed model. Loads from dischargers permitted under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System were calculated using data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Permit Compliance System database and individual state databases. Site information from both state and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency databases, including latitude and longitude and monitored effluent data, was compiled into a project database. For sites with a complete effluent-monitoring record, effluent-flow and nutrient-concentration data were used to develop estimates of annual point-source nitrogen and phosphorus loads. When flow data were available but nutrient-concentration data were missing or incomplete, typical pollutant-concentration values of total nitrogen and total phosphorus were used to estimate load. In developing typical pollutant-concentration values, the major factors assumed to influence wastewater nutrient-concentration variability were the size of the discharger (the amount of flow), the season during which discharge occurred, and the Standard Industrial Classification code of the discharger. One insight gained from this study is that in order to gain access to flow, concentration, and location data, close communication and collaboration are required with the agencies that collect and manage the data. In addition, the accuracy and usefulness of the load estimates depend on the willingness of the states and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to provide guidance and review for at least a subset of the load estimates that may be problematic.

H-Area Seepage Basins groundwater monitoring report

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

Not Available

1993-03-01

During fourth quarter 1992, the groundwater at the H-Area Seepage Basins (HASB) was monitored in compliance with South Carolina Hazardous Waste Management Regulations, R61-79.265, Subpart F. Samples were collected from 130 wells that monitor the three separate hydrostratigraphic units that make up the uppermost aquifer beneath the HASB. A detailed description of the uppermost aquifer is included in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Part B Post-Closure Care Permit Application for the H-Area Hazardous Waste Management Facility submitted to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control in December 1990. Historically, as well as currently, tritium, nitrate, total alpha-emittingmore » radium, gross alpha, and mercury have been the primary constituents observed above final Primary Drinking Water Standards (PDWS) in groundwater at the HASB. Isoconcentration/isoactivity maps included in this report indicate both the concentration/activity and extent of the primary contaminants in each of the three hydrostratigraphic units during first and fourth quarter 1992. Water-level maps indicate that the groundwater flow rates and directions at the HASB have remained relatively constant since the basins ceased to be active in 1988.« less

H-Area Seepage Basins groundwater monitoring report. Fourth quarter 1992 and 1992 summary

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

Not Available

1993-03-01

During fourth quarter 1992, the groundwater at the H-Area Seepage Basins (HASB) was monitored in compliance with South Carolina Hazardous Waste Management Regulations, R61-79.265, Subpart F. Samples were collected from 130 wells that monitor the three separate hydrostratigraphic units that make up the uppermost aquifer beneath the HASB. A detailed description of the uppermost aquifer is included in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Part B Post-Closure Care Permit Application for the H-Area Hazardous Waste Management Facility submitted to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control in December 1990. Historically, as well as currently, tritium, nitrate, total alpha-emittingmore » radium, gross alpha, and mercury have been the primary constituents observed above final Primary Drinking Water Standards (PDWS) in groundwater at the HASB. Isoconcentration/isoactivity maps included in this report indicate both the concentration/activity and extent of the primary contaminants in each of the three hydrostratigraphic units during first and fourth quarter 1992. Water-level maps indicate that the groundwater flow rates and directions at the HASB have remained relatively constant since the basins ceased to be active in 1988.« less

Development and Implementation of the Ebola Traveler Monitoring Program and Clinical Outcomes of Monitored Travelers during October - May 2015, Minnesota.

PubMed

DeVries, Aaron; Talley, Pamela; Sweet, Kristin; Kline, Susan; Stinchfield, Patricia; Tosh, Pritish; Danila, Richard

2016-01-01

In October 2014, the United States began actively monitoring all persons who had traveled from Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone in the previous 21 days. State public health departments were responsible for monitoring all travelers; Minnesota has the largest Liberian population in the United States. The MDH Ebola Clinical Team (ECT) was established to assess travelers with symptoms of concern for Ebola virus disease (EVD), coordinate access to healthcare at appropriate facilities including Ebola Assessment and Treatment Units (EATU), and provide guidance to clinicians. Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) began receiving traveler information collected by U.S. Customs and Border Control and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention staff on October 21, 2014 via encrypted electronic communication. All travelers returning from Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea during 10/21/14-5/15/15 were monitored by MDH staff in the manner recommended by CDC based on the traveler's risk categorization as "low (but not zero)", "some" and "high" risk. When a traveler reported symptoms or a temperature ≥100.4° F at any time during their 21-day monitoring period, an ECT member would speak to the traveler and perform a clinical assessment by telephone or via video-chat. Based on the assessment the ECT member would recommend 1) continued clinical monitoring while at home with frequent telephone follow-up by the ECT member, 2) outpatient clinical evaluation at an outpatient site agreed upon by all parties, or 3) inpatient clinical evaluation at one of four Minnesota EATUs. ECT members assessed and approved testing for Ebola virus infection at MDH. Traveler data, calls to the ECT and clinical outcomes were logged on a secure server at MDH. During 10/21/14-5/15/15, a total of 783 travelers were monitored; 729 (93%) traveled from Liberia, 30 (4%) Sierra Leone, and 24 (3%) Guinea. The median number monitored per week was 59 (range 45-143). The median age was 35 years; 136 (17%) were aged <18 years. Thirteen of 256 women of reproductive age (5%) were pregnant. The country of passport issuance was known for 720 of the travelers. The majority of monitored travelers (478 [66%]) used a non-U.S. passport including 442 (61%) Liberian nationals. A total of 772 (99%) travelers were "low (but not zero)" risk; 11 (1%) were "some" risk. Among monitored travelers, 43 (5%) experienced illness symptoms; 29 (67%) had a symptom consistent with EVD. Two were tested for Ebola virus disease and had negative results. Most frequently reported symptoms were fever (20/43, 47%) and abdominal pain (12/43, 28%). During evaluation, 16 (37%) of 43 travelers reported their symptoms began prior to travel; chronic health conditions in 24 travelers including tumors/cancer, pregnancy, and orthopedic conditions were most common. Infectious causes in 19 travelers included upper respiratory infection, malaria, and gastrointestinal infections. Prior to 2014, no similar active monitoring program for travelers had been performed in Minnesota; assessment and management of symptomatic travelers was a new activity for MDH. Ensuring safe entrance into healthcare was particularly challenging for children, and pregnant women, as well as those without an established connection to healthcare. Unnecessary inpatient evaluations were successfully avoided by close clinical follow-up by phone. Before similar monitoring programs are considered in the future, careful thought must be given to necessary resources and the impact on affected populations, public health, and the healthcare system.

Embedded piezoelectrics for sensing and energy harvesting in total knee replacement units

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, Brooke E.; Meneghini, Michael; Anton, Steven R.

2015-04-01

The knee replacement is the second most common orthopedic surgical intervention in the United States, but currently only 1 in 5 knee replacement patients are satisfied with their level of pain reduction one year after surgery. It is imperative to make the process of knee replacement surgery more objective by developing a data driven approach to ligamentous balance, which increases implant life. In this work, piezoelectric materials are considered for both sensing and energy harvesting applications in total knee replacement implants. This work aims to embed piezoelectric material in the polyethylene bearing of a knee replacement unit to act as self-powered sensors that will aid in the alignment and balance of the knee replacement by providing intraoperative feedback to the surgeon. Postoperatively, the piezoelectric sensors can monitor the structural health of the implant in order to perceive potential problems before they become bothersome to the patient. Specifically, this work will present on the use of finite element modeling coupled with uniaxial compression testing to prove that piezoelectric stacks can be utilized to harvest sufficient energy to power sensors needed for this application.

Post-Remediation Biomonitoring of Pesticides in Marine Waters Near the United Heckathorn Superfund Site, Richmond, California

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

LD Antrim; NP Kohn

This report, PNNL-11911 Rev. 1, was published in July 2000 and replaces PNNL-11911, which was published in September 1998. The revision corrects tissue concentration units that were reported as dry weight but were actually wet weight, and updates conclusions based on the correct reporting units. Marine sediment remediation at the United Heckathorn Superfund Site was completed in April 1997. Water and mussel tissues were sampled in January 1998 from four stations near Lauritzen Canal in Richmond, California, for the first post-remediation monitoring of marine areas near the United Heckathorn Site. Dieldrin and DDT were analyzed in water samples, tissue samplesmore » from resident mussels, and tissue samples from transplanted mussels deployed for 4 months. Concentrations of dieldrin and total DDT in water and total DDT in tissue were compared to pre-remediation data available from the California State Mussel Watch program (tissues) and the Ecological Risk Assessment for the United Heckathorn Superfund Site (tissues and water). Chlorinated pesticide concentrations in water samples were similar to pre-remediation levels and did not meet remediation goals. Mean dieldrin concentrations in water ranged from 0.65 ng/L to 18.1 ng/L and were higher than the remediation goal (0.14 ng/L) at all stations. Mean total DDT concentrations in water ranged from 0.65 ng/L to 103 ng/L and exceeded the remediation goal of 0.59 ng/L. The highest concentrations of both pesticides were found in Lauritzen Canal, and the lowest levels were from the Richmond Inner Harbor Channel water. Unusual amounts of detritus in the water column at the time of sampling, particularly in Lauritzen Canal, could have contributed to the elevated pesticide concentrations and poor analytical precision.« less

Noise distribution of an incubator with nebulizer at a neonatal intensive care unit in southern Taiwan.

PubMed

Chen, H F; Chang, Y J

2001-06-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the noise distribution and sources of peak noise inside an incubator with a nebulizer at a neonatal intensive care unit of a medical center in Southern Taiwan. Sound levels were monitored continuously with an electronic sound-meter for 24 hours daily over a one-week period. Three working hours (day, evening, and night hours) in the weekday and weekend (total 48 hours) were selected randomly from the one-week period of noise survey to observe peak noise at levels > or = 65 dBA. Results revealed that 24.8% of the total monitoring period had sound levels at < or = 59 dBA, 58.9% at 60-64 dBA, 10.7% at 65-69 dBA, and 5.6% at > or = 70 dBA. Furthermore, a total of 947 peak noises > or = 65 dBA were found within the 48 hours, of which 61.5% were in a range of 65-69 dBA, 24% of 70-74 dBA, 9.8% of 75-79 dBA, and 4.8% > or = 80 dBA. Human-related sources, equaling 79%, were the dominant peak noises. These noises included opening and closing doors, banging the incubator hood, conversation among staff, nursing activity inside the incubator, tearing and opening paper or bags, opening and closing trash can lids, and bumping metal carts or other apparatus. Nonhuman-related sources were 21% including alarms of monitors and running of the incubator motor. Results of this study showed that the noise distribution in the incubator with nebulizer was far above a protective limitation of 58 dBA, suggested by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 1974. However, most peak noises could be reduced by modification of staff behavior. Therefore, determinations of noise distribution and sources of peak noise in this study are useful for further noise reduction programs.

Rapid deployable global sensing hazard alert system

DOEpatents

Cordaro, Joseph V; Tibrea, Steven L; Shull, Davis J; Coleman, Jerry T; Shuler, James M

2015-04-28

A rapid deployable global sensing hazard alert system and associated methods of operation are provided. An exemplary system includes a central command, a wireless backhaul network, and a remote monitoring unit. The remote monitoring unit can include a positioning system configured to determine a position of the remote monitoring unit based on one or more signals received from one or more satellites located in Low Earth Orbit. The wireless backhaul network can provide bidirectional communication capability independent of cellular telecommunication networks and the Internet. An exemplary method includes instructing at least one of a plurality of remote monitoring units to provide an alert based at least in part on a location of a hazard and a plurality of positions respectively associated with the plurality of remote monitoring units.

Shared performance monitor in a multiprocessor system

DOEpatents

Chiu, George; Gara, Alan G.; Salapura, Valentina

2012-07-24

A performance monitoring unit (PMU) and method for monitoring performance of events occurring in a multiprocessor system. The multiprocessor system comprises a plurality of processor devices units, each processor device for generating signals representing occurrences of events in the processor device, and, a single shared counter resource for performance monitoring. The performance monitor unit is shared by all processor cores in the multiprocessor system. The PMU comprises: a plurality of performance counters each for counting signals representing occurrences of events from one or more the plurality of processor units in the multiprocessor system; and, a plurality of input devices for receiving the event signals from one or more processor devices of the plurality of processor units, the plurality of input devices programmable to select event signals for receipt by one or more of the plurality of performance counters for counting, wherein the PMU is shared between multiple processing units, or within a group of processors in the multiprocessing system. The PMU is further programmed to monitor event signals issued from non-processor devices.

In vivo thermoluminescence dosimetry for total body irradiation.

PubMed

Palkosková, P; Hlavata, H; Dvorák, P; Novotný, J; Novotný, J

2002-01-01

An improvement in the clinical results obtained using total body irradiation (TBI) with photon beams requires precise TBI treatment planning, reproducible irradiation, precise in vivo dosimetry, accurate documentation and careful evaluation. In vivo dosimetry using LiF Harshaw TLD-100 chips was used during the TBI treatments performed in our department. The results of in vivo thermoluminescence dosimetry (TLD) show that using TLD measurements and interactive adjustment of some treatment parameters based on these measurements, like monitor unit calculations, lung shielding thickness and patient positioning, it is possible to achieve high precision in absorbed dose delivery (less than 0.5%) as well as in homogeneity of irradiation (less than 6%).

Implementation of a new blood cooler insert and tracking technology with educational initiatives and its effect on reducing red blood cell wastage.

PubMed

Fadeyi, Emmanuel A; Emery, Wanda; Simmons, Julie H; Jones, Mary Rose; Pomper, Gregory J

2017-10-01

The objective was to report a successful implementation of a blood cooler insert and tracking technology with educational initiatives and its effect on reducing red blood cell (RBC) wastage. The blood bank database was used to quantify and categorize total RBC units issued in blood coolers from January 2010 to December 2015 with and without the new inserts throughout the hospital. Radiofrequency identification tags were used with special software to monitor blood cooler tracking. An educational policy on how to handle the coolers was initiated. Data were gathered from the software that provided a real-time location monitoring of the blood coolers with inserts throughout the institution. The implementation of the blood cooler with inserts and tracking device reduced mean yearly RBC wastage by fourfold from 0.64% to 0.17% between 2010 and 2015. The conserved RBCs corresponded to a total cost savings of $167,844 during the 3-year postimplementation period. The implementation of new blood cooler inserts, tracking system, and educational initiatives substantially reduced the mean annual total RBC wastage. The cost to implement this initiative may be small if there is an existing institutional infrastructure to monitor and track hospital equipment into which the blood bank intervention can be adapted when compared to the cost of blood wastage. © 2017 AABB.

SRAG Measurements Performed During the Orion EFT-1 Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaza, Ramona

2015-01-01

The Exploration Flight Test 1 (EFT-1) was the first flight of the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV). The flight was launched on December 5, 2014, by a Delta IV Heavy rocket and lasted 4.5 hours. The EFT-1 trajectory involved one low altitude orbit and one high altitude orbit with an apogee of almost 6000 km. As a result of this particular flight profile, the Orion MPCV passed through intense regions of trapped protons and electron belts. In support of the radiation measurements aboard the EFT-1, the Space Radiation Analysis Group (SRAG) provided a Battery-operated Independent Radiation Detector (BIRD) based on Timepix radiation monitoring technology similar to that employed by the ISS Radiation Environmental Monitors (REM). In addition, SRAG provided a suite of optically and thermally stimulated luminescence detectors, with 2 Radiation Area Monitor (RAM) units collocated with the BIRD instrument for comparison purposes, and 6 RAM units distributed at different shielding configurations within the Orion MPCV. A summary of the EFT-1 Radiation Area Monitors (RAM) mission dose results obtained from measurements performed in the Space Radiation Dosimetry Laboratory at the NASA Johnson Space Center will be presented. Each RAM included LiF:Mg,Ti (TLD-100), (6)LiF:Mg,Ti (TLD-600), (7)LiF:Mg,Ti (TLD-700), Al2O3:C (Luxel trademark), and CaF2:Tm (TLD-300). The RAM mission dose values will be compared with the BIRD instrument total mission dose. In addition, a similar comparison will be shown for the ISS environment by comparing the ISS RAM data with data from the six Timepix-based REM units deployed on ISS as part of the NASA REM Technology Demonstration.

Temporal lobe epilepsy is a predisposing factor for sleep apnea: A questionnaire study in video-EEG monitoring unit.

PubMed

Yildiz, F Gokcem; Tezer, F Irsel; Saygi, Serap

2015-07-01

The interaction between epilepsy and sleep is known. It has been shown that patients with epilepsy have more sleep problems than the general population. However, there is no recent study that compares the frequency of sleep disorders in groups with medically refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and extratemporal lobe epilepsy (ETLE). The main purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of sleep disorders in two subtypes of epilepsy by using sleep questionnaire forms. One hundred and eighty-nine patients, out of 215 who were monitored for refractory epilepsy and were followed by the video-EEG monitoring unit, were divided into a group with TLE and a group with ETLE. The medical outcome study-sleep scale (MOS-SS), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), and sleep apnea scale of the sleep disorders questionnaire (SD-SDQ) were completed after admission to the video-EEG monitoring unit. The total scores in the group with TLE and group with ETLE were compared. Of the patients, TLE was diagnosed in 101 (53.4%) (45 females), and ETLE was diagnosed in 88 (46.6%) (44 females). Comparison of MOS-SS and Epworth sleepiness scale scores in the two subgroups did not reveal significant differences. In the group with TLE, SD-SDQ scores were significantly higher compared to that in the group with ETLE. Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy have higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) according to their reported symptoms. Detection of OSA in patients with epilepsy by using questionnaire forms may decrease the risk of ictal or postictal respiratory-related 'Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy'. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

48 CFR 252.204-7011 - Alternative Line Item Structure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Unit Unit price Amount 0001 Computer, Desktop with CPU, Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse 20 EA Alternative... Unit Unit Price Amount 0001 Computer, Desktop with CPU, Keyboard and Mouse 20 EA 0002 Monitor 20 EA...

48 CFR 252.204-7011 - Alternative Line Item Structure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... Unit Unit price Amount 0001 Computer, Desktop with CPU, Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse 20 EA Alternative... Unit Unit Price Amount 0001 Computer, Desktop with CPU, Keyboard and Mouse 20 EA 0002 Monitor 20 EA...

48 CFR 252.204-7011 - Alternative Line Item Structure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... Unit Unit price Amount 0001 Computer, Desktop with CPU, Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse 20 EA Alternative... Unit Unit Price Amount 0001 Computer, Desktop with CPU, Keyboard and Mouse 20 EA 0002 Monitor 20 EA...

48 CFR 252.204-7011 - Alternative Line Item Structure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... Unit Unit price Amount 0001 Computer, Desktop with CPU, Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse 20 EA Alternative... Unit Unit Price Amount 0001 Computer, Desktop with CPU, Keyboard and Mouse 20 EA 0002 Monitor 20 EA...

Association of medication errors with drug classifications, clinical units, and consequence of errors: Are they related?

PubMed

Muroi, Maki; Shen, Jay J; Angosta, Alona

2017-02-01

Registered nurses (RNs) play an important role in safe medication administration and patient safety. This study examined a total of 1276 medication error (ME) incident reports made by RNs in hospital inpatient settings in the southwestern region of the United States. The most common drug class associated with MEs was cardiovascular drugs (24.7%). Among this class, anticoagulants had the most errors (11.3%). The antimicrobials was the second most common drug class associated with errors (19.1%) and vancomycin was the most common antimicrobial that caused errors in this category (6.1%). MEs occurred more frequently in the medical-surgical and intensive care units than any other hospital units. Ten percent of MEs reached the patients with harm and 11% reached the patients with increased monitoring. Understanding the contributing factors related to MEs, addressing and eliminating risk of errors across hospital units, and providing education and resources for nurses may help reduce MEs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

40 CFR 75.12 - Specific provisions for monitoring NOX emission rate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING Monitoring Provisions § 75.12 Specific provisions for monitoring NOX emission rate. (a) Coal-fired units, gas-fired nonpeaking units or oil-fired... 40 Protection of Environment 16 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Specific provisions for monitoring NOX...

40 CFR 75.12 - Specific provisions for monitoring NOX emission rate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING Monitoring Provisions § 75.12 Specific provisions for monitoring NOX emission rate. (a) Coal-fired units, gas-fired nonpeaking units or oil-fired... 40 Protection of Environment 17 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Specific provisions for monitoring NOX...

40 CFR 75.12 - Specific provisions for monitoring NOX emission rate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING Monitoring Provisions § 75.12 Specific provisions for monitoring NOX emission rate. (a) Coal-fired units, gas-fired nonpeaking units or oil-fired... 40 Protection of Environment 17 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Specific provisions for monitoring NOX...

40 CFR 75.14 - Specific provisions for monitoring opacity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING Monitoring Provisions § 75.14 Specific provisions for monitoring opacity. (a) Coal-fired units and oil-fired units. The owner or operator shall meet the general... 40 Protection of Environment 16 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Specific provisions for monitoring...

40 CFR 75.14 - Specific provisions for monitoring opacity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING Monitoring Provisions § 75.14 Specific provisions for monitoring opacity. (a) Coal-fired units and oil-fired units. The owner or operator shall meet the general... 40 Protection of Environment 17 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Specific provisions for monitoring...

40 CFR 75.12 - Specific provisions for monitoring NOX emission rate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING Monitoring Provisions § 75.12 Specific provisions for monitoring NOX emission rate. (a) Coal-fired units, gas-fired nonpeaking units or oil-fired... 40 Protection of Environment 16 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Specific provisions for monitoring NOX...

40 CFR 75.14 - Specific provisions for monitoring opacity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING Monitoring Provisions § 75.14 Specific provisions for monitoring opacity. (a) Coal-fired units and oil-fired units. The owner or operator shall meet the general... 40 Protection of Environment 16 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Specific provisions for monitoring...

40 CFR 75.12 - Specific provisions for monitoring NOX emission rate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING Monitoring Provisions § 75.12 Specific provisions for monitoring NOX emission rate. (a) Coal-fired units, gas-fired nonpeaking units or oil-fired... 40 Protection of Environment 17 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Specific provisions for monitoring NOX...

40 CFR 75.14 - Specific provisions for monitoring opacity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING Monitoring Provisions § 75.14 Specific provisions for monitoring opacity. (a) Coal-fired units and oil-fired units. The owner or operator shall meet the general... 40 Protection of Environment 17 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Specific provisions for monitoring...

40 CFR 75.14 - Specific provisions for monitoring opacity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING Monitoring Provisions § 75.14 Specific provisions for monitoring opacity. (a) Coal-fired units and oil-fired units. The owner or operator shall meet the general... 40 Protection of Environment 17 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Specific provisions for monitoring...

Concussions From Youth Football: Results From NEISS Hospitals Over an 11-Year Time Frame, 2002-2012.

PubMed

Jacobson, Nathan A; Buzas, David; Morawa, Lawrence G

2013-12-01

Youth football programs across the United States represent an at-risk population of approximately 3.5 million athletes for sports-related concussions. The frequency of concussions in this population is not known. Descriptive epidemiology study. Over an 11-year span from January 2002 to December 2012, the authors reviewed the concussions sustained by athletes aged 5 to 13 years while playing football, as evaluated in emergency departments (EDs) in the United States and captured by the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. There were 2028 (national estimate, 49,185) young football players evaluated in NEISS EDs with concussion from 2002 to 2012. There were 1987 (97.9%) males and 41 (2.1%) females, with a mean age of 11.2 years. The total number of concussions reported increased with age and by year. The majority of concussions were treated in the outpatient setting, with 1878 (91.7%) being treated and released. The total number of head-to-head injury mechanisms mirrored the total number of concussions by year, which increased throughout the 11-year span. The total number of players experiencing a loss of consciousness increased throughout the study period but did not match the total number of concussions over the 11-year time period. Fractures occurred in 11 (0.5%) patients, with 2 being severe (1 skull fracture and 1 thoracic compression fracture). Within the 5- to 13-year age range, there were a significant number of young athletes who presented to EDs with concussion as a result of playing organized football. Older children may be at greater risk for sustaining concussions, fractures, and catastrophic injuries while playing football when compared with younger children. Younger children are more susceptible to long-term sequelae from head injuries, and thus, improved monitoring systems for these athletes are needed to assist in monitoring patterns of injury, identifying risk factors, and driving the development of evidence-based prevention programs.

A descriptive survey of types, spread and characteristics of substance abuse treatment centers in Nigeria.

PubMed

Onifade, Peter O; Somoye, Edward B; Ogunwobi, Olorunfemi O; Ogunwale, Adegboyega; Akinhanmi, Akinwande O; Adamson, Taiwo A

2011-09-18

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa and the 8th most populous in the world with a population of over 154 million, does not have current data on substance abuse treatment demand and treatment facilities; however, the country has the highest one-year prevalence rate of Cannabis use (14.3%) in Africa and ranks third in Africa with respect to the one-year prevalence rate of cocaine (0.7%) and Opioids (0.7%) use. This study aimed to determine the types, spread and characteristics of the substance abuse treatment centers in Nigeria. The study was a cross sectional survey of substance abuse treatment centers in Nigeria. Thirty-one units were invited and participated in filling an online questionnaire, adapted from the European Treatment Unit/Program Form (June 1997 version). All the units completed the online questionnaire. A large proportion (48%) was located in the South-West geopolitical zone of the country. Most (58%) were run by Non-Governmental Organizations. Half of them performed internal or external evaluation of treatment process or outcome. There were a total of 1043 for all categories of paid and volunteer staff, with an average of 33 staff per unit. Most of the funding came from charitable donations (30%). No unit provided drug substitution/maintenance therapy. The units had a total residential capacity of 566 beds. New client admissions in the past one year totalled 765 (mean = 48, median = 26.5, min = 0, max = 147) and 2478 clients received services in the non-residential units in the past year. No unit provided syringe exchange services. The study revealed a dearth of substance abuse treatment units (and of funds for the available ones) in a country with a large population size and one of the highest prevalence rates of substance abuse in Africa. The available units were not networked and lacked a directory or an evaluation framework. To provide an environment for effective monitoring, funding and continuous quality improvement, the units need to be organized into a sustainable network.

Performance Evaluation of the Operational Air Quality Monitor for Water Testing Aboard the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wallace, William T.; Limero, Thomas F.; Gazda, Daniel B.; Macatangay, Ariel V.; Dwivedi, Prabha; Fernandez, Facundo M.

2014-01-01

In the history of manned spaceflight, environmental monitoring has relied heavily on archival sampling. For short missions, this type of sample collection was sufficient; returned samples provided a snapshot of the presence of chemical and biological contaminants in the spacecraft air and water. However, with the construction of the International Space Station (ISS) and the subsequent extension of mission durations, soon to be up to one year, the need for enhanced, real-time environmental monitoring became more pressing. The past several years have seen the implementation of several real-time monitors aboard the ISS, complemented with reduced archival sampling. The station air is currently monitored for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using gas chromatography-differential mobility spectrometry (Air Quality Monitor [AQM]). The water on ISS is analyzed to measure total organic carbon and biocide concentrations using the Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) and the Colorimetric Water Quality Monitoring Kit (CWQMK), respectively. The current air and water monitors provide important data, but the number and size of the different instruments makes them impractical for future exploration missions. It is apparent that there is still a need for improvements in environmental monitoring capabilities. One such improvement could be realized by modifying a single instrument to analyze both air and water. As the AQM currently provides quantitative, compound-specific information for target compounds present in air samples, and many of the compounds are also targets for water quality monitoring, this instrument provides a logical starting point to evaluate the feasibility of this approach. In this presentation, we will discuss our recent studies aimed at determining an appropriate method for introducing VOCs from water samples into the gas phase and our current work, in which an electro-thermal vaporization unit has been interfaced with the AQM to analyze target analytes at the relevant concentrations at which they are routinely detected in archival water samples from the ISS.

Transfusion monitoring: care practice analysis in a public teaching hospital

PubMed Central

dos Reis, Valesca Nunes; Paixão, Isabella Bertolin; Perrone, Ana Carolina Amaral de São José; Monteiro, Maria Inês; dos Santos, Kelli Borges

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the process of recording transfusion monitoring at a public teaching hospital. Methods A descriptive and retrospective study with a quantitative approach, analyzing the instruments to record transfusion monitoring at a public hospital in a city in the State of Minas Gerais (MG). Data were collected on the correct completion of the instrument, time elapsed from transfusions, records of vital signs, type of blood component more frequently transfused, and hospital unit where transfusion was performed. Results A total of 1,012 records were analyzed, and 53.4% of them had errors in filling in the instruments, 6% of transfusions started after the recommended time, and 9.3% of patients had no vital signs registered. Conclusion Failures were identified in the process of recording transfusion monitoring, and they could result in more adverse events related to the administration of blood components. Planning and implementing strategies to enhance recording and to improve care delivered are challenging. PMID:27074233

Analysis of Temperature Variability in Medication Storage Compartments in Emergency Transport Helicopters.

PubMed

O'Donnell, Margaret A; Whitfield, Justin

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the temperature in medication storage compartments in air medical helicopters was within United States Pharmacopeia (USP)-defined limits for controlled room temperature. This was a prospective study using data obtained from a continuous temperature monitoring device. A total of 4 monitors were placed within 2 medication storage locations in 2 identical helicopters. The data collection period lasted 2 weeks during the summer and winter seasons. Data retrieved from monitors were compared against USP parameters for proper medication storage. Results documented temperatures outside the acceptable range a majority of the time with temperatures above the high limit during summer and below the low limit during winter. The study determined that compartments used for medication storage frequently fell outside of the range for USP-defined limits for medication storage. Flight programs should monitor storage areas, carefully taking actions to keep medication within defined ranges. Copyright © 2016 Air Medical Journal Associates. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Application of GRACE for Monitoring Groundwater in Data Scarce Regions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodell, Matt; Li, Bailing; Famiglietti, Jay; Zaitchik, Ben

2012-01-01

In the United States, groundwater storage is somewhat well monitored (spatial and temporal data gaps notwithstanding) and abundant data are freely and easily accessible. Outside of the U.S., groundwater often is not monitored systematically and where it is the data are rarely centralized and made available. Since 2002 the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite mission has delivered gravity field observations which have been used to infer variations in total terrestrial water storage, including groundwater, at regional to continental scales. Challenges to using GRACE for groundwater monitoring include its relatively coarse spatial and temporal resolutions, its inability to differentiate groundwater from other types of water on and under the land surface, and typical 2-3 month data latency. Data assimilation can be used to overcome these challenges, but uncertainty in the results remains and is difficult to quantify without independent observations. Nevertheless, the results are preferable to the alternative - no data at all- and GRACE has already revealed groundwater variability and trends in regions where only anecdotal evidence existed previously.

Estimation of constituent concentrations, densities, loads, and yields in lower Kansas River, northeast Kansas, using regression models and continuous water-quality monitoring, January 2000 through December 2003

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rasmussen, Teresa J.; Ziegler, Andrew C.; Rasmussen, Patrick P.

2005-01-01

The lower Kansas River is an important source of drinking water for hundreds of thousands of people in northeast Kansas. Constituents of concern identified by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) for streams in the lower Kansas River Basin include sulfate, chloride, nutrients, atrazine, bacteria, and sediment. Real-time continuous water-quality monitors were operated at three locations along the lower Kansas River from July 1999 through September 2004 to provide in-stream measurements of specific conductance, pH, water temperature, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen and to estimate concentrations for constituents of concern. Estimates of concentration and densities were combined with streamflow to calculate constituent loads and yields from January 2000 through December 2003. The Wamego monitoring site is located 44 river miles upstream from the Topeka monitoring site, which is 65 river miles upstream from the DeSoto monitoring site, which is 18 river miles upstream from where the Kansas River flows into the Missouri River. Land use in the Kansas River Basin is dominated by grassland and cropland, and streamflow is affected substantially by reservoirs. Water quality at the three monitoring sites varied with hydrologic conditions, season, and proximity to constituent sources. Nutrient and sediment concentrations and bacteria densities were substantially larger during periods of increased streamflow, indicating important contributions from nonpoint sources in the drainage basin. During the study period, pH remained well above the KDHE lower criterion of 6.5 standard units at all sites in all years, but exceeded the upper criterion of 8.5 standard units annually between 2 percent of the time (Wamego in 2001) and 65 percent of the time (DeSoto in 2003). The dissolved oxygen concentration was less than the minimum aquatic-life-support criterion of 5.0 milligrams per liter less than 1 percent of the time at all sites. Dissolved solids, a measure of the dissolved material in water, exceeded 500 milligrams per liter about one-half of the time at the three Kansas River sites. Larger dissolved-solids concentrations upstream likely were a result of water inflow from the highly mineralized Smoky Hill River that is diluted by tributary flow as it moves downstream. Concentrations of total nitrogen and total phosphorus at the three monitoring sites exceeded the ecoregion water-quality criteria suggested by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency during the entire study period. Median nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations were similar at all three sites, and nutrient load increased moving from the upstream to downstream sites. Total nitrogen and total phosphorus yields were nearly the same from site to site indicating that nutrient sources were evenly distributed throughout the lower Kansas River Basin. About 11 percent of the total nitrogen load and 12 percent of the total phosphorus load at DeSoto during 2000-03 originated from wastewater-treatment facilities. Escherichia coli bacteria densities were largest at the middle site, Topeka. On average, 83 percent of the annual bacteria load at DeSoto during 2000-03 occurred during 10 percent of the time, primarily in conjunction with runoff. The average annual sediment loads at the middle and downstream monitoring sites (Topeka and DeSoto) were nearly double those at the upstream site (Wamego). The average annual sediment yield was largest at Topeka. On average, 64 percent of the annual suspended-sediment load at DeSoto during 2000-03 occurred during 10 percent of the time. Trapping of sediment by reservoirs located on contributing tributaries decreases transport of sediment and sediment-related constituents. The average annual suspended-sediment load in the Kansas River at DeSoto during 2000-03 was estimated at 1.66 million tons. An estimated 13 percent of this load consisted of sand-size particles, so approximately 216,000 tons of sand were transported

40 CFR 75.24 - Out-of-control periods and adjustment for system bias.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... subsequent tests: (1) Apply the procedures for missing data substitution to emissions from affected unit(s... monitor or continuous emission monitoring system is out-of-control, any data recorded by the monitor or monitoring system are not quality-assured and shall not be used in calculating monitor data availabilities...

40 CFR 75.24 - Out-of-control periods and adjustment for system bias.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... subsequent tests: (1) Apply the procedures for missing data substitution to emissions from affected unit(s... monitor or continuous emission monitoring system is out-of-control, any data recorded by the monitor or monitoring system are not quality-assured and shall not be used in calculating monitor data availabilities...

40 CFR 75.24 - Out-of-control periods and adjustment for system bias.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... subsequent tests: (1) Apply the procedures for missing data substitution to emissions from affected unit(s... monitor or continuous emission monitoring system is out-of-control, any data recorded by the monitor or monitoring system are not quality-assured and shall not be used in calculating monitor data availabilities...

40 CFR 75.24 - Out-of-control periods and adjustment for system bias.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... subsequent tests: (1) Apply the procedures for missing data substitution to emissions from affected unit(s... monitor or continuous emission monitoring system is out-of-control, any data recorded by the monitor or monitoring system are not quality-assured and shall not be used in calculating monitor data availabilities...

40 CFR Table 11 to Subpart G of... - Wastewater-Inspection and Monitoring Requirements for Waste Management Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 9 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Wastewater-Inspection and Monitoring... and Monitoring Requirements for Waste Management Units To comply with Inspection or monitoring requirement Frequency of inspection or monitoring Method Tanks: 63.133(b)(1) Inspect fixed roof and all...

40 CFR Table 11 to Subpart G of... - Wastewater-Inspection and Monitoring Requirements for Waste Management Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 10 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Wastewater-Inspection and Monitoring... and Monitoring Requirements for Waste Management Units To comply with Inspection or monitoring requirement Frequency of inspection or monitoring Method Tanks: 63.133(b)(1) Inspect fixed roof and all...

40 CFR Table 11 to Subpart G of... - Wastewater-Inspection and Monitoring Requirements for Waste Management Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 10 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Wastewater-Inspection and Monitoring... and Monitoring Requirements for Waste Management Units To comply with Inspection or monitoring requirement Frequency of inspection or monitoring Method Tanks: 63.133(b)(1) Inspect fixed roof and all...

40 CFR Table 11 to Subpart G of... - Wastewater-Inspection and Monitoring Requirements for Waste Management Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 10 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Wastewater-Inspection and Monitoring... and Monitoring Requirements for Waste Management Units To comply with Inspection or monitoring requirement Frequency of inspection or monitoring Method Tanks: 63.133(b)(1) Inspect fixed roof and all...

Developing A National Groundwater-Monitoring Network In Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, N. J.; Cho, M. J.; Woo, N. C.

1995-04-01

Since the 1960's, the groundwater resources of Korea have been developed without a proper regulatory system for monitoring and preservation, resulting in significant source depletion, land subsidence, water contamination, and sea-water intrusion. With the activation of the "Groundwater Law" in June 1994, the government initiated a project to develop a groundwater-monitoring network to describe general groundwater quality, to define its long-term changes, and to identify major factors affecting changes in groundwater quality and yield. In selecting monitoring locations nationwide, criteria considered are 1) spatial distribution, 2) aquifer characteristics of hydrogeologic units, 3) local groundwater flow regime, 4) linkage with surface hydrology observations, 5) site accessibility, and 6) financial situations. A total of 310 sites in 78 small hydrologic basins were selected to compose the monitoring network. Installation of monitoring wells is scheduled to start in 1995 for 15 sites; the remainder are scheduled to be completed by 2001. At each site, a nest of monitoring wells was designed; shallow and deep groundwater will be monitored for water temperature, pH, EC, DO and TDS every month. Water-level fluctuations will also be measured by automatic recorders equipped with pressure transducers. As a next step, the government plans to develop a groundwater-database management system, which could be linked with surface hydrologic data.

Post-Closure Monitoring Report for Corrective Action Unit 339: Area 12 Fleet Operations Steam Cleaning Effluent Nevada Test Site, Nevada

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

K. B. Campbell

2002-09-01

The Area 12 Fleet Operations Steam Cleaning Effluent site is located in the southeastern portion of the Area 12 Camp at the Nevada Test Site. This site is identified in the Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order (1996) as Corrective Action Site (CAS) 12-19-01 and is the only CAS assigned to Corrective Action Unit (CAU) 339. Post-closure sampling and inspection of the site were completed on March 27, 2002. Post-closure monitoring activities were scheduled biennially (every two years) in the Post-Closure Monitoring Plan provided in the Closure Report for CAU 339: Area 12 Fleet Operations Steam Cleaning Effluent, Nevada Testmore » Site (U.S. Department of Energy, Nevada Operations Office [DOEN], 1997). A baseline for the site was established by sampling in 1997. Based on the recommendations from the 1999 post-closure monitoring report (DOE/NV, 1999), samples were collected in 2000, earlier than originally proposed, because the 1999 sample results did not provide the expected decrease in total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentrations at the site. Sampling results from 2000 (DOE/NV, 2000) and 2001 (DOE/NV, 2001) revealed favorable conditions for natural degradation at the CAU 339 site, but because of differing sample methods and heterogeneity of the soil, data results from 2000 and later were not directly correlated with previous results. Post-closure monitoring activities for 2002 consisted of the following: (1) Soil sample collection from three undisturbed plots (Plots A, B, and C, Figure 2). (2) Sample analysis for TPH as oil and bio-characterization parameters (Comparative Enumeration Assay [CEA] and Standard Nutrient Panel [SNP]). (3) Site inspection to evaluate the condition of the fencing and signs. (4) Preparation and submittal of the Post-Closure Monitoring Report.« less

The utility of conductive plastic electrodes in prolonged ICU EEG monitoring.

PubMed

Das, Rohit R; Lucey, Brendan P; Chou, Sherry H-Y; Espinosa, Patricio S; Zamani, Amir A; Dworetzky, Barbara A; Bromfield, Edward B; Lee, Jong Woo

2009-01-01

We investigated the feasibility and utilization of conductive plastic electrodes (CPEs) in patients undergoing continuous video-electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring in the intensive care unit (ICU), and assessed the quality of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) images obtained during this period. A total of 54 patients were monitored. Seizures were recorded in 16 patients. Twenty-five patients had neuroimaging performed with electrodes in place; 15 MRI and 23 CT scans were performed. All patients had excellent quality anatomical images without clinically significant artifacts, and without any signs or symptoms that raised safety concerns. Recording quality of the EEG was indistinguishable to that achieved with standard gold electrodes. The use of CPEs allowed for uninterrupted EEG recording of patients who required urgent neuroimaging, and decreased the amount of time spent by the technologists required to remove and reattach leads.

Vital signs monitoring system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steffen, Dale A. (Inventor); Sturm, Ronald E. (Inventor); Rinard, George A. (Inventor)

1981-01-01

A system is disclosed for monitoring vital physiological signs. Each of the system components utilizes a single hybrid circuit with each component having high accuracy without the necessity of repeated calibration. The system also has low power requirements, provides a digital display, and is of sufficiently small size to be incorporated into a hand-carried case for portable use. Components of the system may also provide independent outputs making the component useful, of itself, for monitoring one or more vital signs. The overall system preferably includes an ECG amplifier and cardiotachometer signal conditioner unit, an impedance pneumograph and respiration rate signal conditioner unit, a heart/breath rate processor unit, a temperature monitoring unit, a selector switch, a clock unit, and an LCD driver unit and associated LCDs, with the system being capable of being expanded as needed or desired, such as, for example, by addition of a systolic/diastolic blood pressure unit.

Regulatory experience of TOPS: an internet-based system to prevent healthy subjects from over-volunteering for UK clinical trials.

PubMed

Allen, C; Francis, G; Martin, J; Boyce, M

2017-12-01

The aim was to review the use of The Over-volunteering Prevention System (TOPS) since the HRA began hosting it in 2013, and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) experience of monitoring its use by UK clinical research units. The HRA searched the TOPS database for the number, type and location of units and the number of entries. The MHRA inspectors reviewed their findings from routine inspections. Twenty-two additional UK units registered to use TOPS during 2013-2016, making a total of 84 units since TOPS was established in 2002. Use of TOPS is now a condition of research ethics committee approval of a phase 1 study and fulfils MHRA accreditation requirements for preventing over-volunteering. The total number of entries by all active units during 2013-2016 was 89,335, of which 84% were UK citizens and 16% non-UK citizens. The total number of entries during 2002-2016 was 249,612. Only 15 of 24,531 subjects (1/1600) and 18 of 18,745 subjects (1/1040) entered in 2015 and 2016, respectively, were deemed potential over-volunteers. The findings continue to support the concept that TOPS not only helps to prevent over-volunteering, but also deters subjects from trying to do so. Regulation of TOPS by the HRA and MHRA has enhanced its effectiveness, benefited all users and helped to improve the safety of volunteers who participate in non-therapeutic trials in the UK. The UK is still the only country with a national database to prevent over-volunteering that has published data on its widespread use and effectiveness.

Preparation of regional shorebird monitoring plans

Treesearch

Jonathan Bart; Ann Manning; Susan Thomas; Catherine Wightman

2005-01-01

Shorebird monitoring programs in Canada and the United States are being developed under the auspices of PRISM, the Program for Regional and International Shorebird Monitoring. PRISM provides a single blueprint for implementing the monitoring proposals in the shorebird conservation plans prepared recently in Canada and the United States. It includes four segments:...

Device for monitoring cell voltage

DOEpatents

Doepke, Matthias [Garbsen, DE; Eisermann, Henning [Edermissen, DE

2012-08-21

A device for monitoring a rechargeable battery having a number of electrically connected cells includes at least one current interruption switch for interrupting current flowing through at least one associated cell and a plurality of monitoring units for detecting cell voltage. Each monitoring unit is associated with a single cell and includes a reference voltage unit for producing a defined reference threshold voltage and a voltage comparison unit for comparing the reference threshold voltage with a partial cell voltage of the associated cell. The reference voltage unit is electrically supplied from the cell voltage of the associated cell. The voltage comparison unit is coupled to the at least one current interruption switch for interrupting the current of at least the current flowing through the associated cell, with a defined minimum difference between the reference threshold voltage and the partial cell voltage.

Implementation and evaluation of a follow-up programme after intensive care treatment: A practice development project.

PubMed

van Mol, Margo; Ista, Erwin; van Dijk, Monique

2018-05-02

This study aimed to measure the effects of a newly developed follow-up programme on intensive care unit patient quality of care, as perceived by their relatives, and the appropriateness of the programme according to nurses. This before and after implementation study was conducted in a level III intensive care unit for adult patients and related follow-up wards and included 135 intensive care nurses and 105 general ward nurses. The implemented programme included a personalised poster, a revised discharge protocol and follow-up visits on the ward. Eligible relatives of patients who had remained in the intensive care for a minimum of 48 hours were included. Total quality of care and communication were assessed by relatives as high according to the Quality Monitor. Most intensive care nurses evaluated the usefulness of the discharge protocol as positive (71.8% partly/totally agreed) and in accordance with the patients' needs (82.1% partly/totally agreed). Communication and general support as perceived by patients' relatives improved; however, no influence on the total quality of care of the revised discharge protocol was shown. Nurses considered the programme as useful. The intervention might enable nurses to better respond to the instrumental and affective needs of patients and their relatives. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of a regional monitoring program's statistical power to detect temporal trends in forest health indicators

USGS Publications Warehouse

Perles, Stephanie J.; Wagner, Tyler; Irwin, Brian J.; Manning, Douglas R.; Callahan, Kristina K.; Marshall, Matthew R.

2014-01-01

Forests are socioeconomically and ecologically important ecosystems that are exposed to a variety of natural and anthropogenic stressors. As such, monitoring forest condition and detecting temporal changes therein remain critical to sound public and private forestland management. The National Parks Service’s Vital Signs monitoring program collects information on many forest health indicators, including species richness, cover by exotics, browse pressure, and forest regeneration. We applied a mixed-model approach to partition variability in data for 30 forest health indicators collected from several national parks in the eastern United States. We then used the estimated variance components in a simulation model to evaluate trend detection capabilities for each indicator. We investigated the extent to which the following factors affected ability to detect trends: (a) sample design: using simple panel versus connected panel design, (b) effect size: increasing trend magnitude, (c) sample size: varying the number of plots sampled each year, and (d) stratified sampling: post-stratifying plots into vegetation domains. Statistical power varied among indicators; however, indicators that measured the proportion of a total yielded higher power when compared to indicators that measured absolute or average values. In addition, the total variability for an indicator appeared to influence power to detect temporal trends more than how total variance was partitioned among spatial and temporal sources. Based on these analyses and the monitoring objectives of theVital Signs program, the current sampling design is likely overly intensive for detecting a 5 % trend·year−1 for all indicators and is appropriate for detecting a 1 % trend·year−1 in most indicators.

An LUR/BME framework to estimate PM2.5 explained by on road mobile and stationary sources.

PubMed

Reyes, Jeanette M; Serre, Marc L

2014-01-01

Knowledge of particulate matter concentrations <2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) across the United States is limited due to sparse monitoring across space and time. Epidemiological studies need accurate exposure estimates in order to properly investigate potential morbidity and mortality. Previous works have used geostatistics and land use regression (LUR) separately to quantify exposure. This work combines both methods by incorporating a large area variability LUR model that accounts for on road mobile emissions and stationary source emissions along with data that take into account incompleteness of PM2.5 monitors into the modern geostatistical Bayesian Maximum Entropy (BME) framework to estimate PM2.5 across the United States from 1999 to 2009. A cross-validation was done to determine the improvement of the estimate due to the LUR incorporation into BME. These results were applied to known diseases to determine predicted mortality coming from total PM2.5 as well as PM2.5 explained by major contributing sources. This method showed a mean squared error reduction of over 21.89% oversimple kriging. PM2.5 explained by on road mobile emissions and stationary emissions contributed to nearly 568,090 and 306,316 deaths, respectively, across the United States from 1999 to 2007.

Development and Feasibility Testing of a Critical Care EEG Monitoring Database for Standardized Clinical Reporting and Multicenter Collaborative Research.

PubMed

Lee, Jong Woo; LaRoche, Suzette; Choi, Hyunmi; Rodriguez Ruiz, Andres A; Fertig, Evan; Politsky, Jeffrey M; Herman, Susan T; Loddenkemper, Tobias; Sansevere, Arnold J; Korb, Pearce J; Abend, Nicholas S; Goldstein, Joshua L; Sinha, Saurabh R; Dombrowski, Keith E; Ritzl, Eva K; Westover, Michael B; Gavvala, Jay R; Gerard, Elizabeth E; Schmitt, Sarah E; Szaflarski, Jerzy P; Ding, Kan; Haas, Kevin F; Buchsbaum, Richard; Hirsch, Lawrence J; Wusthoff, Courtney J; Hopp, Jennifer L; Hahn, Cecil D

2016-04-01

The rapid expansion of the use of continuous critical care electroencephalogram (cEEG) monitoring and resulting multicenter research studies through the Critical Care EEG Monitoring Research Consortium has created the need for a collaborative data sharing mechanism and repository. The authors describe the development of a research database incorporating the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society standardized terminology for critical care EEG monitoring. The database includes flexible report generation tools that allow for daily clinical use. Key clinical and research variables were incorporated into a Microsoft Access database. To assess its utility for multicenter research data collection, the authors performed a 21-center feasibility study in which each center entered data from 12 consecutive intensive care unit monitoring patients. To assess its utility as a clinical report generating tool, three large volume centers used it to generate daily clinical critical care EEG reports. A total of 280 subjects were enrolled in the multicenter feasibility study. The duration of recording (median, 25.5 hours) varied significantly between the centers. The incidence of seizure (17.6%), periodic/rhythmic discharges (35.7%), and interictal epileptiform discharges (11.8%) was similar to previous studies. The database was used as a clinical reporting tool by 3 centers that entered a total of 3,144 unique patients covering 6,665 recording days. The Critical Care EEG Monitoring Research Consortium database has been successfully developed and implemented with a dual role as a collaborative research platform and a clinical reporting tool. It is now available for public download to be used as a clinical data repository and report generating tool.

[Portable multi-purpose device for monitoring of physiological informations].

PubMed

Tamura, T; Togawa, T

1983-05-01

Unconstrained system that measures physiological information as skin temperatures and heart rate per unit time of a human subject was developed. The system contained portable device included memory control unit, instrumentation unit, timer and batteries, read-out unit, test unit and verify unit. Total number of data and channels, and interval were selected by switches in the memory control unit. The data from the instrumentation unit were transferred to memory control unit and stored in the Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM). After measurement, EPROM chip was taken off the memory control unit and put on the read-out unit which transferred the data to the microcomputer. The data were directly calculated and analyzed by microcomputer. In application of the instrumentation unit, 8-channel skin thermometer was developed and tested. After amplification, 8 analog signals were multiplexed and converted into the binary codes. The digital signals were sequentially transferred to memory control unit and stored in the EPROM under controlled signal. The accuracy of the system is determined primarily by the accuracy of the sensor of instrumentation unit. The overall accuracy of 8-channel skin thermometer is conservatively stated within 0.1 degree C. This may prove to be useful in providing an objective measurement of human subjects, and can be used in studying environmental effect for human body and sport activities in a large population setting.

First-time blood donors: demographic trends.

PubMed

Wu, Y; Glynn, S A; Schreiber, G B; Wright, D J; Lo, A; Murphy, E L; Kleinman, S H; Garratty, G

2001-03-01

With changing demographics of the United States population and the continuous need to recruit new donors, it is important to monitor the demographic profile of first-time donors and to evaluate changes in the donor pool to improve recruitment targeting. First-time whole blood (n = 901,862) donors at five United States blood centers between 1991 and 1996 were analyzed. The total number of first-time donors appears to be decreasing. Over the 6-year period, there was an overall increase in the proportion of Hispanic and other minority first-time donors and a concurrent decrease in the proportion of white donors at Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study centers. Other variables, including age, sex, and education, did not show a consistent trend. The demographic profile of first-time donors is changing. These data highlight the importance for blood centers to continuously monitor the donor population. A better understanding of the donor population may help blood centers adjust their donor outreach, recruitment, and retention programs. New recruitment efforts appear needed to counter general apathy toward donating blood, and minority groups appear to be receptive to becoming blood donors.

Development of a compact laser-based single photon ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tonokura, Kenichi; Kanno, Nozomu; Yamamoto, Yukio; Yamada, Hiroyuki

2010-02-01

We have developed a compact, laser-based, single photon ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (SPI-TOF-MS) for on-line monitoring of trace organic species. To obtain the mass spectrum, we use a nearly fragmentation-free SPI technique with 10.5 eV (118 nm) vacuum ultraviolet laser pulses generated by frequency tripling of the third harmonic of an Nd:YAG laser. The instrument can be operated in a linear TOF-MS mode or a reflectron TOF-MS mode in the coaxial design. We designed ion optics to optimize detection sensitivity and mass resolution. For data acquisition, the instrument is controlled using LabVIEW control software. The total power requirement for the vacuum unit, control electronics unit, ion optics, and detection system is approximately 100 W. We achieve a detection limit of parts per billion by volume (ppbv) for on-line trace analysis of several organic compounds. A mass resolution of 800 at about 100 amu is obtained for reflectron TOF-MS mode in a 0.35 m long instrument. The application of on-line monitoring of diesel engine exhaust was demonstrated.

Water Chemistry and Chemistry Monitoring at Thermal and Nuclear Power Plants: Problems and Tasks (Based on Proceedings of Conferences)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larin, B. M.

2018-02-01

In late May-early June 2017, two international science and technology conferences on problems of water chemistry and chemistry monitoring at thermal and nuclear power plants were held. The participants of both the first conference held at OAO VTI and the second conference that took place at NITI formulated the problems of the development of the regulatory base and implementation of promising water treatment technologies and outlined the ways of improving the water chemistry and chemistry monitoring at TPPs and NPPs for the near future. It was pointed out that the new amine-containing VTIAMIN agent developed by OAO VTI had been successfully tested on the power-generating units equipped with steam-gas plants to establish the minimum excess of the film-forming amine in the power-generating unit circuit that ensures the protection of the metal as 5-10 μg/dm3. A flow-injection technique for the analysis of trace concentrations of chlorides was proposed; the technique applied to the condensate of the 1000-MW steam turbine of the NPP power-generating unit yields the results comparable with the results obtained by the ion chromatography and the potentiometric method using the solver electrode. The participants of the conferences were demonstrated new Russian instruments to analyze the water media at the TPPs and NPPs, including the total organic carbon analyzer and the analyzer of mineral impurities in the condensate and feed water, that won a gold medal at the 45th International Exhibition of Inventions held in Geneva this April.

Hand hygiene compliance before and after wearing gloves among intensive care unit nurses in Iran.

PubMed

Ghorbani, Azam; Sadeghi, Leila; Shahrokhi, Akram; Mohammadpour, Asghar; Addo, Mary; Khodadadi, Esmail

2016-11-01

Nosocomial infections are considered a major risk factor in hospital wards, and hand hygiene is the first step in their control. An observational study was conducted in 2015 with 200 nurses working in intensive care units in teaching hospitals of Tabriz, Iran. Data were collected by using the Hand Hygiene Observation Tool questionnaire. The researchers monitored nurses' opportunities for hand hygiene during the 8-week period from February 3-April 4, 2015. A total of 1,067 opportunities occurred for hand hygiene before and after wearing gloves. The results show that hand hygiene compliance before wearing gloves is poor among nurses who work in intensive care units (14.8%). Therefore it is necessary to conduct effective interventions through continuing education programs to improve hand hygiene compliance. Copyright © 2016 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

ISO 9001 in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

PubMed

Vitner, Gad; Nadir, Erez; Feldman, Michael; Yurman, Shmuel

2011-01-01

The aim of this paper is to present the process for approving and certifying a neonatal intensive care unit to ISO 9001 standards. The process started with the department head's decision to improve services quality before deciding to achieve ISO 9001 certification. Department processes were mapped and quality management mechanisms were developed. Process control and performance measurements were defined and implemented to monitor the daily work. A service satisfaction review was conducted to get feedback from families. In total, 28 processes and related work instructions were defined. Process yields showed service improvements. Family satisfaction improved. The paper is based on preparing only one neonatal intensive care unit to the ISO 9001 standard. The case study should act as an incentive for hospital managers aiming to improve service quality based on the ISO 9001 standard. ISO 9001 is becoming a recommended tool to improve clinical service quality.

Power conditioning unit for photovoltaic power systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beghin, G.; Nguyen Phuoc, V. T.

Operational features and components of a power conditioning unit for interconnecting solar cell module powers with a utility grid are outlined. The two-stage unit first modifies the voltage to desired levels on an internal dc link, then inverts the current in 2 power transformers connected to a vector summation control to neutralize harmonic distortion up to the 11th harmonic. The system operates in parallel with the grid with extra inductors to absorb line-to-line voltage and phase differences, and permits peak power use from the PV array. Reactive power is gained internally, and a power system controller monitors voltages, frequencies, and currents. A booster preregulator adjusts the input voltage from the array to provide voltage regulation for the inverter, and can commutate 450 amps. A total harmonic distortion of less than 5 percent is claimed, with a rating of 5 kVA, 50/60 Hz, 3-phase, and 4-wire.

40 CFR 60.5407 - What are the requirements for monitoring of emissions and operations from my sweetening unit...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... concentration in the acid gas from the sweetening unit for each 24-hour period. At least one sample per 24-hour... sampling schedule. (3) The average acid gas flow rate from the sweetening unit. You must install and operate a monitoring device to continuously measure the flow rate of acid gas. The monitoring device...

40 CFR 60.5407 - What are the requirements for monitoring of emissions and operations from my sweetening unit...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... concentration in the acid gas from the sweetening unit for each 24-hour period. At least one sample per 24-hour... sampling schedule. (3) The average acid gas flow rate from the sweetening unit. You must install and operate a monitoring device to continuously measure the flow rate of acid gas. The monitoring device...

40 CFR Table 3 to Subpart Uuu of... - Continous Monitoring Systems for Metal HAP Emissions From Catalytic Cracking Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 13 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Continous Monitoring Systems for Metal HAP Emissions From Catalytic Cracking Units 3 Table 3 to Subpart UUU of Part 63 Protection of... Sulfur Recovery Units Pt. 63, Subpt. UUU, Table 3 Table 3 to Subpart UUU of Part 63—Continous Monitoring...

40 CFR Table 31 to Subpart Uuu of... - Continuous Monitoring Systems for HAP Emissions From Sulfur Recovery Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 13 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Continuous Monitoring Systems for HAP Emissions From Sulfur Recovery Units 31 Table 31 to Subpart UUU of Part 63 Protection of Environment... Units Pt. 63, Subpt. UUU, Table 31 Table 31 to Subpart UUU of Part 63—Continuous Monitoring Systems for...

40 CFR Table 3 to Subpart Uuu of... - Continous Monitoring Systems for Metal HAP Emissions From Catalytic Cracking Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 13 2013-07-01 2012-07-01 true Continous Monitoring Systems for Metal HAP Emissions From Catalytic Cracking Units 3 Table 3 to Subpart UUU of Part 63 Protection of... Sulfur Recovery Units Pt. 63, Subpt. UUU, Table 3 Table 3 to Subpart UUU of Part 63—Continous Monitoring...

40 CFR Table 31 to Subpart Uuu of... - Continuous Monitoring Systems for HAP Emissions From Sulfur Recovery Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 13 2013-07-01 2012-07-01 true Continuous Monitoring Systems for HAP Emissions From Sulfur Recovery Units 31 Table 31 to Subpart UUU of Part 63 Protection of Environment... Units Pt. 63, Subpt. UUU, Table 31 Table 31 to Subpart UUU of Part 63—Continuous Monitoring Systems for...

40 CFR Table 31 to Subpart Uuu of... - Continuous Monitoring Systems for HAP Emissions From Sulfur Recovery Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 13 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Continuous Monitoring Systems for HAP Emissions From Sulfur Recovery Units 31 Table 31 to Subpart UUU of Part 63 Protection of Environment... Units Pt. 63, Subpt. UUU, Table 31 Table 31 to Subpart UUU of Part 63—Continuous Monitoring Systems for...

40 CFR Table 3 to Subpart Uuu of... - Continous Monitoring Systems for Metal HAP Emissions From Catalytic Cracking Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 13 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Continous Monitoring Systems for Metal HAP Emissions From Catalytic Cracking Units 3 Table 3 to Subpart UUU of Part 63 Protection of... Sulfur Recovery Units Pt. 63, Subpt. UUU, Table 3 Table 3 to Subpart UUU of Part 63—Continous Monitoring...

An Evaluation of a Smartphone–Assisted Behavioral Weight Control Intervention for Adolescents: Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Duncombe, Kristina M; Lott, Mark A; Hunsaker, Sanita L; Duraccio, Kara M; Woolford, Susan J

2016-01-01

Background The efficacy of adolescent weight control treatments is modest, and effective treatments are costly and are not widely available. Smartphones may be an effective method for delivering critical components of behavioral weight control treatment including behavioral self-monitoring. Objective To examine the efficacy and acceptability of a smartphone assisted adolescent behavioral weight control intervention. Methods A total of 16 overweight or obese adolescents (mean age=14.29 years, standard deviation=1.12) received 12 weeks of combined treatment that consisted of weekly in-person group behavioral weight control treatment sessions plus smartphone self-monitoring and daily text messaging. Subsequently they received 12 weeks of electronic-only intervention, totaling 24 weeks of intervention. Results On average, participants attained modest but significant reductions in body mass index standard score (zBMI: 0.08 standard deviation units, t (13)=2.22, P=.04, d=0.63) over the in-person plus electronic-only intervention period but did not maintain treatment gains over the electronic-only intervention period. Participants self-monitored on approximately half of combined intervention days but less than 20% of electronic-only intervention days. Conclusions Smartphones likely hold promise as a component of adolescent weight control interventions but they may be less effective in helping adolescents maintain treatment gains after intensive interventions. PMID:27554704

Streamflow, water quality, and constituent loads and yields, Scituate Reservoir Drainage Area, Rhode Island, water year 2015

USGS Publications Warehouse

Smith, Kirk P.

2018-05-11

Streamflow and concentrations of sodium and chloride estimated from records of specific conductance were used to calculate loads of sodium and chloride during water year (WY) 2015 (October 1, 2014, through September 30, 2015) for tributaries to the Scituate Reservoir, Rhode Island. Streamflow and water-quality data used in the study were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Providence Water Supply Board. Streamflow was measured or estimated by the U.S. Geological Survey following standard methods at 23 streamgages; 14 of these streamgages are equipped with instrumentation capable of continuously monitoring water level, specific conductance, and water temperature. Water-quality samples were collected at 36 sampling stations by the Providence Water Supply Board and at 14 continuous-record streamgages by the U.S. Geological Survey during WY 2015 as part of a long-term sampling program; all stations are in the Scituate Reservoir drainage area. Water-quality data collected by the Providence Water Supply Board are summarized by using values of central tendency and are used, in combination with measured (or estimated) streamflows, to calculate loads and yields (loads per unit area) of selected water-quality constituents for WY 2015.The largest tributary to the reservoir (the Ponaganset River, which was monitored by the U.S. Geological Survey) contributed a mean streamflow of 25 cubic feet per second to the reservoir during WY 2015. For the same time period, annual mean streamflows measured (or estimated) for the other monitoring stations in this study ranged from about 0.38 to about 14 cubic feet per second. Together, tributaries (equipped with instrumentation capable of continuously monitoring specific conductance) transported about 1,500,000 kilograms of sodium and 2,400,000 kilograms of chloride to the Scituate Reservoir during WY 2015; sodium and chloride yields for the tributaries ranged from 8,000 to 54,000 kilograms per square mile and from 12,000 to 91,000 kilograms per square mile, respectively.At the stations where water-quality samples were collected by the Providence Water Supply Board, the medians of the median concentrations were the following: for chloride, 29.5 milligrams per liter; for nitrite, 0.002 milligrams per liter as nitrogen; for nitrate, 0.05 milligrams per liter as nitrogen; for orthophosphate, 0.08 milligrams per liter as phosphate; and for total coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli, 440 and 20 colony forming units per 100 milliliters, respectively. The medians of the median daily loads (and yields) of chloride, nitrite, nitrate, orthophosphate, and total coliform and Escherichia coli bacteria were 170 kilograms per day (79 kilograms per day per square mile), 14 grams per day (5.2 grams per day per square mile), 670 grams per day (190 grams per day per square mile), 640 grams per day (210 grams per day per square mile), 18,000 million colony forming units per day (7,600 million colony forming units per day per square mile), and 1,200 million colony forming units per day (810 million colony forming units per day per square mile), respectively.

Streamflow, water quality and constituent loads and yields, Scituate Reservoir drainage area, Rhode Island, water year 2014

USGS Publications Warehouse

Smith, Kirk P.

2016-05-03

Streamflow and concentrations of sodium and chloride estimated from records of specific conductance were used to calculate loads of sodium and chloride during water year (WY) 2014 (October 1, 2013, through September 30, 2014) for tributaries to the Scituate Reservoir, Rhode Island. Streamflow and water-quality data used in the study were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Providence Water Supply Board in the cooperative study. Streamflow was measured or estimated by the U.S. Geological Survey following standard methods at 23 streamgages; 14 of these streamgages are equipped with instrumentation capable of continuously monitoring water level, specific conductance, and water temperature. Water-quality samples were collected at 37 sampling stations by the Providence Water Supply Board and at 14 continuous-record streamgages by the U.S. Geological Survey during WY 2014 as part of a long-term sampling program; all stations are in the Scituate Reservoir drainage area. Water-quality data collected by the Providence Water Supply Board are summarized by using values of central tendency and are used, in combination with measured (or estimated) streamflows, to calculate loads and yields (loads per unit area) of selected water-quality constituents for WY 2014.The largest tributary to the reservoir (the Ponaganset River, which was monitored by the U.S. Geological Survey) contributed a mean streamflow of 23 cubic feet per second to the reservoir during WY 2014. For the same time period, annual mean streamflows measured (or estimated) for the other monitoring stations in this study ranged from about 0.35 to about 14 cubic feet per second. Together, tributaries (equipped with instrumentation capable of continuously monitoring specific conductance) transported about 1,200,000 kilograms of sodium and 2,100,000 kilograms of chloride to the Scituate Reservoir during WY 2014; sodium and chloride yields for the tributaries ranged from 7,700 to 45,000 kilograms per year per square mile and from 12,000 to 75,000 kilograms per year per square mile, respectively.At the stations where water-quality samples were collected by the Providence Water Supply Board, the median of the median chloride concentrations was 24 milligrams per liter, median nitrite concentration was 0.002 milligrams per liter as nitrogen (N), median nitrate concentration was 0.01 milligrams per liter as N, median orthophosphate concentration was 0.07 milligrams per liter as phosphate, and median concentrations of total coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli were 320 and 20 colony forming units per 100 milliliters, respectively. The medians of the median daily loads (and yields) of chloride, nitrite, nitrate, orthophosphate, and total coliform and Escherichia coli bacteria were 62 kilograms per day (42 kilograms per day per square mile), 19 grams per day (6.1 grams per day per square mile), 79 grams per day (36 grams per day per square mile), 380 grams per day (150 grams per day per square mile), 13,000 million colony forming units per day (8,300 million colony forming units per day per square mile), and 1,000 million colony forming units per day (470 million colony forming units per day per square mile), respectively.

Selected natural attenuation monitoring data, Operable Unit 1, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Keyport, Washington, June 2002

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dinicola, Richard S.

2004-01-01

Previous investigations indicated that natural attenuation and biodegradation of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) are substantial in shallow ground water beneath the 9-acre former landfill at Operable Unit 1 (OU 1), Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), Division Keyport, Washington. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has continued to monitor ground-water geochemistry to assure that conditions remain favorable for contaminant biodegradation. This report presents the geochemical and selected CVOC data for ground water at OU 1, collected by the USGS during June 10-14, 2002, in support of long-term monitoring for natural attenuation. Overall, the geochemical data for June 2002 indicate that redox conditions in the upper-aquifer water remain favorable for reductive dechlorination of chlorinated VOCs because strongly reducing conditions persisted beneath much of the former landfill. Redox conditions in the intermediate aquifer downgradient of the landfill also remained favorable for reductive dechlorination, although the 2002 dissolved hydrogen (H2) concentration from well MW1-28 is questionable. Changes in redox conditions were observed at certain wells during 2002, but a longer monitoring period and more thorough interpretation are needed to ascertain if phytoremediation activities are affecting redox conditions and if biodegradation processes are changing over time. The Navy intends to complete a more thorough interpretation in preparation for the 5-year review of OU 1 scheduled for 2004. There were a few substantial differences between the 2002 concentrations and previously observed concentrations of volatile organic compounds. Total CVOC concentrations in 2002 samples decreased substantially in all piezometers sampled in the northern plantation, and the largest percentages of decrease were for the compounds trichloroethene (TCE) and cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-DCE). Changes in total CVOC concentrations in the southern plantation were less consistent. Historically high concentrations were observed in samples from three piezometers, with particularly substantial increases in TCE and cis-DCE concentrations, and historically low concentrations were observed in two piezometers, with particularly substantial decreases in TCE and cis-DCE concentrations. Similarly to the redox chemistry, a longer monitoring period and more thorough interpretation are needed to ascertain if phytoremediation activities are affecting CVOC concentrations and if biodegradation processes are changing over time. No changes in monitoring plans are proposed for June 2003, although the practice of deploying a data sonde downhole while purging the wells will be discontinued. Downhole monitoring added uncertainty to selected measured dissolved H2 concentrations because of the possibility that the sonde and cable created a bridge that resulted in non-equilibrium dissolved H2 concentrations at the wells.

Selected nutrients and pesticides in streams of the eastern Iowa basins, 1970-95

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schnoebelen, Douglas J.; Becher, Kent D.; Bobier, Matthew W.; Wilton, Thomas

1999-01-01

 The statistical analysis of the nutrient data typically indicated a strong positive correlation of nitrate with streamflow. Total phosphorus concentrations with streamflow showed greater variability than nitrate, perhaps reflecting the greater potential of transport of phosphorus on sediment rather than in the dissolved phase as with nitrate. Ammonia and ammonia plus organic nitrogen showed no correlation with streamflow or a weak positive correlation. Seasonal variations and the relations of nutrients and pesticides to streamflow generally corresponded with nonpoint‑source loadings, although possible point sources for nutrients were indicated by the data at selected monitoring sites. Statistical trend tests for concentrations and loads were computed for nitrate, ammonia, and total phosphorus. Trend analysis indicated decreases for ammonia and total phosphorus concentrations at several sites and increases for nitrate concentrations at other sites in the study unit.

ALLOCATION OF MONITORING SITES FOR REGIONAL SURVEYS OF HYDROLOGIC UNITS

EPA Science Inventory

In order to characterize the ecological condition of Pacific Northwest watersheds and their aquatic ecosystems, interagency teams have developed the Aquatic and Riparian Effectiveness Monitoring Plan. Monitoring is targeted at the subwatershed scale (6th-field Hydrologic Unit Co...

Reactor vessel annealing system

DOEpatents

Miller, Phillip E.; Katz, Leonoard R.; Nath, Raymond J.; Blaushild, Ronald M.; Tatch, Michael D.; Kordalski, Frank J.; Wykstra, Donald T.; Kavalkovich, William M.

1991-01-01

A system for annealing a vessel (14) in situ by heating the vessel (14) to a defined temperature, composed of: an electrically operated heater assembly (10) insertable into the vessel (14) for heating the vessel (14) to the defined temperature; temperature monitoring components positioned relative to the heater assembly (10) for monitoring the temperature of the vessel (14); a controllable electric power supply unit (32-60) for supplying electric power required by the heater assembly (10); a control unit (80-86) for controlling the power supplied by the power supply unit (32-60); a first vehicle (2) containing the power supply unit (32-60); a second vehicle (4) containing the control unit (80-86); power conductors (18,22) connectable between the power supply unit (32-60) and the heater unit (10) for delivering the power supplied by the power supply unit (32-60) to the heater assembly (10); signal conductors (20,24) connectable between the temperature monitoring components and the control unit (80-86) for delivering temperature indicating signals from the temperature monitoring components to the control unit (80-86); and control conductors (8) connectable between the control unit (80-86) and the power supply unit (32-60) for delivering to the power supply unit (32-60) control signals for controlling the level of power supplied by the power supply unit (32-60) to the heater assembly (10).

Forest health monitoring in the United States: focus on national reports

Treesearch

Kurt Riitters; Kevin Potter

2013-01-01

The health and sustainability of United States forests have been monitored for many years from several different perspectives. The national Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) Program was established in 1990 by Federal and State agencies to develop a national system for monitoring and reporting on the status and trends of forest ecosystem health. We describe and illustrate...

40 CFR Table 7 to Subpart Ggg of... - Wastewater-Inspection and Monitoring Requirements for Waste Management Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 12 2012-07-01 2011-07-01 true Wastewater-Inspection and Monitoring..., Subpt. GGG, Table 7 Table 7 to Subpart GGG of Part 63—Wastewater—Inspection and Monitoring Requirements for Waste Management Units To comply with Inspection or monitoring requirement Frequency of inspection...

40 CFR Table 7 to Subpart Ggg of... - Wastewater-Inspection and Monitoring Requirements for Waste Management Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 11 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Wastewater-Inspection and Monitoring..., Subpt. GGG, Table 7 Table 7 to Subpart GGG of Part 63—Wastewater—Inspection and Monitoring Requirements for Waste Management Units To comply with Inspection or monitoring requirement Frequency of inspection...

40 CFR Table 7 to Subpart Ggg of... - Wastewater-Inspection and Monitoring Requirements for Waste Management Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 12 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Wastewater-Inspection and Monitoring... Production Pt. 63, Subpt. GGG, Table 7 Table 7 to Subpart GGG of Part 63—Wastewater—Inspection and Monitoring Requirements for Waste Management Units To comply with Inspection or monitoring requirement Frequency of...

40 CFR Table 7 to Subpart Ggg of... - Wastewater-Inspection and Monitoring Requirements for Waste Management Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 12 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Wastewater-Inspection and Monitoring... Production Pt. 63, Subpt. GGG, Table 7 Table 7 to Subpart GGG of Part 63—Wastewater—Inspection and Monitoring Requirements for Waste Management Units To comply with Inspection or monitoring requirement Frequency of...

Identifying common practices and challenges for local urban tree monitoring programs across the United States

Treesearch

Lara A. Roman; E. Gregory McPherson; Bryant C. Scharenbroch; Julia Bartens

2013-01-01

Urban forest monitoring data are essential to assess the impacts of tree planting campaigns and management programs. Local practitioners have monitoring projects that have not been well documented in the urban forestry literature. To learn more about practitioner-driven monitoring efforts, the authors surveyed 32 local urban forestry organizations across the United...

Development and Implementation of the Ebola Traveler Monitoring Program and Clinical Outcomes of Monitored Travelers during October – May 2015, Minnesota

PubMed Central

DeVries, Aaron; Talley, Pamela; Sweet, Kristin; Kline, Susan; Stinchfield, Patricia; Tosh, Pritish; Danila, Richard

2016-01-01

Background In October 2014, the United States began actively monitoring all persons who had traveled from Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone in the previous 21 days. State public health departments were responsible for monitoring all travelers; Minnesota has the largest Liberian population in the United States. The MDH Ebola Clinical Team (ECT) was established to assess travelers with symptoms of concern for Ebola virus disease (EVD), coordinate access to healthcare at appropriate facilities including Ebola Assessment and Treatment Units (EATU), and provide guidance to clinicians. Methods Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) began receiving traveler information collected by U.S. Customs and Border Control and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention staff on October 21, 2014 via encrypted electronic communication. All travelers returning from Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea during 10/21/14–5/15/15 were monitored by MDH staff in the manner recommended by CDC based on the traveler’s risk categorization as “low (but not zero)”, “some” and “high” risk. When a traveler reported symptoms or a temperature ≥100.4° F at any time during their 21-day monitoring period, an ECT member would speak to the traveler and perform a clinical assessment by telephone or via video-chat. Based on the assessment the ECT member would recommend 1) continued clinical monitoring while at home with frequent telephone follow-up by the ECT member, 2) outpatient clinical evaluation at an outpatient site agreed upon by all parties, or 3) inpatient clinical evaluation at one of four Minnesota EATUs. ECT members assessed and approved testing for Ebola virus infection at MDH. Traveler data, calls to the ECT and clinical outcomes were logged on a secure server at MDH. Results During 10/21/14–5/15/15, a total of 783 travelers were monitored; 729 (93%) traveled from Liberia, 30 (4%) Sierra Leone, and 24 (3%) Guinea. The median number monitored per week was 59 (range 45–143). The median age was 35 years; 136 (17%) were aged <18 years. Thirteen of 256 women of reproductive age (5%) were pregnant. The country of passport issuance was known for 720 of the travelers. The majority of monitored travelers (478 [66%]) used a non-U.S. passport including 442 (61%) Liberian nationals. A total of 772 (99%) travelers were “low (but not zero)” risk; 11 (1%) were “some” risk. Among monitored travelers, 43 (5%) experienced illness symptoms; 29 (67%) had a symptom consistent with EVD. Two were tested for Ebola virus disease and had negative results. Most frequently reported symptoms were fever (20/43, 47%) and abdominal pain (12/43, 28%). During evaluation, 16 (37%) of 43 travelers reported their symptoms began prior to travel; chronic health conditions in 24 travelers including tumors/cancer, pregnancy, and orthopedic conditions were most common. Infectious causes in 19 travelers included upper respiratory infection, malaria, and gastrointestinal infections. Discussion Prior to 2014, no similar active monitoring program for travelers had been performed in Minnesota; assessment and management of symptomatic travelers was a new activity for MDH. Ensuring safe entrance into healthcare was particularly challenging for children, and pregnant women, as well as those without an established connection to healthcare. Unnecessary inpatient evaluations were successfully avoided by close clinical follow-up by phone. Before similar monitoring programs are considered in the future, careful thought must be given to necessary resources and the impact on affected populations, public health, and the healthcare system. PMID:27907013

Selected natural attenuation monitoring data, Operable Unit 1, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Keyport, Washington, June 2001

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dinico, Richard Steven

2003-01-01

Previous investigations have shown that natural attenuation and biodegradation of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) are substantial in shallow ground water beneath the 9-acre former landfill at Operable Unit 1 (OU 1), Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), Division Keyport, Washington. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has continued to monitor ground-water geochemistry to assure that conditions remain favorable for contaminant biodegradation. This report presents the ground-water geochemical and selected CVOC data collected at OU 1 by the USGS during June 11-14, 2001 in support of the long-term monitoring for natural attenuation. Overall, the June 2001 data indicate that redox conditions in the upper aquifer remain favorable for reductive dechlorination of CVOCs because strongly reducing conditions persisted beneath much of the former landfill. Redox conditions in the intermediate aquifer down gradient of the landfill appear to have become more favorable for reductive dechlorination because June 2001 dissolved hydrogen concentrations indicated strongly reducing conditions there for the first time. Although changes in redox conditions were observed at certain wells during 2001, a longer monitoring period is needed to ascertain if phytoremediation activities are affecting the ground-water chemistry. A minor change to future monitoring is proposed. Filtered organic carbon (previously referred to as dissolved, and defined as that which passes through a 0.45-micrometer membrane filter) should be analyzed in the future rather than unfiltered (previously referred to as total) organic carbon because the filtered analysis may be a better measure of bioavailable organic carbon. Unfiltered and filtered organic carbon data were collected during June 2001 for comparison. Filtered organic carbon data collected in the future could be reasonably compared with historical unfiltered organic carbon data by multiplying the historical data by a factor of about 0.9.

Multi-Wavelength Based Optical Density Sensor for Autonomous Monitoring of Microalgae

PubMed Central

Jia, Fei; Kacira, Murat; Ogden, Kimberly L.

2015-01-01

A multi-wavelength based optical density sensor unit was designed, developed, and evaluated to monitor microalgae growth in real time. The system consisted of five main components including: (1) laser diode modules as light sources; (2) photodiodes as detectors; (3) driver circuit; (4) flow cell; and (5) sensor housing temperature controller. The sensor unit was designed to be integrated into any microalgae culture system for both real time and non-real time optical density measurements and algae growth monitoring applications. It was shown that the sensor unit was capable of monitoring the dynamics and physiological changes of the microalgae culture in real-time. Algae biomass concentration was accurately estimated with optical density measurements at 650, 685 and 780 nm wavelengths used by the sensor unit. The sensor unit was able to monitor cell concentration as high as 1.05 g·L−1 (1.51 × 108 cells·mL−1) during the culture growth without any sample preparation for the measurements. Since high cell concentrations do not need to be diluted using the sensor unit, the system has the potential to be used in industrial microalgae cultivation systems for real time monitoring and control applications that can lead to improved resource use efficiency. PMID:26364640

Utilization of thermoluminescent dosimetry in total skin electron beam radiotherapy of mycosis fungoides.

PubMed

Antolak, J A; Cundiff, J H; Ha, C S

1998-01-01

The purpose of this report is to discuss the utilization of thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) in total skin electron beam (TSEB) radiotherapy to: (a) compare patient dose distributions for similar techniques on different machines, (b) confirm beam calibration and monitor unit calculations, (c) provide data for making clinical decisions, and (d) study reasons for variations in individual dose readings. We report dosimetric results for 72 cases of mycosis fungoides, using similar irradiation techniques on two different linear accelerators. All patients were treated using a modified Stanford 6-field technique. In vivo TLD was done on all patients, and the data for all patients treated on both machines was collected into a database for analysis. Means and standard deviations (SDs) were computed for all locations. Scatter plots of doses vs. height, weight, and obesity index were generated, and correlation coefficients with these variables were computed. The TLD results show that our current TSEB implementation is dosimetrically equivalent to the previous implementation, and that our beam calibration technique and monitor unit calculation is accurate. Correlations with obesity index were significant at several sites. Individual TLD results allow us to customize the boost treatment for each patient, in addition to revealing patient positioning problems and/or systematic variations in dose caused by patient variability. The data agree well with previously published TLD results for similar TSEB techniques. TLD is an important part of the treatment planning and quality assurance programs for TSEB, and routine use of TLD measurements for TSEB is recommended.

EMAP WESTERN UNITED STATES LANDSCAPE CHARACTERIZATION NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DATA BROWSER

EPA Science Inventory

The United States Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) is conducting a pilot study in the western United States. This study will advance the science of ecological monitoring and demonstrate techniques for regional-scale asse...

Refinery evaluation of optical imaging to locate fugitive emissions.

PubMed

Robinson, Donald R; Luke-Boone, Ronke; Aggarwal, Vineet; Harris, Buzz; Anderson, Eric; Ranum, David; Kulp, Thomas J; Armstrong, Karla; Sommers, Ricky; McRae, Thomas G; Ritter, Karin; Siegell, Jeffrey H; Van Pelt, Doug; Smylie, Mike

2007-07-01

Fugitive emissions account for approximately 50% of total hydrocarbon emissions from process plants. Federal and state regulations aiming at controlling these emissions require refineries and petrochemical plants in the United States to implement a Leak Detection and Repair Program (LDAR). The current regulatory work practice, U.S. Environment Protection Agency Method 21, requires designated components to be monitored individually at regular intervals. The annual costs of these LDAR programs in a typical refinery can exceed US$1,000,000. Previous studies have shown that a majority of controllable fugitive emissions come from a very small fraction of components. The Smart LDAR program aims to find cost-effective methods to monitor and reduce emissions from these large leakers. Optical gas imaging has been identified as one such technology that can help achieve this objective. This paper discusses a refinery evaluation of an instrument based on backscatter absorption gas imaging technology. This portable camera allows an operator to scan components more quickly and image gas leaks in real time. During the evaluation, the instrument was able to identify leaking components that were the source of 97% of the total mass emissions from leaks detected. More than 27,000 components were monitored. This was achieved in far less time than it would have taken using Method 21. In addition, the instrument was able to find leaks from components that are not required to be monitored by the current LDAR regulations. The technology principles and the parameters that affect instrument performance are also discussed in the paper.

Monitoring system and methods for a distributed and recoverable digital control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stange, Kent (Inventor); Hess, Richard (Inventor); Kelley, Gerald B (Inventor); Rogers, Randy (Inventor)

2010-01-01

A monitoring system and methods are provided for a distributed and recoverable digital control system. The monitoring system generally comprises two independent monitoring planes within the control system. The first monitoring plane is internal to the computing units in the control system, and the second monitoring plane is external to the computing units. The internal first monitoring plane includes two in-line monitors. The first internal monitor is a self-checking, lock-step-processing monitor with integrated rapid recovery capability. The second internal monitor includes one or more reasonableness monitors, which compare actual effector position with commanded effector position. The external second monitor plane includes two monitors. The first external monitor includes a pre-recovery computing monitor, and the second external monitor includes a post recovery computing monitor. Various methods for implementing the monitoring functions are also disclosed.

Estimating total maximum daily loads with the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model

USGS Publications Warehouse

Granato, Gregory; Jones, Susan Cheung

2017-01-01

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Rhode Island DOT are assessing and addressing roadway contributions to total maximum daily loads (TMDLs). Example analyses for total nitrogen, total phosphorus, suspended sediment, and total zinc in highway runoff were done by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with FHWA to simulate long-term annual loads for TMDL analyses with the stochastic empirical loading and dilution model known as SELDM. Concentration statistics from 19 highway runoff monitoring sites in Massachusetts were used with precipitation statistics from 11 long-term monitoring sites to simulate long-term pavement yields (loads per unit area). Highway sites were stratified by traffic volume or surrounding land use to calculate concentration statistics for rural roads, low-volume highways, high-volume highways, and ultraurban highways. The median of the event mean concentration statistics in each traffic volume category was used to simulate annual yields from pavement for a 29- or 30-year period. Long-term average yields for total nitrogen, phosphorus, and zinc from rural roads are lower than yields from the other categories, but yields of sediment are higher than for the low-volume highways. The average yields of the selected water quality constituents from high-volume highways are 1.35 to 2.52 times the associated yields from low-volume highways. The average yields of the selected constituents from ultraurban highways are 1.52 to 3.46 times the associated yields from high-volume highways. Example simulations indicate that both concentration reduction and flow reduction by structural best management practices are crucial for reducing runoff yields.

40 CFR 63.864 - Monitoring requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... that uses an air pollution control system other than an ESP, wet scrubber, RTO, or fabric filter must... unit equipped with an alternative air pollution control system and monitoring operating parameters... affected source or process unit equipped with an alternative air pollution control system and monitoring...

40 CFR 63.864 - Monitoring requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... that uses an air pollution control system other than an ESP, wet scrubber, RTO, or fabric filter must... unit equipped with an alternative air pollution control system and monitoring operating parameters... affected source or process unit equipped with an alternative air pollution control system and monitoring...

40 CFR 63.864 - Monitoring requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... that uses an air pollution control system other than an ESP, wet scrubber, RTO, or fabric filter must... unit equipped with an alternative air pollution control system and monitoring operating parameters... affected source or process unit equipped with an alternative air pollution control system and monitoring...

40 CFR 257.24 - Detection monitoring program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Disposal Units Ground-Water Monitoring and Corrective Action § 257.24 Detection monitoring program. (a... unit; (ii) The mobility, stability, and persistence of waste constituents or their reaction products in... constituents, and reaction products in the ground water; and (iv) The concentration or values and coefficients...

Triboelectric Nanogenerator Enabled Body Sensor Network for Self-Powered Human Heart-Rate Monitoring.

PubMed

Lin, Zhiming; Chen, Jun; Li, Xiaoshi; Zhou, Zhihao; Meng, Keyu; Wei, Wei; Yang, Jin; Wang, Zhong Lin

2017-09-26

Heart-rate monitoring plays a critical role in personal healthcare management. A low-cost, noninvasive, and user-friendly heart-rate monitoring system is highly desirable. Here, a self-powered wireless body sensor network (BSN) system is developed for heart-rate monitoring via integration of a downy-structure-based triboelectric nanogenerator (D-TENG), a power management circuit, a heart-rate sensor, a signal processing unit, and Bluetooth module for wireless data transmission. By converting the inertia energy of human walking into electric power, a maximum power of 2.28 mW with total conversion efficiency of 57.9% was delivered at low operation frequency, which is capable of immediately and sustainably driving the highly integrated BSN system. The acquired heart-rate signal by the sensor would be processed in the signal process circuit, sent to an external device via the Bluetooth module, and displayed on a personal cell phone in a real-time manner. Moreover, by combining a TENG-based generator and a TENG-based sensor, an all-TENG-based wireless BSN system was developed, realizing continuous and self-powered heart-rate monitoring. This work presents a potential method for personal heart-rate monitoring, featured as being self-powered, cost-effective, noninvasive, and user-friendly.

EMAP WESTERN UNITED STATES LANDSCAPE CHARACTERIZATION OREGON DATA AND PRODUCT BROWSER

EPA Science Inventory

The United States Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) is conducting a study in the western United States (EPA Regions 8, 9, and 10) that will advance the science of ecological monitoring and demonstrate techniques for regional-...

Purge- and intensive-purge decontamination of dental units contaminated with biofilm

PubMed Central

Kramer, Axel; Assadian, Ojan; Bachfeld, Danny; Meyer, Georg

2012-01-01

Introduction: During hygienic-microbiological monitoring of the water quality in dental units, the total bacterial colony count was found to exceed the limits for drinking water quality; in addition, mold contamination was detected. The presumed cause was irregular decontamination of the units through purging and intensive decontamination. Methods: To decontaminate the units, the manufacturer’s recommended program for cleaning and intensive decontamination was intensified by shortened intervals over a 2-week period. For Sirona units, instead of once a day, the automatic purge program was run every morning and evening for 20 min each time, and instead of once a month, intensive decontamination was performed every two weeks; this schedule has been maintained since then. For KaVo units, cleaning with the hydroclean function was carried out for 2.5 min every morning and evening. The automatic intensive decontamination was run daily instead of weekly. A maintenance log book was introduced, in which decontamination/cleaning was confirmed by the operator’s signature. Results: Within 5 weeks, all previously contaminated units were decontaminated. Discussion: By shortening the cleaning and intensive decontamination intervals in a 2-week period with subsequent control that the recommended maintenance intervals were kept, it was possible to guarantee drinking-water quality in the dental units of both manufacturers. PMID:22558045

Quantitative analysis of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling using live-cell total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy.

PubMed

Johnson, Heath E; Haugh, Jason M

2013-12-02

This unit focuses on the use of total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy and image analysis methods to study the dynamics of signal transduction mediated by class I phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) in mammalian cells. The first four protocols cover live-cell imaging experiments, image acquisition parameters, and basic image processing and segmentation. These methods are generally applicable to live-cell TIRF experiments. The remaining protocols outline more advanced image analysis methods, which were developed in our laboratory for the purpose of characterizing the spatiotemporal dynamics of PI3K signaling. These methods may be extended to analyze other cellular processes monitored using fluorescent biosensors. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Prescribing patterns and the use of therapeutic drug monitoring of psychotropic medication in a psychiatric high-security unit.

PubMed

Castberg, Ingrid; Spigset, Olav

2008-10-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of psychotropic medication and therapeutic drug monitoring in a high-security psychiatric unit and to compare the doses and serum concentrations both with the recommended intervals and with the doses and serum concentrations in a control group. One hundred thirty-two patients were admitted in the period from January 2000 to December 2005. All available samples were used when comparing serum concentrations and doses with the recommended ranges. For the comparison of doses and serum concentration-to-dose (C:D) ratios with the control group only 1 sample from each patient was used. A total of 459 analyses of 27 different drugs in samples from 8 women and 73 men were included. The median number of therapeutic drug monitoring analyses per patient was 4 (range 1-29). Thirty-seven of the 81 patients (46%) used 2 or more antipsychotics at the same time. Clozapine, lamotrigine, olanzapine, quetiapine, ziprasidone, and zuclopenthixol were often given in doses above the recommended. The serum levels were frequently above those recommended for clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, ziprasidone, and zuclopenthixol. The serum levels were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group for clozapine, lamotrigine, quetiapine, and zuclopenthixol. The given dose was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group for clozapine, lamotrigine and zuclopenthixol. The C:D ratio was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group for olanzapine but higher for quetiapine. The non-evidence based practice of high-dose polypharmacy with several antipsychotics is widely used in this unit. The use of higher doses in the study group than in the control group was not due to differences in metabolism or adherence to treatment between the 2 groups. The frequent use of therapeutic drug monitoring did not seem to have a great impact on the prescribed doses.

A NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR MONITORING STREAM CONDITION IN THE WESTERN UNITED STATES

EPA Science Inventory

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently initiated a four-year survey of streams in the Western United States as a component of the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP). EMAP is developing indicators to monitor and assess the condition of ecological...

A Hybrid Model for Spatially and Temporally Resolved Ozone Exposures in the Continental United States

PubMed Central

Di, Qian; Rowland, Sebastian; Koutrakis, Petros; Schwartz, Joel

2017-01-01

Ground-level ozone is an important atmospheric oxidant, which exhibits considerable spatial and temporal variability in its concentration level. Existing modeling approaches for ground-level ozone include chemical transport models, land-use regression, Kriging, and data fusion of chemical transport models with monitoring data. Each of these methods has both strengths and weaknesses. Combining those complementary approaches could improve model performance. Meanwhile, satellite-based total column ozone, combined with ozone vertical profile, is another potential input. We propose a hybrid model that integrates the above variables to achieve spatially and temporally resolved exposure assessments for ground-level ozone. We used a neural network for its capacity to model interactions and nonlinearity. Convolutional layers, which use convolution kernels to aggregate nearby information, were added to the neural network to account for spatial and temporal autocorrelation. We trained the model with AQS 8-hour daily maximum ozone in the continental United States from 2000 to 2012 and tested it with left out monitoring sites. Cross-validated R2 on the left out monitoring sites ranged from 0.74 to 0.80 (mean 0.76) for predictions on 1 km×1 km grid cells, which indicates good model performance. Model performance remains good even at low ozone concentrations. The prediction results facilitate epidemiological studies to assess the health effect of ozone in the long term and the short term. PMID:27332675

Plug-and-Play Environmental Monitoring Spacecraft Subsystem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patel, Jagdish; Brinza, David E.; Tran, Tuan A.; Blaes, Brent R.

2011-01-01

A Space Environment Monitor (SEM) subsystem architecture has been developed and demonstrated that can benefit future spacecraft by providing (1) real-time knowledge of the spacecraft state in terms of exposure to the environment; (2) critical, instantaneous information for anomaly resolution; and (3) invaluable environmental data for designing future missions. The SEM architecture consists of a network of plug-and- play (PnP) Sensor Interface Units (SIUs), each servicing one or more environmental sensors. The SEM architecture is influenced by the IEEE Smart Transducer Interface Bus standard (IEEE Std 1451) for its PnP functionality. A network of PnP Spacecraft SIUs is enabling technology for gathering continuous real-time information critical to validating spacecraft health in harsh space environments. The demonstrated system that provided a proof-of-concept of the SEM architecture consisted of three SIUs for measurement of total ionizing dose (TID) and single event upset (SEU) radiation effects, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and deep dielectric charging through use of a prototype Internal Electro-Static Discharge Monitor (IESDM). Each SIU consists of two stacked 2X2 in. (approximately 5X5 cm) circuit boards: a Bus Interface Unit (BIU) board that provides data conversion, processing and connection to the SEM power-and-data bus, and a Sensor Interface Electronics (SIE) board that provides sensor interface needs and data path connection to the BIU.

EMAP WESTERN UNITED STATES LANDSCAPE CHARACTERIZATION SOUTHERN ROCKIES PILOT STUDY AREA DATA AND PRODUCT BROWSER

EPA Science Inventory

The United States Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) is conducting a pilot study in the western United States. This study will advance the science of ecological monitoring and demonstrate techniques for regional-scale assessme...

EMAP WESTERN UNITED STATES LANDSCAPE CHARACTERIZATION NORTHWEST OREGON PILOT STUDY AREA DATA AND PRODUCT BROWSER

EPA Science Inventory

The United States Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) is conducting a pilot study in the western United States. This study will advance the science of ecological monitoring and demonstrate techniques for regional-scale assessme...

Development of an automated potable water bactericide monitoring unit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walsh, J. M.; Brawner, C. C.; Sauer, R. L.

1975-01-01

A monitor unit has been developed that permits the direct determination of the level of elemental iodine, used for microbiological control, in a spacecraft potable water supply system. Salient features of unit include low weight, volume and maintenance requirements, complete automatic operation, no inflight calibration, no expendables (except electrical current) and high accuracy and precision. This unit is capable of providing a signal to a controller that, in turn, automatically adjusts the addition rate of iodine to the potable water system so that a predetermined level of iodine can be maintained. In addition, the monitor provides a reading whereby the crewman can verify that the proper amount of iodine (within a range) is present in the water. A development history of the monitor is presented along with its design and theory of operation. Also presented are the results generated through testing of the unit in a simulated Shuttle potable water system.

Health State Utilities Associated with Glucose Monitoring Devices.

PubMed

Matza, Louis S; Stewart, Katie D; Davies, Evan W; Hellmund, Richard; Polonsky, William H; Kerr, David

2017-03-01

Glucose monitoring is important for patients with diabetes treated with insulin. Conventional glucose monitoring requires a blood sample, typically obtained by pricking the finger. A new sensor-based system called "flash glucose monitoring" monitors glucose levels with a sensor worn on the arm, without requiring blood samples. To estimate the utility difference between these two glucose monitoring approaches for use in cost-utility models. In time trade-off interviews, general population participants in the United Kingdom (London and Edinburgh) valued health states that were drafted and refined on the basis of literature, clinician input, and a pilot study. The health states had identical descriptions of diabetes and insulin treatment, differing only in glucose monitoring approach. A total of 209 participants completed the interviews (51.7% women; mean age = 42.1 years). Mean utilities were 0.851 ± 0.140 for conventional monitoring and 0.882 ± 0.121 for flash monitoring (significant difference between the mean utilities; t = 8.3; P < 0.0001). Of the 209 participants, 78 (37.3%) had a higher utility for flash monitoring, 2 (1.0%) had a higher utility for conventional monitoring, and 129 (61.7%) had the same utility for both health states. The flash glucose monitoring system was associated with a significantly greater utility than the conventional monitoring system. This difference may be useful in cost-utility models comparing the value of glucose monitoring devices for patients with diabetes. This study adds to the literature on treatment process utilities, suggesting that time trade-off methods may be used to quantify preferences among medical devices. Copyright © 2017 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The development of a national surveillance system for monitoring blood use and inventory levels at sentinel hospitals in South Korea.

PubMed

Lim, Y A; Kim, H H; Joung, U S; Kim, C Y; Shin, Y H; Lee, S W; Kim, H J

2010-04-01

We developed a web-based program for a national surveillance system to determine baseline data regarding the supply and demand of blood products at sentinel hospitals in South Korea. Sentinel hospitals were invited to participate in a 1-month pilot-test. The data for receipts and exports of blood from each hospital information system were converted into comma-separated value files according to a specific conversion rule. The daily data from the sites could be transferred to the web-based program server using a semi-automated submission procedure: pressing a key allowed the program to automatically compute the blood inventory level as well as other indices including the minimal inventory ratio (MIR), ideal inventory ratio (IIR), supply index (SI) and utilisation index (UI). The national surveillance system was referred to as the Korean Blood Inventory Monitoring System (KBIMS) and the web-based program for KBIMS was referred to as the Blood Inventory Monitoring System (BMS). A total of 30 256 red blood cell (RBC) units were submitted as receipt data, however, only 83% of the receipt data were submitted to the BMS server as export data (25 093 RBC units). Median values were 2.67 for MIR, 1.08 for IIR, 1.00 for SI, 0.88 for UI and 5.33 for the ideal inventory day. The BMS program was easy to use and is expected to provide a useful tool for monitoring hospital inventory levels. This information will provide baseline data regarding the supply and demand of blood products in South Korea.

Cost and results of information systems for health and poverty indicators in the United Republic of Tanzania.

PubMed Central

Rommelmann, Vanessa; Setel, Philip W.; Hemed, Yusuf; Angeles, Gustavo; Mponezya, Hamisi; Whiting, David; Boerma, Ties

2005-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To examine the costs of complementary information generation activities in a resource-constrained setting and compare the costs and outputs of information subsystems that generate the statistics on poverty, health and survival required for monitoring, evaluation and reporting on health programmes in the United Republic of Tanzania. METHODS: Nine systems used by four government agencies or ministries were assessed. Costs were calculated from budgets and expenditure data made available by information system managers. System coverage, quality assurance and information production were reviewed using questionnaires and interviews. Information production was characterized in terms of 38 key sociodemographic indicators required for national programme monitoring. FINDINGS: In 2002-03 approximately US$ 0.53 was spent per Tanzanian citizen on the nine information subsystems that generated information on 37 of the 38 selected indicators. The census and reporting system for routine health service statistics had the largest participating populations and highest total costs. Nationally representative household surveys and demographic surveillance systems (which are not based on nationally representative samples) produced more than half the indicators and used the most rigorous quality assurance. Five systems produced fewer than 13 indicators and had comparatively high costs per participant. CONCLUSION: Policy-makers and programme planners should be aware of the many trade-offs with respect to system costs, coverage, production, representativeness and quality control when making investment choices for monitoring and evaluation. In future, formal cost-effectiveness studies of complementary information systems would help guide investments in the monitoring, evaluation and planning needed to demonstrate the impact of poverty-reduction and health programmes. PMID:16184275

40 CFR 75.53 - Monitoring plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... this part. (c)-(d) [Reserved] (e) Contents of the monitoring plan. Each monitoring plan shall contain..., rounded to the nearest 100 lb/hr); (J) Identification of all units using a common stack; (K) Activation...: (A) Program(s) for which the EDR is submitted; (B) Unit classification; (C) Reporting frequency; (D...

40 CFR 75.53 - Monitoring plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... this part. (c)-(d) [Reserved] (e) Contents of the monitoring plan. Each monitoring plan shall contain..., rounded to the nearest 100 lb/hr); (J) Identification of all units using a common stack; (K) Activation...: (A) Program(s) for which the EDR is submitted; (B) Unit classification; (C) Reporting frequency; (D...

40 CFR 60.46c - Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 6 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide... Industrial-Commercial-Institutional Steam Generating Units § 60.46c Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide... the inlet to the steam generating unit and analyzed for sulfur content and heat content according the...

40 CFR 60.46c - Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 7 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide... Industrial-Commercial-Institutional Steam Generating Units § 60.46c Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide... the inlet to the steam generating unit and analyzed for sulfur content and heat content according the...

40 CFR 60.46c - Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 7 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide... Industrial-Commercial-Institutional Steam Generating Units § 60.46c Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide... the inlet to the steam generating unit and analyzed for sulfur content and heat content according the...

40 CFR 60.46c - Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 7 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide... Industrial-Commercial-Institutional Steam Generating Units § 60.46c Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide... the inlet to the steam generating unit and analyzed for sulfur content and heat content according the...

Cost of Purchased Versus Produced Plasma from Donor Recruitment Through Transfusion.

PubMed

Prioli, Katherine M; Pizzi, Laura T; Karp, Julie Katz; Galanis, Taki; Herman, Jay H

2016-10-01

Plasma is used to treat acquired coagulopathy or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, or to reverse warfarin effect. Scant data are available, however, about its costs. To estimate total costs of plasma from production through administration, from the perspective of a US hospital blood donor center (BDC). Six sequential decision analytic models were constructed and informed by primary and secondary data on time, tasks, personnel, and supplies for donation, processing, and administration. Expected values of the models were summed to yield the BDC's total cost of producing, preparing, and transfusing plasma. Costs ($US 2015) are reported for a typical patient using three units of plasma. Models assume plasma was obtained from whole blood donation and transfused in an inpatient setting. Univariate sensitivity analyses were performed to test the impact of changing inputs for personnel costs and adverse event (AE) rates and costs. BDC production cost of plasma was $91.24/patient ($30.41/unit), a $30.16/patient savings versus purchased plasma. Administration and monitoring costs totaled $194.64/patient. Sensitivity analyses indicated that modifying BDC personnel costs during donation and processing has little impact on total plasma costs. However, the probability and cost of transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) have a significant impact on costs. Plasma produced by our BDC may be less costly than purchased plasma. Though plasma processes have multiple tasks involving staff time, these are not the largest cost driver. Major plasma-related AEs are uncommon, but are the biggest driver of total plasma costs.

Molecular characterization of turkey enteric coronaviruses circulating in the United States in 2012

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The use of molecular diagnostic assays has allowed ongoing periodic monitoring of United States turkey flocks for suspected viral enteric pathogens such as reovirus, rotavirus, parvovirus, and astrovirus. Beginning in early 2012, monitoring of commercial turkey flocks in the Southeastern United Stat...

An overview of wireless structural health monitoring for civil structures.

PubMed

Lynch, Jerome Peter

2007-02-15

Wireless monitoring has emerged in recent years as a promising technology that could greatly impact the field of structural monitoring and infrastructure asset management. This paper is a summary of research efforts that have resulted in the design of numerous wireless sensing unit prototypes explicitly intended for implementation in civil structures. Wireless sensing units integrate wireless communications and mobile computing with sensors to deliver a relatively inexpensive sensor platform. A key design feature of wireless sensing units is the collocation of computational power and sensors; the tight integration of computing with a wireless sensing unit provides sensors with the opportunity to self-interrogate measurement data. In particular, there is strong interest in using wireless sensing units to build structural health monitoring systems that interrogate structural data for signs of damage. After the hardware and the software designs of wireless sensing units are completed, the Alamosa Canyon Bridge in New Mexico is utilized to validate their accuracy and reliability. To improve the ability of low-cost wireless sensing units to detect the onset of structural damage, the wireless sensing unit paradigm is extended to include the capability to command actuators and active sensors.

San Francisco Deep Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site (SF-DODS) Monitoring Program. Physical, Chemical, and Benthic Community Monitoring

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-08-29

analyzed for total volatile solids, total organic carbon, oil and grease/total petroleum hydrocarbons , grain size distribution, metals, polycyclic...TBT Tri-Butyltin TOC Total Organic Carbon TPCB Total Polychlorinated Biphenyls TPH Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S...Health PQL Practical Quantitation Limit RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act SIM Selected Ion Monitoring TPH Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons tr Trace

Solar Air Sampler

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

Nation's first solar-cell-powered air monitoring station was installed at Liberty State Park, New Jersey. Jointly sponsored by state agencies and the Department of Energy, system includes display which describes its operation to park visitors. Unit samples air every sixth day for a period of 24 hours. Air is forced through a glass filter, then is removed each week for examination by the New Jersey Bureau of Air Pollution. During the day, solar cells provide total power for the sampling equipment. Excess energy is stored in a bank of lead-acid batteries for use when needed.

Re-Evaluation of Development of the TMDL Using Long-Term Monitoring Data and Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Squires, A.; Rittenburg, R.; Boll, J.; Brooks, E. S.

2012-12-01

Since 1996, 47,979 Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) have been approved throughout the United States for impaired water bodies. TMDLs are set through the determination of natural background loads for a given water body which then estimate contributions from point and nonpoint sources to create load allocations and determine acceptable pollutant levels to meet water quality standards. Monitoring data and hydrologic models may be used in this process. However, data sets used are often limited in duration and frequency, and model simulations are not always accurate. The objective of this study is to retrospectively look at the development and accuracy of the TMDL for a stream in an agricultural area using long-term monitoring data and a robust modeling process. The study area is the Paradise Creek Watershed in northern Idaho. A sediment TMDL was determined for the Idaho section of Paradise Creek in 1997. Sediment TMDL levels were determined using a short-term data set and the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model. Background loads used for the TMDL in 1997 were from pre-agricultural levels, based on WEPP model results. We modified the WEPP model for simulation of saturation excess overland flow, the dominant runoff generation mechanism, and analyzed more than 10 years of high resolution monitoring data from 2001 - 2012, including discharge and total suspended solids. Results will compare background loading and current loading based on present-day land use documented during the monitoring period and compare previous WEPP model results with the modified WEPP model results. This research presents a reevaluation of the TMDL process with recommendations for a more scientifically sound methodology to attain realistic water quality goals.

Low validity of the Sensewear Pro3 activity monitor compared to indirect calorimetry during simulated free living in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background To validate physical activity estimates by the Sensewear Pro3 activity monitor compared with indirect calorimetry during simulated free living in patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the hip pre or post total hip arthroplasty. Methods Twenty patients diagnosed with hip osteoarthritis (10 pre- and 10 post total hip arthroplasty; 40% female; age: 63.3 ± 9.0; BMI: 23.7 ± 3.7). All patients completed a 2 hour protocol of simulated free living with 8 different typical physical activity types. Energy consumption (kcal/min) was estimated by the Sense Wear pro3 Armband activity monitor and validated against indirect calorimetry (criterion method) by means of a portable unit (Cosmed K4b2). Bias and variance was analyzed using functional ANOVA. Results Mean bias during all activities was 1.5 Kcal/min 95%CI [1.3; 1.8] corresponding to 72% (overestimation). Normal gait speed showed an overestimation of 2.8 Kcal/min, 95%CI [2.3; 3.3] (93%) while an underestimation of -1.1 Kcal/min, 95%CI [-1.8; -0.3] (-25%) was recorded during stair climb. Activities dominated by upper body movements showed large overestimation with 4.37 Kcal/min, 95%CI [3.8; 5.1] (170%) being recorded during gardening. Both bias and variance appeared to be dependent on activity type. Conclusion The activity monitor generally overestimated the energy consumption during common activities of low to medium intensity in the patient group. The size and direction of the bias was highly dependent on the activity type which indicates the activity monitor is of limited value in patients with hip osteoarthritis and that the results do not express the real energy expenditure. PMID:24552503

National Scale Monitoring Reporting and Verification of Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Guyana

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bholanath, P.; Cort, K.

2015-04-01

Monitoring deforestation and forest degradation at national scale has been identified as a national priority under Guyana's REDD+ Programme. Based on Guyana's MRV (Monitoring Reporting and Verification) System Roadmap developed in 2009, Guyana sought to establish a comprehensive, national system to monitor, report and verify forest carbon emissions resulting from deforestation and forest degradation in Guyana. To date, four national annual assessments have been conducted: 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. Monitoring of forest change in 2010 was completed with medium resolution imagery, mainly Landsat 5. In 2011, assessment was conducted using a combination of Landsat (5 and 7) and for the first time, 5m high resolution imagery, with RapidEye coverage for approximately half of Guyana where majority of land use changes were taking place. Forest change in 2013 was determined using high resolution imagery for the whole of Guyana. The current method is an automated-assisted process of careful systematic manual interpretation of satellite imagery to identify deforestation based on different drivers of change. The minimum mapping unit (MMU) for deforestation is 1 ha (Guyana's forest definition) and a country-specific definition of 0.25 ha for degradation. The total forested area of Guyana is estimated as 18.39 million hectares (ha). In 2012 as planned, Guyana's forest area was reevaluated using RapidEye 5 m imagery. Deforestation in 2013 is estimated at 12 733 ha which equates to a total deforestation rate of 0.068%. Significant progress was made in 2012 and 2013, in mapping forest degradation. The area of forest degradation as measured by interpretation of 5 m RapidEye satellite imagery in 2013 was 4 352 ha. All results are subject to accuracy assessment and independent third party verification.

[Antimicrobial sensitivity of the environmental microbiota in the intensive care units of a peruvian hospital].

PubMed

Díaz-Tello, José; Rojas-Jaimes, Jesús; Ibarra-Trujillo, Jimmy; Tárraga-Gonzales, Delza

2017-01-01

The objective was to detect Gram-negative bacilli and Gram-positive cocci isolated from the environmental microbiota of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) departments of Neonatology, Pediatrics, and Transplants (kidney, liver, and general) in a Lima hospital and determine their antimicrobial sensitivity. Eighty samples were obtained from inanimate surfaces using a wet swab. A total of 61 bacterial strains were identified, including Staphylococcus epidermis (46.0%), Alcaligenes sp. (21.3%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.4%), Acinetobacter sp. (13.1%), Staphylococcus aureus (1.6%), and Staphylococcus haemolyticus (1.6%). Acinetobacter sp. and P. aeruginosa showed a heightened sensitivity to the antibiotics assessed, while Alcaligenes sp. and S. epidermidis presented the highest antimicrobial resistance. It is recommended that sustained asepsis and monitoring methods be used in ICUs.

Abnormal environmental light exposure in the intensive care environment.

PubMed

Fan, Emily P; Abbott, Sabra M; Reid, Kathryn J; Zee, Phyllis C; Maas, Matthew B

2017-08-01

We sought to characterize ambient light exposure in the intensive care unit (ICU) environment to identify patterns of light exposure relevant to circadian regulation. A light monitor was affixed to subjects' bed at eye level in a modern intensive care unit and continuously recorded illuminescence for at least 24h per subject. Blood was sampled hourly and measured for plasma melatonin. Subjects underwent hourly vital sign and bedside neurologic assessments. Care protocols and the ICU environment were not modified for the study. A total of 67,324 30-second epochs of light data were collected from 17 subjects. Light intensity peaked in the late morning, median 64.1 (interquartile range 19.7-138.7) lux. The 75th percentile of light intensity exceeded 100lx only between 9AM and noon, and never exceeded 150lx. There was no correlation between melatonin amplitude and daytime, nighttime or total light exposure (Spearman's correlation coefficients all <0.2 and p>0.5). Patients' environmental light exposure in the intensive care unit is consistently low and follows a diurnal pattern. No effect of nighttime light exposure was observed on melatonin secretion. Inadequate daytime light exposure in the ICU may contribute to abnormal circadian rhythms. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The potential of lipopolysaccharide as a real-time biomarker of bacterial contamination in marine bathing water.

PubMed

Sattar, Anas A; Jackson, Simon K; Bradley, Graham

2014-03-01

The use of total lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a rapid biomarker for bacterial pollution was investigated at a bathing and surfing beach during the UK bathing season. The levels of faecal indicator bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli), the Gram-positive enterococci, and organisms commonly associated with faecal material, such as total coliforms and Bacteroides, were culturally monitored over four months to include a period of heavy rainfall and concomitant pollution. Endotoxin measurement was performed using a kinetic Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay and found to correlate well with all indicators. Levels of LPS in excess of 50 Endotoxin Units (EU) mL(-1) were found to correlate with water that was unsuitable for bathing under the current European regulations. Increases in total LPS, mainly from Gram-negative indicator bacteria, are thus a potential real-time, qualitative method for testing bacterial quality of bathing waters.

3D conformal planning using low segment multi-criteria IMRT optimization

PubMed Central

Khan, Fazal; Craft, David

2014-01-01

Purpose To evaluate automated multicriteria optimization (MCO) – designed for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), but invoked with limited segmentation – to efficiently produce high quality 3D conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) plans. Methods Ten patients previously planned with 3D-CRT to various disease sites (brain, breast, lung, abdomen, pelvis), were replanned with a low-segment inverse multicriteria optimized technique. The MCO-3D plans used the same beam geometry of the original 3D plans, but were limited to an energy of 6 MV. The MCO-3D plans were optimized using fluence-based MCO IMRT and then, after MCO navigation, segmented with a low number of segments. The 3D and MCO-3D plans were compared by evaluating mean dose for all structures, D95 (dose that 95% of the structure receives) and homogeneity indexes for targets, D1 and clinically appropriate dose volume objectives for individual organs at risk (OARs), monitor units (MUs), and physician preference. Results The MCO-3D plans reduced the OAR mean doses (41 out of a total of 45 OARs had a mean dose reduction, p<<0.01) and monitor units (seven out of ten plans have reduced MUs; the average reduction is 17%, p=0.08) while maintaining clinical standards on coverage and homogeneity of target volumes. All MCO-3D plans were preferred by physicians over their corresponding 3D plans. Conclusion High quality 3D plans can be produced using MCO-IMRT optimization, resulting in automated field-in-field type plans with good monitor unit efficiency. Adopting this technology in a clinic could improve plan quality, and streamline treatment plan production by utilizing a single system applicable to both IMRT and 3D planning. PMID:25413405

Measuring and Understanding the Energy Use Signatures of a Bank Building

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

Xie, YuLong; Liu, Bing; Athalye, Rahul A.

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory measured and analyzed the energy end-use patterns in a bank building located in the north-eastern United States. This work was performed in collaboration with PNC Financial Service Group under the US DOE’s Commercial Building Partnerships Program. This paper presents the metering study and the results of the metered data analysis. It provides a benchmark for the energy use of different bank-related equipments. The paper also reveals the importance of metering in fully understanding building loads and indentifying opportunities for energy efficiency improvements that will have impacts across PNC’s portfolio of buildings and were crucial tomore » reducing receptacle loads in the design of a net-zero bank branches. PNNL worked with PNC to meter a 4,000 ft2 bank branch in the state of Pennsylvania. 71 electrical circuits were monitored and 25 stand-alone watt-hour meters were installed at the bank. These meters monitored the consumption of all interior and exterior lighting, receptacle loads, service water heating, and the HVAC rooftop unit at a 5-minute sampling interval from November 2009 to November 2010. A total of over 8 million data records were generated, which were then analyzed to produce the end-use patterns, daily usage profiles, rooftop unit usage cycles, and inputs for calibrating the energy model of the building.« less

Improving environmental cleaning in clinical areas: staff education based on adenosine triphosphate readings.

PubMed

Villanueva, Ariadna; Guanche, Humberto

2016-11-01

Aim To describe the effect of education on environmental cleaning in patient care areas using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) readings. Method A quality improvement initiative was developed in a community hospital in Qatar. Over a two-month period, an infection-control practitioner monitored ATP readings in patient care areas, at any time and regardless of the time of the previous disinfection. The initiative included staff education, use of ATP readings and the drawing up of quarterly quality reports. The ATP readings were considered 'pass', meaning well cleaned, or 'fail', meaning non-cleaned, according to the following standards:>250 relative light units (RLU) in non-critical units and<200RLU for critical units. The proportion of test passes was calculated per 100 tests performed. Results A total of 1,617 tests were performed, after which 1,259 (78%) surfaces were identified as well cleaned. The lowest proportion of non-pass and higher ATP readings was observed in non-critical areas. The test points with the lowest proportion of passes were telephones (40.5%), a medication dispensing system (58.5%), an oximeter (66.7%) and callbox buttons (67.6%). A sustained increase in test passes was observed during the study period. Conclusion There was an improvement in environmental cleaning due to monitoring of ATP on surfaces and staff education.

Use of peripherally inserted central catheters as an alternative to central catheters in neurocritical care units.

PubMed

DeLemos, Christi; Abi-Nader, Judy; Akins, Paul T

2011-04-01

Patients in neurological critical care units often have lengthy stays that require extended vascular access and invasive hemodynamic monitoring. The traditional approach for these patients has relied heavily on central venous and pulmonary artery catheters. The aim of this study was to evaluate peripherally inserted central catheters as an alternative to central venous catheters in neurocritical care settings. Data on 35 patients who had peripherally inserted central catheters rather than central venous or pulmonary artery catheters for intravascular access and monitoring were collected from a prospective registry of neurological critical care admissions. These data were cross-referenced with information from hospital-based data registries for peripherally inserted central catheters and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Complete data were available on 33 patients with Hunt-Hess grade IV-V aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Catheters remained in place a total of 649 days (mean, 19 days; range, 4-64 days). One patient (3%) had deep vein thrombosis in an upper extremity. In 2 patients, central venous pressure measured with a peripherally inserted catheter was higher than pressure measured concurrently with a central venous catheter. None of the 33 patients had a central catheter bloodstream infection or persistent insertion-related complications. CONCLUSIONS Use of peripherally inserted central catheters rather than central venous catheters or pulmonary artery catheters in the neurocritical care unit reduced procedural and infection risk without compromising patient management.

Management of children with type 1 diabetes during illness: a national survey.

PubMed

Soni, Astha; Agwu, Juliana Chizo; Wright, Neil Peter; Moudiotis, Christopher; Kershaw, Melanie; Edge, Julie; Drew, Josephine Helen; Ng, Sze May

2016-08-01

Adequate sick-day management at home can reduce the risk of progression to diabetic ketoacidosis and admission to hospital. The aim of this project was to review the management of diabetes during illness. The Association of Children's Diabetes Clinicians (ACDC) carried out a questionnaire survey of all paediatric diabetes units. In addition, parents of children with type 1 diabetes completed an online questionnaire. The survey of 127 units had a 73% response rate. Sick-day management guidelines were in place in 93%. All guidelines advised giving extra insulin during illness. In 67%, the extra dose was based on a fraction of total daily dose. 22% used units per kg body weight (U/kg). 21% used locally derived formulae to calculate extra dose of insulin. 3% of units advised only blood ketone monitoring. Although all units had an out-of-hours access policy for the families, 45% received advice from the general paediatric registrar. Only in 15%, the advice was directly from a member of the paediatric diabetes team. 680 parents completed the questionnaire. 86% reported receiving training on managing sick days. The majority (52.2%) receiving an informal session at diagnosis. 40% did not know what to do in the presence of raised blood glucose and high blood ketones. There was a wide variation in the practice of monitoring and advice given during illness. Both surveys highlight need for national guidance as well and to improve quality of sick-day rule education programmes for parents of children with type 1 diabetes. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

A Wireless Physiological Signal Monitoring System with Integrated Bluetooth and WiFi Technologies.

PubMed

Yu, Sung-Nien; Cheng, Jen-Chieh

2005-01-01

This paper proposes a wireless patient monitoring system which integrates Bluetooth and WiFi wireless technologies. A wireless portable multi-parameter device was designated to acquire physiological signals and transmit them to a local server via Bluetooth wireless technology. Four kinds of monitor units were designed to communicate via the WiFi wireless technology, including a local monitor unit, a control center, mobile devices (personal digital assistant; PDA), and a web page. The use of various monitor units is intending to meet different medical requirements for different medical personnel. This system was demonstrated to promote the mobility and flexibility for both the patients and the medical personnel, which further improves the quality of health care.

Human enteroviruses in oysters and their overlying waters.

PubMed Central

Goyal, S M; Gerba, C P; Melnick, J L

1979-01-01

The presence of enteroviruses in oysters and oyster-harvesting waters of the Texas Gulf coast was monitored over a period of 10 months. Viruses were detected in water and oyster samples obtained from areas both open and closed to shellfish harvesting. Viruses were detected periodically in waters that met current bacteriological standards for shellfish harvesting. No significant statistical relationship was demonstrated between virus concentration in oysters and the bacteriological and physiochemical quality of water and shellfish. Viruses in water were, however, moderately correlated with total coliforms in water and oysters and with fecal coliforms in oysters. Total coliforms in water were realted to total coliforms in sediment were related only to total coliforms in sediment. Among the physiochemical characteristics of water, turbidity was related statistically to the organic matter content of water and to fecal coliforms in water. There was a marked effect of rainfall on the bacteriological quality of water. Of a total of 44 water samples, 26 yielded virus in concentrations from 4 to 167 plaque-forming units per 100-gallon (ca. 378.5-liter) sample. Of a total of 40 pools of 10 to 12 oysters each, virus was found in 14 pools at a concentration of 6 to 224 plaque-forming units per 100 g of oyster meat. On five occasions, virus was found in water samples when no virus could be detected in oysters harvested from the same sites. This study indicates that current bacteriological standards for determining the safety of shellfish and shellfish-growing waters do no reflect the occurrence of enteroviruses. PMID:222210

Human enteroviruses in oysters and their overlying waters.

PubMed

Goyal, S M; Gerba, C P; Melnick, J L

1979-03-01

The presence of enteroviruses in oysters and oyster-harvesting waters of the Texas Gulf coast was monitored over a period of 10 months. Viruses were detected in water and oyster samples obtained from areas both open and closed to shellfish harvesting. Viruses were detected periodically in waters that met current bacteriological standards for shellfish harvesting. No significant statistical relationship was demonstrated between virus concentration in oysters and the bacteriological and physiochemical quality of water and shellfish. Viruses in water were, however, moderately correlated with total coliforms in water and oysters and with fecal coliforms in oysters. Total coliforms in water were realted to total coliforms in sediment were related only to total coliforms in sediment. Among the physiochemical characteristics of water, turbidity was related statistically to the organic matter content of water and to fecal coliforms in water. There was a marked effect of rainfall on the bacteriological quality of water. Of a total of 44 water samples, 26 yielded virus in concentrations from 4 to 167 plaque-forming units per 100-gallon (ca. 378.5-liter) sample. Of a total of 40 pools of 10 to 12 oysters each, virus was found in 14 pools at a concentration of 6 to 224 plaque-forming units per 100 g of oyster meat. On five occasions, virus was found in water samples when no virus could be detected in oysters harvested from the same sites. This study indicates that current bacteriological standards for determining the safety of shellfish and shellfish-growing waters do no reflect the occurrence of enteroviruses.

Investigating turkey enteric coronavirus circulating in the southeastern United States and Arkansas during 2012 and 2013

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The use of molecular diagnostic assays has allowed ongoing periodic monitoring of United States turkey flocks for suspected viral enteric pathogens such as reovirus, rotavirus, parvovirus, and astrovirus. Beginning in early 2012, monitoring of commercial turkey flocks in the Southeastern United Stat...

Progress in increasing electronic reporting of laboratory results to public health agencies--United States, 2013.

PubMed

2013-09-27

Electronic reporting of laboratory results to public health agencies can improve public health surveillance for reportable diseases and conditions by making reporting more timely and complete. Since 2010, CDC has provided funding to 57 state, local, and territorial health departments through the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Infectious Diseases cooperative agreement to assist with improving electronic laboratory reporting (ELR) from clinical and public health laboratories to public health agencies. As part of this agreement, CDC and state and large local health departments are collaborating to monitor ELR implementation in the United States by developing data from each jurisdiction regarding total reporting laboratories, laboratories sending ELR by disease category and message format, and the number of ELR laboratory reports compared with the total number of laboratory reports. At the end of July 2013, 54 of the 57 jurisdictions were receiving at least some laboratory reports through ELR, and approximately 62% of 20 million laboratory reports were being received electronically, compared with 54% in 2012. Continued progress will require collaboration between clinical laboratories, laboratory information management system (LIMS) vendors, and public health agencies.

Monitoring the effects of air-quality on forests: An overview of the Sierra Ancha Experimental Forest ICP-Level II Site

Treesearch

Peter E. Koestner; Karen A. Koestner; Daniel G. Neary

2012-01-01

The Sierra Ancha International Cooperative Program on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests study site or (SAEF-ICP II) is part of an international network of cooperative forest monitoring sites spread throughout Europe and the United States. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe established the ICP II network in 1985 to monitor long...

Nursing activities score.

PubMed

Miranda, Dinis Reis; Nap, Raoul; de Rijk, Angelique; Schaufeli, Wilmar; Iapichino, Gaetano

2003-02-01

The instruments used for measuring nursing workload in the intensive care unit (e.g., Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System-28) are based on therapeutic interventions related to severity of illness. Many nursing activities are not necessarily related to severity of illness, and cost-effectiveness studies require the accurate evaluation of nursing activities. The aim of the study was to determine the nursing activities that best describe workload in the intensive care unit and to attribute weights to these activities so that the score describes average time consumption instead of severity of illness. To define by consensus a list of nursing activities, to determine the average time consumption of these activities by use of a 1-wk observational cross-sectional study, and to compare these results with those of the Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System-28. A total of 99 intensive care units in 15 countries. Consecutive admissions to the intensive care units. Daily recording of nursing activities at a patient level and random multimoment recording of these activities. A total of five new items and 14 subitems describing nursing activities in the intensive care unit (e.g., monitoring, care of relatives, administrative tasks) were added to the list of therapeutic interventions in Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System-28. Data from 2,041 patients (6,451 nursing days and 127,951 multimoment recordings) were analyzed. The new activities accounted for 60% of the average nursing time; the new scoring system (Nursing Activities Score) explained 81% of the nursing time (vs. 43% in Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System-28). The weights in the Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System-28 are not derived from the use of nursing time. Our study suggests that the Nursing Activities Score measures the consumption of nursing time in the intensive care unit. These results should be validated in independent databases.

40 CFR 60.47b - Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 6 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide... Industrial-Commercial-Institutional Steam Generating Units § 60.47b Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide... generating unit and analyzing them for sulfur and heat content according to Method 19 of appendix A of this...

40 CFR 60.47b - Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 6 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide... Industrial-Commercial-Institutional Steam Generating Units § 60.47b Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide... generating unit and analyzing them for sulfur and heat content according to Method 19 of appendix A of this...

40 CFR 60.47b - Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 7 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide... Industrial-Commercial-Institutional Steam Generating Units § 60.47b Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide... generating unit and analyzing them for sulfur and heat content according to Method 19 of appendix A of this...

40 CFR 60.47b - Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 7 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide... Industrial-Commercial-Institutional Steam Generating Units § 60.47b Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide... generating unit and analyzing them for sulfur and heat content according to Method 19 of appendix A of this...

40 CFR 60.47b - Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 7 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide... Industrial-Commercial-Institutional Steam Generating Units § 60.47b Emission monitoring for sulfur dioxide... generating unit and analyzing them for sulfur and heat content according to Method 19 of appendix A of this...

Early labour services: changes, triggers, monitoring and evaluation.

PubMed

Spiby, Helen; Green, Josephine M; Richardson-Foster, Helen; Hucknall, Clare

2013-04-01

to identify the changes to early labour services, their triggers and monitoring. a mixed methods approach in two stages, firstly a postal questionnaire survey of Heads of Midwifery (HoM) services in NHS Trusts in England (cover sheet to each HoM and questionnaire for each unit in their jurisdiction) and, secondly, semi-structured telephone interviews with a purposive sample of senior midwives. The interviews sought further information about reasons for change; the impact of changes and explored the unit's particular innovations. PARTICIPANTS AND RESPONSE RATE: 145 (89%) NHS Trusts provided data (cover sheet and/or questionnaire); responses were received from all areas and types of unit. Seventeen HoMs or designated senior midwives were interviewed. 83 of 170 units (49%) had made changes to early labour service provision during the past 5 years, including home assessment; the introduction of triage units and telephone assessment tools. Changes were more likely in high volume units and in consultant units with midwifery-led care areas. Further changes were planned by 93/178 (25%) units. Triggers for changes to early labour services comprised local or unit-based factors, including Category X (non-labour) admissions, response to service users and research evidence. The impact of Category X admissions on workload contributed to the triggers for change. Fifty-six (31%) could provide a confirmed figure or estimate for category X admissions. Experiences of introducing change included issues related to engagement of the workforce and the contribution of clinical leadership. Thirty-eight (48%) units did not routinely monitor use of early labour services. Overall monitoring of services was not significantly more likely in units that had made changes. Audit activity was reported more frequently in units that had made changes to their early labour services. early labour services had undergone significant changes following a range of triggers but the extent of change was not reflected in monitoring and evaluation activity. Changes to service provision should be accompanied by monitoring and evaluation. Changes to services require utilisation of appropriate change management strategies. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

TH-AB-202-09: Direct-Aperture Optimization for Combined MV+kV Dose Planning in Fluoroscopic Real-Time Tumor-Tracking Radiation Therapy

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

Liu, X; Belcher, AH; Grelewicz, Z

Purpose: Real-time kV fluoroscopic tumor tracking has the benefit of direct tumor position monitoring. However, there is clinical concern over the excess kV imaging dose cost to the patient when imaging in continuous fluoroscopic mode. This work addresses this specific issue by proposing a combined MV+kV direct-aperture optimization (DAO) approach to integrate the kV imaging beam into a treatment planning such that the kV radiation is considered as a contributor to the overall dose delivery. Methods: The combined MV+kV DAO approach includes three algorithms. First, a projected Quasi-Newton algorithm (L-BFGS) is used to find optimized fluence with MV+kV dose formore » the best possible dose distribution. Then, Engel’s algorithm is applied to optimize the total number of monitor units and heuristically optimize the number of apertures. Finally, an aperture shape optimization (ASO) algorithm is applied to locally optimize the leaf positions of MLC. Results: Compared to conventional DAO MV plans with continuous kV fluoroscopic tracking, combined MV+kV DAO plan leads to a reduction in the total number of MV monitor units due to inclusion of kV dose as part of the PTV, and was also found to reduce the mean and maximum doses on the organs at risk (OAR). Compared to conventional DAO MV plan without kV tracking, the OAR dose in the combined MV+kV DAO plan was only slightly higher. DVH curves show that combined MV+kV DAO plan provided about the same PTV coverage as that in the conventional DAO plans without kV imaging. Conclusion: We report a combined MV+kV DAO approach that allows real time kV imager tumor tracking with only a trivial increasing on the OAR doses while providing the same coverage to PTV. The approach is suitable for clinic implementation.« less

Advancing the capabilities of reservoir remote sensing by leveraging multi-source satellite data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, H.; Zhang, S.; Zhao, G.; Li, Y.

2017-12-01

With a total global capacity of more than 6000 km3, reservoirs play a key role in the hydrological cycle and in water resources management. However, essential reservoir data (e.g., elevation, storage, and evaporation loss) are usually not shared at a large scale. While satellite remote sensing offers a unique opportunity for monitoring large reservoirs from space, the commonly used radar altimeters can only detect storage variations of about 15% of global lakes at a repeat period of 10 days or longer. To advance the capabilities of reservoir sensing, we developed a series of algorithms geared towards generating long term reservoir records at improved spatial coverage, and at improved temporal resolution. To this goal, observations are leveraged from multiple satellite sensors, which include radar/laser altimeters, imagers, and passive microwave radiometers. In South Asia, we demonstrate that reservoir storage can be estimated under all-weather conditions at a 4 day time step, with the total capacity of monitored reservoirs increased to 45%. Within the Continuous United States, a first Landsat based evaporation loss dataset was developed (containing 204 reservoirs) from 1984 to 2011. The evaporation trends of these reservoirs are identified and the causes are analyzed. All of these algorithms and products were validated with gauge observations. Future satellite missions, which will make significant contributions to monitoring global reservoirs, are also discussed.

The presence-absence coliform test for monitoring drinking water quality.

PubMed Central

Rice, E W; Geldreich, E E; Read, E J

1989-01-01

The concern for improved monitoring of the sanitary quality of drinking water has prompted interest in alternative methods for the detection of total coliform bacteria. A simplified qualitative presence-absence test has been proposed as an alternate procedure for detecting coliform bacteria in potable water. In this paper data from four comparative studies were analyzed to compare the recovery of total coliform bacteria from drinking water using the presence-absence test, the multiple fermentation tube procedure, and the membrane filter technique. The four studies were of water samples taken from four different geographic areas of the United States: Hawaii, New England (Vermont and New Hampshire), Oregon, and Pennsylvania. Analysis of the results of these studies were compared, based upon the number of positive samples detected by each method. Combined recoveries showed the presence-absence test detected significantly higher numbers of samples with coliforms than either the fermentation tube or membrane filter methods, P less than 0.01. The fermentation tube procedure detected significantly more positive samples than the membrane filter technique, P less than 0.01. Based upon the analysis of the combined data base, it is clear that the presence-absence test is as sensitive as the current coliform methods for the examination of potable water. The presence-absence test offers a viable alternative to water utility companies that elect to use the frequency-of-occurrence approach for compliance monitoring. PMID:2493663

Large scale and long term application of bioslurping: the case of a Greek petroleum refinery site.

PubMed

Gidarakos, E; Aivalioti, M

2007-11-19

This paper presents the course and the remediation results of a 4-year application of bioslurping technology on the subsurface of a Greek petroleum refinery, which is still under full operation and has important and complicated subsurface contamination problems, mainly due to the presence of light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPL). About 55 wells are connected to the central bioslurping unit, while a mobile bioslurping unit is also used whenever and wherever is necessary. Moreover, there are about 120 additional wells for the monitoring of the subsurface of the facilities that cover a total area of 1,000,000 m(2). An integrated monitoring program has also been developed and applied on the site, including frequent LNAPL layer depth and thickness measurements, conduction of bail-down and recovery tests, sampling and chemical analysis of the free oil phase, etc., so as to evaluate the remediation technique's efficiency and ensure a prompt tracing of any new potential leak. Despite the occurrence of new leaks within the last 4 years and the observed entrapment of LNAPL in the vadoze zone, bioslurping has managed to greatly restrict the original plume within certain and relatively small parts of the refinery facilities.

Pervasive technology in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: a prototype for newborns unobtrusive monitoring.

PubMed

Ciani, Oriana; Piccini, Luca; Parini, Sergio; Rullo, Alessia; Bagnoli, Franco; Marti, Patrizia; Andreoni, Giuseppe

2008-01-01

Pervasive computing research is introducing new perspectives in a wide range of applications, including healthcare domain. In this study we explore the possibility to realize a prototype of a system for unobtrusive recording and monitoring of multiple biological parameters on premature newborns hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). It consists of three different units: a sensitized belt for Electrocardiogram (ECG) and chest dilatation monitoring, augmented with extrinsic transducers for temperature and respiratory activity measure, a device for signals pre-processing, sampling and transmission through Bluetooth(R) (BT) technology to a remote PC station and a software for data capture and post-processing. Preliminary results obtained by monitoring babies just discharged from the ward demonstrated the feasibility of the unobtrusive monitoring on this kind of subjects and open a new scenario for premature newborns monitoring and developmental cares practice in NICU.

Environmental assessment of three egg production systems - Part III: Airborne bacteria concentrations and emissions.

PubMed

Zhao, Y; Zhao, D; Ma, H; Liu, K; Atilgan, A; Xin, H

2016-07-01

Airborne microorganism level is an important indoor air quality indicator, yet it has not been well documented for laying-hen houses in the United States. As a part of the Coalition for Sustainable Egg Supply (CSES) environmental monitoring project, this study comparatively monitored the concentrations and emissions of airborne total and Gram-negative (Gram(-)) bacteria in three types of commercial laying-hen houses, i.e., conventional cage (CC), aviary (AV), and enriched colony (EC) houses, over a period of eight months covering the mid and late stages of the flock cycle. It also delineated the relationship between airborne total bacteria and particulate matter smaller than 10 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10). The results showed airborne total bacteria concentrations (log CFU/m(3)) of 4.7 ± 0.3 in CC, 6.0 ± 0.8 in AV, and 4.8 ± 0.3 in EC, all being higher than the level recommended for human environment (3.0 log CFU/m(3)). The much higher concentrations in AV arose from the presence of floor litter and hen activities on it, as evidenced by the higher concentrations in the afternoon (with litter access) than in the morning (without litter access). The overall means and standard deviation of airborne total bacteria emission rates, in log CFU/[h-hen] (or log CFU/[h-AU], AU = animal unit or 500 kg live weight) were 4.8 ± 0.4 (or 7.3 ± 0.4) for CC, 6.1 ± 0.7 (or 8.6 ± 0.7) for AV, and 4.8 ± 0.5 (or 7.3 ± 0.5) for EC. Both concentration and emission rate of airborne total bacteria were positively related to PM10 Gram(-) bacteria were present at low concentrations in all houses; and only 2 samples (6%) in CC, 7 (22%) samples in AV, and 2 (6%) samples in EC out of 32 air samples collected in each house were found positive with Gram(-) bacteria. The concentration of airborne Gram(-) bacteria was estimated to be <2% of the total bacteria. Total bacteria counts in manure on belt (in all houses) and floor litter (only in AV) were similar; however, the manure had much more Gram(-) bacteria than the litter. The results point out the need to mitigate airborne total bacteria in laying-hen houses, especially in AV houses. © 2016 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Regional interpretation of water-quality monitoring data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Smith, Richard A.; Schwarz, Gregory E.; Alexander, Richard B.

1997-01-01

We describe a method for using spatially referenced regressions of contaminant transport on watershed attributes (SPARROW) in regional water-quality assessment. The method is designed to reduce the problems of data interpretation caused by sparse sampling, network bias, and basin heterogeneity. The regression equation relates measured transport rates in streams to spatially referenced descriptors of pollution sources and land-surface and stream-channel characteristics. Regression models of total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) transport are constructed for a region defined as the nontidal conterminous United States. Observed TN and TP transport rates are derived from water-quality records for 414 stations in the National Stream Quality Accounting Network. Nutrient sources identified in the equations include point sources, applied fertilizer, livestock waste, nonagricultural land, and atmospheric deposition (TN only). Surface characteristics found to be significant predictors of land-water delivery include soil permeability, stream density, and temperature (TN only). Estimated instream decay coefficients for the two contaminants decrease monotonically with increasing stream size. TP transport is found to be significantly reduced by reservoir retention. Spatial referencing of basin attributes in relation to the stream channel network greatly increases their statistical significance and model accuracy. The method is used to estimate the proportion of watersheds in the conterminous United States (i.e., hydrologic cataloging units) with outflow TP concentrations less than the criterion of 0.1 mg/L, and to classify cataloging units according to local TN yield (kg/km2/yr).

Total Catch of a Red-Listed Marine Species Is an Order of Magnitude Higher than Official Data

PubMed Central

Kleiven, Alf Ring; Olsen, Esben Moland; Vølstad, Jon Helge

2012-01-01

Accurate information on total catch and effort is essential for successful fisheries management. Officially reported landings, however, may be underestimates of total catch in many fisheries. We investigated the fishery for the nationally red-listed European lobster (Homarus gammarus) in south-eastern Norway. Probability-based strip transect surveys were used to count buoys in the study area in combination with catch per unit effort data obtained independently from volunteer catch diaries, phone interviews, and questionnaires. We estimate that recreational catch accounts for 65% of total catch in the study area. Moreover, our results indicate that only a small proportion (24%) of lobsters landed commercially were sold through the legal market and documented. Total estimated lobster catch was nearly 14 times higher than reported officially. Our study highlights the need for adequate catch monitoring and data collection efforts in coastal areas, presents a clear warning to resource managers that illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fisheries in coastal areas should not be ignored, and shows the potential impact of recreational fisheries. PMID:22363583

A Spatially Explicit Method for Prioritizing AIS Surveillance ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Choosing where to sample for aquatic invasive species (AIS) is a daunting challenge in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Management resources are finite hence it is important that monitoring efforts concentrate on those sites with the highest risk of introduction based on transparent criteria and assumptions and the best available data. Here we describe the development of a site prioritization method designed to address such challenges. The U.S. waters of the Great Lakes and tributaries were divided into standardized management units (9 km x 9 km). An index of invasion pressure was defined using a standardized set of spatial surrogates to estimate cumulative propagule pressure for each management unit. Weighting multipliers were applied to the attributed spatial surrogate data so that both historic patterns and future predicted patterns of introduction were incorporated into the final calculation of the index of invasion pressure for each management unit. Of the total of 5,953 management units in the U.S. Great Lakes basin (land and water), about 1,800 units have attributes resulting in index scores greater than zero. The site prioritization method can be used to select surveillance priorities for fish, invertebrates, and/or plants across the U.S. waters of the Great Lakes basin. not applicable

Biorational control programme for the German cockroach (Blattaria: Blattellidae) in selected urban communities.

PubMed

Shahraki, GholamHossein; Bin Ibrahim, Yusof; Noor, Hafidzi Mohd; Rafinejad, Javad; Shahar, Mohd Khadri

2010-08-01

This study assessed the effectiveness of a biorational control approach using 2% hydramethylnon gel bait on German cockroaches, Blattella germanica (L.) in some residential and hospital buildings in South Western Iran. In total, three buildings consisting of 150 apartment units and 101 hospital units were monitored weekly via sticky trap for German cockroach infestations over a period of eight months. These infested units were randomly subjected to intervention and control treatments. Pamphlets and posters were provided and lectures were given to support the educational programmes as a tactic of the biorational system. Survey on cockroach index for intervention units showed 67-94% recovery to achieve clean level of infestation for intervention units of the residential buildings and 83% for the hospital. Mean percentage reductions for treatment groups throughout the 15-week treatment period were 76.8% for the residential buildings and 88.1% for the hospital, showing significant differences compared to the control groups. Linear regression of infestation rates were recorded weekly after treatment and their negative slope for treatment groups substantiated significant reductions for interventions. The results of this study showed that biorational control method, using gel bait, educational programmes and sanitation, is an effective way to manage German cockroach infestation.

Thermoluminescent dosimetry in rotary-dual technique of the total skin electron irradiation.

PubMed

Piotrowski, T; Fundowicz, D; Pawlaczyk, M; Malicki, J

2003-01-01

The aim of the study was to discuss the results of thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) in rotary-dual technique of the total skin electron irradiation (TSEI RD), to confirm beam calibration and monitor unit calculations and to provide data for making clinical decisions. Between May 2001 and April 2002, in 3 cases of mycosis fungoides, 736 dosimetric checks were performed in 34 points at the skin. CaF2:MnTLD-400 cubes (1/8"x1/8"x0.015") were used for in vivo dosimetry. Doses were computed and analyzed for all locations. Percent of described dose and SD for the following localizations from 34 points were: anterior abdomen (reference point) 100+/-6%, upper back 100+/-8%, right calf 98+/-10%, left foot (mid dorsum) 97+/-8%, posterior neck 93+/-6%, right hand (mid dorsum) 78+/-10%, hand fingers 57+/-10%, top of right shoulder 56+/-14%, left groin 35+/-20%, perineum 22+/-17%. The correlations between patient's height and measured doses were sufficient for the following localizations: scalp (top rear), occiput, elbows, hand fingers and hands (mid dorsum). The correlations between obesity index and measured doses were sufficient for the following localizations: shoulders and lateral neck, groins, and perineum. Dosimetric checks at the reference point confirm that our beam calibration technique and monitor unit calculation are accurate. TLD shows that for some parts of the skin such as shoulder, hands and perineum boost fields were required. The correlations with obesity index and height for several sites suggest that boost fields must be customized for each patient.

[Quality of care indicators for the care of human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals, adapted to the pediatric age].

PubMed

Soler-Palacín, Pere; Provens, Ana Clara; Martín-Nalda, Andrea; Espiau, María; Fernández-Polo, Aurora; Figueras, Concepció

2014-03-01

Since infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was first described, there have been many advances in its diagnosis, monitoring and treatment. However, few contributions are related to the area of health care quality. In this sense, the Spanish Study Group on AIDS (GESIDA) has developed a set of quality care indicators for adult patients living with HIV infection that includes a total of 66 indicators, 22 of which are considered to be relevant. Standards were calculated for each of them in order to reflect the level of the quality of care offered to these patients. Similar documents for pediatric patients are currently lacking. Preparation of a set of quality care indicators applicable to pediatric patients based on the GESIDA document and the Spanish Guidelines for monitoring of pediatric patients infected with HIV. Each indicator was analysed with respect to the required standards in all patients under 18 years of age followed-up in our Unit, with the aim of evaluating the quality of care provided. A total of 61 indicators were collected (51 from the GESIDA document and 10 from currently available pediatric guidelines), 30 of which were considered to be relevant. An overall compliance of 81%-83% was obtained when assessing the relevant indicators. The availability of health care quality standards is essential for the care of pediatric HIV-infected patients. The assessment of these indicators in our Unit yielded satisfactory results. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier España, S.L. y Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica. All rights reserved.

Pattern of Blood Stream Infections within Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt.

PubMed

Kishk, Rania Mohammed; Mandour, Mohamed Fouad; Farghaly, Rasha Mohamed; Ibrahim, Ahmed; Nemr, Nader Attia

2014-01-01

Introduction. Blood stream infection (BSI) is a common problem of newborn in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Monitoring neonatal infections is increasingly regarded as an important contributor to safe and high-quality healthcare. It results in high mortality rate and serious complications. So, our aim was to determine the incidence and the pattern of BSIs in the NICU of Suez Canal University Hospital, Egypt, and to determine its impact on hospitalization, mortality, and morbidity. Methods. This study was a prospective one in which all neonates admitted to the NICUs in Suez Canal University hospital between January, 2013 and June 2013 were enrolled. Blood stream infections were monitored prospectively. The health care associated infection rate, mortality rate, causative organism, and risk factors were studied. Results. A total of 317 neonates were admitted to the NICU with a mortality rate of 36.0%. During this study period, 115/317 (36.3%) developed clinical signs of sepsis and were confirmed as BSIs by blood culture in only 90 neonates with 97 isolates. The total mean length of stay was significantly longer among infected than noninfected neonates (34.5 ± 18.3 and 10.8 ± 9.9 days, resp., P value < 0.001). The overall mortality rates among infected and noninfected neonates were 38.9% and 34.8%, respectively, with a significant difference. Klebsiella spp. were the most common pathogen (27.8%) followed by Pseudomonas (21.6%) and Staphylococcus aureus (15.4%). Conclusion. The rate of BSIs in NICU at Suez Canal University Hospital was relatively high with high mortality rate (36.0%).

Pattern of Blood Stream Infections within Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt

PubMed Central

Kishk, Rania Mohammed; Mandour, Mohamed Fouad; Farghaly, Rasha Mohamed; Ibrahim, Ahmed; Nemr, Nader Attia

2014-01-01

Introduction. Blood stream infection (BSI) is a common problem of newborn in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Monitoring neonatal infections is increasingly regarded as an important contributor to safe and high-quality healthcare. It results in high mortality rate and serious complications. So, our aim was to determine the incidence and the pattern of BSIs in the NICU of Suez Canal University Hospital, Egypt, and to determine its impact on hospitalization, mortality, and morbidity. Methods. This study was a prospective one in which all neonates admitted to the NICUs in Suez Canal University hospital between January, 2013 and June 2013 were enrolled. Blood stream infections were monitored prospectively. The health care associated infection rate, mortality rate, causative organism, and risk factors were studied. Results. A total of 317 neonates were admitted to the NICU with a mortality rate of 36.0%. During this study period, 115/317 (36.3%) developed clinical signs of sepsis and were confirmed as BSIs by blood culture in only 90 neonates with 97 isolates. The total mean length of stay was significantly longer among infected than noninfected neonates (34.5 ± 18.3 and 10.8 ± 9.9 days, resp., P value < 0.001). The overall mortality rates among infected and noninfected neonates were 38.9% and 34.8%, respectively, with a significant difference. Klebsiella spp. were the most common pathogen (27.8%) followed by Pseudomonas (21.6%) and Staphylococcus aureus (15.4%). Conclusion. The rate of BSIs in NICU at Suez Canal University Hospital was relatively high with high mortality rate (36.0%). PMID:25389439

Monitoring of natural outbreaks of Phytophthora ramorum in the United Kingdom.

Treesearch

Judith Turner; Alex Appiah; Philip Jennings; Gilli Humphries; Debbie Liddell; Sam McDonough; Jackie Stonehouse; David Lockley; Stephen Eales

2006-01-01

Over 40 outbreaks of Phytophthora ramorum have occurred in managed gardens in the United Kingdom. Three of these sites, one in the southeast of England and two in the southwest, have been closely monitored since October 2003. These sites represented differing disease scenarios at the start of monitoring, as eradication action had already taken...

40 CFR 60.3044 - Is there a minimum amount of operating parameter monitoring data I must obtain?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Emission Guidelines and Compliance Times for Other Solid Waste Incineration Units That Commenced... checks and required zero and span adjustments of the monitoring system), you must conduct all monitoring.... An operating day is any day the unit combusts any municipal or institutional solid waste. (c) If you...

40 CFR 60.3044 - Is there a minimum amount of operating parameter monitoring data I must obtain?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Emission Guidelines and Compliance Times for Other Solid Waste Incineration Units That Commenced... checks and required zero and span adjustments of the monitoring system), you must conduct all monitoring.... An operating day is any day the unit combusts any municipal or institutional solid waste. (c) If you...

40 CFR 60.3044 - Is there a minimum amount of operating parameter monitoring data I must obtain?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Emission Guidelines and Compliance Times for Other Solid Waste Incineration Units That Commenced... checks and required zero and span adjustments of the monitoring system), you must conduct all monitoring.... An operating day is any day the unit combusts any municipal or institutional solid waste. (c) If you...

40 CFR 60.3044 - Is there a minimum amount of operating parameter monitoring data I must obtain?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Emission Guidelines and Compliance Times for Other Solid Waste Incineration Units That Commenced... checks and required zero and span adjustments of the monitoring system), you must conduct all monitoring.... An operating day is any day the unit combusts any municipal or institutional solid waste. (c) If you...

40 CFR 60.3044 - Is there a minimum amount of operating parameter monitoring data I must obtain?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Emission Guidelines and Compliance Times for Other Solid Waste Incineration Units That Commenced... checks and required zero and span adjustments of the monitoring system), you must conduct all monitoring.... An operating day is any day the unit combusts any municipal or institutional solid waste. (c) If you...

Arden Syntax Clinical Foundation Framework for Event Monitoring in Intensive Care Units: Report on a Pilot Study.

PubMed

de Bruin, Jeroen S; Zeckl, Julia; Adlassnig, Katharina; Blacky, Alexander; Koller, Walter; Rappelsberger, Andrea; Adlassnig, Klaus-Peter

2017-01-01

The creation of clinical decision support systems has received a strong impulse over the last years, but their integration into a clinical routine has lagged behind, partly due to a lack of interoperability and trust by physicians. We report on the implementation of a clinical foundation framework in Arden Syntax, comprising knowledge units for (a) preprocessing raw clinical data, (b) the determination of single clinical concepts, and (c) more complex medical knowledge, which can be modeled through the composition and configuration of knowledge units in this framework. Thus, it can be tailored to clinical institutions or patients' caregivers. In the present version, we integrated knowledge units for several infection-related clinical concepts into the framework and developed a clinical event monitoring system over the framework that employs three different scenarios for monitoring clinical signs of bloodstream infection. The clinical event monitoring system was tested using data from intensive care units at Vienna General Hospital, Austria.

Water-Quality Conditions and Constituent Loads, Water Years 1996-2002, and Water-Quality Trends, Water Years 1983-2002, in the Scituate Reservoir Drainage Area, Rhode Island

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nimiroski, Mark T.; DeSimone, Leslie A.; Waldron, Marcus C.

2008-01-01

The Scituate Reservoir is the primary source of drinking water for more than 60 percent of the population of Rhode Island. Water-quality data and streamflow data collected at 37 surface-water monitoring stations in the Scituate Reservoir drainage area, Rhode Island, from October 1, 1995 through September 30, 2002, (water years (WY) 1996-2002) were analyzed to determine water-quality conditions and constituent loads in the drainage area. Trends in water quality, including physical properties and concentrations of constituents, were investigated for the same period and for a longer period from October 1, 1982 through September 30, 2002 (WY 1983-2002). Water samples were collected and analyzed by Providence Water Supply Board, the agency that manages the Scituate Reservoir. Streamflow data were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey. Median values and other summary statistics were calculated for WY 1996-2002 for all 37 monitoring stations for pH, color, turbidity, alkalinity, chloride, nitrite, nitrate, total coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, orthophosphate, iron, and manganese. Instantaneous loads and yields (loads per unit area) of total coliform and E. coli bacteria (indicator bacteria), chloride, nitrite, nitrate, orthophosphate, iron, and manganese were calculated for all sampling dates during WY 1996-2002 for the 23 stations with streamflow data. Values of physical properties and concentrations of constituents were compared to State and Federal water-quality standards and guidelines, and were related to streamflow, land-use characteristics, and road density. Tributary stream water in the Scituate Reservoir drainage area for WY 1996-2002 was slightly acidic (median pH of all stations equal to 6.1) and contained low concentrations of chloride (median 13 milligrams per liter (mg/L)), nitrate (median 0.04 mg/L as N), and orthophosphate (median 0.04 mg/L as P). Turbidity and alkalinity values also were low with median values of 0.62 nephelometric turbidity units and 4.8 mg/L as calcium carbonate, respectively. Indicator bacteria were detected in samples from all stations, but median concentrations were low, 23 and 9 colony-forming units per 100 mL for total coliform and E. coli bacteria, respectively. Median values of several physical properties and median concentrations of several constituents that can be related to human activities correlated positively with the percentages of developed land and correlated negatively with the percentages of forest cover in the drainage areas of the monitoring stations. Median concentrations of chloride also correlated positively with the density of roads in the drainage areas of monitoring stations, likely reflecting the effects of road-salt applications. Median values of color correlated positively with the percentages of wetlands in the drainage areas of monitoring stations, reflecting the natural sources of color in tributary stream waters. Negative correlations of turbidity, indicator bacteria, and chloride with streamflow likely reflect seasonal patterns, in which higher values and concentrations of these properties and constituents occur during low-flow conditions at the ends of water years. Similar seasonal patterns were observed for pH, alkalinity, and color. Loads and yields of chloride, nitrate, orthophosphate, and bacteria varied among monitoring stations in the Scituate Reservoir drainage area. Loads generally were higher at stations with larger drainage areas and at stations in the eastern, more developed parts of the Scituate Reservoir drainage area. Yields generally were higher at stations in the eastern parts of the drainage area. Upward trends in pH were identified for nearly half the monitoring stations and may reflect regional reductions in acid precipitation. Upward and downward trends were identified in chloride concentrations at various stations; upward trends may reflect the effects of increasing development, whereas strong downward trends at

Multileaf collimator performance monitoring and improvement using semiautomated quality control testing and statistical process control.

PubMed

Létourneau, Daniel; Wang, An; Amin, Md Nurul; Pearce, Jim; McNiven, Andrea; Keller, Harald; Norrlinger, Bernhard; Jaffray, David A

2014-12-01

High-quality radiation therapy using highly conformal dose distributions and image-guided techniques requires optimum machine delivery performance. In this work, a monitoring system for multileaf collimator (MLC) performance, integrating semiautomated MLC quality control (QC) tests and statistical process control tools, was developed. The MLC performance monitoring system was used for almost a year on two commercially available MLC models. Control charts were used to establish MLC performance and assess test frequency required to achieve a given level of performance. MLC-related interlocks and servicing events were recorded during the monitoring period and were investigated as indicators of MLC performance variations. The QC test developed as part of the MLC performance monitoring system uses 2D megavoltage images (acquired using an electronic portal imaging device) of 23 fields to determine the location of the leaves with respect to the radiation isocenter. The precision of the MLC performance monitoring QC test and the MLC itself was assessed by detecting the MLC leaf positions on 127 megavoltage images of a static field. After initial calibration, the MLC performance monitoring QC test was performed 3-4 times/week over a period of 10-11 months to monitor positional accuracy of individual leaves for two different MLC models. Analysis of test results was performed using individuals control charts per leaf with control limits computed based on the measurements as well as two sets of specifications of ± 0.5 and ± 1 mm. Out-of-specification and out-of-control leaves were automatically flagged by the monitoring system and reviewed monthly by physicists. MLC-related interlocks reported by the linear accelerator and servicing events were recorded to help identify potential causes of nonrandom MLC leaf positioning variations. The precision of the MLC performance monitoring QC test and the MLC itself was within ± 0.22 mm for most MLC leaves and the majority of the apparent leaf motion was attributed to beam spot displacements between irradiations. The MLC QC test was performed 193 and 162 times over the monitoring period for the studied units and recalibration had to be repeated up to three times on one of these units. For both units, rate of MLC interlocks was moderately associated with MLC servicing events. The strongest association with the MLC performance was observed between the MLC servicing events and the total number of out-of-control leaves. The average elapsed time for which the number of out-of-specification or out-of-control leaves was within a given performance threshold was computed and used to assess adequacy of MLC test frequency. A MLC performance monitoring system has been developed and implemented to acquire high-quality QC data at high frequency. This is enabled by the relatively short acquisition time for the images and automatic image analysis. The monitoring system was also used to record and track the rate of MLC-related interlocks and servicing events. MLC performances for two commercially available MLC models have been assessed and the results support monthly test frequency for widely accepted ± 1 mm specifications. Higher QC test frequency is however required to maintain tighter specification and in-control behavior.

The Use of UAV in Housing Renovation Identification: A Case Study at Taman Manis 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mustaffa, A. A.; Hasmori, M. F.; Sarif, A. S.; Ahmad, N. F.; Zainun, N. Y.

2018-04-01

Housing industry in Malaysia is growing rapidly due to the increase in population and the arising of economic level of Malaysian people. Most residential houses are built according to the standard residential design that may lead to house renovation by the buyers after purchasing the house. A method of using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) monitoring was used to obtain information of the renovated houses directly on-site at Taman Manis 2, Parit Raja, Batu Pahat. Through comparison of image captured by the UAV with the original house plans, we found out that a total of 160 units out of 336 units of houses undergo a renovation process. Surprisingly, 41 units have been renovated illegally which has 40% to 96% of renovation rate. The acquired data were analyzed and can be concluded that the method of using UAVs to obtain information is highly recommended. The study is expected to help Municipal Council to detect improper & illegal renovation by the residents in a residential area.

Improvement of chemical monitoring of water-chemistry conditions at thermal power stations based on electric conductivity and pH measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larin, A. B.; Larin, B. M.

2016-05-01

The increased requirements to the quality of the water heat conductor for working superhigh (SHP) and supercritical (SCP) pressure power plants and promising units, including combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) units and power plants with ultrasupercritical parameters (USCPs), can largely be satisfied through specific electric conductivity and pH measurements for cooled heat conductor samples combined with calculations of ionic equilibria and indirect measurements of several specified and diagnostic parameters. The possibility of calculating the ammonia and chloride concentrations and the total concentration of hardness and sodium cations in the feed water of drum-type boilers and the phosphate and salt contents in boiler water was demonstrated. An equation for evaluating the content of potentially acid substances in the feed water of monotube boilers was suggested. The potential of the developed procedure for evaluating the state of waterchemistry conditions (WCCs) in power plants with CCGT units was shown.

Evaluation of a Gas Chromatograph-Differential Mobility Spectrometer for Potential Water Monitoring on the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wallace, William T.; Limero, Thomas F.; Gazda, Daniel B.; Macatangay, Ariel V.; Dwivedi, Prabha; Fernandez, Facundo M.

2015-01-01

Environmental monitoring for manned spaceflight has long depended on archival sampling, which was sufficient for short missions. However, the longer mission durations aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have shown that enhanced, real-time monitoring capabilities are necessary in order to protect both the crewmembers and the spacecraft systems. Over the past several years, a number of real-time environmental monitors have been deployed on the ISS. Currently, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the station air are monitored by the Air Quality Monitor (AQM), a small, lightweight gas chromatograph-differential mobility spectrometer. For water monitoring, real-time monitors are used for total organic carbon (TOC) and biocide analysis. No information on the actual makeup of the TOC is provided presently, however. An improvement to the current state of environmental monitoring could be realized by modifying a single instrument to analyze both air and water. As the AQM currently provides quantitative, compound-specific information for VOCs in air samples, this instrument provides a logical starting point to evaluate the feasibility of this approach. The major hurdle for this effort lies in the liberation of the target analytes from the water matrix. In this presentation, we will discuss our recent studies, in which an electro-thermal vaporization unit has been interfaced with the AQM to analyze target VOCs at the concentrations at which they are routinely detected in archival water samples from the ISS. We will compare the results of these studies with those obtained from the instrumentation routinely used to analyze archival water samples.

10 CFR 35.647 - Additional technical requirements for mobile remote afterloader units.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... on the remote afterloader unit, on the control console, and in the facility; (3) Viewing and intercom... monitors used to indicate room exposures; (6) Source positioning (accuracy); and (7) Radiation monitors...

Year-long continuous personal exposure to PM 2.5 recorded by a fast responding portable nephelometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braniš, Martin; Kolomazníková, Jana

2010-08-01

Personal exposure to particulate matter of aerodynamic diameter under 2.5 μm (PM 2.5) was monitored using a DustTrak nephelometer. The battery-operated unit, worn by an adult individual for a period of approximately one year, logged integrated average PM 2.5 concentrations over 5 min intervals. A detailed time-activity diary was used to record the experimental subject's movement and the microenvironments visited. Altogether 239 days covering all the months (except April) were available for the analysis. In total, 60 463 acceptable 5-min averages were obtained. The dataset was divided into 7 indoor and 4 outdoor microenvironments. Of the total time, 84% was spent indoors, 10.9% outdoors and 5.1% in transport. The indoor 5-min PM 2.5 average was higher (55.7 μg m -3) than the outdoor value (49.8 μg m -3). The highest 5-min PM 2.5 average concentration was detected in restaurant microenvironments (1103 μg m -3), the second highest 5-min average concentration was recorded in indoor spaces heated by stoves burning solid fuels (420 μg m -3). The lowest 5-min mean aerosol concentrations were detected outdoors in rural/natural environments (25 μg m -3) and indoors at the monitored person's home (36 μg m -3). Outdoor and indoor concentrations of PM 2.5 measured by the nephelometer at home and during movement in the vicinity of the experimental subject's home were compared with those of the nearest fixed-site monitor of the national air quality monitoring network. The high correlation coefficient (0.78) between the personal and fixed-site monitor aerosol concentrations suggested that fixed-site monitor data can be used as proxies for personal exposure in residential and some other microenvironments. Collocated measurements with a reference method (β-attenuation) showed a non-linear systematic bias of the light-scattering method, limiting the use of direct concentration readings for exact exposure analysis.

Surveillance Monitoring Management for General Care Units: Strategy, Design, and Implementation.

PubMed

McGrath, Susan P; Taenzer, Andreas H; Karon, Nancy; Blike, George

2016-07-01

The growing number of monitoring devices, combined with suboptimal patient monitoring and alarm management strategies, has increased "alarm fatigue," which have led to serious consequences. Most reported alarm man- agement approaches have focused on the critical care setting. Since 2007 Dartmouth-Hitchcock (Lebanon, New Hamp- shire) has developed a generalizable and effective design, implementation, and performance evaluation approach to alarm systems for continuous monitoring in general care settings (that is, patient surveillance monitoring). In late 2007, a patient surveillance monitoring system was piloted on the basis of a structured design and implementation approach in a 36-bed orthopedics unit. Beginning in early 2009, it was expanded to cover more than 200 inpatient beds in all medicine and surgical units, except for psychiatry and labor and delivery. Improvements in clinical outcomes (reduction of unplanned transfers by 50% and reduction of rescue events by more than 60% in 2008) and approximately two alarms per patient per 12-hour nursing shift in the original pilot unit have been sustained across most D-H general care units in spite of increasing patient acuity and unit occupancy. Sample analysis of pager notifications indicates that more than 85% of all alarm conditions are resolved within 30 seconds and that more than 99% are resolved before escalation is triggered. The D-H surveillance monitoring system employs several important, generalizable features to manage alarms in a general care setting: alarm delays, static thresholds set appropriately for the prevalence of events in this setting, directed alarm annunciation, and policy-driven customization of thresholds to allow clinicians to respond to needs of individual patients. The systematic approach to design, implementation, and performance management has been key to the success of the system.

Passive Sampling in Regulatory Chemical Monitoring of Nonpolar Organic Compounds in the Aquatic Environment.

PubMed

Booij, Kees; Robinson, Craig D; Burgess, Robert M; Mayer, Philipp; Roberts, Cindy A; Ahrens, Lutz; Allan, Ian J; Brant, Jan; Jones, Lisa; Kraus, Uta R; Larsen, Martin M; Lepom, Peter; Petersen, Jördis; Pröfrock, Daniel; Roose, Patrick; Schäfer, Sabine; Smedes, Foppe; Tixier, Céline; Vorkamp, Katrin; Whitehouse, Paul

2016-01-05

We reviewed compliance monitoring requirements in the European Union, the United States, and the Oslo-Paris Convention for the protection of the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic, and evaluated if these are met by passive sampling methods for nonpolar compounds. The strengths and shortcomings of passive sampling are assessed for water, sediments, and biota. Passive water sampling is a suitable technique for measuring concentrations of freely dissolved compounds. This method yields results that are incompatible with the EU's quality standard definition in terms of total concentrations in water, but this definition has little scientific basis. Insufficient quality control is a present weakness of passive sampling in water. Laboratory performance studies and the development of standardized methods are needed to improve data quality and to encourage the use of passive sampling by commercial laboratories and monitoring agencies. Successful prediction of bioaccumulation based on passive sampling is well documented for organisms at the lower trophic levels, but requires more research for higher levels. Despite the existence of several knowledge gaps, passive sampling presently is the best available technology for chemical monitoring of nonpolar organic compounds. Key issues to be addressed by scientists and environmental managers are outlined.

Stroke treatment outcomes in hospitals with and without Stroke Units.

PubMed

Masjuan, J; Gállego Culleré, J; Ignacio García, E; Mira Solves, J J; Ollero Ortiz, A; Vidal de Francisco, D; López-Mesonero, L; Bestué, M; Albertí, O; Acebrón, F; Navarro Soler, I M

2017-10-23

Organisational capacity in terms of resources and care circuits to shorten response times in new stroke cases is key to obtaining positive outcomes. This study compares therapeutic approaches and treatment outcomes between traditional care centres (with stroke teams and no stroke unit) and centres with stroke units. We conducted a prospective, quasi-experimental study (without randomisation of the units analysed) to draw comparisons between 2 centres with stroke units and 4 centres providing traditional care through the neurology department, analysing a selection of agreed indicators for monitoring quality of stroke care. A total of 225 patients participated in the study. In addition, self-administered questionnaires were used to collect patients' evaluations of the service and healthcare received. Centres with stroke units showed shorter response times after symptom onset, both in the time taken to arrive at the centre and in the time elapsed from patient's arrival at the hospital to diagnostic imaging. Hospitals with stroke units had greater capacity to respond through the application of intravenous thrombolysis than centres delivering traditional neurological care. Centres with stroke units showed a better fit to the reference standards for stroke response time, as calculated in the Quick study, than centres providing traditional care through the neurology department. Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Neurología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

The GOES-R Lightning Mapper Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buechler, Dennis; Christian, Hugh; Goodman, Steve

2004-01-01

The Lightning Mapper Sensor on GOES-R builds on previous measurements of lightning from low earth orbit by the OTD (Optical Transient Detector) and LIS (Lightning Imaging Sensor) sensors. Unlike observations from low earth orbit, the GOES-R platform will allow continuous monitoring of lightning activity over the Continental United States and southern Canada, Central and South America, and portions of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The LMS will detect total (cloud-to-ground and intracloud) lightning at storm scale resolution (approx. 8 km) using a highly sensitive Charge Coupled Device (CCD) detector array. Discrimination between lightning optical transients and a bright sunlit background scene is accomplished by employing spectral, spatial, and temporal filtering along with a background subtraction technique. The result is 24 hour detection capability of total lightning. These total lightning observations can be made available to users within about 20 seconds. Research indicates a number of ways that total lightning observations from LMS could benefit operational activities, including 1) potential increases in lead times and reduced false alarms for severe thunderstorm and tornado Warnings, 2) improved routing of &rail around thunderstorms, 3) support for spacecraft launches and landings, 4) improved ability to monitor tropical cyclone intensity, 5) ability to monitor thunderstorm intensification/weakening during radar outages or where radar coverage is poor, 6) better identification of deep convection for the initialization of numerical prediction models, 7) improved forest fire forecasts, 8) identification of convective initiation, 9) identification of heavy convective snowfall, and 10) enhanced temporal resolution of storm evolution (1 minute) than is available from radar observations. Total lightning data has been used in an operational environment since July 2003 at the Huntsville, Alabama National Weather Service office. Total lightning measurements are obtained by the North Alabama Lightning Mapping Array (LMA) and have successfully been used in warning decisions. Every 2 minutes, total lightning counts in 2 km by 2 km horizontal, 1 km vertical grids are available to forecasters on an AWIPS (Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System) workstation. Experience with the LMA total lightning data is used to illustrate the potential use of LMS data that would be available to forecasters across the US. This abstract is for submission as a presentation to the National Weather Association Annual Meeting to be held 16-21 October 2004 in Portland, OR. This abstract will be published in the conference proceedings.

Battery management system with distributed wireless sensors

DOEpatents

Farmer, Joseph C.; Bandhauer, Todd M.

2016-02-23

A system for monitoring parameters of an energy storage system having a multiplicity of individual energy storage cells. A radio frequency identification and sensor unit is connected to each of the individual energy storage cells. The radio frequency identification and sensor unit operates to sense the parameter of each individual energy storage cell and provides radio frequency transmission of the parameters of each individual energy storage cell. A management system monitors the radio frequency transmissions from the radio frequency identification and sensor units for monitoring the parameters of the energy storage system.

Development of a reference Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) for the monitoring and control of grid stability and quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ndilimabaka, Hervé; Blanc, Isabelle

2014-08-01

This paper discusses the details of the development of a Phasor Measurement Unit regarding the requirements of the IEEE C37.118-2005 synchrophasor standard relative to steady-state conditions on grid monitoring and control. This phasor measurement unit is intended to be used for field tests sooner.

40 CFR 60.4365 - How can I be exempted from monitoring the total sulfur content of the fuel?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... the total sulfur content of the fuel? 60.4365 Section 60.4365 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... monitoring the total sulfur content of the fuel? You may elect not to monitor the total sulfur content of the fuel combusted in the turbine, if the fuel is demonstrated not to exceed potential sulfur emissions of...

40 CFR 60.4365 - How can I be exempted from monitoring the total sulfur content of the fuel?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... the total sulfur content of the fuel? 60.4365 Section 60.4365 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... monitoring the total sulfur content of the fuel? You may elect not to monitor the total sulfur content of the fuel combusted in the turbine, if the fuel is demonstrated not to exceed potential sulfur emissions of...

Real-time detection and monitoring of the drug resistance of single myeloid leukemia cells by diffused total internal reflection.

PubMed

Liang, L; Jin, Y X; Zhu, X Q; Zhou, F L; Yang, Y

2018-05-15

Real-time detection and monitoring of the drug resistance of single cells have important significance in clinical diagnosis and therapy. Traditional methods operate a number of times for each individual concentration, and innovation is required for the design of more simple and efficient manipulation platforms with necessary higher sensitivity. Here, we have developed a novel diffused total internal reflection (TIR) method to perform drug metabolism and cytotoxicity analysis of trapped myeloid leukemia cells. Molm-13 cells, a type of acute myeloid leukemia cell, were chosen and injected into the device and fittingly captured by cell traps. Differing from previous studies, a series of different concentrations of azelaic acid (AZA) drug could be used from 0 mM to 50 mM through convection and diffusion processes in a single chip, with each concentration region featuring 50 cells, with a total of 549 cell trapping units. Thanks to the high sensitivity of the TIR method, only cells with the same drug concentration could be illuminated in the detection process. By adjusting the incident angle, we could exactly detect and monitor the drug resistance of the cells using different drug concentrations and the experimental resolution of the drug concentration was as small as 5 mM. Images of the membrane integrity and morphology of the cells in the bright field were measured and we also monitored the cell viabilities in the dark field over 2 hours. The effects of AZA on the Molm-13 cells were explored in different concentrations at the single cell level. Compared with the results of the traditional MTT assay method, the experimental results are more simple and accurate. A cell death of 5% at an AZA concentration of 5 mM was observed after 30 minutes, while a concentration of 40 mM corresponded to a 98% cell death. The designed method in this study provides a novel toolkit to control and monitor drug resistance at the single cell level more easily with higher sensitivity and we believe it has significant potential application in single cell quality assessment and medicine analysis in clinical practice.

Stability and compatibility assessment techniques for total parenteral nutrition admixtures: setting the bar according to pharmacopeial standards.

PubMed

Driscoll, David F

2005-05-01

The stability and compatibility of total parenteral nutrition mixtures compounded for patients requiring nutritional support is paramount to their safety on intravenous infusion. The most significant pharmaceutical issues associated with mixing total parenteral nutrition formulations affecting their safety involve the stability of lipid-injectable emulsions and the compatibility of calcium and phosphate salts. Methods of analysis for stability and compatibility have varied, and the assessments have mostly been largely qualitative. Although pharmacopeial standards have been primarily applicable to pharmaceutical manufacturers, recent efforts by the United States Pharmacopeia have been directed at standardizing pharmacy practices involved in the safe mixing of compounded sterile preparations. The adoption of chapter 797 entitled 'Pharmaceutical compounding - sterile preparations' on 1 January 2004 has had a dramatic impact on pharmacy practice in the United States. More recently, the United States Pharmacopeia has also proposed a new chapter 729 entitled 'Globule size distribution in lipid-injectable emulsions', setting specific limits on the sizes and concentrations of lipid droplets in the formulation, which may have implications for all-in-one mixtures. Finally, new efforts are under way to establish limits on the level of acceptable amounts of particulates intrinsically introduced by the manufacturer, and thus may have ramifications for particulates extrinsically introduced or initiated during compounding by the pharmacist. With careful monitoring and the development of appropriate pharmacopeial-based specifications that limit the size and concentration of large-diameter fat globules and eliminate the possibility of dibasic calcium phosphate precipitates, improved patient outcomes may be achieved.

Abortion surveillance--United States, 1997.

PubMed

Koonin, L M; Strauss, L T; Chrisman, C E; Parker, W Y

2000-12-08

In 1969, CDC began abortion surveillance to document the number and characteristics of women obtaining legal induced abortions, to monitor unintended pregnancy, and to assist efforts to identify and reduce preventable causes of morbidity and mortality associated with abortions. This report summarizes and reviews information reported to CDC regarding legal induced abortions obtained in the United States in 1997. For each year since 1969, CDC has compiled abortion data by state where the abortion occurred. The data are received from 52 reporting areas in the United States: 50 states, the District of Columbia, and New York City. In 1997, a total of 1,186,039 legal abortions were reported to CDC, representing a 3% decrease from the number reported for 1996. The abortion ratio was 306 legal induced abortions per 1,000 live births, and since 1995, the abortion rate has remained at 20 per 1,000 women aged 15-44 years. The availability of information about characteristics of women who obtained an abortion in 1997 varied by state and by the number of states reporting each characteristic. The total number of legal induced abortions by state is reported by state of residence and state of occurrence; characteristics of women obtaining abortions in 1997 are reported by state of occurrence. Women who were undergoing an abortion were more likely to be young (i.e., aged < 25 years), white, and unmarried; approximately one half were obtaining an abortion for the first time. More than one half of all abortions for which gestational age was reported (55%) were performed at < or = 8 weeks of gestation, and 88% were performed before 13 weeks. Overall, 18% of abortions were performed at the earliest weeks of gestation (< or = 6 weeks), 18% at 7 weeks of gestation, and 20% at 8 weeks of gestation. From 1992 through 1997, increases have occurred in the percentage of abortions performed at the very early weeks of gestation. Few abortions were provided after 15 weeks of gestation--4% of abortions were obtained at 16-20 weeks, and 1.4% were obtained at > or = 21 weeks. A total of 19 reporting areas submitted information regarding abortions performed by medical (nonsurgical) procedures, comprising < 1% of procedures reported by all states. Younger women (i.e., aged < or = 24 years) were more likely to obtain abortions later in pregnancy than were older women. From 1990 through 1995, the number of abortions declined each year; in 1996, the number increased slightly, and in 1997, the number of abortions in the United States declined to it lowest level since 1978. The number and characteristics of women who obtain abortions in the United States should continue to be monitored so that trends in induced abortion can be assessed and efforts to prevent unintended pregnancy can be evaluated.

Evaluating the Use of Tissue Oximetry to Decrease Intensive Unit Monitoring for Free Flap Breast Reconstruction.

PubMed

Ricci, Joseph A; Vargas, Christina R; Ho, Olivia A; Lin, Samuel J; Tobias, Adam M; Lee, Bernard T

2017-07-01

Postoperative free flap care has historically required intensive monitoring for 24 hours in an intensive care unit. Continuous monitoring with tissue oximetry has allowed earlier detection of vascular compromise, decreasing flap loss and improving salvage. This study aims to identify whether a fast-track postoperative paradigm can be safely used with tissue oximetry to decrease intensive monitoring and costs. All consecutive microsurgical breast reconstructions performed at a single institution were reviewed (2008-2014) and cases requiring return to the operating room were identified. Data evaluated included patient demographics, the take back time course, and complications of flap loss and salvage. A cost-benefit analysis was performed to analyse the utility of a postoperative intensive monitoring setting. There were 900 flaps performed and 32 required an unplanned return to the operating room. There were 16 flaps that required a reexploration within the first 24 hours; the standard length of intensive unit monitoring. After 4 hours, there were 7 flaps (44%) detected by tissue oximetry for reexploration. After 15 hours of intensive monitoring postoperatively, cost analysis revealed that the majority (15/16; 94%) of failing flaps had been identified and the cost of identifying each subsequent failing flap exceeded the cost of another hour of intensive monitoring. The postoperative paradigm for microsurgical flaps has historically required intensive unit monitoring. Using tissue oximetry, a fast-track pathway can reduce time spent in an intensive monitoring setting from 24 to 15 hours with significant cost savings and minimal risk of missing a failing free flap.

40 CFR Table 31 to Subpart Uuu of... - Continuous Monitoring Systems for HAP Emissions From Sulfur Recovery Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 12 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true Continuous Monitoring Systems for HAP Emissions From Sulfur Recovery Units 31 Table 31 to Subpart UUU of Part 63 Protection of Environment..., Subpt. UUU, Table 31 Table 31 to Subpart UUU of Part 63—Continuous Monitoring Systems for HAP Emissions...

40 CFR Table 31 to Subpart Uuu of... - Continuous Monitoring Systems for HAP Emissions From Sulfur Recovery Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 12 2011-07-01 2009-07-01 true Continuous Monitoring Systems for HAP Emissions From Sulfur Recovery Units 31 Table 31 to Subpart UUU of Part 63 Protection of Environment..., Subpt. UUU, Table 31 Table 31 to Subpart UUU of Part 63—Continuous Monitoring Systems for HAP Emissions...

NBC detection in air and water

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hartley, Frank T.; Smith, Steven J.; McMurtry, Gary M.

2003-01-01

Participating in a Navy STTR project to develop a system capable of the 'real-time' detection and quanitification of nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) warfare agents, and of related industrial chemicals including NBC agent synthesis by-products in water and in air immediately above the water's surface. This project uses JPL's Soft Ionization Membrane (SIM) technology which totally ionizes molecules without fragmentation (a process that can markedly improve the sensitivity and specificity of molecule compostition identification), and JPL's Rotating Field Mass Spectrometer (RFMS) technology which has large enough dynamic mass range to enable detection of nuclear materials as well as biological and chemical agents. This Navy project integrates these JPL Environmental Monitoring UnitS (REMUS) an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). It is anticipated that the REMUS AUV will be capable of 'real-time' detection and quantification of NBC warefare agents.

An Advanced NSSS Integrity Monitoring System for Shin-Kori Nuclear Units 3 and 4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, Yang Gyun; Galin, Scott R.; Lee, Sang Jeong

2010-12-01

The advanced design features of NSSS (Nuclear Steam Supply System) Integrity Monitoring System for Shin-Kori Nuclear Units 3 and 4 are summarized herein. During the overall system design and detailed component design processes, many design improvements have been made for the system. The major design changes are: 1) the application of a common software platform for all subsystems, 2) the implementation of remote access, control and monitoring capabilities, and 3) the equipment redesign and rearrangement that has simplified the system architecture. Changes give an effect on cabinet size, number of cables, cyber-security, graphic user interfaces, and interfaces with other monitoring systems. The system installation and operation for Shin-Kori Nuclear Units 3 and 4 will be more convenient than those for previous Korean nuclear units in view of its remote control capability, automated test functions, improved user interface functions, and much less cabling.

Long-term monitoring of temperature in the subsoil using Fiber Optic Distributed Sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Susanto, Kusnahadi; Malet, Jean-Philippe; Gance, Julien; Marc, Vincent

2017-04-01

Monitoring changes in soil water content in the vadose zone of soils is a great importance for various hydrological, agronomical, ecological and environmental studies. By using soil temperature measurements with Fiber-Optic Distributed Temperature Sensing (FO-DTS), we can indirectly document soil water changes at high spatial and temporal frequency. In this research, we installed an observatory of soil temperature on a representative black marl slope of the long-term Draix-Bléone hydrological observatory (South French Alps, Réseau de Basins-Versants / RBV). A 350 m long reinforced fiber optic cable was buried at 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15 m of depths and installed at the soil surface. The total length of the monitored profile is 60 m, and it three different soil units consisting of argillaceous weathered black marls, silty colluvium under grass and silty colluvium under forest. Soil temperature is measured every 6 minutes at a spatial resolution of 0.50 m using a double-ended configuration. Both passive and active (heating of the FO) is used to document soil water changes. We present the analysis of a period of 6 months of temperature measurements (January-July 2016). Changes in soil temperature at various temporal scales (rainfall event, season) and for the three units are discussed. These changes indicate different processes of water infiltration at different velocities in relation to the presence of roots and the soil permeability. We further test several inversion strategies to estimate soil water content from the thermal diffusivity of the soils using simple and more complex thermal models. Some limitations of using this indirect technique for long-term monitoring are also presented. The work is supported by the research project HYDROSLIDE and the large infrastructure project CRITEX funded by the French Research Agency (ANR).

Hand disinfection in a neonatal intensive care unit: continuous electronic monitoring over a one-year period.

PubMed

Helder, Onno K; van Goudoever, Johannes B; Hop, Wim C J; Brug, Johannes; Kornelisse, René F

2012-10-08

Good hand hygiene compliance is essential to prevent nosocomial infections in healthcare settings. Direct observation of hand hygiene compliance is the gold standard but is time consuming. An electronic dispenser with built-in wireless recording equipment allows continuous monitoring of its usage. The purpose of this study was to monitor the use of alcohol-based hand rub dispensers with a built-in electronic counter in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting and to determine compliance with hand hygiene protocols by direct observation. A one-year observational study was conducted at a 27 bed level III NICU at a university hospital. All healthcare workers employed at the NICU participated in the study. The use of bedside dispensers was continuously monitored and compliance with hand hygiene was determined by random direct observations. A total of 258,436 hand disinfection events were recorded; i.e. a median (interquartile range) of 697 (559-840) per day. The median (interquartile range) number of hand disinfection events performed per healthcare worker during the day, evening, and night shifts was 13.5 (10.8 - 16.7), 19.8 (16.3 - 24.1), and 16.6 (14.2 - 19.3), respectively. In 65.8% of the 1,168 observations of patient contacts requiring hand hygiene, healthcare workers fully complied with the protocol. We conclude that the electronic devices provide useful information on frequency, time, and location of its use, and also reveal trends in hand disinfection events over time. Direct observations offer essential data on compliance with the hand hygiene protocol. In future research, data generated by the electronic devices can be supplementary used to evaluate the effectiveness of hand hygiene promotion campaigns.

Standardization of the water heat carrier quality at Russian thermal power plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larin, B. M.; Larin, A. B.; Suslov, S. Yu.; Kirilina, A. V.

2017-04-01

The necessity of developing a new industry-specific standard of the heat carrier quality for the operating, newly commissioned, and prospective power-generating units of the thermal power plants is substantiated. The need of extending the scope of the automatic chemical monitoring and the possibility of indirect measurements of some basic standardized and diagnostic indices of the water chemistry using the specific conductance are shown. Investigations proved the possibility of automatic chemical monitoring of the phosphating of the drum boilers and quantitative control of potentially acidic impurities in the feed water in oncethrough boilers. The normative STO NP INVEL document developed at OAO VTI in 2009 is proposed as the basis for alterations and amendments. A new index, the total organic carbon, is introduced into this document. The standardized value of this index in the drum boiler feed water and steam is 100 μg/dm3. According to the above normative document, the scope of the chemical monitoring should be extended by measurements of the specific conductance of the direct and H-cation samples of both the feed and the boiler water. The content of chlorides should also be standardized. For the first time, normative restrictions are suggested on amine-containing water chemistry of the power-generating units with the combined cycle gas turbines. Flowcharts are proposed for pretreatment of the make-up water on the basis of low-mineralized natural waters with high organic substance contents, which reduces the oxidizability by 70-80%.

Inpatient-Derived Vital Sign Parameters Implementation: An Initiative to Decrease Alarm Burden.

PubMed

Kipps, Alaina K; Poole, Sarah F; Slaney, Cheryl; Feehan, Shannon; Longhurst, Christopher A; Sharek, Paul J; Goel, Veena V

2017-08-01

To implement data-driven vital sign parameters to reduce bedside monitor alarm burden. Single-center, quality-improvement initiative with historical controls assessing the impact of age-based, inpatient-derived heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) parameters on a 20-bed acute care ward that serves primarily pediatric cardiology patients. The primary outcome was the number of alarms per monitored bed day (MBD) with the aim to decrease the alarms per MBD. Balancing measures included the frequency of missed rapid response team activations, acute respiratory code events, and cardiorespiratory arrest events in the unit with the new vital sign parameters. The median number of all cardiorespiratory monitor alarms per MBD decreased by 21% from 52 (baseline period) to 41 (postintervention period) ( P < .001). This included a 17% decrease in the median HR alarms (9-7.5 per MBD) and a 53% drop in RR alarms (16.8-8.0 per MBD). There were 57 rapid response team activations, 8 acute respiratory code events, and no cardiorespiratory arrest events after the implementation of the new parameters. An evaluation of HRs and RRs recorded at the time of the event revealed that all patients with HRs and/or RRs out of range per former default parameters would also be out of range with the new parameters. Implementation of data-driven HR and iteratively derived RR parameters safely decreased the total alarm frequency by 21% in a pediatric acute care unit. Copyright © 2017 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Burst-by-burst laser frequency monitor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Esproles, Carlos (Inventor)

1994-01-01

The invention is a system for real-time frequency monitoring and display of an RF burst where the burst frequency is analyzed and displayed on a burst-by-burst basis in order to allow for frequency control. Although the invention was made for monitoring the laser frequency of a LIDAR system, it has other applications where realtime monitoring is required. The novelty of the invention resides in the use of a counter that is reset at the beginning of each unit time of monitoring and then gated for a unit of time. The invention also has an LED bar graph for displaying the measure of frequency at the end of each unit time in either a bar length mode or a moving dot mode. In the latter mode, the operator makes necessary adjustments to maintain the dot at the center of the bar graph.

Environmental Life Cycle Techniques for New Weapons Acquisition Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-09-01

Amount) Total grenade War Caracterisation factors (MJ/nn) Unit (Impact indicator) Total grenade War Total of all compartments MJ 59200 82700... Caracterisation factors (Kg CFC11 eq/nn) Unit (Impact indicator) Total grenade War Total of all compartments kg CFC-11 0,000429 0,00046 Remaining...Substance Compartment Unit (Amount) Total grenade War Caracterisation factors (Kg C2H2/nn) Unit (Impact indicator) Total grenade War Total of all

Mood and Ambulatory Monitoring of Physical Activity Patterns in Youth with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

PubMed

Michael, Julie C; El Nokali, Nermeen E; Black, Jessica J; Rofey, Dana L

2015-10-01

To provide initial insight into physical activity patterns and predictors of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in youth with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by using a multisensor activity monitor. Cross-sectional study analyzing baseline MVPA data using real-time continuous monitoring of physical activity. Body mass index (BMI) and depressive symptoms were examined as predictors of MVPA. A large, urban children's hospital in the United States. Thirty-five youth (aged 12 to 21 years) previously diagnosed with PCOS (mean BMI = 38.0 kg/m(2); mean age = 15.4 years, 79% white) who were participants in a behavioral lifestyle intervention. Total steps, total MVPA, longest continuous bout of MVPA, and frequency of MVPA bouts lasting for 5 to 9 minutes and 10 or more minutes. Sixty percent of youth averaged at least 1 daily MVPA bout lasting 10 or more minutes, and 14% averaged a daily MVPA bout lasting 30 or more minutes. BMI was negatively correlated with MVPA bout duration (P = .04). Parental ratings of depression, but not self-report ratings, were predictive of participants' total MVPA (β = -.46; P = .01), number of 5- to 9-minute bouts (β = -.39; P = .03), and bouts of 10 or more minutes (β = -.35; P = .05). Youth with PCOS may benefit from being prescribed multiple bouts of MVPA lasting less than 30 continuous minutes to meet national recommendations and achieve health benefits. BMI and parental endorsement of child's depression symptoms may be important to consider when assessing and prescribing MVPA to youth with PCOS. Copyright © 2015 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluating detection and monitoring tools for incipient and relictual non-native ungulate populations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Judge, Seth W.; Hess, Steve; Faford, Jonathan K.J.; Pacheco, Dexter; Leopold, Christina R.; Cole, Colleen; Deguzman, Veronica

2016-01-01

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (HAVO) encompasses 1,308 km2 on Hawai‘i Island. The park harbors endemic plants and animals which are threatened by a variety of invasive species. Introduced ungulates have caused sharp declines of numerous endemic species and have converted ecosystems to novel grazing systems in many cases. Local ranchers and the Territorial Government of Hawai‘i had long conducted regional ungulate control even prior to the establishment of HAVO in 1916. In 1995 the park’s hunting team began a new hunt database that allowed managers to review hunt effort and effectiveness in each management unit. Target species included feral pigs (Sus scrofa), European mouflon sheep (Ovis gmelini musimon), feral goats (Capra hircus) and wild cattle (Bos taurus). Hunters removed 1,204 feral pigs from HAVO over a 19-year period (1996‒2014). A variety of methods were employed, but trapping, snaring and ground hunts with dogs accounted for the most kills. Trapping yielded the most animals per unit effort. Hunters and volunteers removed 6,657 mouflon from HAVO; 6,601 of those were from the 468 km2 Kahuku Unit. Aerial hunts yielded the most animals followed by ground hunt methods. Hunters completed eradications of goats in several management units over an 18- year period (1997‒2014) when they removed the last 239 known individuals in HAVO primarily with aerial hunts. There have also been seven cattle and five feral dogs (Canis familiaris) removed from HAVO. Establishing benchmarks and monitoring the success of on-the-ground ungulate removal efforts can improve the efficiency of protecting and restoring native forest for high-priority watersheds and native wildlife. We tested a variety of methods to detect small populations of ungulates within HAVO and the Hō‘ili Wai study area in the high-priority watershed of Ka‘ū Forest Reserve on Hawai‘i Island. We conducted ground surveys, aerial surveys and continuous camera trap monitoring in both fence-enclosed units and unenclosed units where populations of introduced mouflon and feral pigs threatened sensitive native plants and forest bird habitats. Beginning in June 2014, twenty infrared camera traps were positioned in areas occupied by ungulates. The cameras were active for at most 198 days, and then half of the cameras were baited with oats and salt blocks for 126 days. There were a total of 1,496 observations of mouflon captured on camera, totaling 2,592 individuals: 1,020 ewes, 900 rams, 276 lambs, and 396 sheep of unknown sex. There were no detections of the illegally introduced axis deer (Axis axis). There were 11 observations of feral pigs and 109 observations of other animals (birds, rats, and other small mammals), including one detection of the federally endangered Hawaiian hawk (Buteo solitarius). Mouflon detection rates did not increase near baited cameras until three months after the initial baiting. Ground-based surveys for ungulate presence were conducted along six transects in Kahuku in October 2014. Evidence of ungulates were detected in 27.5% of plots surveyed within an unenclosed unit, while an enclosed unit had sign in only 3.6% of plots surveyed. An aerial survey by helicopter was conducted in October 2014. A total of 378 mouflon were detected during the survey: 192 in the Kahuku Paddocks, 186 in the Kahuku East unit and no mouflon were detected in the actively controlled Mauka unit. Two baseline ungulate surveys have been completed at the Hō‘ili Wai study area in the highpriority watershed of Ka‘ū Forest Reserve adjacent to Kahuku prior to the completion of an exclusionary ungulate fence. Ground-based surveys were conducted on four transects within a 4.99 km2 area on 5 August and 5–6 November 2014. In August, 20.71% of 565 plots surveyed 2 had fresh or intermediate ungulate sign. In November, 17.41% of 557 plots surveyed had fresh or intermediate ungulate sign. These surveys represent baseline levels of ungulate activity prior to management; therefore comparative inferences can be made about ungulate distribution and relative abundance, but inferences about absolute abundance cannot be made until all ungulates have been removed from the enclosed area. Additional ground-based surveys will be conducted when the fenced area has been fully enclosed, and until ungulate removals have been completed.

Research Spotlight: Groundwater is being depleted rapidly in California's Central Valley

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tretkoff, Ernie

2011-03-01

Groundwater is being depleted in California's Central Valley at a rapid rate, according to data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite. Famiglietti et al. analyzed 78 months of GRACE data covering October 2003 to March 2010 to estimate water storage changes in California's Sacramento and San Joaquin river basins. They found that the basins are losing water at a rate of about 30 millimeters per year equivalent water height, or a total of about 30 cubic kilometers over the 78-month period. Furthermore, they found that two thirds of this loss, or a total of 20 cubic kilometers for the study period, came from groundwater depletion in the Central Valley. Quantifying groundwater depletion can be challenging in many areas because of a lack of monitoring infrastructure and reporting requirements; the study shows that satellite-based monitoring can be a useful way to track groundwater volumes. The authors warn that the current rate of groundwater depletion in the Central Valley may be unsustainable and could have “potentially dire consequences for the economic and food security of the United States.” (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2010GL046442, 2011)

Effects of ceiling-mounted HEPA-UV air filters on airborne bacteria concentrations in an indoor therapy pool building.

PubMed

Kujundzic, Elmira; Zander, David A; Hernandez, Mark; Angenent, Largus T; Henderson, David E; Miller, Shelly L

2005-02-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a new generation of high-volume, ceiling-mounted high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)-ultraviolet (UV) air filters (HUVAFs) for their ability to remove or inactivate bacterial aerosol. In an environmentally controlled full-scale laboratory chamber (87 m3), and an indoor therapy pool building, the mitigation ability of air filters was assessed by comparing concentrations of total bacteria, culturable bacteria, and airborne endotoxin with and without the air filters operating under otherwise similar conditions. Controlled chamber tests with pure cultures of aerosolized Mycobacterium parafortuitum cells showed that the HUVAF unit tested provided an equivalent air-exchange rate of 11 hr(-1). Using this equivalent air-exchange rate as a design basis, three HUVAFs were installed in an indoor therapy pool building for bioaerosol mitigation, and their effectiveness was studied over a 2-year period. The HUVAFs reduced concentrations of culturable bacteria by 69 and 80% during monitoring periods executed in respective years. The HUVAFs reduced concentrations of total bacteria by 12 and 76% during the same monitoring period, respectively. Airborne endotoxin concentrations were not affected by the HUVAF operation.

Water Quality Monitoring: An Environmental Studies Unit for Biology 20/30. Teacher's Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alberta Environment, Edmonton. Environmental Education Resources Branch.

The objective of this environmental studies unit is to establish a water quality monitoring project for high school students in Alberta while simultaneously providing a unit which meets the objectives of the Biology 20 program (and which may also be used in Biology 10 and 30). Through this project, students assist in the collection,…

Water Quality Monitoring: An Environmental Studies Unit for Biology 20/30. Student Manual.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alberta Environment, Edmonton. Environmental Education Resources Branch.

The objective of this environmental studies unit is to establish a water quality monitoring project for high school students in Alberta while simultaneously providing a unit which meets the objectives of the Biology 20 program (and which may also be used in Biology 10 and 30). Through this project, students assist in the collection,…

Nanotechnology and textiles engineered by carbon nanotubes for the realization of advanced personal protective equipments

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

Andretta, Antonio, E-mail: Antonio-Andretta@klopman.com; Terranova, Maria Letizia; Lavecchia, Teresa

2014-06-19

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) and CNT-based active materials have been used to assemble the gas sensing unit of innovative platforms able to detect toxic atmospheres developing in confined workplaces. The main goal of the project was to realize a full-featured, operator-friendly safety detection and monitoring system based on multifunctional textiles nanotechnologies. The fabricated sensing platform consists of a multiple gas detector coupled with a specifically designed telecommunication infrastructure. The portable device, totally integrated in the workwear, offers several advantages over the conventional safety tools employed in industrial work activities.

Nanotechnology and textiles engineered by carbon nanotubes for the realization of advanced personal protective equipments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andretta, Antonio; Terranova, Maria Letizia; Lavecchia, Teresa; Gay, Stefano; Picano, Alfredo; Mascioletti, Alessandro; Stirpe, Daniele; Cucchiella, Cristian; Pascucci, Eddy; Dugnani, Giovanni; Gatti, Davide; Laria, Giuseppe; Codenotti, Barbara; Maldini, Giorgio; Roth, Siegmar; Passeri, Daniele; Rossi, Marco; Tamburri, Emanuela

2014-06-01

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) and CNT-based active materials have been used to assemble the gas sensing unit of innovative platforms able to detect toxic atmospheres developing in confined workplaces. The main goal of the project was to realize a full-featured, operator-friendly safety detection and monitoring system based on multifunctional textiles nanotechnologies. The fabricated sensing platform consists of a multiple gas detector coupled with a specifically designed telecommunication infrastructure. The portable device, totally integrated in the workwear, offers several advantages over the conventional safety tools employed in industrial work activities.

Key cost drivers of pharmaceutical clinical trials in the United States.

PubMed

Sertkaya, Aylin; Wong, Hui-Hsing; Jessup, Amber; Beleche, Trinidad

2016-04-01

The increasing cost of clinical research has significant implications for public health, as it affects drug companies' willingness to undertake clinical trials, which in turn limits patient access to novel treatments. Thus, gaining a better understanding of the key cost drivers of clinical research in the United States is important. The study which is based on a report prepared by Eastern Research Group, Inc., for the US Department of Health and Human Services, examined different factors, such as therapeutic area, patient recruitment, administrative staff, and clinical procedure expenditures, and their contribution to pharmaceutical clinical trial costs in the United States by clinical trial phase. The study used aggregate data from three proprietary databases on clinical trial costs provided by Medidata Solutions. We evaluated per-study costs across therapeutic areas by aggregating detailed (per patient and per site) cost information. We also compared average expenditures on cost drivers with the use of weighted mean and standard deviation statistics. Therapeutic area was an important determinant of clinical trial costs by phase. The average cost of a Phase 1 study conducted at a US site ranged from US$1.4 million (pain and anesthesia) to US$6.6 million (immunomodulation), including estimated site overhead and monitoring costs of the sponsoring organization. A Phase 2 study cost from US$7.0 million (cardiovascular) to US$19.6 million (hematology), whereas a Phase 3 study cost ranged from US$11.5 million (dermatology) to US$52.9 (pain and anesthesia) on average. Across all study phases and excluding estimated site overhead costs and costs for sponsors to monitor the study, the top three cost drivers of clinical trial expenditures were clinical procedure costs (15%-22% of total), administrative staff costs (11%-29% of total), and site monitoring costs (9%-14% of total). The data were from 2004 through 2012 and were not adjusted for inflation. Additionally, the databases used represented a convenience, that is, non-probability, sample and did not allow for statistically valid estimates of cost drivers. Finally, the data were from trials funded by the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry only. Hence, our study findings are limited to that segment. Therapeutic area being studied as well as number and types of clinical procedures involved were the key drivers of direct costs in Phase 1 through Phase 3 studies. Research shows that strategies exist for reducing the price tag of some of these major direct cost components. Therefore, to increase clinical trial efficiency and reduce costs, gaining a better understanding of the key direct cost drivers is an important step. © The Author(s) 2016.

Streamflow, water quality, and constituent loads and yields, Scituate Reservoir drainage area, Rhode Island, water year 2010

USGS Publications Warehouse

Smith, Kirk P.; Breault, Robert F.

2011-01-01

Streamflow and water-quality data were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) or the Providence Water Supply Board (PWSB), Rhode Island's largest drinking-water supplier. Streamflow was measured or estimated by the USGS following standard methods at 23 streamgages; 14 of these stations were also equipped with instrumentation capable of continuously monitoring specific conductance and water temperature. Streamflow and concentrations of sodium and chloride estimated from records of specific conductance were used to calculate loads of sodium and chloride during water year (WY) 2010 (October 1, 2009, to September 30, 2010). Water-quality samples also were collected at 37 sampling stations by the PWSB and at 14 monitoring stations by the USGS during WY 2010 as part of a long sampling program; all stations are in the Scituate Reservoir drainage area. Waterquality data collected by PWSB are summarized by using values of central tendency and are used, in combination with measured (or estimated) streamflows, to calculate loads and yields (loads per unit area) of selected water-quality constituents for WY 2010. The largest tributary to the reservoir (the Ponaganset River, which was monitored by the USGS) contributed a mean streamflow of about 39 cubic feet per second (ft3/s) to the reservoir during WY 2010. For the same time period, annual mean streamflows measured (or estimated) for the other monitoring stations in this study ranged from about 0.7 to 27 ft3/s. Together, tributary streams (equipped with instrumentation capable of continuously monitoring specific conductance) transported about 1,500,000 kilograms (kg) of sodium and 2,500,000 kg of chloride to the Scituate Reservoir during WY 2010; sodium and chloride yields for the tributaries ranged from 11,000 to 66,000 kilograms per square mile (kg/mi2) and from 18,000 to 110,000 kg/mi2, respectively. At the stations where water-quality samples were collected by the PWSB, the median of the median chloride concentrations was 20.2 milligrams per liter (mg/L), median nitrite concentration was 0.002 mg/L as nitrogen (N), median nitrate concentration was 0.01 mg/L as N, median orthophosphate concentration was 0.06 mg/L as phosphorus, and median concentrations of total coliform and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria were 93 and 16 colony forming units per 100 milliliters (CFU/100mL), respectively. The medians of the median daily loads (and yields) of chloride, nitrite, nitrate, orthophosphate, and total coliform and E. coli bacteria were 170 kg/d (73 kg/d/mi2), 11 g/d (5.3 g/d/mi2), 74 g/d (39 g/d/mi2), 340 g/d (170 g/d/mi2), 5,700 million colony forming units per day (CFUx106/d) (2,300 CFUx106/d/mi2), and 620 CFUx106/d (440 CFUx106/d/mi2), respectively.

New York City Police Department automated fuel monitoring system. Volume II: documentation report

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

McGrath, W.J.; McNamara, M.M.

1981-11-01

The New York City Police Department's (NYCPD) automated fuel monitoring system was designed and implemented for NYCPD as a major aspect of the Naval Underwater System Center's technology transfer program. The system, which is the largest of its kind installed to date, provides complete control of fuel usage for an agency with 4,000 motor vehicles and 25,000 vehicle operators, and can be scaled up or down to meet the needs of other governmental units. Estimated annual cost savings to NYCPD are $2,000,000. Other benefits of the new system are: (1) central control of fuel ordering and dispensing which ensures fewermore » sites out of fuel and for shorter periods; (2) less out-of-precinct travel because personnel do not have to go from site to site looking for gas; and (3) control of the total fuel operation, both for management and accounting purposes.« less

Secured remote health monitoring system

PubMed Central

Ganesh Kumar, Pugalendhi

2017-01-01

Wireless medical sensor network is used in healthcare applications that have the collections of biosensors connected to a human body or emergency care unit to monitor the patient's physiological vital status. The real-time medical data collected using wearable medical sensors are transmitted to a diagnostic centre. The data generated from the sensors are aggregated at this centre and transmitted further to the doctor's personal digital assistant for diagnosis. The unauthorised access of one's health data may lead to misuse and legal complications while unreliable data transmission or storage may lead to life threatening risk to patients. So, this Letter combines the symmetric algorithm and attribute-based encryption to secure the data transmission and access control system for medical sensor network. In this work, existing systems and their algorithm are compared for identifying the best performance. The work also shows the graphical comparison of encryption time, decryption time and total computation time of the existing and the proposed systems. PMID:29383257

Integration of strategic inventory and monitoring programs for the forest lands, wood lands, range lands and agricultural lands of the United States

Treesearch

Raymond L. Czaplewski

1999-01-01

The United States Department of Agriculture uses the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program to monitor the nation's forests and wood lands, and the National Resources Inventory (NRI) program to monitor the nation's agricultural and range lands. Although their measurement methods and sampling frames are very different, both programs are developing annual...

Concentrations, and Estimated Loads and Yields of Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus at Selected Stations in Kentucky, 1979-2004

USGS Publications Warehouse

Crain, Angela S.; Martin, Gary R.

2009-01-01

To evaluate the State's water quality, the Kentucky Division of Water collects data from a statewide network of primary ambient stream water-quality monitoring stations and flexible, rotating watershed-monitoring stations. This ambient stream water-quality monitoring network program is directed to assess the conditions of surface waters throughout Kentucky. Water samples were collected monthly for the majority of the stations from 1979 to 1998, which represented agricultural, undeveloped (mainly forested), and areas of mixed land use/land cover. In 1998, the number of water samples collected was reduced to a collection frequency of six times per year (every 2 months) every 4 of 5 years, because a new monitoring network was implemented involving a 5-year rotating Basin Management Unit scheme of monitoring. This report presents the results of a study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet-Kentucky Division of Water, to summarize concentrations of total nitrogen and total phosphorus and provide estimates of total nitrogen and total phosphorus loads and yields in 55 selected streams in Kentucky's ambient stream water-quality monitoring network, which was operated from 1979 through 2004. Streams in predominately agricultural basins had higher concentrations of total nitrogen (TN) and concentrations of total phosphorus (TP) than streams in predominately undeveloped (forested) basins. Streams in basins in intensely developed karst areas characterized by caves, springs, sinkholes, and sinking streams had a higher median concentration of TN (1.5 milligrams per liter [mg/L]) than streams in basins with limited or no karst areas (0.63 mg/L). As with TN, median concentrations of TP also were higher in areas of intense karst (0.05 mg/L) than in areas with limited or no karst (0.02 mg/L). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has recommended ecoregional nutrient water-quality criteria as a starting point for States to establish more precise numeric water-quality criteria for nutrients to protect aquatic life and recreational and other uses of rivers and streams. On the basis of the 25th percentile of concentration data from reference stations aggregated by ecoregion, the USEPA established recommended water-quality criteria for TN and TP in the two Aggregated Ecoregions (IX and XI) in Kentucky waters. The 25th percentile median values for TN and TP from this study exceeded the USEPA's recommendations in both aggregated ecoregions in the agricultural and mixed land-use/land-cover basins, and for TN in the undeveloped land-use/land-cover basins in Aggregated Ecoregion XI. However, the 25th percentile median values for TN (Aggregated Ecoregion IX) and TP in both aggregated ecoregions did not exceed the USEPA's recommendations in the undeveloped land-use/land-cover basins. Estimated loads and yields of TN and TP varied substantially among the individual stations. Estimated mean annual yields of TN ranged from 0.10 [tons per year per square mile (ton/yr)/mi2] to 7.2 (ton/yr)/mi2, and estimated mean annual yields of TP ranged from 0.02 (ton/yr)/mi2 to 1.4 (ton/yr)/mi2. Estimated mean annual yields of TN and TP were generally highest at stations in predominately agricultural basins, and lowest at stations in undeveloped land-use/land-cover basins.

Space Heaters, Computers, Cell Phone Chargers: How Plugged In AreCommercial Buildings?

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

Sanchez, Marla; Webber, Carrie; Brown, Richard

2007-02-28

Evidenceof electric plug loads in commercial buildings isvisible everyday: space heaters, portable fans, and the IT technician'stwo monitors connected to one PC. The Energy Information Administrationestimates that office and miscellaneous equipment together will consume2.18 quads in 2006, nearly 50 percent of U.S. commercial electricity use.Although the importance of commercial plug loads is documented, its verynature (diverse product types, products not installed when buildinginitially constructed, and products often hidden in closets) makes itdifficult to accurately count and categorize the end use.We auditedsixteen buildings in three cities (San Francisco, Atlanta, Pittsburgh)including office, medical and education building types. We inventoriedthe number and typesmore » of office and miscellaneous electric equipment aswell as estimated total energy consumption due to these product types. Intotal, we audited approximately 4,000 units of office equipment and 6,000units of miscellaneous equipment and covered a diverse range of productsranging from electric pencil sharpeners with a unit energy consumption(UEC) of 1 kWh/yr to a kiln with a UEC of 7,000 kWh/yr. Our paperpresents a summary of the density and type of plug load equipment foundas well as the estimated total energy consumption of the equipment.Additionally, we present equipment trends observed and provide insightsto how policy makers can target energy efficiency for this growing enduse.« less

Hydraulic design to optimize the treatment capacity of Multi-Stage Filtration units

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mushila, C. N.; Ochieng, G. M.; Otieno, F. A. O.; Shitote, S. M.; Sitters, C. W.

2016-04-01

Multi-Stage Filtration (MSF) can provide a robust treatment alternative for surface water sources of variable water quality in rural communities at low operation and maintenance costs. MSF is a combination of Slow Sand Filters (SSFs) and Pre-treatment systems. The general objective of this research was to optimize the treatment capacity of MSF. A pilot plant study was undertaken to meet this objective. The pilot plant was monitored for a continuous 98 days from commissioning till the end of the project. Three main stages of MSF namely: The Dynamic Gravel Filter (DGF), Horizontal-flow Roughing Filter (HRF) and SSF were identified, designed and built. The response of the respective MSF units in removal of selected parameters guiding drinking water quality such as microbiological (Faecal and Total coliform), Suspended Solids, Turbidity, PH, Temperature, Iron and Manganese was investigated. The benchmark was the Kenya Bureau (KEBS) and World Health Organization (WHO) Standards for drinking water quality. With respect to microbiological raw water quality improvement, MSF units achieved on average 98% Faecal and 96% Total coliform removal. Results obtained indicate that implementation of MSF in rural communities has the potential to increase access to portable water to the rural populace with a probable consequent decrease in waterborne diseases. With a reduced down time due to illness, more time would be spent in undertaking other economic activities.

Effect of a commercial housing system on egg quality during extended storage.

PubMed

Jones, D R; Karcher, D M; Abdo, Z

2014-05-01

Egg producers in the United States are utilizing a variety of commercial egg production systems to provide consumer choice and meet legislative requirements. Consumer egg grades in the United States were developed for conventional cage production, and it is unclear what effect alternative production systems might have on egg quality during retail and consumer home storage. The current study was undertaken to determine what changes in egg quality characteristics occur during extended cold storage for commercially produced conventional cage, enriched colony cage, and cage-free aviary eggs. During 12 wk of cold storage, egg weight, albumen height, Haugh unit, static compression shell strength, vitelline membrane strength and deformation, yolk index, shell dynamic stiffness, and whole egg total solids were monitored. Overall, aviary and enriched eggs were significantly (P < 0.05) heavier than conventional cage. Albumen height and Haugh unit (P < 0.05) were significantly greater for conventional cage than enriched eggs. Static compression shell strength was greatest (P < 0.05) for enriched eggs compared with aviary. No overall housing system effects for yolk measurements, shell dynamic stiffness, or whole egg total solids were observed. Albumen height, Haugh unit, and yolk quality measurements were all greatest at 0 and lowest at 12 wk of storage (P < 0.05). The rate of quality change among the housing systems for each measured attribute at 4, 6, and 12 wk was determined. Other than differences in the change of egg weight at 4 wk, no significant differences in the rate of quality decline were found among the housing systems. The results of the current study indicate that current US egg quality standards should effectively define quality for commercially produced conventional cage, enriched colony cage, and cage-free aviary eggs.

Remote Autonomous Sensor Networks: A Study in Redundancy and Life Cycle Costs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahlrichs, M.; Dotson, A.; Cenek, M.

2017-12-01

The remote nature of the United States and Canada border and their extreme seasonal shifts has made monitoring much of the area impossible using conventional monitoring techniques. Currently, the United States has large gaps in its ability to detect movement on an as-needed-basis in remote areas. The proposed autonomous sensor network aims to meet that need by developing a product that is low cost, robust, and can be deployed on an as-needed-basis for short term monitoring events. This is accomplished by identifying radio frequency disturbance and acoustic disturbance. This project aims to validate the proposed design and offer optimization strategies by conducting a redundancy model as well as performing a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The model will incorporate topological, meteorological, and land cover datasets to estimate sensor loss over a three-month period, ensuring that the remaining network does not have significant gaps in coverage which preclude being able to receive and transmit data. The LCA will investigate the materials used to create the sensor to generate an estimate of the total environmental energy that is utilized to create the network and offer alternative materials and distribution methods that can lower this cost. This platform can function as a stand-alone monitoring network or provide additional spatial and temporal resolution to existing monitoring networks. This study aims to create the framework to determine if a sensor's design and distribution is appropriate for the target environment. The incorporation of a LCA will seek to answer if the data a proposed sensor network will collect outweighs the environmental damage that will result from its deployment. Furthermore, as the arctic continues to thaw and economic development grows, the methodology described in paper will function as a guidance document to ensure that future sensor networks have a minimal impact on these pristine areas.

Electronic fetal heart rate monitoring and its relationship to neonatal and infant mortality in the United States.

PubMed

Chen, Han-Yang; Chauhan, Suneet P; Ananth, Cande V; Vintzileos, Anthony M; Abuhamad, Alfred Z

2011-06-01

To examine the association between electronic fetal heart rate monitoring and neonatal and infant mortality, as well as neonatal morbidity. We used the United States 2004 linked birth and infant death data. Multivariable log-binomial regression models were fitted to estimate risk ratio for association between electronic fetal heart rate monitoring and mortality, while adjusting for potential confounders. In 2004, 89% of singleton pregnancies had electronic fetal heart rate monitoring. Electronic fetal heart rate monitoring was associated with significantly lower infant mortality (adjusted relative risk, 0.75); this was mainly driven by the lower risk of early neonatal mortality (adjusted relative risk, 0.50). In low-risk pregnancies, electronic fetal heart rate monitoring was associated with decreased risk for Apgar scores <4 at 5 minutes (relative risk, 0.54); in high-risk pregnancies, with decreased risk of neonatal seizures (relative risk, 0.65). In the United States, the use of electronic fetal heart rate monitoring was associated with a substantial decrease in early neonatal mortality and morbidity that lowered infant mortality. Copyright © 2011 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

A Global Perspective on Drinking-Water and Sanitation Classification: An Evaluation of Census Content

PubMed Central

Yu, Weiyu; Wardrop, Nicola A.; Bain, Robert E. S.; Lin, Yanzhao; Zhang, Ce; Wright, Jim A.

2016-01-01

Following the recent expiry of the United Nations’ 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), new international development agenda covering 2030 water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) targets have been proposed, which imply new demands on data sources for monitoring relevant progress. This study evaluates drinking-water and sanitation classification systems from national census questionnaire content, based upon the most recent international policy changes, to examine national population census’s ability to capture drinking-water and sanitation availability, safety, accessibility, and sustainability. In total, 247 censuses from 83 low income and lower-middle income countries were assessed using a scoring system, intended to assess harmonised water supply and sanitation classification systems for each census relative to the typology needed to monitor the proposed post-2015 indicators of WASH targets. The results signal a lack of international harmonisation and standardisation in census categorisation systems, especially concerning safety, accessibility, and sustainability of services in current census content. This suggests further refinements and harmonisation of future census content may be necessary to reflect ambitions for post-2015 monitoring. PMID:26986472

Monitoring requirements for groundwaters under the influence of reclaimed water.

PubMed

Fox, P

2001-07-01

Monitoring groundwaters under the influence of reclaimed water must consider the major constituents of concern in reclaimed water. This research focused on the fate of dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen species at field sites located throughout the Southwestern United States. A watershed approach was developed to predict the fate of dissolved organic carbon as a function of the drinking water dissolved organic carbon concentration and the total dissolved solids concentration in the reclaimed water. Extensive characterization of the dissolved organic carbon recovered from groundwaters under the influence of reclaimed water was done. With the exception of fluorescence spectroscopy, the dissolved organic carbon present in effluent organic matter was similar in structure, character and reactivity as compared to natural organic matter. Evidence for sustainable nitrogen removal mechanisms during groundwater recharge with reclaimed water was obtained. The autotrophic reaction between ammonia and nitrate appears to a mechanism for the removal nitrogen in a carbon-depleted environment. The monitoring tools and methodologies developed in this research can be used to assure protection of public health and determine the sustainability of indirect potable reuse projects.

Spectrophotometric color measurement for early detection and monitoring of greening on granite buildings.

PubMed

Sanmartín, P; Vázquez-Nion, D; Silva, B; Prieto, B

2012-01-01

This paper addresses the detection and monitoring of the development of epilithic phototrophic biofilms on the granite façade of an institutional building in Santiago de Compostela (NW Spain), and reports a case study of preventive conservation. The results provide a basis for establishing criteria for the early detection of phototrophic colonization (greening) and for monitoring its development on granite buildings by the use of color changes recorded with a portable spectrophotometer and represented in the CIELAB color space. The results show that parameter b* (associated with changes of yellowness-blueness) provides the earliest indication of colonization and varies most over time, so that it is most important in determining the total color change. The limit of perception of the greening on a granite surface was also established in a psycho-physical experiment, as Δb*: +0.59 CIELAB units that correspond, in the present study, to 6.3 μg of biomass dry weight cm(-2) and (8.43 ± 0.24) × 10(-3) μg of extracted chlorophyll a cm(-2).

A Global Perspective on Drinking-Water and Sanitation Classification: An Evaluation of Census Content.

PubMed

Yu, Weiyu; Wardrop, Nicola A; Bain, Robert E S; Lin, Yanzhao; Zhang, Ce; Wright, Jim A

2016-01-01

Following the recent expiry of the United Nations' 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), new international development agenda covering 2030 water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) targets have been proposed, which imply new demands on data sources for monitoring relevant progress. This study evaluates drinking-water and sanitation classification systems from national census questionnaire content, based upon the most recent international policy changes, to examine national population census's ability to capture drinking-water and sanitation availability, safety, accessibility, and sustainability. In total, 247 censuses from 83 low income and lower-middle income countries were assessed using a scoring system, intended to assess harmonised water supply and sanitation classification systems for each census relative to the typology needed to monitor the proposed post-2015 indicators of WASH targets. The results signal a lack of international harmonisation and standardisation in census categorisation systems, especially concerning safety, accessibility, and sustainability of services in current census content. This suggests further refinements and harmonisation of future census content may be necessary to reflect ambitions for post-2015 monitoring.

Monitoring and reporting attacks on education in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia.

PubMed

Bennouna, Cyril; van Boetzelaer, Elburg; Rojas, Lina; Richard, Kinyera; Karume, Gang; Nshombo, Marius; Roberts, Leslie; Boothby, Neil

2018-04-01

The United Nations' Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism is charged with documenting six grave violations against children in a time of conflict, including attacks on schools. Many of these incidents, however, remain unreported across the globe. This study explores whether or not a local knowledge base of education and child protection actors in North and South Kivu Provinces, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and in Mogadishu, Somalia, could contribute to a more complete record of attacks on education in those areas. Hundreds of semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants across the three settings, and in total 432 attacks on education were documented. Purposive samples of these reports were verified and a large majority was confirmed. Local non-governmental organisations and education institutions were most knowledgeable about these incidents, but most never reported them to a monitoring authority. The study concludes that attack surveillance and response were largely insufficient, and recommends investing in mechanisms that utilise local knowledge to address these shortcomings. © 2018 The Author(s). Disasters © Overseas Development Institute, 2018.

Measuring Time-Averaged Blood Pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rothman, Neil S.

1988-01-01

Device measures time-averaged component of absolute blood pressure in artery. Includes compliant cuff around artery and external monitoring unit. Ceramic construction in monitoring unit suppresses ebb and flow of pressure-transmitting fluid in sensor chamber. Transducer measures only static component of blood pressure.

Exploding Head Syndrome in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit: Case Report and Literature Review.

PubMed

Gillis, Kara; Ng, Marcus C

2017-01-01

Diagnosis of paroxysmal events in epilepsy patients is often made through video-telemetry electroencephalography in the epilepsy monitoring unit. This case report describes the first-ever diagnosis of exploding head syndrome in a patient with longstanding epilepsy and novel nocturnal events. In this report, we describe the presentation of exploding head syndrome and its prevalence and risk factors. In addition, the prevalence of newly diagnosed sleep disorders through video-telemetry electroencephalography in the epilepsy monitoring unit is briefly reviewed. This report also illustrates the novel use of clobazam for the treatment of exploding head syndrome.

Helium gas purity monitor based on low frequency acoustic resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kasthurirengan, S.; Jacob, S.; Karunanithi, R.; Karthikeyan, A.

1996-05-01

Monitoring gas purity is an important aspect of gas recovery stations where air is usually one of the major impurities. Purity monitors of Katherometric type are commercially available for this purpose. Alternatively, we discuss here a helium gas purity monitor based on acoustic resonance of a cavity at audio frequencies. It measures the purity by monitoring the resonant frequency of a cylindrical cavity filled with the gas under test and excited by conventional telephone transducers fixed at the ends. The use of the latter simplifies the design considerably. The paper discusses the details of the resonant cavity and the electronic circuit along with temperature compensation. The unit has been calibrated with helium gas of known purities. The unit has a response time of the order of 10 minutes and measures the gas purity to an accuracy of 0.02%. The unit has been installed in our helium recovery system and is found to perform satisfactorily.

Do you think you have what it takes to set up a long-term video monitoring unit?

PubMed

Smith, Sheila L

2006-03-01

The single most important factor when setting up a long-term video monitoring unit is research. Research all vendors by traveling to other sites and calling other facilities. Considerations with equipment include the server, acquisition units, review units, cameras, software, and monitors as well as other factors including Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance. Research customer support including both field and telephone support. Involve your Clinical Engineering Department in your investigations. Be sure to obtain warranty information. Researching placement of the equipment is essential. Communication with numerous groups is vital. Administration, engineers, clinical engineering, physicians, infection control, environmental services, house supervisors, security, and all involved parties should be involved in the planning.

The effectiveness of a single treatment with doramectin or ivermectin in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in grazing yearling stocker cattle.

PubMed

Ballweber, L R; Smith, L L; Stuedemann, J A; Yazwinski, T A; Skogerboe, T L

1997-09-01

Four studies were conducted to a similar experimental design in the U.S. to evaluate the effectiveness of doramectin injectable administered to yearling stocker cattle in the control of gastrointestinal nematodiasis over the subsequent grazing period. Studies were conducted in Wisconsin (WI) and Arkansas (AR) during the summer season. The other two studies were conducted in Georgia (GA) and Mississippi (MS) during the winter/spring season. Doramectin was compared with both ivermectin injectable and ivermectin pour-on in the WI study, with ivermectin injectable alone in the GA study and with ivermectin pour-on alone in the other two studies. At each study site, an area of permanent pasture previously grazed by parasitized animals was subdivided by fencing into equal pasture units each with its own water supply. A treatment designation (non-medicated control, doramectin injectable, ivermectin injectable or ivermectin pour-on) was randomly assigned to each pasture unit. Weaned beef calves with confirmed gastrointestinal nematode infections were randomly allotted to a pasture unit and corresponding treatment group. Each treatment group consisted of three replicates of seven animals per pasture unit (total 21 animals) in the WI study, three replicates of four or six animals per pasture unit (total 16 animals) in the AR study, five replicates of six animals per pasture unit (total 30 animals) in the GA study and three replicates of 12 animals per pasture unit (total 36 animals) in the MS study. Treatments were 1% doramectin injectable solution, 1% ivermectin injectable solution, 0.5% ivermectin pour-on solution or non-medicated controls. The injectables were administered at a dose of 1 ml/50 kg body weight (200 micrograms doramectin or ivermectin/kg) by subcutaneous injection in the neck. Ivermectin pour-on solution was administered topically at a dose of 1 ml/10 kg body weight (500 micrograms ivermectin/kg). After receiving their prescribed treatment, animals were placed on their designated pasture unit where they remained for the entire grazing period (84-140 days). Fecal nematode egg counts and body weights were monitored at predetermined intervals throughout each study. Doramectin treatment reduced pretreatment egg counts by between 95 and 100% by 21 days post-treatment. Subsequent rises in egg output from exposure to infective pastures were delayed by two to four weeks resulting in substantial reductions in total egg deposition over the grazing period and, therefore, potential pasture recontamination. Doramectin treatment resulted in substantial average daily weight gain advantages (0.152-0.272 kg) over the grazing season compared to non-medicated controls. Advantages were statistically significant (P < 0.05) in three of the four studies. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in average daily gain between the doramectin and ivermectin injectable or ivermectin pour-on treated groups.

US Environmental rotection Agency's strategy for ground-water-quality monitoring at hazardous-waste land-disposal facilities located in karst terranes

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

Field, M.S.

1988-11-01

Ground-water monitoring of hazardous-waste land-disposal units by a network of wells is ineffective when located in karstic terranes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently proposing to modify its current ground-water-quality monitoring requirement of one upgradient well and three downgradient wells for disposal units located in karstic terranes. The convergent nature of subsurface flow to cave streams in karstic terranes requires that effective monitoring wells intercept the cave streams. Wells located around a hazardous-waste disposal unit, but not in the specific cave stream draining the site, are only providing irrelevant data and a false sense of security because themore » water samples from such wells are not necessarily from the hazardous-waste disposal unit. A case study is provided in this paper. EPA is drafting a guidance document that will allow monitoring by wells, only if the up- and down-gradient wells can be demonstrated to be hydraulically connected by means of dye-trace studies. If not, then the monitoring of springs shown to be hydraulically connected to the facility by dye-tracing studies would be required. Monitoring for sinkhole development will also be required to provide advance warning of sinkhole collapse. The investigation and determination of the probability of sinkhole collapse is given special treatment.« less

Design and qualification of the SEU/TD Radiation Monitor chip

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buehler, Martin G.; Blaes, Brent R.; Soli, George A.; Zamani, Nasser; Hicks, Kenneth A.

1992-01-01

This report describes the design, fabrication, and testing of the Single-Event Upset/Total Dose (SEU/TD) Radiation Monitor chip. The Radiation Monitor is scheduled to fly on the Mid-Course Space Experiment Satellite (MSX). The Radiation Monitor chip consists of a custom-designed 4-bit SRAM for heavy ion detection and three MOSFET's for monitoring total dose. In addition the Radiation Monitor chip was tested along with three diagnostic chips: the processor monitor and the reliability and fault chips. These chips revealed the quality of the CMOS fabrication process. The SEU/TD Radiation Monitor chip had an initial functional yield of 94.6 percent. Forty-three (43) SEU SRAM's and 14 Total Dose MOSFET's passed the hermeticity and final electrical tests and were delivered to LL.

Continuous non-invasive end-tidal CO2 monitoring in pediatric inpatients with diabetic ketoacidosis.

PubMed

Agus, Michael S D; Alexander, Jamin L; Mantell, Patricia A

2006-08-01

Pediatric inpatients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) are routinely subjected to frequent blood draws in order to closely monitor degree of acidosis and response to therapy. The typical level of acidosis monitoring is less than ideal, however, because of the high cost and invasiveness of frequent blood labs. Previous studies have validated end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) monitoring in the emergency department (ED) for varying periods of time. We extend these findings to the inpatient portion of the hospitalization during which the majority of blood tests are sent. All patients admitted to an intermediate care unit in (InCU) a large children's hospital were fitted with an appropriately sized oral/nasal cannula capable of sensing EtCO2. Laboratory studies were obtained according to hospital clinical practice guidelines. In a retrospective analysis, EtCO2 values were correlated with serum total CO2 (stCO2), venous pH (vpH), venous pCO2 (vpCO2), and calculated bicarbonate from venous blood gas (vHCO3-). A total of 78 consecutive episodes of DKA in 72 patients aged 1-21 yr were monitored for 3-38 h with both capnography and laboratory testing, producing 334 comparisons. Initial values were as follows, reported as median (range): stCO2, 11 (4-22) mmol/L; vpH, 7.281 (6.998-7.441); vpCO2, 28.85 (9.3-43.3) mmHg; and vHCO3-, 14 (3-25) mmol/L. EtCO2 was correlated well with stCO2 (r = 0.84, p < 0.001), vHCO3- (r = 0.84, p < 0.001), and vpCO2 (r = 0.79, p < 0.001). These data support the findings of previous studies limited to ED populations and suggest that non-invasive EtCO2 monitoring is a valuable and reliable tool to continuously follow acidosis in the setting of the acutely ill pediatric patient with DKA. Continuous EtCO2 monitoring offers the practitioner an early warning system for unexpected changes in acidosis that augments the utility of intermittent blood gas determinations.

Sleep Disturbances in Patients Admitted to a Step-Down Unit After ICU Discharge: the Role of Mechanical Ventilation

PubMed Central

Fanfulla, Francesco; Ceriana, Piero; D'Artavilla Lupo, Nadia; Trentin, Rossella; Frigerio, Francesco; Nava, Stefano

2011-01-01

Background: Severe sleep disruption is a well-documented problem in mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients during their time in the intensive care unit (ICU), but little attention has been paid to the period when these patients become clinically stable and are transferred to a step-down unit (SDU). We monitored the 24-h sleep pattern in 2 groups of patients, one on mechanical ventilation and the other breathing spontaneously, admitted to our SDU to assess the presence of sleep abnormalities and their association with mechanical ventilation. Methods: Twenty-two patients admitted to an SDU underwent 24-h polysomnography with monitoring of noise and light. Results: One patient did not complete the study. At night, 10 patients showed reduced sleep efficiency, 6 had reduced percentage of REM sleep, and 3 had reduced percentage of slow wave sleep (SWS). Sleep amount and quality did not differ between patients breathing spontaneously and those on mechanical ventilation. Clinical severity (SAPSII score) was significantly correlated with daytime total sleep time and efficiency (r = 0.51 and 0.5, P < 0.05, respectively); higher pH was correlated with reduced sleep quantity and quality; and higher PaO2 was correlated with increased SWS (r = 0.49; P = 0.02). Conclusions: Patients admitted to an SDU after discharge from an ICU still have a wide range of sleep abnormalities. These abnormalities are mainly associated with a high severity score and alkalosis. Mechanical ventilation does not appear to be a primary cause of sleep impairment. Citation: Fanfulla F; Ceriana P; Lupo ND; Trentin R; Frigerio F; Nava S. Sleep disturbances in patients admitted to a step-down unit after ICU discharge: the role of mechanical ventilation. SLEEP 2011;34(3):355-362. PMID:21358853

OXIDIZED NITROGEN DEPOSITION IN THE EASTERN UNITED STATES

EPA Science Inventory

Air quality and selected meteorological parameters have been monitored at rural sites in the United States (US) by EPA's Clean Air Status and Trends Network, (CASTNet) sites. The National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) monitors wet deposition of numerous ions in precip...

Changes in vegetation cover and composition in the Swedish mountain region.

PubMed

Hedenås, Henrik; Christensen, Pernilla; Svensson, Johan

2016-08-01

Climate change, higher levels of natural resource demands, and changing land use will likely lead to changes in vegetation configuration in the mountain regions. The aim of this study was to determine if the vegetation cover and composition have changed in the Swedish region of the Scandinavian Mountain Range, based on data from the long-term landscape biodiversity monitoring program NILS (National Inventory of Landscapes in Sweden). Habitat type and vegetation cover were assessed in 1740 systematically distributed permanent field plots grouped into 145 sample units across the mountain range. Horvitz-Thompson estimations were used to estimate the present areal extension of the alpine and the mountain birch forest areas of the mountain range, the cover of trees, shrubs, and plants, and the composition of the bottom layer vegetation. We employed the data from two subsequent 5-year monitoring periods, 2003-2007 and 2008-2012, to determine if there have been any changes in these characteristics. We found that the extension of the alpine and the mountain birch forest areas has not changed between the inventory phases. However, the total tree canopy cover increased in the alpine area, the cover of graminoids and dwarf shrubs and the total cover of field vegetation increased in both the alpine area and the mountain birch forest, the bryophytes decreased in the alpine area, and the foliose lichens decreased in the mountain birch forest. The observed changes in vegetation cover and composition, as assessed by systematic data in a national and regional monitoring scheme, can validate the results of local studies, experimental studies, and models. Through benchmark assessments, monitoring data also contributes to governmental policies and land-management strategies as well as to directed cause and effect analyses.

Remote mood monitoring for adults with bipolar disorder: An explorative study of compliance and impact on mental health service use and costs.

PubMed

Simon, J; Budge, K; Price, J; Goodwin, G M; Geddes, J R

2017-09-01

Remote monitoring of mood disorders may be an effective and low resource option for patient follow-up, but relevant evidence remains very limited. This study explores real-life compliance and health services impacts of mood monitoring among patients with bipolar disorder in the UK. Patients with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder who were registered users of the True Colours monitoring system for at least 12months at study assessment were included in this retrospective cohort study (n=79). Compliance was measured as the proportion of valid depression and mania scale messages received in comparison to their expected numbers over the first 12months of monitoring. Mental health service use data were extracted from case notes, costed using national unit costs, and compared 12months before (pre-TC period) and 12months after (TC period) patients' engagement with monitoring. Associations with relevant patient factors were investigated in a multiple regression model. Average compliance with monitoring was 82%. Significant increases in the annual use and costs of psychiatrist contacts and total mental health services were shown for patients newly referred to the clinic during the pre-TC period but not for long-term patients of the clinic. Psychiatric medication costs increased significantly between the pre-TC and TC periods (£235, P=0.005) unrelated to patients' referral status. Remote mood monitoring has good compliance among consenting patients with bipolar disorder. We found no associations between observed changes in mental health service costs and the introduction of monitoring except for the increase in psychiatric medication costs. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.

Monitoring HIV and AIDS Related Policy Reforms: A Road Map to Strengthen Policy Monitoring and Implementation in PEPFAR Partner Countries

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Achieving an AIDS-free generation will require the adoption and implementation of critical health policy reforms. However, countries with high HIV burden often have low policy development, advocacy, and monitoring capacity. This lack of capacity may be a significant barrier to achieving the AIDS-free generation goals. This manuscript describes the increased focus on policy development and implementation by the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). It evaluates the curriculum and learning modalities used for two regional policy capacity building workshops organized around the PEPFAR Partnership Framework agreements and the Road Map for Monitoring and Implementing Policy Reforms. A total of 64 participants representing the U.S. Government, partner country governments, and civil society organizations attended the workshops. On average, participants responded that their policy monitoring skills improved and that they felt they were better prepared to monitor policy reforms three months after the workshop. When followed-up regarding utilization of the Road Map action plan, responses were mixed. Reasons cited for not making progress included an inability to meet or a lack of time, personnel, or governmental support. This lack of progress may point to a need for building policy monitoring systems in high HIV burden countries. Because the success of policy reforms cannot be measured by the mere adoption of written policy documents, monitoring the implementation of policy reforms and evaluating their public health impact is essential. In many high HIV burden countries, policy development and monitoring capacity remains weak. This lack of capacity could hinder efforts to achieve the ambitious AIDS-free generation treatment, care and prevention goals. The Road Map appears to be a useful tool for strengthening these critical capacities. PMID:26914708

Type- and Subtype-Specific Influenza Forecast.

PubMed

Kandula, Sasikiran; Yang, Wan; Shaman, Jeffrey

2017-03-01

Prediction of the growth and decline of infectious disease incidence has advanced considerably in recent years. As these forecasts improve, their public health utility should increase, particularly as interventions are developed that make explicit use of forecast information. It is the task of the research community to increase the content and improve the accuracy of these infectious disease predictions. Presently, operational real-time forecasts of total influenza incidence are produced at the municipal and state level in the United States. These forecasts are generated using ensemble simulations depicting local influenza transmission dynamics, which have been optimized prior to forecast with observations of influenza incidence and data assimilation methods. Here, we explore whether forecasts targeted to predict influenza by type and subtype during 2003-2015 in the United States were more or less accurate than forecasts targeted to predict total influenza incidence. We found that forecasts separated by type/subtype generally produced more accurate predictions and, when summed, produced more accurate predictions of total influenza incidence. These findings indicate that monitoring influenza by type and subtype not only provides more detailed observational content but supports more accurate forecasting. More accurate forecasting can help officials better respond to and plan for current and future influenza activity. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Development of the Second Generation International Space Station (ISS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clements, Anna L.; Stinson, Richard G.; VanWie, Michael; Warren, Eric

2009-01-01

The second generation International Space Station (ISS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer s (TOCA) function is to monitor concentrations of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in ISS water samples. TOC is one measurement that provides a general indication of overall water quality by indicating the potential presence of hazardous chemicals. The data generated from the TOCA is used as a hazard control to assess the quality of the reclaimed and stored water supplies on-orbit and their suitability for crew consumption. This paper details the unique ISS Program requirements, the design of the ISS TOCA, and a brief description of the on-orbit concept-of-operations. The TOCA schematic will be discussed in detail along with specific information regarding key components. The ISS TOCA was designed as a non-toxic TOC analyzer that could be deployed in a flight ready package. This basic concept was developed through laboratory component level testing, two moderate fidelity integrated system breadboard prototypes, a flight-like full scale prototype, as well as lessons learned from the inadequacies of the first unit. The result: a new TOCA unit that is robust in design and includes special considerations to microgravity and the on-orbit ISS environment. TOCA meets the accuracy needs of the ISS Program with a 1,000 to 25,000 g/L range, accurate to within +/-25%.

In vitro and in vivo testing of a totally implantable left ventricular assist system.

PubMed

Jassawalla, J S; Daniel, M A; Chen, H; Lee, J; LaForge, D; Billich, J; Ramasamy, N; Miller, P J; Oyer, P E; Portner, P M

1988-01-01

The totally implantable Novacor LVAS is being tested under NIH auspices to demonstrate safety and efficacy before clinical trials. Twelve complete systems (submerged in saline at 37 degrees C) are being tested, with an NIH goal of demonstrating 80% reliability for 2 year operation with a 60% confidence level. The systems, which are continuously monitored, are diurnally cycled between two output levels by automatically varying preload and afterload. Currently, 14.3 years of failure-free operation have been accumulated, with a mean duration of 14 months. Using an exponential failure distribution model, the mean time to failure (MTTF) is greater than 8.8 years, corresponding to a demonstrated reliability (for a 2 year mission time) of 80% (80% confidence level). Recent ovine experiments with VAS subsystems include a 767 day volume compensator implant, a 279 day pump/drive unit implant and a 1,448 day BST implant. The last 12 chronic pump/drive unit experiments had a mean duration of 153 days (excluding early postoperative complications). This compares favorably with the NIH goals for complete systems (5 month mean duration). Complete system experiments are currently underway.

Sleep and adverse environmental factors in sedated mechanically ventilated pediatric intensive care patients.

PubMed

Al-Samsam, Rim H; Cullen, Pauline

2005-09-01

To document the quantity and architecture of sleep using objective electrophysiologic assessment in sedated mechanically ventilated pediatric intensive care unit patients over a 24-hr period and to investigate the effect of noise and staff interventions on sleep pattern in these subjects. Prospective observational study. Pediatric intensive care unit at a university hospital. A total of 11 patients studied between September 2000 and June 2001, with ages ranging from 3 to 21 months. All patients were intubated, mechanically ventilated, and sedated with morphine and midazolam infusions. Limited sleep polysomnograph, staff interventions, and noise levels were continuously monitored during a 24-hr period. Noise levels were consistently >48 dB(A); the highest night peak reached 103 dB(A). Staff interventions lasted for a mean of 240 (SD 90) mins in a 24-hr period. There was no significant difference in the number of interventions between day and night. Severe alterations to sleep architecture were found throughout the 24 hrs, with no diurnal variations. Active sleep was severely reduced to a mean of 3% (SD 4%; range, 0-11%) of total sleep time. There was severe sleep fragmentation as reflected by the high number (mean, 40 [SD 20]) of wake episodes. The above findings suggest a significant electrophysiologic abnormality of sleep in the pediatric intensive care unit patients. Our pediatric intensive care unit environment is characterized by both, high noise levels and frequent staff interventions. This study has several limitations and future studies are needed, with larger sample size and an attempt to manipulate the environmental factors to minimize their negative effects on sleep.

Legionella contamination in the water system of hospital dental settings.

PubMed

Veronesi, Licia; Capobianco, Emanuela; Affanni, Paola; Pizzi, Silvia; Vitali, Pietro; Tanzi, Maria Luisa

2007-08-01

Among hospital facilities the dental unit is an environment that is at major risk of Legionella due to equipment such as the air/water syringe, the turbine, the micromotor and the scaler which generate potentially harmful aerosols that may to be a source of exposure to Legionella spp. particularly in immunodeficient patients, and those affected by chronic diseases, and also in dental personnel. Therefore, an examination of the extent of Legionella spp. contamination in the dental chairs waterlines and the incoming water supply of some public dental units is the subject of the present study. From February 2002 to March 2004, a total of 208 water samples were collected: 160 samples from the water supply of 4 dental chair and 48 samples from the cold incoming tap water of 2 units. Legionella spp. was detected in 46 samples (22.1% ): 19 of them (41.3% of Legionella spp.; 9.1% of the total) were Legionella pneumophila; Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected in 86 samples (41.4%) and both microorganisms were detected in 2 samples (0.96%). Our results show a microbiological condition in dental settings, that is not at all satisfactory due to the presence of Legionella in concentrations that are considered to be a health hazard (> or = 10(3)) in certain cases. Given the extent of the health risk in these surroundings, the difficulty in its assessment, and also considering the wide diffusion of general dental care, our investigation has confirmed the need to regularly monitor the microbiological condition of water in dental units.

BIS-Guided Total Intravenous Anesthesia for Orchiopexy and Circumcision in a Child with Severe Autism: A Case Report

PubMed Central

Okur, Selçuk; Arıkan, Müge; Temel, Gülşen; Temel, Volkan

2012-01-01

Autistic children are very difficult to manage in the hospital setting because they react badly to any change in routine. We describe a case of 10-year-old male patient with severe autism undergoing orchidopexy and circumcision. Following premedication, anesthesia was induced with remifentanil, propofol, atracurium, and maintained with total intravenous anesthesia (propofol and remifentanil). The Bispectral Index System was monitored for determination of the depth of anesthesia. After surgery, all infusions were discontinued. The patient was then transferred to the postanesthetic care unit. There were no adverse events observed during the anesthetic management. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the second postoperative day. Bispectral Index System-guided Total Intravenous Anesthesia can provide some advantages for patient with autism, such as hemodynamic stability, early and easy recovery, to facilitate faster discharge, to optimize the delivery of anesthetic agents, to minimize its adverse effects, and to maximize its safety. PMID:23227368

Design, development, and field demonstration of a remotely deployable water quality monitoring system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wallace, J. W.; Lovelady, R. W.; Ferguson, R. L.

1981-01-01

A prototype water quality monitoring system is described which offers almost continuous in situ monitoring. The two-man portable system features: (1) a microprocessor controlled central processing unit which allows preprogrammed sampling schedules and reprogramming in situ; (2) a subsurface unit for multiple depth capability and security from vandalism; (3) an acoustic data link for communications between the subsurface unit and the surface control unit; (4) eight water quality parameter sensors; (5) a nonvolatile magnetic bubble memory which prevents data loss in the event of power interruption; (6) a rechargeable power supply sufficient for 2 weeks of unattended operation; (7) a water sampler which can collect samples for laboratory analysis; (8) data output in direct engineering units on printed tape or through a computer compatible link; (9) internal electronic calibration eliminating external sensor adjustment; and (10) acoustic location and recovery systems. Data obtained in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron are tabulated.

Validation of a wireless modular monitoring system for structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lynch, Jerome P.; Law, Kincho H.; Kiremidjian, Anne S.; Carryer, John E.; Kenny, Thomas W.; Partridge, Aaron; Sundararajan, Arvind

2002-06-01

A wireless sensing unit for use in a Wireless Modular Monitoring System (WiMMS) has been designed and constructed. Drawing upon advanced technological developments in the areas of wireless communications, low-power microprocessors and micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) sensing transducers, the wireless sensing unit represents a high-performance yet low-cost solution to monitoring the short-term and long-term performance of structures. A sophisticated reduced instruction set computer (RISC) microcontroller is placed at the core of the unit to accommodate on-board computations, measurement filtering and data interrogation algorithms. The functionality of the wireless sensing unit is validated through various experiments involving multiple sensing transducers interfaced to the sensing unit. In particular, MEMS-based accelerometers are used as the primary sensing transducer in this study's validation experiments. A five degree of freedom scaled test structure mounted upon a shaking table is employed for system validation.

Development of living body information monitoring system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakamoto, Hidetoshi; Ohbuchi, Yoshifumi; Torigoe, Ippei; Miyagawa, Hidekazu; Murayama, Nobuki; Hayashida, Yuki; Igasaki, Tomohiko

2010-03-01

The easy monitoring systems of contact and non-contact living body information for preventing the the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) were proposed as an alternative monitoring system of the infant's vital information. As for the contact monitoring system, respiration sensor, ECG electrodes, thermistor and IC signal processor were integrated into babies' nappy holder. This contact-monitoring unit has RF transmission function and the obtained data are analyzed in real time by PC. In non-contact mortaring system, the infrared thermo camera was used. The surrounding of the infant's mouth and nose is monitored and the respiration rate is obtained by thermal image processing of its temperature change image of expired air. This proposed system of in-sleep infant's vital information monitoring system and unit are very effective as not only infant's condition monitoring but also nursing person's one.

Development of living body information monitoring system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakamoto, Hidetoshi; Ohbuchi, Yoshifumi; Torigoe, Ippei; Miyagawa, Hidekazu; Murayama, Nobuki; Hayashida, Yuki; Igasaki, Tomohiko

2009-12-01

The easy monitoring systems of contact and non-contact living body information for preventing the the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) were proposed as an alternative monitoring system of the infant's vital information. As for the contact monitoring system, respiration sensor, ECG electrodes, thermistor and IC signal processor were integrated into babies' nappy holder. This contact-monitoring unit has RF transmission function and the obtained data are analyzed in real time by PC. In non-contact mortaring system, the infrared thermo camera was used. The surrounding of the infant's mouth and nose is monitored and the respiration rate is obtained by thermal image processing of its temperature change image of expired air. This proposed system of in-sleep infant's vital information monitoring system and unit are very effective as not only infant's condition monitoring but also nursing person's one.

Multileaf collimator performance monitoring and improvement using semiautomated quality control testing and statistical process control

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

Létourneau, Daniel, E-mail: daniel.letourneau@rmp.uh.on.ca; McNiven, Andrea; Keller, Harald

2014-12-15

Purpose: High-quality radiation therapy using highly conformal dose distributions and image-guided techniques requires optimum machine delivery performance. In this work, a monitoring system for multileaf collimator (MLC) performance, integrating semiautomated MLC quality control (QC) tests and statistical process control tools, was developed. The MLC performance monitoring system was used for almost a year on two commercially available MLC models. Control charts were used to establish MLC performance and assess test frequency required to achieve a given level of performance. MLC-related interlocks and servicing events were recorded during the monitoring period and were investigated as indicators of MLC performance variations. Methods:more » The QC test developed as part of the MLC performance monitoring system uses 2D megavoltage images (acquired using an electronic portal imaging device) of 23 fields to determine the location of the leaves with respect to the radiation isocenter. The precision of the MLC performance monitoring QC test and the MLC itself was assessed by detecting the MLC leaf positions on 127 megavoltage images of a static field. After initial calibration, the MLC performance monitoring QC test was performed 3–4 times/week over a period of 10–11 months to monitor positional accuracy of individual leaves for two different MLC models. Analysis of test results was performed using individuals control charts per leaf with control limits computed based on the measurements as well as two sets of specifications of ±0.5 and ±1 mm. Out-of-specification and out-of-control leaves were automatically flagged by the monitoring system and reviewed monthly by physicists. MLC-related interlocks reported by the linear accelerator and servicing events were recorded to help identify potential causes of nonrandom MLC leaf positioning variations. Results: The precision of the MLC performance monitoring QC test and the MLC itself was within ±0.22 mm for most MLC leaves and the majority of the apparent leaf motion was attributed to beam spot displacements between irradiations. The MLC QC test was performed 193 and 162 times over the monitoring period for the studied units and recalibration had to be repeated up to three times on one of these units. For both units, rate of MLC interlocks was moderately associated with MLC servicing events. The strongest association with the MLC performance was observed between the MLC servicing events and the total number of out-of-control leaves. The average elapsed time for which the number of out-of-specification or out-of-control leaves was within a given performance threshold was computed and used to assess adequacy of MLC test frequency. Conclusions: A MLC performance monitoring system has been developed and implemented to acquire high-quality QC data at high frequency. This is enabled by the relatively short acquisition time for the images and automatic image analysis. The monitoring system was also used to record and track the rate of MLC-related interlocks and servicing events. MLC performances for two commercially available MLC models have been assessed and the results support monthly test frequency for widely accepted ±1 mm specifications. Higher QC test frequency is however required to maintain tighter specification and in-control behavior.« less

Continuous EEG monitoring in the intensive care unit.

PubMed

Scheuer, Mark L

2002-01-01

Continuous EEG (CEEG) monitoring allows uninterrupted assessment of cerebral cortical activity with good spatial resolution and excellent temporal resolution. Thus, this procedure provides a means of constantly assessing brain function in critically ill obtunded and comatose patients. Recent advances in digital EEG acquisition, storage, quantitative analysis, and transmission have made CEEG monitoring in the intensive care unit (ICU) technically feasible and useful. This article summarizes the indications and methodology of CEEG monitoring in the ICU, and discusses the role of some quantitative EEG analysis techniques in near real-time remote observation of CEEG recordings. Clinical examples of CEEG use, including monitoring of status epilepticus, assessment of ongoing therapy for treatment of seizures in critically ill patients, and monitoring for cerebral ischemia, are presented. Areas requiring further development of CEEG monitoring techniques and indications are discussed.

Nonnative Fishes in the Upper Mississippi River System

USGS Publications Warehouse

Irons, Kevin S.; DeLain, Steven A.; Gittinger, Eric; Ickes, Brian S.; Kolar, Cindy S.; Ostendort, David; Ratcliff, Eric N.; Benson, Amy J.; Irons, Kevin S.

2009-01-01

The introduction, spread, and establishment of nonnative species is widely regarded as a leading threat to aquatic biodiversity and consequently is ranked among the most serious environmental problems facing the United States today. This report presents information on nonnative fish species observed by the Long Term Resource Monitoring Program on the Upper Mississippi River System a nexus of North American freshwater fish diversity for the Nation. The Long Term Resource Monitoring Program, as part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Environmental Management Plan, is the Nation's largest river monitoring program and stands as the primary source of standardized ecological information on the Upper Mississippi River System. The Long Term Resource Monitoring Program has been monitoring fish communities in six study areas on the Upper Mississippi River System since 1989. During this period, more than 3.5 million individual fish, consisting of 139 species, have been collected. Although fish monitoring activities of the Long Term Resource Monitoring Program focus principally on entire fish communities, data collected by the Program are useful for detecting and monitoring the establishment and spread of nonnative fish species within the Upper Mississippi River System Basin. Sixteen taxa of nonnative fishes, or hybrids thereof, have been observed by the Long Term Resource Monitoring Program since 1989, and several species are presently expanding their distribution and increasing in abundance. For example, in one of the six study areas monitored by the Long Term Resource Monitoring Program, the number of established nonnative species has increased from two to eight species in less than 10 years. Furthermore, contributions of those eight species can account for up to 60 percent of the total annual catch and greater than 80 percent of the observed biomass. These observations are critical because the Upper Mississippi River System stands as a nationally significant pathway for nonnative species expansion between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes Basin. This report presents a synthesis of data on nonnative fish species observed during Long Term Resource Monitoring Program monitoring activities.

Long-Term Monitoring Network Optimization Evaluation for Operable Unit 2, Bunker Hill Mining and Metallurgical Complex Superfund Site, Idaho

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This report presents a description and evaluation of the ground water and surface water monitoring program associated with the Bunker Hill Mining and Metallurgical Complex Superfund Site (Bunker Hill) Operable Unit (OU) 2.

Evaluation of aerial survey methods for Dall's sheep

USGS Publications Warehouse

Udevitz, Mark S.; Shults, Brad S.; Adams, Layne G.; Kleckner, Christopher

2006-01-01

Most Dall's sheep (Ovis dalli dalli) population-monitoring efforts use intensive aerial surveys with no attempt to estimate variance or adjust for potential sightability bias. We used radiocollared sheep to assess factors that could affect sightability of Dall's sheep in standard fixed-wing and helicopter surveys and to evaluate feasibility of methods that might account for sightability bias. Work was conducted in conjunction with annual aerial surveys of Dall's sheep in the western Baird Mountains, Alaska, USA, in 2000–2003. Overall sightability was relatively high compared with other aerial wildlife surveys, with 88% of the available, marked sheep detected in our fixed-wing surveys. Total counts from helicopter surveys were not consistently larger than counts from fixed-wing surveys of the same units, and detection probabilities did not differ for the 2 aircraft types. Our results suggest that total counts from helicopter surveys cannot be used to obtain reliable estimates of detection probabilities for fixed-wing surveys. Groups containing radiocollared sheep often changed in size and composition before they could be observed by a second crew in units that were double-surveyed. Double-observer methods that require determination of which groups were detected by each observer will be infeasible unless survey procedures can be modified so that groups remain more stable between observations. Mean group sizes increased during our study period, and our logistic regression sightability model indicated that detection probabilities increased with group size. Mark–resight estimates of annual population sizes were similar to sightability-model estimates, and confidence intervals overlapped broadly. We recommend the sightability-model approach as the most effective and feasible of the alternatives we considered for monitoring Dall's sheep populations.

Technical note: The US Dobson station network data record prior to 2015, re-evaluation of NDACC and WOUDC archived records with WinDobson processing software

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, Robert D.; Petropavlovskikh, Irina; McClure-Begley, Audra; McConville, Glen; Quincy, Dorothy; Miyagawa, Koji

2017-10-01

The United States government has operated Dobson ozone spectrophotometers at various sites, starting during the International Geophysical Year (1 July 1957 to 31 December 1958). A network of stations for long-term monitoring of the total column content (thickness of the ozone layer) of the atmosphere was established in the early 1960s and eventually grew to 16 stations, 14 of which are still operational and submit data to the United States of America's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Seven of these sites are also part of the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC), an organization that maintains its own data archive. Due to recent changes in data processing software the entire dataset was re-evaluated for possible changes. To evaluate and minimize potential changes caused by the new processing software, the reprocessed data record was compared to the original data record archived in the World Ozone and UV Data Center (WOUDC) in Toronto, Canada. The history of the observations at the individual stations, the instruments used for the NOAA network monitoring at the station, the method for reducing zenith-sky observations to total ozone, and calibration procedures were re-evaluated using data quality control tools built into the new software. At the completion of the evaluation, the new datasets are to be published as an update to the WOUDC and NDACC archives, and the entire dataset is to be made available to the scientific community. The procedure for reprocessing Dobson data and the results of the reanalysis on the archived record are presented in this paper. A summary of historical changes to 14 station records is also provided.

A Wearable Context-Aware ECG Monitoring System Integrated with Built-in Kinematic Sensors of the Smartphone.

PubMed

Miao, Fen; Cheng, Yayu; He, Yi; He, Qingyun; Li, Ye

2015-05-19

Continuously monitoring the ECG signals over hours combined with activity status is very important for preventing cardiovascular diseases. A traditional ECG holter is often inconvenient to carry because it has many electrodes attached to the chest and because it is heavy. This work proposes a wearable, low power context-aware ECG monitoring system integrated built-in kinetic sensors of the smartphone with a self-designed ECG sensor. The wearable ECG sensor is comprised of a fully integrated analog front-end (AFE), a commercial micro control unit (MCU), a secure digital (SD) card, and a Bluetooth module. The whole sensor is very small with a size of only 58 × 50 × 10 mm for wearable monitoring application due to the AFE design, and the total power dissipation in a full round of ECG acquisition is only 12.5 mW. With the help of built-in kinetic sensors of the smartphone, the proposed system can compute and recognize user's physical activity, and thus provide context-aware information for the continuous ECG monitoring. The experimental results demonstrated the performance of proposed system in improving diagnosis accuracy for arrhythmias and identifying the most common abnormal ECG patterns in different activities. In conclusion, we provide a wearable, accurate and energy-efficient system for long-term and context-aware ECG monitoring without any extra cost on kinetic sensor design but with the help of the widespread smartphone.

Molecular Epidemiological Study of Aspergillus fumigatus in a Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit by PCR Amplification of Ribosomal Intergenic Spacer Sequences

PubMed Central

Radford, Sarah A.; Johnson, Elizabeth M.; Leeming, John P.; Millar, Michael R.; Cornish, Jacqueline M.; Foot, Annabel B. M.; Warnock, David W.

1998-01-01

We have developed a PCR-based method for the subspecific discrimination of Aspergillus fumigatus types by using two primers designed to amplify the intergenic spacer regions between ribosomal DNA transcription units. The method permitted the reproducible discrimination of 11 distinct DNA types among a total of 119 isolates of A. fumigatus collected from patients and from the environment of a bone marrow transplantation (BMT) unit over a three-year period. Ten DNA types of A. fumigatus were isolated from patients in the BMT unit; eight of these types were also found in the hospital environment, and six of these were present in the unit itself. Thirteen BMT patients developed infection with one of three DNA types some months after these had first been found in the environment of the unit. In other instances, the same DNA types of A. fumigatus were isolated from BMT patients that were later recovered from the environment of the unit. Several DNA types of A. fumigatus were found in the hospital environment over an 18-month period. Molecular typing of multiple isolates of A. fumigatus, obtained from postmortem tissue samples, showed that one patient was infected with a single DNA type, but two others had up to three different DNA types. Our findings suggest that A. fumigatus infection in BMT recipients may be nosocomial in origin and underline the need for careful environmental monitoring of units in which high-risk patients are housed. PMID:9574694

Comparing removal of trace organic compounds and assimilable organic carbon (AOC) at advanced and traditional water treatment plants.

PubMed

Lou, Jie-Chung; Lin, Chung-Yi; Han, Jia-Yun; Tseng, Wei-Biu; Hsu, Kai-Lin; Chang, Ting-Wei

2012-06-01

Stability of drinking water can be indicated by the assimilable organic carbon (AOC). This AOC value represents the regrowth capacity of microorganisms and has large impacts on the quality of drinking water in a distribution system. With respect to the effectiveness of traditional and advanced processing methods in removing trace organic compounds (including TOC, DOC, UV(254), and AOC) from water, experimental results indicate that the removal rate of AOC at the Cheng Ching Lake water treatment plant (which utilizes advanced water treatment processes, and is hereinafter referred to as CCLWTP) is 54%, while the removal rate of AOC at the Gong Yuan water treatment plant (which uses traditional water treatment processes, and is hereinafter referred to as GYWTP) is 36%. In advanced water treatment units, new coagulation-sedimentation processes, rapid filters, and biological activated carbon filters can effectively remove AOC, total organic carbon (TOC), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). In traditional water treatment units, coagulation-sedimentation processes are most effective in removing AOC. Simulation results and calculations made using the AutoNet method indicate that TOC, TDS, NH(3)-N, and NO(3)-N should be regularly monitored in the CCLWTP, and that TOC, temperature, and NH(3)-N should be regularly monitored in the GYWTP.

An Autonomous Wireless Sensor Node With Asynchronous ECG Monitoring in 0.18 μ m CMOS.

PubMed

Mansano, Andre L; Li, Yongjia; Bagga, Sumit; Serdijn, Wouter A

2016-06-01

The design of a 13.56 MHz/402 MHz autonomous wireless sensor node with asynchronous ECG monitoring for near field communication is presented. The sensor node consists of an RF energy harvester (RFEH), a power management unit, an ECG readout, a data encoder and an RF backscattering transmitter. The energy harvester supplies the system with 1.25 V and offers a power conversion efficiency of 19% from a -13 dBm RF source at 13.56 MHz. The power management unit regulates the output voltage of the RFEH to supply the ECG readout with VECG = 0.95 V and the data encoder with VDE = 0.65 V . The ECG readout comprises an analog front-end (low noise amplifier and programmable voltage to current converter) and an asynchronous level crossing ADC with 8 bits resolution. The ADC output is encoded by a pulse generator that drives a backscattering transmitter at 402 MHz. The total power consumption of the sensor node circuitry is 9.7 μ W for a data rate of 90 kb/s and a heart rate of 70 bpm. The chip has been designed in a 0.18 μm CMOS process and shows superior RF input power sensitivity and lower power consumption when compared to previous works.

EnviroAtlas - Big Game Hunting Recreation Demand by 12-Digit HUC in the Conterminous United States

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This EnviroAtlas dataset includes the total number of recreational days per year demanded by people ages 18 and over for big game hunting by location in the contiguous United States. Big game includes deer, elk, bear, and wild turkey. These values are based on 2010 population distribution, 2011 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Fish, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (FHWAR) survey data, and 2011 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service National Visitor Use Monitoring program data, and have been summarized by 12-digit hydrologic unit code (HUC). This dataset was produced by the US EPA to support research and online mapping activities related to the EnviroAtlas. EnviroAtlas (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas) allows the user to interact with a web-based, easy-to-use, mapping application to view and analyze multiple ecosystem services for the contiguous United States. The dataset is available as downloadable data (https://edg.epa.gov/data/Public/ORD/EnviroAtlas) or as an EnviroAtlas map service. Additional descriptive information about each attribute in this dataset can be found in its associated EnviroAtlas Fact Sheet (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas/enviroatlas-fact-sheets).

Nutritional support of children in the intensive care unit.

PubMed Central

Seashore, J. H.

1984-01-01

Nutritional support is an integral and essential part of the management of 5-10 percent of hospitalized children. Children in the intensive care unit are particularly likely to develop malnutrition because of the nature and duration of their illness, and their inability to eat by mouth. This article reviews the physiology of starvation and the development of malnutrition in children. A method of estimating the nutritional requirements of children is presented. The techniques of nutritional support, including enteral, peripheral, and central parenteral nutrition are discussed in detail. Appropriate formulas are given for different age groups. Electrolyte, vitamin, and mineral supplements are discussed. Guidelines are provided for choosing between peripheral and central total parenteral nutrition. A monitoring protocol is suggested and complications of nutritional therapy are reviewed. Safe and effective nutritional support requires considerable investment of time and effort by members of the nutrition team. PMID:6433586

WEBGIS based CropWatch online agriculture monitoring system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, X.; Wu, B.; Zeng, H.; Zhang, M.; Yan, N.

2015-12-01

CropWatch, which was developed by the Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth (RADI), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), has achieved breakthrough results in the integration of methods, independence of the assessments and support to emergency response by periodically releasing global agricultural information. Taking advantages of the multi-source remote sensing data and the openness of the data sharing policies, CropWatch group reported their monitoring results by publishing four bulletins one year. In order to better analysis and generate the bulletin and provide an alternative way to access agricultural monitoring indicators and results in CropWatch, The CropWatch online system based on the WEBGIS techniques has been developed. Figure 1 shows the CropWatch online system structure and the system UI in Clustering mode. Data visualization is sorted into three different modes: Vector mode, Raster mode and Clustering mode. Vector mode provides the statistic value for all the indicators over each monitoring units which allows users to compare current situation with historical values (average, maximum, etc.). Users can compare the profiles of each indicator over the current growing season with the historical data in a chart by selecting the region of interest (ROI). Raster mode provides pixel based anomaly of CropWatch indicators globally. In this mode, users are able to zoom in to the regions where the notable anomaly was identified from statistic values in vector mode. Data from remote sensing image series at high temporal and low spatial resolution provide key information in agriculture monitoring. Clustering mode provides integrated information on different classes in maps, the corresponding profiles for each class and the percentage of area of each class to the total area of all classes. The time series data is categorized into limited types by the ISODATA algorithm. For each clustering type, pixels on the map, profiles, and percentage legend are all linked together. All the three visualization methods are applied to four scales including 65 monitoring and reporting units (MRUs), 7 major production zones (MPZs), 173 countries and sub-countries for 9 large countries. Agro-Climatic information, Agronomic information and indicators related with crop area, crop yield and crop production are provided.

Design and implementation of the monitoring system for underground coal fires in Xinjiang region, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li-bo, Dang; Jia-chun, Wu; Yue-xing, Liu; Yuan, Chang; Bin, Peng

2017-04-01

Underground coal fire (UCF) is serious in Xinjiang region of China. In order to deal with this problem efficiently, a UCF monitoring System, which is based on the use of wireless communication technology and remote sensing images, was designed and implemented by Xinjiang Coal Fire Fighting Bureau. This system consists of three parts, i.e., the data collecting unit, the data processing unit and the data output unit. For the data collecting unit, temperature sensors and gas sensors were put together on the sites with depth of 1.5 meter from the surface of coal fire zone. Information on these sites' temperature and gas was transferred immediately to the data processing unit. The processing unit was developed by coding based on GIS software. Generally, the processed datum were saved in the computer by table format, which can be displayed on the screen as the curve. Remote sensing image for each coal fire was saved in this system as the background for each monitoring site. From the monitoring data, the changes of the coal fires were displayed directly. And it provides a solid basis for analyzing the status of coal combustion of coal fire, the gas emission and possible dominant direction of coal fire propagation, which is helpful for making-decision of coal fire extinction.

Post-remediation biomonitoring of pesticides and other contaminants in marine waters and sediment near the United Heckathorn Superfund Site, Richmond, California

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

LD Antrim; NP Kohn

Marine sediment remediation at the United Heckathorn Superfund Site was completed in April 1997. Water and mussel tissues were sampled in February 1999 from four stations near Lauritzen Canal in Richmond, California, for Year 2 of post-remediation monitoring of marine areas near the United Heckathorn Site. Dieldrin and dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) were analyzed in water samples, tissue samples from resident mussels, and tissue samples from transplanted mussels deployed for 4 months. Concentrations of dieldrin and total DDT in water and total DDT in tissue were compared with Year 1 of post-remediation monitoring, and with preremediation data from the California Statemore » Mussel Watch program (tissues) and the Ecological Risk Assessment for the United Heckathorn Superfund Site (tissues and water). Mussel tissues were also analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), which were detected in sediment samples. Chlorinated pesticide concentrations in water samples were similar to preremediation levels and did not meet remediation goals. Mean dieidrin concentrations in water ranged from 0.62 rig/L to 12.5 ng/L and were higher than the remediation goal (0.14 ng/L) at all stations. Mean total DDT concentrations in water ranged from 14.4 ng/L to 62.3 ng/L and exceeded the remediation goal (0.59 ng/L) at all stations. The highest concentrations of both pesticides were found at the Lauritzen Canal/End station. Despite exceedence of the remediation goals, chlorinated pesticide concentrations in Lauritzen Canal water samples were notably lower in 1999 than in 1998. Tissue samples from biomonitoring organisms (mussels) provide an indication of the longer-term integrated exposure to contaminants in the water column, which overcomes the limitations of grab samples of water. Biomonitoring results indicated that the bioavailability of chlorinated pesticides has been reduced from preremediation levels both in the dredged area and throughout Richmond Harbor. Total DDT and dieldrin concentrations in mussel tissues were dramatically lower than measured levels from preremediation surveys and also lower than Year 1 levels from post-remediation biomonitoring. The lowest levels were found at the Richmond Inner Harbor Channel station (4.1 {micro}g/kg total DDT and 0.59 {micro}g/kg dieldrin, wet weight; mean of resident and transplant mussels). Mean chlorinated pesticide concentrations were highest at Lauritzen Canal/End (82 {micro}g/kg total DDT and 7.1 {micro}g/kg dieldrin, wet weight), followed by Lauritzen Canal/Mouth (22 {micro}/kg total DDT and 1.7 {micro}g/kg dieldrin, wet weight) and Santa Fe Channel/End (7.5 {micro}g/kg total DOT and 0.61 {micro}g/kg dieldrin, wet weight). These levels are 95% to 99% lower than those recorded by the California State Mussel Watch program prior to EPA's response actions. The levels of PCBs in mussel tissue were also reduced by 93% to 97% from preremediation levels. Surface sediment concentrations of dieldrin and DDT in November 1998 were highest in samples from the head or north end of Lauritzen Canal and progressively lower toward the mouth, or south end. Total DDT ranged from 130 ppm (dry weight) at the north end to 3 ppm at the south end. Dieldrin concentrations decreased from 3,270 ppb (dry weight) at the north end to 52 ppb at the south end. These results confirmed elevated pesticide concentrations in sediments collected from Lauritzen Channel by Anderson et al. (1999). The pesticide concentrations were lower than maximum concentrations found in the 1993 Remedial Investigation but comparable to the median levels measured before remediation was completed. Sediment analyses also showed the presence of elevated PCB aroclor 1254, and very high levels of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in Lauritzen Channel.« less

What is Mine is Yours: The Art of Operational Integration

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-10

United States Army School of Advanced Military Studies United States Army Command and General Staff College Fort Leavenworth, Kansas 2016...9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) School of Advanced Military Studies 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S...services or national boundaries. Two contrasting World War II case studies , L TG Patch in southern France and L TG Stilwell in Burma, will be used to

Improvement of in-hospital telemetry monitoring in coronary care units: an intervention study for achieving optimal electrode placement and attachment, hygiene and delivery of critical information to patients.

PubMed

Pettersen, Trond R; Fålun, Nina; Norekvål, Tone M

2014-12-01

In-hospital telemetry monitoring is important for diagnosis and treatment of patients at risk of developing life-threatening arrhythmias. It is widely used in critical and non-critical care wards. Nurses are responsible for correct electrode placement, thus ensuring optimal quality of the monitoring. The aims of this study were to determine whether a complex educational intervention improves (a) optimal electrode placement, (b) hygiene, and (c) delivery of critical information to patients (reason for monitoring, limitations in cellular phone use, and not to leave the ward without informing a member of staff). A prospective interventional study design was used, with data collection occurring over two six-week periods: before implementation of the intervention (n=201) and after the intervention (n=165). Standard abstraction forms were used to obtain data on patients' clinical characteristics, and 10 variables related to electrode placement and attachment, hygiene and delivery of critical information. At pre-intervention registration, 26% of the electrodes were misplaced. Twelve per cent of the patients received information about limiting their cellular phone use while monitored, 70% were informed of the purpose of monitoring, and 71% used a protective cover for their unit. Post-intervention, outcome measures for the three variables improved significantly: use of protective cover (p<0.001), information about the purpose of monitoring (p=0.005) and information about limitations in cellular phone use (p=0.003). Nonetheless, 23% of the electrodes were still misplaced. The study highlights the need for better, continued education for in-hospital telemetry monitoring in coronary care units, and other units that monitor patients with telemetry. © The European Society of Cardiology 2013.

Central-Monitor Software Module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bachelder, Aaron; Foster, Conrad

2005-01-01

One of the software modules of the emergency-vehicle traffic-light-preemption system of the two preceding articles performs numerous functions for the central monitoring subsystem. This module monitors the states of all units (vehicle transponders and intersection controllers): It provides real-time access to the phases of traffic and pedestrian lights, and maps the positions and states of all emergency vehicles. Most of this module is used for installation and configuration of units as they are added to the system. The module logs all activity in the system, thereby providing information that can be analyzed to minimize response times and optimize response strategies. The module can be used from any location within communication range of the system; with proper configuration, it can also be used via the Internet. It can be integrated into call-response centers, where it can be used for alerting emergency vehicles and managing their responses to specific incidents. A variety of utility subprograms provide access to any or all units for purposes of monitoring, testing, and modification. Included are "sniffer" utility subprograms that monitor incoming and outgoing data for accuracy and timeliness, and that quickly and autonomously shut off malfunctioning vehicle or intersection units.

Ecological Monitoring and Compliance Program Fiscal Year 2001

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

C. A. Wills

The Ecological Monitoring and Compliance program, funded through the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Operations Office, monitors the ecosystem of the Nevada Test Site (NTS) and ensures compliance with laws and regulations pertaining to NTS biota. This report summarizes the program's activities conducted by Bechtel Nevada during fiscal year 2001. Program activities included: (1) biological surveys at proposed construction sites, (2) desert tortoise compliance, (3) ecosystem mapping and data management, (4) sensitive species and unique habitat monitoring, and (5) biological monitoring at the HAZMAT Spill Center. Biological surveys for the presence of sensitive species were conductedmore » for 23 NTS projects. Eleven sites were in desert tortoise habitat. These projects have the potential to disturb a total of 588 acres, where 568 acres of disturbance would be off-road driving. No tortoises were found in or displaced from project areas, and no tortoise s were accidentally injured or killed at project areas. One tortoise was crushed by a vehicle on a paved road. A topical report describing the classification of habitat types on the NTS was completed and distributed. The report is the culmination of three years of field vegetation mapping and the analysis of vegetation data from over 1,500 ecological landform units. Compilation of historical wildlife data was initiated. A long-term monitoring plan for important plant species that occur on the NTS was completed. Site-wide monitoring was conducted for the western burrowing owl, bat species of concern, wild horses, and raptor nests. Sixty-nine of 77 known owl burrows were monitored. As in previous years, some owls were present year round on the NTS. An overall decrease in active owl burrows was observed within all three ecoregions (Mojave Desert, Transition, Great Basin Desert) from October through January. An increase in active owl burrows was observed from mid March to early April. A total of 55 juvenile owls was detected from 11 breeding pairs. Pellet analysis of burrowing owls was completed which identified key prey species. A total of 272 bats, representing 10 bat species were captured in mist-nets at water sources in the Great Basin Desert ecoregion. Bats were detected with the Anabat II call-recording system at water sources and selected tunnel and mine entrances. Thirty-seven adult horses and 11 foals were counted this year. Two of the eleven foals observed last year survived to yearlings. Seven active raptor nests were found and monitored this year. These included two Great-horned Owl nests, three Barn Owl nests, and two Red-tailed Hawk nests. Selected wetlands and man-made water sources were monitored for physical parameters and wildlife use. No dead animals were observed this year in any plastic-lined sump. The chemical spill test plans for four experiments at the HAZMAT Spill Center were reviewed for their potential to impact biota downwind of spills on Frenchman Lake playa.« less

Automatic Flushing Unit With Cleanliness Monitor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hildebrandt, N. E.

1982-01-01

Liquid-level probe kept clean, therefore at peak accuracy, by unit that flushes probe with solvent, monitors effluent for contamination, and determines probe is particle-free. Approach may be adaptable to industrial cleaning such as flushing filters and pipes, and ensuring that manufactured parts have been adequately cleaned.

STATISTICAL ISSUES FOR MONITORING ECOLOGICAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES IN THE UNITED STATES

EPA Science Inventory

The United States funds a number of national monitoring programs to measure the status and trends of ecological and natural resources. Each of these programs has a unique focus: the scientific objectives are different as are the sample designs. However, individuals and committees...

Occurrence and fate of pharmaceuticals in WWTPs in India and comparison with a similar study in the United States.

PubMed

Mohapatra, Sanjeeb; Huang, Ching-Hua; Mukherji, Suparna; Padhye, Lokesh P

2016-09-01

The objective of this study was to study the occurrence, fate, and seasonal variations of pharmaceuticals at two urban wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in India and compare the results with a similar study conducted in the United States. This is the first study of its kind in comparing occurrence and fate of pharmaceuticals in wastewater of two different countries with the same methodology and analytical techniques. Twelve most relevant pharmaceuticals were selected for seasonal monitoring at two Indian WWTPs based on the comprehensive survey and through literature review. The yearly average influent concentrations of total pharmaceuticals were found to be 537 ± 5 μg/L at WWTP-1 and 353 ± 9 μg/L at WWTP-2. WWTP-2 exhibited comparatively higher removal efficiency of total pharmaceuticals (85% versus 59%, excluding monsoon season), possibly due to the cyclic activated sludge technology followed by chlorination employed at WWTP-2. Comparison with a similar study conducted in the United States revealed that concentration of most of the pharmaceuticals detected in the U.S. WWTPs were, on an average, more than 50% lower. U.S. WWTPs also exhibited 10-30% higher removal efficiencies for total pharmaceuticals. Our study results show that preliminary treatment and biological treatment alone are not adequate for complete removal of pharmaceuticals and polishing step and tertiary treatment is a necessity if higher removal of pharmaceuticals is desired in Indian WWTPs. Information obtained from this study will not only aid the local utilities but will also benefit understanding of global trends in usage of pharmaceuticals and their distribution in the environment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lava effusion rate definition and measurement: a review

USGS Publications Warehouse

Calvari, Sonia; Dehn, Jonathan; Harris, A.

2007-01-01

Measurement of effusion rate is a primary objective for studies that model lava flow and magma system dynamics, as well as for monitoring efforts during on-going eruptions. However, its exact definition remains a source of confusion, and problems occur when comparing volume flux values that are averaged over different time periods or spatial scales, or measured using different approaches. Thus our aims are to: (1) define effusion rate terminology; and (2) assess the various measurement methods and their results. We first distinguish between instantaneous effusion rate, and time-averaged discharge rate. Eruption rate is next defined as the total volume of lava emplaced since the beginning of the eruption divided by the time since the eruption began. The ultimate extension of this is mean output rate, this being the final volume of erupted lava divided by total eruption duration. Whether these values are total values, i.e. the flux feeding all flow units across the entire flow field, or local, i.e. the flux feeding a single active unit within a flow field across which many units are active, also needs to be specified. No approach is without its problems, and all can have large error (up to ∼50%). However, good agreement between diverse approaches shows that reliable estimates can be made if each approach is applied carefully and takes into account the caveats we detail here. There are three important factors to consider and state when measuring, giving or using an effusion rate. First, the time-period over which the value was averaged; second, whether the measurement applies to the entire active flow field, or a single lava flow within that field; and third, the measurement technique and its accompanying assumptions.

Monitor for detecting and assessing exposure to airborne nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marra, Johan; Voetz, Matthias; Kiesling, Heinz-Jürgen

2010-01-01

An important safety aspect of the workplace environment concerns the severity of its air pollution with nanoparticles (NP; <100 nm) and ultrafine particles (UFP; <300 nm). Depending on their size and chemical nature, exposure to these particles through inhalation can be hazardous because of their intrinsic ability to deposit in the deep lung regions and the possibility to subsequently pass into the blood stream. Recommended safety measures in the nanomaterials industry are pragmatic, aiming at exposure minimization in general, and advocating continuous control by monitoring both the workplace air pollution level and the personal exposure to airborne NPs. This article describes the design and operation of the Aerasense NP monitor that enables intelligence gathering in particular with respect to airborne particles in the 10-300 nm size range. The NP monitor provides real time information about their number concentration, average size, and surface areas per unit volume of inhaled air that deposit in the various compartments of the respiratory tract. The monitor's functionality relies on electrical charging of airborne particles and subsequent measurements of the total particle charge concentration under various conditions. Information obtained with the NP monitor in a typical workplace environment has been compared with simultaneously recorded data from a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) capable of measuring the particle size distribution in the 11-1086 nm size range. When the toxicological properties of the engineered and/or released particles in the workplace are known, personal exposure monitoring allows a risk assessment to be made for a worker during each workday, when the workplace-produced particles can be distinguished from other (ambient) particles.

Infrared system for monitoring movement of objects

DOEpatents

Valentine, Kenneth H.; Falter, Diedre D.; Falter, Kelly G.

1991-01-01

A system for monitoring moving objects, such as the flight of honeybees and other insects, using a pulsed laser light source. This system has a self-powered micro-miniaturized transmitting unit powered, in the preferred embodiment, with an array solar cells. This transmitting unit is attached to the object to be monitored. These solar cells provide current to a storage energy capacitor to produce, for example, five volts for the operation of the transmitter. In the simplest embodiment, the voltage on the capacitor operates a pulse generator to provide a pulsed energizing signal to one or more very small laser diodes. The pulsed light is then received at a receiving base station using substantially standard means which converts the light to an electrical signal for processing in a microprocessor to create the information as to the movement of the object. In the case of a unit for monitoring honeybees and other insects, the transmitting unit weighs less than 50 mg, and has a size no larger than 1.times.3.times.5 millimeters. Also, the preferred embodiment provides for the coding of the light to uniquely identify the particular transmitting unit that is being monitored. A "wake-up" circuit is provided in the preferred embodiment whereby there is no transmission until the voltage on the capacitor has exceeded a pre-set threshold. Various other uses of the motion-detection system are described.

Infrared system for monitoring movement of objects

DOEpatents

Valentine, K.H.; Falter, D.D.; Falter, K.G.

1991-04-30

A system is described for monitoring moving objects, such as the flight of honeybees and other insects, using a pulsed laser light source. This system has a self-powered micro-miniaturized transmitting unit powered, in the preferred embodiment, with an array of solar cells. This transmitting unit is attached to the object to be monitored. These solar cells provide current to a storage energy capacitor to produce, for example, five volts for the operation of the transmitter. In the simplest embodiment, the voltage on the capacitor operates a pulse generator to provide a pulsed energizing signal to one or more very small laser diodes. The pulsed light is then received at a receiving base station using substantially standard means which converts the light to an electrical signal for processing in a microprocessor to create the information as to the movement of the object. In the case of a unit for monitoring honeybees and other insects, the transmitting unit weighs less than 50 mg, and has a size no larger than 1[times]3[times]5 millimeters. Also, the preferred embodiment provides for the coding of the light to uniquely identify the particular transmitting unit that is being monitored. A wake-up' circuit is provided in the preferred embodiment whereby there is no transmission until the voltage on the capacitor has exceeded a pre-set threshold. Various other uses of the motion-detection system are described. 4 figures.

Bosnian and American students' attitudes toward electronic monitoring: is it about what we know or where we come from?

PubMed

Muftić, Lisa R; Payne, Brian K; Maljević, Almir

2015-06-01

The use of community corrections continues to grow across the globe as alternatives to incarceration are sought. Little research attention, however, has been directed at correctional alternatives from a global orientation. The purpose of this research study is to compare the way that a sample of criminal justice students from the United States (n = 118) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (n = 133) perceive electronic monitoring. Because electronic monitoring is a newer sentencing alternative and it is used differently in Bosnia and Herzegovina than it is in the United States, it is predicted that Bosnian students will view electronic monitoring differently than will students from the United States. This study finds that while students are largely supportive of electronic monitoring sentences, support is affected by offender type and student nationality. For example, Bosnian students are more supportive of electronic monitoring sentences for drug offenders while American students are more supportive of electronic monitoring sentences for juvenile offenders. Differences were also found across student groups when attitudes toward electronic monitoring and the costs and pains associated with electronic monitoring were assessed. Specifically, American students were less likely to view electronic monitoring as meeting the goals of rehabilitation and more likely to view the conditions and restrictions associated with electronic monitoring as being punitive than Bosnian students were. Implications from these findings, as well as limitations and suggestions for further research are discussed. © The Author(s) 2013.

Real-time capability of GEONET system and its application to crust monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamagiwa, Atsushi; Hatanaka, Yuki; Yutsudo, Toru; Miyahara, Basara

2006-03-01

The GPS Earth Observation Network system (GEONET) has been playing an important role in monitoring the crustal deformation of Japan. Since its start of operation, the requirements for accuracy and timeliness have become higher and higher. On the other hand, recent broadband communication infrastructure has had capability to realize real-time crust monitoring and to aid the development of a location-based service. In early 2003, the Geographical Survey Institute (GSI) upgraded the GEONET system to meet new requirements. The number of stations became 1200 in total by March, 2003. The antennas were unified to the choke ring antennas of Dorne Margolin T-type and the receivers were replaced with new ones that are capable of real-time observation and data transfer. The new system uses IP-connection through IP-VPN (Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network) for data transfer, which is provided by communication companies. The Data Processing System, which manages the observation data and analyses in GEONET, has 7 units. GEONET carries out three kinds of routine analyses and an analysis of RTK-type for emergencies. The new system has shown its capability for real-time crust monitoring, for example, the precise and rapid detection of coseismic (and post-seismic) motion caused by 2003 Tokachi-Oki earthquake.

Longitudinal Monitoring of Successive Commercial Layer Flocks for Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis.

PubMed

Denagamage, Thomas N; Patterson, Paul; Wallner-Pendleton, Eva; Trampel, Darrell; Shariat, Nikki; Dudley, Edward G; Jayarao, Bhushan M; Kariyawasam, Subhashinie

2016-11-01

The Pennsylvania Egg Quality Assurance Program (EQAP) provided the framework for Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) control programs, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated Final Egg Rule, for commercial layer facilities throughout the United States. Although flocks with ≥3000 birds must comply with the FDA Final Egg Rule, smaller flocks are exempted from the rule. As a result, eggs produced by small layer flocks may pose a greater public health risk than those from larger flocks. It is also unknown if the EQAPs developed with large flocks in mind are suitable for small- and medium-sized flocks. Therefore, a study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of best management practices included in EQAPs in reducing SE contamination of small- and medium-sized flocks by longitudinal monitoring of their environment and eggs. A total of 59 medium-sized (3000 to 50,000 birds) and small-sized (<3000 birds) flocks from two major layer production states of the United States were enrolled and monitored for SE by culturing different types of environmental samples and shell eggs for two consecutive flock cycles. Isolated SE was characterized by phage typing, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-multi-virulence-locus sequence typing (CRISPR-MVLST). Fifty-four Salmonella isolates belonging to 17 serovars, 22 of which were SE, were isolated from multiple sample types. Typing revealed that SE isolates belonged to three phage types (PTs), three PFGE fingerprint patterns, and three CRISPR-MVLST SE Sequence Types (ESTs). The PT8 and JEGX01.0004 PFGE pattern, the most predominant SE types associated with foodborne illness in the United States, were represented by a majority (91%) of SE. Of the three ESTs observed, 85% SE were typed as EST4. The proportion of SE-positive hen house environment during flock cycle 2 was significantly less than the flock cycle 1, demonstrating that current EQAP practices were effective in reducing SE contamination of medium and small layer flocks.

Satellite monitoring temperature conditions spawning area of the Northeast Arctic cod in the Norwegian Sea and assessment its abundance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vanyushin, George; Bulatova, Tatiana; Klochkov, Dmitriy; Troshkov, Anatoliy; Kruzhalov, Michail

2013-04-01

In this study, the attempt to consider the relationship between sea surface anomalies of temperature (SST anomalies °C) in spawning area of the Norwegian Arctic cod off the Lofoten islands in coastal zone of the Norwegian Sea and modern cod total stock biomass including forecasting assessment of future cod generation success. Continuous long-term database of the sea surface temperature (SST) was created on the NOAA satellites data. Mean monthly SST and SST anomalies are computed for the selected area on the basis of the weekly SST maps for the period of 1998-2012. These maps were plotted with the satellite SST data, as well as information of vessels, byoies and coastal stations. All data were classified by spawning seasons (March-April) and years. The results indicate that poor and low middle generations of cod (2001, 2006, 2007) occurred in years with negative or extremely high positive anomalies in the spawning area. The SST anomalies in years which were close to normal or some more normal significances provide conditions for appearance strong or very strong generations of cod (1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009). Temperature conditions in concrete years influence on different indexes of cod directly. So, the mean temperature in spawning seasons in years 1999-2005 was ≈5,0°C and SST anomaly - +0,35°C, by the way average year significances indexes of cod were: total stock biomass - 1425,0 th.t., total spawning biomass - 460,0 th.t., recruitment (age 3+) - 535,0 mln. units and landings - 530,0 th.t. In spawning seasons 2006-2012 years the average data were following: mean SST ≈6,0°C, SST anomaly - +1,29°C, total stock biomass - 2185,0 th.t., total spawning biomass - 1211,0 th.t., recruitment (age 3+) - 821,0 mln. units and landings - 600,0 th.t. The SST and SST anomalies (the NOAA satellite data) characterize increase of decrease in input of warm Atlantic waters which form numerous eddies along the flows of the main warm currents thus creating favorable conditions for development of the cod larvae and fry and provide them with food stock, finally, direct influence on forming total stock biomass of cod and helping its population forecast. Key words: satellite monitoring of SST, Northeast Arctic cod, spawning area, maps of SST, prognosis.

A microcosting study of immunogenicity and tumour necrosis factor alpha inhibitor drug level tests for therapeutic drug monitoring in clinical practice.

PubMed

Jani, Meghna; Gavan, Sean; Chinoy, Hector; Dixon, William G; Harrison, Beverley; Moran, Andrew; Barton, Anne; Payne, Katherine

2016-12-01

To identify and quantify resource required and associated costs for implementing TNF-α inhibitor (TNFi) drug level and anti-drug antibody (ADAb) tests in UK rheumatology practice. A microcosting study, assuming the UK National Health Service perspective, identified the direct medical costs associated with providing TNFi drug level and ADAb testing in clinical practice. Resource use and costs per patient were identified via four stages: identification of a patient pathway with resource implications; estimation of the resources required; identification of the cost per unit of resource (2015 prices); and calculation of the total costs per patient. Univariate and multiway sensitivity analyses were performed using the variation in resource use and unit costs. Total costs for TNFi drug level and concurrent ADAb testing, assessed using ELISAs on trough serum levels, were £152.52/patient (range: £147.68-159.24) if 40 patient samples were tested simultaneously. For the base-case analysis, the pre-testing phase incurred the highest costs, which included booking an additional appointment to acquire trough blood samples. The additional appointment was the key driver of costs per patient (67% of the total cost), and labour accounted for 10% and consumables 23% of the total costs. Performing ELISAs once per patient (rather than in duplicate) reduced the total costs to £133.78/patient. This microcosting study is the first assessing the cost of TNFi drug level and ADAb testing. The results could be used in subsequent cost-effectiveness analyses of TNFi pharmacological tests to target treatments and inform future policy recommendations. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Rheumatology.

One-year monthly quantitative survey of noroviruses, enteroviruses, and adenoviruses in wastewater collected from six plants in Japan.

PubMed

Katayama, Hiroyuki; Haramoto, Eiji; Oguma, Kumiko; Yamashita, Hiromasa; Tajima, Atsushi; Nakajima, Hideichiro; Ohgaki, Shinichiro

2008-03-01

Sewerage systems are important nodes to monitor human enteric pathogens transmitted via water. A quantitative virus survey was performed once a month for a year to understand the seasonal profiles of noroviruses genotype 1 and genotype 2, enteroviruses, and adenoviruses in sewerage systems. A total of 72 samples of influent, secondary-treated wastewater before chlorination and effluent were collected from six wastewater treatment plants in Japan. Viruses were successfully recovered from 100ml of influent and 1000ml of the secondary-treated wastewater and effluent using the acid rinse method. Viruses were determined by the RT-PCR or PCR method to obtain the most probable number for each sample. All the samples were also assayed for fecal coliforms (FCs) by a double-layer method. The seasonal profiles of noroviruses genotype 1 and genotype 2 in influent were very similar, i.e. they were abundant in winter (from November to March) at a geometric mean value of 190 and 200 RT-PCR units/ml, respectively, and less frequent in summer (from June to September), at 4.9 and 9.1 RT-PCR units/ml, respectively. The concentrations of enteroviruses and adenoviruses were mostly constant all the year round, 17 RT-PCR units/ml and 320 PCR units/ml in influent, and 0.044 RT-PCR units/ml and 7.0 PCR units/ml in effluent, respectively.

SeaDataNet network services monitoring: Definition and Implementation of Service availability index

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lykiardopoulos, Angelos; Mpalopoulou, Stavroula; Vavilis, Panagiotis; Pantazi, Maria; Iona, Sissy

2014-05-01

SeaDataNet (SDN) is a standardized system for managing large and diverse data sets collected by the oceanographic fleets and the automatic observation systems. The SeaDataNet network is constituted of national oceanographic data centres of 35 countries, active in data collection. SeaDataNetII project's objective is to upgrade the present SeaDataNet infrastructure into an operationally robust and state-of-the-art infrastructure; therefore Network Monitoring is a step to this direction. The term Network Monitoring describes the use of system that constantly monitors a computer network for slow or failing components and that notifies the network administrator in case of outages. Network monitoring is crucial when implementing widely distributed systems over the Internet and in real-time systems as it detects malfunctions that may occur and notifies the system administrator who can immediately respond and correct the problem. In the framework of SeaDataNet II project a monitoring system was developed in order to monitor the SeaDataNet components. The core system is based on Nagios software. Some plug-ins were developed to support SeaDataNet modules. On the top of Nagios Engine a web portal was developed in order to give access to local administrators of SeaDataNet components, to view detailed logs of their own service(s). Currently the system monitors 35 SeaDataNet Download Managers, 9 SeaDataNet Services, 25 GeoSeas Download Managers and 23 UBSS Download Managers . Taking advantage of the continuous monitoring of SeaDataNet system components a total availability index will be implemented. The term availability can be defined as the ability of a functional unit to be in a state to perform a required function under given conditions at a given instant of time or over a given time interval, assuming that the required external resources are provided. Availability measures can be considered as a are very important benefit becauseT - The availability trends that can be extracted from the stored availability measurements will give an indication of the condition of the service modules. - Will help in planning upgrades planning - and the maintenance of the network service. - It is a prerequisite in case of signing a Service Level Agreement. To construct the service availability index, a method for measuring availability of SeaDataNet network is developed and a database is implemented to store the measured values. Although the measurements of availability of a single component in a network service can be considered as simple (is a percentage of time in a year that the service is available to the users), the ipmlementation of a method to measure the total availability of a composite system can be complicated and there is no a standardized method to deal with it. The method followed to calculate the total availability index in case of SeaDataNet can be described as follows: The whole system was divided in operational modules providing a single service in which the availability can be measured by monitoring portal. Next the dependences between these modules were defined in order to formulate the influence of availability of each module against the whole system. For each module a weight coefficient depending on module's involvement in total system productivity was defined. A mathematical formula was developed to measure the index.

Transcutaneous blood glucose monitoring system based on an ISFET glucose sensor and studies on diabetic patients.

PubMed

Ito, N; Saito, A; Kayashima, S; Kimura, J; Kuriyama, T; Nagata, N; Arai, T; Kikuchi, M

1995-01-01

A transcutaneous blood glucose monitoring system consists of an ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET) glucose sensor unit and a suction effusion fluid (SEF) collecting unit. The SEF is directly collected by a weak suction (400 mmHg absolute pressure) through the skin from which the corneum layer of the epidermis has been previously removed. An ISFET glucose sensor unit is able to measure glucose concentrations in a microliter order sampling volume. The system was applied to three diabetic patients during a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test for monitoring blood glucose levels. During the experiments, glucose changes in the SEF followed actual blood glucose levels with 10 min delays. Results suggest the feasibility of utilizing quasi-continuous, transcutaneous blood glucose monitoring for individual patients with various diabetic histories or diabetic complications.

40 CFR 75.84 - Recordkeeping and reporting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING Hg Mass Emission Provisions § 75.84 Recordkeeping and reporting... Federal Hg mass emission reduction program”; (2) The information required in § 75.58(b)(3), for units with... or sorbent trap monitoring systems, for each hour when the unit is operating, record the Hg mass...

Portable Intelligent Tritium in Air Monitor

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

Purghel, L.; Calin, M.R.; Bartos, D.

2005-07-15

The tritium detection method used for this monitor is original, patented in Romania. The detection unit consists of a single ionization chamber, a special fast preamplifier and a dedicated software associated to the detection unit, for signals processing. Some results concerning the tritium in relative strong gamma-ray fields are presented.

Performance Evaluation of the United Nations Environment Programme Air Quality Monitoring Unit

EPA Science Inventory

A request for technical collaboration between the UNEP and the US EPA resulted in the establishment of a MCRADA. The purpose of this agreement was to evaluate an air quality monitoring system (referred to as the UNEP pod) developed by the UNEP for use in environmental situations ...

Impact of Shutting Down En Route Primary Radars within CONUS Interior

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-01

Remote Control Interface Unit ( RCIU ) RMS software for the primary radar will be deleted. Any dependency of the secondary radar on the primary radar data...Generators RCIU Remote Control and Interface Unit RMM Remote Monitoring and Maintenance RMMS Remote Maintenance Monitoring System RMS Remote Maintenance

75 FR 63445 - Vessel Monitoring Systems; Approved Mobile Transmitting Units and Communications Service...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-15

... Monitoring Systems; Approved Mobile Transmitting Units and Communications Service Providers for Use in the... and NOAA-approved VMS communications service providers, please contact the VMS Support Center at... degrees above or below the horizon anywhere on Earth. The GSM/GPRS capability (if activated) gives the...

78 FR 18323 - Notice of Availability of a Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment of the Proposed United...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-26

... Proposed United States Regional Climate Reference Network (USRCRN) AGENCY: National Weather Service (NWS..., is proposing to implement, operate, and manage a USRCRN. With other climate monitoring efforts..., high-quality climate data for use in climate-monitoring activities and for placing current climate...

An assessment of seismic monitoring in the United States; requirement for an Advanced National Seismic System

USGS Publications Warehouse

,

1999-01-01

This report assesses the status, needs, and associated costs of seismic monitoring in the United States. It sets down the requirement for an effective, national seismic monitoring strategy and an advanced system linking national, regional, and urban monitoring networks. Modernized seismic monitoring can provide alerts of imminent strong earthquake shaking; rapid assessment of distribution and severity of earthquake shaking (for use in emergency response); warnings of a possible tsunami from an offshore earthquake; warnings of volcanic eruptions; information for correctly characterizing earthquake hazards and for improving building codes; and data on response of buildings and structures during earthquakes, for safe, cost-effective design, engineering, and construction practices in earthquake-prone regions.

Timely confirmation of gastro-esophageal reflux disease via pH monitoring: estimating budget impact on managed care organizations.

PubMed

Lee, W C; Yeh, Y C; Lacy, B E; Pandolfino, J E; Brill, J V; Weinstein, M L; Carlson, A M; Williams, M J; Wittek, M R; Pashos, C L

2008-05-01

Current guidelines recommend the use of pH monitoring to confirm the diagnosis of acid reflux in patients with a normal endoscopy. This analysis evaluated the financial impact of pH monitoring with the wireless pH capsule on a managed care organization (MCO) in the United States. A decision model was constructed to project total 1-year costs to manage GERD symptoms with and without the adoption of wireless pH capsules in a hypothetical MCO with 10 000 eligible adult enrollees, of whom 600 presented with GERD-like symptoms. Costs of GERD diagnosis, treatment, and symptom management for those in whom a GERD diagnosis was ruled out by pH monitoring were assessed. The incremental per-member-per-month (PMPM) and per-treated-member-per-month (PTMPM) costs were the primary outcomes. Data sources included literature, expert input, and standardized fee schedules. An increase of 10 percentage points in the use of pH monitoring with wireless pH capsules yielded incremental PMPM and PTMPM costs of $0.029 and $0.481, respectively. The costs of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy to the plan dropped to $236,363 from $238,086, while increases were observed in pH monitoring (from $16 739 to $21 973) and non-GERD therapy costs (from $1392 to $1740). The results were sensitive to the percentage of patients requiring repeat endoscopy before wireless pH monitoring and the cost of PPIs. Timely and increased use of pH monitoring as recommended in published guidelines leads to less unnecessary use of PPIs with a modest budgetary impact on health plans.

A new biomedical device for in vivo multiparametric evaluation of tissue vitality in critical care medicine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayevsky, Avraham; Deutsch, Assaf; Dekel, Nava; Pevzner, Eliyahu; Jaronkin, Alex

2005-04-01

Real time Monitoring of mitochondrial function in vivo is a significant factor in the understanding of tissue vitality. Nevertheless a single parameter monitoring device is not appropriate and effective in clinical diagnosis of tissue vitality. Therefore we have developed a multi-parametric monitoring system that monitors, in addition to mitochondrial NADH redox state, tissue microcirculatory blood flow, tissue total back-scattered light as an indication of blood volume and blood oxygenation (Hb02). In the present communication a new device named "CritiView" is described. This device was developed in order to enable real time monitoring of the four parameters from various organs in the body. The main medical application of the CritiView is in critical care medicine of patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and intraoperatively in operating rooms. The physiological basis for our clinical monitoring approach is based on the well known response to the development of body emergency situation, such as shock or trauma. Under such conditions a process of blood flow redistribution will give preference to vital organs (Brain, Heart) neglecting less vital organs (Skin, G-I tract or the urinary system). Under such condition the brain will by hyperperfused and O2 supply will increase to provide the need of the activated mitochondria. The non-vital organs will be hypoperfused and mitochondial function will be inhibited leading to energy failure. This differentiation between the two types of organs could be used for the early detection of body deterioration by monitoring of the non-vital organ vitality. A fiber optic sensor was embedded in a Foley catheter, enabling the monitoring of Urethral wall vitality, to serve as an early warning signal of body deterioration.

Immunisation registers in Italy: a patchwork of computerisation.

PubMed

Alfonsi, V; D'Ancona, F; Rota, M C; Giambi, C; Ranghiasci, A; Iannazzo, S

2012-04-26

In Italy, the 21 regional health authorities are in charge of organising and implementing their own vaccination strategy, based on the national vaccine plan. Immunisation coverage varies greatly among the regions for certain vaccines. Efforts to increase childhood immunisation coverage have included initiatives to develop and implement computerised immunisation registers in as many regions as possible. We undertook a cross-sectional online survey in July 2011 to provide an updated picture of the use, heterogeneity and main functions of different computerised immunisation registers used in the Italian regions and to understand the flow of information from local health units to the regional authorities and to the Ministry of Health. Comparing current data with those obtained in 2007, a substantial improvement is evident. A total of 15 regions are fully computerised (previously nine), with 83% of local health units equipped with a computerised register (previously 70%). Eight of the 15 fully computerised regions use the same software, simplifying data sharing. Only four regions are able to obtain data in real time from local health units. Despite the progress made, the capacity to monitor vaccination coverage and to exchange data appears still limited.

[Bacterial contamination of the indoor air in a transplant unit].

PubMed

Matoušková, Ivanka; Holý, Ondřej

2013-12-01

For one year (August 2010 to July 2011), microbial contamination of the indoor air in the Transplant Unit of the Haemato-Oncology Clinic, Olomouc University Hospital was monitored monthly. Twenty sampling sites were singled out and a total of 240 indoor air samples were collected. An MAS-100 air sampler (Merck, GER) was used, air flow rate of 100 liters per minute, 1 minute. The measured values of indoor air temperature were stable. The relative air humidity ranged from 17% to 68%. The highest average value of microbial air contamination was found in the "staff entry room" (1170 CFU/m3). The lowest microbial air contamination (150-250 CFU/m3) was measured in the patient isolation units. The most frequently isolated bacterial strains were coagulase-negative staphylococci (94.3%), followed by Micrococcus spp. (67%) and Bacillus subtilis (11%). It can be assumed that the -source of these airborne bacterial strains are both patients and medical staff. They are classified as -opportunistic pathogens and as such can cause hospital infections among haemato-oncology patients.

Estimating the cost to U.S. health departments to conduct HIV surveillance.

PubMed

Shrestha, Ram K; Sansom, Stephanie L; Laffoon, Benjamin T; Farnham, Paul G; Shouse, R Luke; MacMaster, Karen; Hall, H Irene

2014-01-01

HIV case surveillance is a primary source of information for monitoring HIV burden in the United States and guiding the allocation of prevention and treatment funds. While the number of people living with HIV and the need for surveillance data have increased, little is known about the cost of surveillance. We estimated the economic cost to health departments of conducting high-quality HIV case surveillance. We collected primary data on the unit cost and quantity of resources used to operate the HIV case surveillance program in Michigan, where HIV burden (i.e., the number of HIV cases) is moderate to high (n=14,864 cases). Based on Michigan's data, we projected the expected annual HIV surveillance cost for U.S., state, local, and territorial health departments. We based our cost projection on the variation in the number of new and established cases, area-specific wages, and potential economies of scale. We estimated the annual total HIV surveillance cost to the Michigan health department to be $1,286,524 ($87/case), the annual total cost of new cases to be $108,657 ($133/case), and the annual total cost of established cases to be $1,177,867 ($84/case). Our projected median annual HIV surveillance cost per health department ranged from $210,600 in low-HIV burden sites to $1,835,000 in high-HIV burden sites. Our analysis shows that a systematic approach to costing HIV surveillance at the health department level is feasible. For HIV surveillance, a substantial portion of total surveillance costs is attributable to maintaining established cases.

Match-play demands of elite youth Gaelic football using global positioning system tracking.

PubMed

Reilly, Brian; Akubat, Ibrahim; Lyons, Mark; Collins, D Kieran

2015-04-01

Global positioning systems (GPS) technology has made athlete-tracking a convenient and accepted technique to specify movement patterns and physical demands in sport. The purpose of this study was to examine positional demands of elite youth Gaelic football match-play using portable GPS technology to examine movement patterns and heart rates across match periods. Fifty-six elite youth male Gaelic footballers (age, 15 ± 0.66 years) fitted with portable 4-Hz GPS units were observed during 6 competitive matches (60 minutes). Data provided from the GPS unit included total distance, high-intensity (≥17·km·h(-1)) distance, sprint (≥22 km·h(-1)) distance, and total number of sprints. Heart rate was monitored continuously throughout the games. Players covered a mean distance of 5732 ± 1047 m, and the mean intensity of match-play was 85% of the peak heart rate. There was a significant (p = 0.028) drop in the total distance covered in the second half (2783 ± 599 m) compared with the first half (2948 ± 580 m). In particular, there is a noticeable drop in the distance covered in the third quarter of the game (after half-time), which has implications for re-warming up at the end of the half-time interval. There was a highly significant (p < .001) difference in the distance traveled across the 5 positional groups with midfielders covering the greatest total distance (6740 ± 384 m). The significant differences found with respect to positional groups support the implementation of individual, position-specific strength and conditioning programs.

Alternative treatment of symptomatic pancreatic fistula.

PubMed

Wiltberger, Georg; Schmelzle, Moritz; Tautenhahn, Hans-Michael; Krenzien, Felix; Atanasov, Georgi; Hau, Hans-Michael; Moche, Michael; Jonas, Sven

2015-06-01

The management of symptomatic pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy is complex and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We here report continuous irrigation and drainage of the pancreatic remnant to be a feasible and safe alternative to total pancreatectomy. Between 2005 and 2011, patients were analyzed, in which pancreaticojejunal anastomosis was disconnected because of grade C fistula, and catheters for continuous irrigation and drainage were placed close to the pancreatic remnant. Clinical data were monitored and quality of life was evaluated. A total of 13 of 202 patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy required reoperation due to symptomatic pancreatic fistula. Ninety-day mortality of these patients was 15.3%. Median length of stay on the intensive care unit and total length of stay was 18 d (range 3-45) and 46 d (range 33-96), respectively. Patients with early reoperation (<10 d) had significantly decreased length of stay on the intensive care unit and operation time (P < 0.05). Global health status after a median time of 22 mo (range 6-66) was nearly identical, when compared with that of a healthy control group. Mean follow-up was 44.4 mo (±27.2). Four patients (36.6 %) died during the follow-up period; two patients from tumor recurrence, one patient from pneumonia, and one patient for unknown reasons. Treatment of pancreatic fistula by continuous irrigation and drainage of the preserved pancreatic remnant is a simple and feasible alternative to total pancreatectomy. This technique maintains a sufficient endocrine function and is associated with low mortality and reasonable quality of life. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Instilling exploitable INHIBIT logic gate response for F-/H+ in 'end-off' anthracene-diamine hybrid by simple functional group manipulation: Experimental study aided by DFT calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharyya, Arghyadeep; Makhal, Subhash Chandra; Ganguly, Aniruddha; Guchhait, Nikhil

2018-03-01

Two anthracene based receptors ADAMN and ANOPD were synthesized and characterized. The response of both towards F- ion has been monitored by UV-Vis and 1H NMR spectroscopy as well as naked eye color change. Interestingly, change in acceptor unit endows ADAMN to behave as a INHIBIT logic gate with F- and H+ as inputs whereas ANOPD remains totally silent towards F-. The reason for this differential behavior has been explored by DFT calculations. The practical utility of the logic gate response of ADAMN was explored by successful paper strip experiment.

Method 1664: N-hexane extractable material (hem) and silica gel treated n-hexane extractable material (SGT-HEM) by extraction and gravimetry (oil and grease and total petroleum hydrocarbons), April 1995

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

NONE

Method 1664 was developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Science and Technology to replace previously used gravimetric procedures that employed Freon-113, a Class I CFC, as the extraction solvent for the determination of oil and grease and petroleum hydrocarbons. Method 1664 is a performance-based method applicable to aqueous matrices that requires the use of n-hexane as the extraction solvent and gravimetry as the determinative technique. In addition, QC procedures designed to monitor precision and accuracy have been incorporated into Method 1664.

Data Used in Analyses of Trends, and Nutrient and Suspended-Sediment Loads for Streams in the Southeastern United States, 1973-2005

USGS Publications Warehouse

Staub, Erik L.; Peak, Kelly L.; Tighe, Kirsten C.; Sadorf, Eric M.; Harned, Douglas A.

2010-01-01

Water-quality data from selected surface-water monitoring sites in the Southeastern United States were assessed for trends in concentrations of nutrients, suspended sediment, and major constituents and for in-stream nutrient and suspended-sediment loads for the period 1973-2005. The area of interest includes river basins draining into the southern Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Tennessee River-drainage basins in Hydrologic Regions 03 (South Atlantic - Gulf) and 06 (Tennessee). This data assessment is related to studies of several major river basins as part of the U.S. Geological Survey National Water-Quality Assessment Program, which was designed to assess national water-quality trends during a common time period (1993-2004). Included in this report are data on which trend tests could be performed from 44 U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System (NWIS) sampling sites. The constituents examined include major ions, nutrients, and suspended sediment; the physical properties examined include pH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, and streamflow. Also included are data that were tested for trends from an additional 290 sites from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Storage and Retrieval (STORET) database. The trend analyses of the STORET data were limited to total nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations. Data from 48 U.S. Geological Survey NWIS sampling sites with sufficient water-quality and continuous streamflow data for estimating nutrient and sediment loads are included. The methods of data compilation and modification used prior to performing trend tests and load estimation are described. Results of the seasonal Kendall trend test and the Tobit trend test are given for the 334 monitoring sites, and in-stream load estimates are given for the 48 monitoring sites. Basin characteristics are provided, including regional landscape variables and agricultural nutrient sources (annual variations in cropping and fertilizer use). The data and results presented in this report are in tabular format and can be downloaded and used by environmental researchers and water managers, particularly in the Southeast.

Water quality in the Anacostia River, Maryland and Rock Creek, Washington, D.C.: Continuous and discrete monitoring with simulations to estimate concentrations and yields of nutrients, suspended sediment, and bacteria

USGS Publications Warehouse

Miller, Cherie V.; Chanat, Jeffrey G.; Bell, Joseph M.

2013-01-01

Concentrations and loading estimates for nutrients, suspended sediment, and E. coli bacteria were summarized for three water-quality monitoring stations on the Anacostia River in Maryland and one station on Rock Creek in Washington, D.C. Both streams are tributaries to the Potomac River in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and contribute to the Chesapeake Bay estuary. Two stations on the Anacostia River, Northeast Branch at Riverdale, Maryland and Northwest Branch near Hyattsville, Maryland, have been monitored for water quality during the study period from 2003 to 2011 and are located near the shift from nontidal to tidal conditions near Bladensburg, Maryland. A station on Paint Branch is nested above the station on the Northeast Branch Anacostia River, and has slightly less developed land cover than the Northeast and Northwest Branch stations. The Rock Creek station is located in Rock Creek Park, but the land cover in the watershed surrounding the park is urbanized. Stepwise log-linear regression models were developed to estimate the concentrations of suspended sediment, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and E. coli bacteria from continuous field monitors. Turbidity was the strongest predictor variable for all water-quality parameters. For bacteria, water temperature improved the models enough to be included as a second predictor variable due to the strong dependence of stream metabolism on temperature. Coefficients of determination (R2) for the models were highest for log concentrations of suspended sediment (0.9) and total phosphorus (0.8 to 0.9), followed by E. coli bacteria (0.75 to 0.8), and total nitrogen (0.6). Water-quality data provided baselines for conditions prior to accelerated implementation of multiple stormwater controls in the watersheds. Counties are currently in the process of enhancing stormwater controls in both watersheds. Annual yields were estimated for suspended sediment, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and E. coli bacteria using the U.S. Geological Survey model LOADEST with hourly time steps of turbidity, flow, and time. Yields of all four parameters were within ranges found in other urbanized watersheds in Chesapeake Bay. Annual yields for all four watersheds over the period of study were estimated for suspended sediment (65,500 – 166,000 kilograms per year per square kilometer; kg/yr/km2), total nitrogen (465 - 911 kg/yr/km2), total phosphorus (36 - 113 kg/yr/km2), and E. coli bacteria (6.0 – 38 x 1012 colony forming units/yr/km2). The length of record was not sufficient to determine trends for any of the water-quality parameters; within confidence intervals of the models, results were similar to loads determined by previous studies for the Northeast and Northwest Branch stations of the Anacostia River.

Developing and applying modern methods of leakage monitoring and state estimation of fuel at the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Povarov, V. P.; Tereshchenko, A. B.; Kravchenko, Yu. N.; Pozychanyuk, I. V.; Gorobtsov, L. I.; Golubev, E. I.; Bykov, V. I.; Likhanskii, V. V.; Evdokimov, I. A.; Zborovskii, V. G.; Sorokin, A. A.; Kanyukova, V. D.; Aliev, T. N.

2014-02-01

The results of developing and implementing the modernized fuel leakage monitoring methods at the shut-down and running reactor of the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant (NPP) are presented. An automated computerized expert system integrated with an in-core monitoring system (ICMS) and installed at the Novovoronezh NPP unit no. 5 is described. If leaky fuel elements appear in the core, the system allows one to perform on-line assessment of the parameters of leaky fuel assemblies (FAs). The computer expert system units designed for optimizing the operating regimes and enhancing the fuel usage efficiency at the Novovoronezh NPP unit no. 5 are now being developed.

Effect of electronic real-time prompting on hand hygiene behaviors in health care workers.

PubMed

Pong, Steven; Holliday, Pamela; Fernie, Geoff

2018-03-02

Poor hand hygiene by health care workers is a major cause of nosocomial infections. This research evaluated the ability of an electronic monitoring system with real-time prompting capability to change hand hygiene behaviors. Handwashing activity was measured by counting dispenser activations on a single nursing unit before, during, and after installation of the system. The effect of changing the prompt duration on hand hygiene performance was determined by a cluster-randomized trial on 3 nursing units with 1 acting as control. Sustainability of performance and participation was observed on 4 nursing units over a year. All staff were eligible to participate. Between June 2015 and December 2016, a total of 459,376 hand hygiene opportunities and 330,740 handwashing events from 511 staff members were recorded. Dispenser activation counts were significantly influenced by use of the system (χ 2 [3] = 75.76; P < .0001). Hand hygiene performance dropped from 62.61% to 24.94% (odds ratio, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.34-0.38) when the prompting feature was removed. Staff participation had a negative trajectory of -0.72% (P < .001), whereas change in average performance was -0.18% (P < .001) per week for the year. Use of electronic monitoring with real-time prompts of 20 seconds' duration nearly doubles handwashing activity and causes handwashing to occur sooner after entering a patient room. These improvements are sustainable over a year. Copyright © 2018 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Game Demands of Seven-A-Side Soccer in Young Players.

PubMed

Barbero-Alvarez, José C; Gómez-López, Maite; Castagna, Carlo; Barbero-Alvarez, Verónica; Romero, David V; Blanchfield, Anthony W; Nakamura, Fábio Y

2017-07-01

Barbero-Alvarez, JC, Gómez-López, M, Castagna, C, Barbero-Alvarez, V, Romero, DV, Blanchfield, AW, and Nakamura, FY. Game demands of seven-a-side soccer in young players. J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1771-1779, 2017-The aim of this study was to examine the activity patterns and physiological demands of 7-a-side youth soccer matches across 2 chronological age categories (U12 and U14). Twenty-two soccer players of a national youth soccer academy were investigated. Players of each age category performed 2 training matches (2 × 25 minutes) and were monitored by global positioning system and heart rate monitor units. Players of both categories covered similar total distance (5,348 ± 307 m), at similar mean heart rate values (86 ± 4% of maximum). However, the number of high-intensity runs (82.5 ± 17.4 vs. 69.7 ± 15.2) and total distance covered during sprints (264 ± 207 vs. 128 ± 74 m) were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in U14 compared with U12. The results suggest a highly demanding nature of 7-a-side soccer for skilled players, with physical maturity possibly influencing the match-related high-intensity performance at these ages.

Improved salvage of complicated microvascular transplants monitored with quantitative fluorometry.

PubMed

Whitney, T M; Lineaweaver, W C; Billys, J B; Siko, P P; Buncke, G M; Alpert, B S; Oliva, A; Buncke, H J

1992-07-01

Quantitative fluorometry has been used to monitor circulation in transplanted toes and cutaneous flaps in our unit since 1982. Analysis of 177 uncomplicated transplants monitored by quantitative fluorometry shows that this technique has low false indication rates for arterial occlusion (0.6 percent of patients) and venous occlusion (6.2 percent of patients). None of these patients was reexplored because of a false monitor reading, and except for single abnormal sequences, monitoring appropriately indicated intact circulation throughout the postoperative period. Quantitative fluorometry has correctly indicated vascular complications in 21 (91.3 percent) of 23 transplants over an 8-year period. The salvage rate (85.7 percent) of the fluorescein-monitored reexplored transplants was significantly higher than the salvage rates of similar reexplored transplants not monitored with fluorescein and of reexplored muscle flaps (which cannot be monitored with the fluorometer used at this unit). These clinical data indicate that quantitative fluorometry is a valid and useful postoperative monitor for transplanted toes and cutaneous flaps.

Radiological operational scenario for a permanent lunar base

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCormack, Percival D.

An operational scenario for a lunar base is postulated based on 30 lunar base personnel and 2 year tours of duty plus stipulated numbers of EVA's and sorties in the lunar rover vehicles. It is also postulated that the main shielding material for the lunar base units (habitats, laboratories, etc.) will be lunar regolith. Using the solar minimum period as the basis, total accumulated dose equivalents for the galactic cosmic radiation over the two year period are computed at various shielding depths. Depths of regolith of over 20 g/sq cm are sufficient to reduce the total dose equivalents to well under the present limits. The second arm of the radiological health strategy -- continuous and all-encompassing radiation dosimetry -- is also discussed in some detail. It is also emphasized that monitoring of the base personnel for genetic mutations and chromosomal aberrations must be part of the radiological health program in the lunar base.

Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the main meal quality index when applied in the UK population.

PubMed

Gorgulho, B M; Pot, G K; Marchioni, D M

2017-05-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Main Meal Quality Index when applied on the UK population. The indicator was developed to assess meal quality in different populations, and is composed of 10 components: fruit, vegetables (excluding potatoes), ratio of animal protein to total protein, fiber, carbohydrate, total fat, saturated fat, processed meat, sugary beverages and desserts, and energy density, resulting in a score range of 0-100 points. The performance of the indicator was measured using strategies for assessing content validity, construct validity, discriminant validity and reliability, including principal component analysis, linear regression models and Cronbach's alpha. The indicator presented good reliability. The Main Meal Quality Index has been shown to be valid for use as an instrument to evaluate, monitor and compare the quality of meals consumed by adults in the United Kingdom.

Real-time and integrated measurement of potential human exposure to particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from aircraft exhaust.

PubMed Central

Childers, J W; Witherspoon, C L; Smith, L B; Pleil, J D

2000-01-01

We used real-time monitors and low-volume air samplers to measure the potential human exposure to airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations during various flight-related and ground-support activities of C-130H aircraft at an Air National Guard base. We used three types of photoelectric aerosol sensors (PASs) to measure real-time concentrations of particle-bound PAHs in a break room, downwind from a C-130H aircraft during a four-engine run-up test, in a maintenance hangar, in a C-130H aircraft cargo bay during cargo-drop training, downwind from aerospace ground equipment (AGE), and in a C-130H aircraft cargo bay during engine running on/off (ERO) loading and backup exercises. Two low-volume air samplers were collocated with the real-time monitors for all monitoring events except those in the break room and during in-flight activities. Total PAH concentrations in the integrated-air samples followed a general trend: downwind from two AGE units > ERO-loading exercise > four-engine run-up test > maintenance hangar during taxi and takeoff > background measurements in maintenance hangar. Each PAH profile was dominated by naphthalene, the alkyl-substituted naphthalenes, and other PAHs expected to be in the vapor phase. We also found particle-bound PAHs, such as fluoranthene, pyrene, and benzo[a]pyrene in some of the sample extracts. During flight-related exercises, total PAH concentrations in the integrated-air samples were 10-25 times higher than those commonly found in ambient air. Real-time monitor mean responses generally followed the integrated-air sample trends. These monitors provided a semiquantitative temporal profile of ambient PAH concentrations and showed that PAH concentrations can fluctuate rapidly from a baseline level < 20 to > 4,000 ng/m(3) during flight-related activities. Small handheld models of the PAS monitors exhibited potential for assessing incidental personal exposure to particle-bound PAHs in engine exhaust and for serving as a real-time dosimeter to indicate when respiratory protection is advisable. PMID:11017890

40 CFR 75.11 - Specific provisions for monitoring SO2 emissions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 17 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Specific provisions for monitoring SO2... PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING Monitoring Provisions § 75.11 Specific provisions for monitoring SO2 emissions. (a) Coal-fired units. The owner or operator shall meet the general operating...

40 CFR 75.11 - Specific provisions for monitoring SO2 emissions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 17 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Specific provisions for monitoring SO2... PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING Monitoring Provisions § 75.11 Specific provisions for monitoring SO2 emissions. (a) Coal-fired units. The owner or operator shall meet the general operating...

40 CFR 75.11 - Specific provisions for monitoring SO2 emissions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 17 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Specific provisions for monitoring SO2... PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING Monitoring Provisions § 75.11 Specific provisions for monitoring SO2 emissions. (a) Coal-fired units. The owner or operator shall meet the general operating...

40 CFR 257.22 - Ground-water monitoring systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Ground-water monitoring systems. 257... Waste Disposal Units Ground-Water Monitoring and Corrective Action § 257.22 Ground-water monitoring systems. (a) A ground-water monitoring system must be installed that consists of a sufficient number of...

40 CFR 257.22 - Ground-water monitoring systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Ground-water monitoring systems. 257... Waste Disposal Units Ground-Water Monitoring and Corrective Action § 257.22 Ground-water monitoring systems. (a) A ground-water monitoring system must be installed that consists of a sufficient number of...

OFF-SITE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING REPORT: RADIATION MONITORING AROUND UNITED STATES NUCLEAR TEST AREAS, CALENDAR YEAR 1984

EPA Science Inventory

This report covers the routine radiation monitoring activities conducted by the Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory-Las Vegas in areas which may be affected by nuclear testing programs of the Department of Energy. This monitoring is conducted to document compliance with s...

OFFSITE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING REPORT. RADIATION MONITORING AROUND UNITED STATES NUCLEAR TEST AREAS, CALENDAR YEAR 1983

EPA Science Inventory

This report covers the routine radiation monitoring activities conducted by the Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory-Las Vegas in areas which may be affected by nuclear testing programs of the Department of Energy. This monitoring is conducted to document compliance with s...

OFF-SITE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING REPORT: RADIATION MONITORING AROUND UNITED STATES NUCLEAR TEST AREAS, CALENDAR YEAR 1987

EPA Science Inventory

This report covers the routine radiation monitoring activities conducted by the Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory-Las Vegas in areas which may be affected by nuclear testing programs of the Department of Energy. This monitoring is conducted to document compliance with s...

Using large volume samplers for the monitoring of particle bound micro pollutants in rivers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kittlaus, Steffen; Fuchs, Stephan

2015-04-01

The requirements of the WFD as well as substance emission modelling at the river basin scale require stable monitoring data for micro pollutants. The monitoring concepts applied by the local authorities as well as by many scientists use single sampling techniques. Samples from water bodies are usually taken in volumes of about one litre and depending on predetermined time steps or through discharge thresholds. For predominantly particle bound micro pollutants the small sample size of about one litre results in a very small amount of suspended particles. To measure micro pollutant concentrations in these samples is demanding and results in a high uncertainty of the measured concentrations, if the concentration is above the detection limit in the first place. In many monitoring programs most of the measured values were below the detection limit. This results in a high uncertainty if river loads were calculated from these data sets. The authors propose a different approach to gain stable concentration values for particle bound micro pollutants from river monitoring: A mixed sample of about 1000 L was pumped in a tank with a dirty-water pump. The sampling usually is done discharge dependant by using a gauge signal as input for the control unit. After the discharge event is over or the tank is fully filled, the suspended solids settle in the tank for 2 days. After this time a clear separation of water and solids can be shown. A sample (1 L) from the water phase and the total mass of the settled solids (about 10 L) are taken to the laboratory for analysis. While the micro pollutants can't hardly be detected in the water phase, the signal from the sediment is high above the detection limit, thus certain and very stable. From the pollutant concentration in the solid phase and the total tank volume the initial pollutant concentration in the sample can be calculated. If the concentration in the water phase is detectable, it can be used to correct the total load. This relatively low cost approach (less costs for analysis because of small sample number) allows to quantify the pollutant load, to derive dissolved-solid partition coefficients and to quantify the pollutant load in different particle size classes.

State behavior during the Ukrainian crisis: the perspectives of Romania, France, and the United States

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-26

Four Leaders, Three Cease-Fires, and Two Summits.” Center for Strategic and International Studies , October 23, 2015. Accessed April 17, 2016. http...United States A Monograph By MAJ Valerică-Iulian Sărățeanu Romanian Army School of Advanced Military Studies United States Army Command...SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) School of Advanced Military Studies , Advanced Military Studies Program 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER(S) 12

Global Atmospheric Monitoring

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wallen, Carl C.

1975-01-01

The global atmospheric monitoring plans of the World Meteorological Organization are detailed. Single and multipurpose basic monitoring systems and the monitoring of chemical properties are discussed. The relationship of the World Meteorological Organization with the United Nations environment program is discussed. A map of the World…

Method and system for redundancy management of distributed and recoverable digital control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stange, Kent (Inventor); Hess, Richard (Inventor); Kelley, Gerald B (Inventor); Rogers, Randy (Inventor)

2012-01-01

A method and system for redundancy management is provided for a distributed and recoverable digital control system. The method uses unique redundancy management techniques to achieve recovery and restoration of redundant elements to full operation in an asynchronous environment. The system includes a first computing unit comprising a pair of redundant computational lanes for generating redundant control commands. One or more internal monitors detect data errors in the control commands, and provide a recovery trigger to the first computing unit. A second redundant computing unit provides the same features as the first computing unit. A first actuator control unit is configured to provide blending and monitoring of the control commands from the first and second computing units, and to provide a recovery trigger to each of the first and second computing units. A second actuator control unit provides the same features as the first actuator control unit.

A clinical evaluation of a remote mobility monitoring system based on SMS messaging.

PubMed

Dalton, Anthony F; Ní Scanaill, Cliodhna; Carew, Sheila; Lyons, Declan; OLaighin, Gearóid

2007-01-01

The objective of this work was to evaluate the accuracy and viability of a mobility telemonitoring system, based on the short message service (SMS), to monitor the functional mobility of elderly subjects in an unsupervised environment. A clinical trial was conducted consisting of 6 elderly subjects; 3 male, 3 female (mean: 81.7, SD: 5.09). Mobility was monitored using an accelerometer based portable unit worn by each monitored subject for eleven hours. Every 15 minutes the mobility of the subject was summarized and transmitted as an SMS message from the portable unit to a remote server for long term analysis. The activPAL Trio Professional physical activity logger was simultaneously used for comparison with the portable unit. On conclusion of the trial each subject completed a questionnaire detailing their satisfaction with the portable unit and any recommendations for improvements. Overall a percentage difference of 2.31% was found between the activPAL Trio and the portable unit for the detection of sitting. For the combined postures of standing and walking the percentage difference was calculated as 2.9%. A bivariate correlation and regression analysis was performed on the entire data set of one subject. Strong positive correlation's were found for the detection of sitting (r = 0.996) and for the combined postures of standing and walking (r = 0.994). Subjects suggested that a lighter, smaller and wireless unit would be more effective.

Nicotine replacement prescribing trends in a large psychiatric hospital, before and after implementation of a hospital-wide smoking ban.

PubMed

Scharf, Deborah; Fabian, Tanya; Fichter-DeSando, Cecilia; Douaihy, Antoine

2011-06-01

We examined prescribing patterns for nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) in a large psychiatric hospital, before and after the implementation of a smoking ban. We extracted 5 years of NRT utilization data from hospital pharmacy records. The ban went into effect on January 1, 2007. Data reflect NRT prescriptions from 2 years before and 3 years after the ban, and N = 30,908 total inpatient hospital admissions. The monthly rate of total NRT prescriptions increased after the ban from M = 254.25 (SD = 126.60) doses per month to M = 4,467.52 (SD = 1,785.87) doses per month (>1,700% increase, p < .0001). After the smoking ban, clinicians prescribed higher doses of transdermal (but not oral) NRT (Tukey, p < .0001). Comparisons of NRT prescribing across hospital units tentatively suggested that patients being treated on the substance use disorders unit were prescribed more doses of NRT, as well as higher doses of NRT compared with patients on other units. Analysis of trends over time showed no apparent downward trend for NRT usage during the 3 years following the smoking ban, suggesting that clinicians continued to treat nicotine dependence after smoking was restricted. Clinicians are more likely to identify and treat symptoms of nicotine withdrawal when smoking is restricted. Hospitals should consider monitoring prescriptions for NRT as part of their ongoing quality assurance practices so that patients receive aggressive treatment of nicotine withdrawal symptoms--an essential component of high-quality patient care.

Quality assurance and quality control methodologies used within the Austrian UV monitoring network.

PubMed

Mario, Blumthaler

2004-01-01

The Austrian UVB monitoring network is operational since 1997. Nine detectors for measuring erythemally weighted solar UV irradiance are distributed over Austria in order to cover the main populated areas as well as different levels of altitude. The detectors are calibrated to indicate the UV-Index, the internationally agreed unit for erythemally weighted solar UV irradiance. Calibration is carried out in the laboratory for determination of spectral sensitivity of each detector, and under the sun for absolute comparison with a well-calibrated, double-monochromator spectroradiometer. For the conversion from detector-weighted units to erythemally weighted units a lookup table is used, which is calculated using a radiative transfer model and which reflects the dependence of the conversion on the solar zenith angle and total ozone content of the atmosphere. The uncertainty of the calibration is about +/-7%, dominated by the uncertainty of the calibration lamp for the spectroradiometer (+/-4%). The long-term stability of this type of detectors has been found to be not satisfactory. Therefore, routinely every year all detectors are completely recalibrated. Variations of the calibration factors up to +/-10% are found. Thus, during routine operation, several measures take place for quality control. The measured data are compared to results of model calculations with a radiative transfer model, where clear sky and an aerosol-free atmosphere are assumed. At each site, the UV data are also compared with data from a co-located pyranometer measuring total solar irradiance. These two radiation quantities are well correlated, especially on clear days and when the ozone content is taken into account. If suspicious measurements are found for one detector in the network, a well-calibrated travelling reference detector of the same type is set up side-by-side, allowing the identification of relative differences of approximately 3%. If necessary, a recalibration is carried out. As the main aim for the Austrian UV monitoring network is the information of the public about the actual levels of UVB irradiance, the measurement results are published on-line in the Internet (http://www.uibk.ac.at/projects/uv-index). For the previous day and backwards approximately 2 years, the distribution of maximal UVB levels over Austria is shown on a regional map. Additionally, near real-time data of most of the measurement stations are presented with a delay of usually less than half-an-hour. Together with these actually measured data there is also shown the diurnal variation of the maximal expected value of the UV-Index under ideal clear conditions.

Groundwater-Quality Data in the South Coast Range-Coastal Study Unit, 2008: Results from the California GAMA Program

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mathany, Timothy M.; Burton, Carmen A.; Land, Michael; Belitz, Kenneth

2010-01-01

Groundwater quality in the approximately 766-square-mile South Coast Range-Coastal (SCRC) study unit was investigated from May to December 2008, as part of the Priority Basins Project of the Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment (GAMA) Program. The GAMA Priority Basins Project was developed in response to legislative mandates (Supplemental Report of the 1999 Budget Act 1999-00 Fiscal Year; and, the Groundwater Quality Monitoring Act of 2001 [Sections 10780-10782.3 of the California Water Code, Assembly Bill 599]) to assess and monitor the quality of groundwater in California, and is being conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). The SCRC study unit was the 25th study unit to be sampled as part of the GAMA Priority Basins Project. The SCRC study unit was designed to provide a spatially unbiased assessment of untreated groundwater quality in the primary aquifer systems and to facilitate statistically consistent comparisons of untreated groundwater quality throughout California. The primary aquifer systems (hereinafter referred to as primary aquifers) were defined as that part of the aquifer corresponding to the perforation interval of wells listed in the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) database for the SCRC study unit. The quality of groundwater in shallow or deep water-bearing zones may differ from the quality of groundwater in the primary aquifers; shallow groundwater may be more vulnerable to surficial contamination. In the SCRC study unit, groundwater samples were collected from 70 wells in two study areas (Basins and Uplands) in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. Fifty-five of the wells were selected using a spatially distributed, randomized grid-based method to provide statistical representation of the study unit (grid wells), and 15 wells were selected to aid in evaluation of specific water-quality issues (understanding wells). In addition to the 70 wells sampled, 3 surface-water samples were collected in streams near 2 of the sampled wells in order to better comprehend the interaction between groundwater and surface water in the area. The groundwater samples were analyzed for organic constituents (volatile organic compounds [VOC], pesticides and pesticide degradates, polar pesticides and metabolites, and pharmaceutical compounds), constituents of special interest (perchlorate, N-nitrosodimethylamine [NDMA], and 1,2,3-TCP), naturally occurring inorganic constituents (trace elements, nutrients, dissolved organic carbon [DOC], major and minor ions, silica, total dissolved solids [TDS], and alkalinity), and radioactive constituents (gross alpha and gross beta radioactivity). Naturally occurring isotopes (stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen in water, stable isotopes of nitrogen and oxygen in dissolved nitrate, stable isotopes of sulfur in dissolved sulfate, stable isotopes of carbon in dissolved inorganic carbon, activities of tritium, and carbon-14 abundance), and dissolved gases (including noble gases) also were measured to help identify the sources and ages of the sampled groundwater. In total, 298 constituents and field water-quality indicators were investigated. Three types of quality-control samples (blanks, replicates, and matrix-spikes) were collected at approximately 3 to 12 percent of the wells in the SCRC study unit, and the results for these samples were used to evaluate the quality of the data for the groundwater samples. Field blanks rarely contained detectable concentrations of any constituent, suggesting that contamination from sample collection procedures was not a significant source of bias in the data for the groundwater samples. Differences between replicate samples generally were less than 10 percent relative and/or standard deviation, indicating acceptable analytical reproducibility. Matrix-spike recoveries were within the acceptable range (70 to 130 percent) for approximately 84

76 FR 8769 - Notice of Receipt of Complaint; Solicitation of Comments Relating to the Public Interest

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-15

... Certain Display Devices, Including Digital Televisions and Monitors II, DN 2787; the Commission is... importation of certain display devices, including digital televisions and monitors II. The complaint names as... in the United States economy, the production of like or directly competitive articles in the United...

Monitoring and Evaluation of Public Policies for Educational Infrastructure.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilkinson, Richard

This paper provides an overview of how the Department for Education and Skills (the Ministry of Education of the United Kingdom) is managing, monitoring, and evaluating investment in school accommodation in England. School infrastructure in the United Kingdom is going through a period of significant change as the government seeks dramatic…

40 CFR 75.34 - Units with add-on emission controls.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING Missing Data Substitution Procedures § 75.34 Units with... monitoring system(s) are not obtained. (1) The owner or operator may use the missing data substitution procedures specified in §§ 75.31 through 75.33 to provide substitute data for any missing data hour(s) in...

40 CFR 75.34 - Units with add-on emission controls.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING Missing Data Substitution Procedures § 75.34 Units with... monitoring system(s) are not obtained. (1) The owner or operator may use the missing data substitution procedures specified in §§ 75.31 through 75.33 to provide substitute data for any missing data hour(s) in...

40 CFR 75.34 - Units with add-on emission controls.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING Missing Data Substitution Procedures § 75.34 Units with... monitoring system(s) are not obtained. (1) The owner or operator may use the missing data substitution procedures specified in §§ 75.31 through 75.33 to provide substitute data for any missing data hour(s) in...

40 CFR 75.34 - Units with add-on emission controls.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING Missing Data Substitution Procedures § 75.34 Units with... monitoring system(s) are not obtained. (1) The owner or operator may use the missing data substitution procedures specified in §§ 75.31 through 75.33 to provide substitute data for any missing data hour(s) in...

40 CFR 75.34 - Units with add-on emission controls.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING Missing Data Substitution Procedures § 75.34 Units with... monitoring system(s) are not obtained. (1) The owner or operator may use the missing data substitution procedures specified in §§ 75.31 through 75.33 to provide substitute data for any missing data hour(s) in...

78 FR 7411 - Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS); Certification of New VMS Unit for Use in Northeast Fisheries

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-01

... Monitoring Systems (VMS); Certification of New VMS Unit for Use in Northeast Fisheries AGENCY: National... used effective January 24, 2013. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Office of Law Enforcement, Northeast Division, Northeast VMS Team, telephone 978-281-9213. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulations at 50 CFR 648...

Monitoring U.S. forest dynamics with Landsat [Chapter 12

Treesearch

Jeffrey G. Masek; Sean P. Healey

2012-01-01

Forest dynamics in the United States differ substantially from those in the developing world and thus present unique monitoring requirements. While deforestation and conversion to semipermanent agriculture dominate tropical forest dynamics, the area of forest land in the United States has remained fairly constant for the last 50-60 years (Birdsey and Lewis 2003)....

Streamflow, water quality, and constituent loads and yields, Scituate Reservoir drainage area, Rhode Island, water year 2009

USGS Publications Warehouse

Breault, Robert F.; Smith, Kirk P.

2010-01-01

Streamflow and water-quality data were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) or the Providence Water Supply Board (PWSB), Rhode Island's largest drinking-water supplier. Streamflow was measured or estimated by the USGS following standard methods at 23 streamgage stations; 13 of these stations were also equipped with instrumentation capable of continuously monitoring specific conductance and water temperature. Streamflow and concentrations of sodium and chloride estimated from records of specific conductance were used to calculate loads of sodium and chloride during water year (WY) 2009 (October 1, 2008, to September 30, 2009). Water-quality samples also were collected at 37 sampling stations by the PWSB and at 14 monitoring stations by the USGS during WY 2009 as part of a long-term sampling program; all stations are in the Scituate Reservoir drainage area. Water-quality data collected by PWSB are summarized by using values of central tendency and are used, in combination with measured (or estimated) streamflows, to calculate loads and yields (loads per unit area) of selected water-quality constituents for WY 2009. The largest tributary to the reservoir (the Ponaganset River, which was monitored by the USGS) contributed a mean streamflow of about 27 cubic feet per second (ft3/s) to the reservoir during WY 2009. For the same time period, annual mean1 streamflows measured (or estimated) for the other monitoring stations in this study ranged from about 0.50 to 17 ft3/s. Together, tributary streams (equipped with instrumentation capable of continuously monitoring specific conductance) transported about 1,400,000 kilograms (kg) of sodium and 2,200,000 kg of chloride to the Scituate Reservoir during WY 2009; sodium and chloride yields for the tributaries ranged from 10,000 to 64,000 kilograms per square mile (kg/mi2) and from 15,000 to 110,000 kg/mi2, respectively. At the stations where water-quality samples were collected by the PWSB, the median of the median chloride concentrations was 21.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L), median nitrite concentration was 0.001 mg/L as N, median nitrate concentration was 0.02 mg/L as N, median orthophosphate concentration was 0.09 mg/L as P, and median concentrations of total coliform and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria were 61 and 16 colony forming units per 100 milliliters (CFU/100 mL), respectively. The medians of the median daily loads (and yields) of chloride, nitrite, nitrate, orthophosphate, and total coliform and E. coli bacteria were 190 kg/d (61 kg/d/mi2), 12 g/d (4.5 g/d/mi2), 93 g/d (32 g/d/mi2), 420 g/d (290 g/d/mi2), 6,200 million colony forming units per day (CFU?106/d) (2,600 CFU?106/d/mi2), and 1,100 CFU?106/d (340 CFU?106/d/mi2), respectively. 1The arithmetic mean of the individual daily mean discharges for the year noted or for the designated period.

A wireless blood pressure monitoring system for personal health management.

PubMed

Li, Wun-Jin; Luo, Yuan-Long; Chang, Yao-Shun; Lin, Yuan-Hsiang

2010-01-01

In this paper, we developed a wireless blood pressure monitoring system which provides a useful tool for users to measure and manage their daily blood pressure values. This system includes an ARM-based blood pressure monitor with a ZigBee wireless transmission module and a PC-based management unit with graphic user interface and database. The wireless blood pressure monitor can measure the blood pressure and heart rate and then store and forward the measuring information to the management unit through the ZigBee wireless transmission. On the management unit, user can easy to see their blood pressure variation in the past using a line chart. Accuracy of blood pressure measurement has been verified by a commercial blood pressure simulator and shown the bias of systolic blood pressure is ≤ 1 mmHg and the bias of diastolic blood pressure is ≤ 1.4 mmHg.

Remote Monitor Alarm System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stute, Robert A. (Inventor); Galloway, F. Houston (Inventor); Medelius, Pedro J. (Inventor); Swindle, Robert W. (Inventor); Bierman, Tracy A. (Inventor)

1996-01-01

A remote monitor alarm system monitors discrete alarm and analog power supply voltage conditions at remotely located communications terminal equipment. A central monitoring unit (CMU) is connected via serial data links to each of a plurality of remote terminal units (RTUS) that monitor the alarm and power supply conditions of the remote terminal equipment. Each RTU can monitor and store condition information of both discrete alarm points and analog power supply voltage points in its associated communications terminal equipment. The stored alarm information is periodically transmitted to the CMU in response to sequential polling of the RTUS. The number of monitored alarm inputs and permissible voltage ranges for the analog inputs can be remotely configured at the CMU and downloaded into programmable memory at each RTU. The CMU includes a video display, a hard disk memory, a line printer and an audio alarm for communicating and storing the alarm information received from each RTU.

Self-testing security sensor for monitoring closure of vault doors and the like

DOEpatents

Cawthorne, Duane C.

1997-05-27

A self-testing device is provided for a monitoring system for monitoring whether a closure member such as a door or window is closed. The monitoring system includes a switch unit mounted on the frame of the closure member being monitored and including magnetically biased switches connected in one or more electrical monitoring circuits, and a door magnet unit mounted on the closure member being monitored. The door magnet includes one or more permanent magnets that produce a magnetic field which, when the closure member is closed, cause said switches to assume a first state. When the closure member is opened, the switches switch to a second, alarm state. The self-testing device is electrically controllable from a remote location and produces a canceling or diverting magnetic field which simulates the effect of movement of the closure member from the closed position thereof without any actual movement of the member.

Self-testing security sensor for monitoring closure of vault doors and the like

DOEpatents

Cawthorne, D.C.

1997-05-27

A self-testing device is provided for a monitoring system for monitoring whether a closure member such as a door or window is closed. The monitoring system includes a switch unit mounted on the frame of the closure member being monitored and including magnetically biased switches connected in one or more electrical monitoring circuits, and a door magnet unit mounted on the closure member being monitored. The door magnet includes one or more permanent magnets that produce a magnetic field which, when the closure member is closed, cause said switches to assume a first state. When the closure member is opened, the switches switch to a second, alarm state. The self-testing device is electrically controllable from a remote location and produces a canceling or diverting magnetic field which simulates the effect of movement of the closure member from the closed position thereof without any actual movement of the member. 5 figs.

A Piezoelectric Passive Wireless Sensor for Monitoring Strain

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zou, Xiyue; Ferri, Paul N.; Hogan, Ben; Mazzeo, Aaron D.; Hull. Patrick V.

2017-01-01

Interest in passive wireless sensing has grown over the past few decades to meet demands in structural health monitoring.(Deivasigamani et al., 2013; Wilson and Juarez, 2014) This work describes a passive wireless sensor for monitoring strain, which does not have an embedded battery or chip. Without an embedded battery, the passive wireless sensor has the potential to maintain its functionality over long periods in remote/harsh environments. This work also focuses on monitoring small strain (less than 1000 micro-?). The wireless sensing system includes a reader unit, a coil-like transponder, and a sensing unit. It operates in the Megahertz (MHz) frequency range, which allows for a few centimeters of separation between the reader and sensing unit during measurements. The sensing unit is a strain-sensitive piezoelectric resonator that maximizes the energy efficiency at the resonance frequency, so it converts nanoscale mechanical variations to detectable differences in electrical signal. In response to an external loading, the piezoelectric sensor breaks from its original electromechanical equilibrium, and the resonant frequency shifts as the system reaches a new balanced equilibrium. In this work, the fixture of the sensing unit is a small, sticker-like package that converts the surface strain of a test material to measurable shifts in resonant frequencies. Furthermore, electromechanical modeling provides a lumped-parameter model of the system to describe and predict the measured wireless signals of the sensor. Detailed characterization demonstrates how this wireless sensor has resolution comparable to that of conventional wired strain sensors for monitoring small strain.

Current practice and recommendations in UK epilepsy monitoring units. Report of a national survey and workshop.

PubMed

Hamandi, Khalid; Beniczky, Sandor; Diehl, Beate; Kandler, Rosalind H; Pressler, Ronit M; Sen, Arjune; Solomon, Juliet; Walker, Matthew C; Bagary, Manny

2017-08-01

Inpatient video-EEG monitoring (VEM) is an important investigation in patients with seizures or blackouts, and in the pre-surgical workup of patients with epilepsy. There has been an expansion in the number of Epilepsy Monitoring Units (EMU) in the UK offering VEM with a necessary increase in attention on quality and safety. Previous surveys have shown variation across centres on issues including consent and patient monitoring. In an effort to bring together healthcare professionals in the UK managing patients on EMU, we conducted an online survey of current VEM practice and held a one-day workshop convened under the auspices of the British Chapter of the ILAE. The survey and workshop aimed to cover all aspects of VEM, including pre-admission, consent procedures, patient safety, drug reduction and reinstatement, seizure management, staffing levels, ictal testing and good data recording practice. This paper reports on the findings of the survey, the workshop presentations and workshop discussions. 32 centres took part in the survey and there were representatives from 22 centres at the workshop. There was variation in protocols, procedures and consent processes between units, and levels of observation of monitored patients. Nevertheless, the workshop discussion found broad areas of agreement on points. A survey and workshop of UK epilepsy monitoring units found that some variability in practice is inevitable due to different local arrangements and patient groups under investigation. However, there were areas of clear consensus particularly in relation to consent and patient safety that can be applied to most units and form a basis for setting minimum standards. Copyright © 2017 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Digital High-Current Monitor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cash, B.

1985-01-01

Simple technique developed for monitoring direct currents up to several hundred amperes and digitally displaying values directly in current units. Used to monitor current magnitudes beyond range of standard laboratory ammeters, which typically measure 10 to 20 amperes maximum. Technique applicable to any current-monitoring situation.

Integrated wireless sensor network and real time smart controlling and monitoring system for efficient energy management in standalone photovoltaic systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abou-Elnour, Ali; Thabt, A.; Helmy, S.; Kashf, Y.; Hadad, Y.; Tarique, M.; Abo-Elnor, Ossama

2014-04-01

In the present work, wireless sensor network and smart real-time controlling and monitoring system are integrated for efficient energy management of standalone photovoltaic system. The proposed system has two main components namely the monitoring and controlling system and the wireless communication system. LabView software has been used in the implementation of the monitoring and controlling system. On the other hand, ZigBee wireless modules have been used to implement the wireless system. The main functions of monitoring and controlling unit is to efficiently control the energy consumption form the photovoltaic system based on accurate determination of the periods of times at which the loads are required to be operated. The wireless communication system send the data from the monitoring and controlling unit to the loads at which desired switching operations are performed. The wireless communication system also continuously feeds the monitoring and controlling unit with updated input data from the sensors and from the photovoltaic module send to calculate and record the generated, the consumed, and the stored energy to apply load switching saving schemes if necessary. It has to be mentioned that our proposed system is a low cost and low power system because and it is flexible to be upgraded to fulfill additional users' requirements.

Geochemical and mineralogical data for soils of the conterminous United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Smith, David B.; Cannon, William F.; Woodruff, Laurel G.; Solano, Federico; Kilburn, James E.; Fey, David L.

2013-01-01

In 2007, the U.S. Geological Survey initiated a low-density (1 site per 1,600 square kilometers, 4,857 sites) geochemical and mineralogical survey of soils of the conterminous United States as part of the North American Soil Geochemical Landscapes Project. Sampling and analytical protocols were developed at a workshop in 2003, and pilot studies were conducted from 2004 to 2007 to test and refine these recommended protocols. The final sampling protocol for the national-scale survey included, at each site, a sample from a depth of 0 to 5 centimeters, a composite of the soil A horizon, and a deeper sample from the soil C horizon or, if the top of the C horizon was at a depth greater than 1 meter, from a depth of approximately 80–100 centimeters. The <2-millimeter fraction of each sample was analyzed for a suite of 45 major and trace elements by methods that yield the total or near-total elemental content. The major mineralogical components in the samples from the soil A and C horizons were determined by a quantitative X-ray diffraction method using Rietveld refinement. Sampling in the conterminous United States was completed in 2010, with chemical and mineralogical analyses completed in May 2013. The resulting dataset provides an estimate of the abundance and spatial distribution of chemical elements and minerals in soils of the conterminous United States and represents a baseline for soil geochemistry and mineralogy against which future changes may be recognized and quantified. This report (1) describes the sampling, sample preparation, and analytical methods used; (2) gives details of the quality control protocols used to monitor the quality of chemical and mineralogical analyses over approximately six years; and (3) makes available the soil geochemical and mineralogical data in downloadable tables.

First Reprocessing of Southern Hemisphere Additional Ozonesondes (SHADOZ) Ozone Profiles (1998-2016): 2. Comparisons With Satellites and Ground-Based Instruments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, Anne M.; Witte, Jacquelyn C.; Sterling, Chance; Jordan, Allen; Johnson, Bryan J.; Oltmans, Samuel J.; Fujiwara, Masatomo; Vömel, Holger; Allaart, Marc; Piters, Ankie; Coetzee, Gert J. R.; Posny, Françoise; Corrales, Ernesto; Diaz, Jorge Andres; Félix, Christian; Komala, Ninong; Lai, Nga; Ahn Nguyen, H. T.; Maata, Matakite; Mani, Francis; Zainal, Zamuna; Ogino, Shin-ya; Paredes, Francisco; Penha, Tercio Luiz Bezerra; da Silva, Francisco Raimundo; Sallons-Mitro, Sukarni; Selkirk, Henry B.; Schmidlin, F. J.; Stübi, Rene; Thiongo, Kennedy

2017-12-01

The Southern Hemisphere ADditional OZonesonde (SHADOZ) network was assembled to validate a new generation of ozone-monitoring satellites and to better characterize the vertical structure of tropical ozone in the troposphere and stratosphere. Beginning with nine stations in 1998, more than 7,000 ozone and P-T-U profiles are available from 14 SHADOZ sites that have operated continuously for at least a decade. We analyze ozone profiles from the recently reprocessed SHADOZ data set that is based on adjustments for inconsistencies caused by varying ozonesonde instruments and operating techniques. First, sonde-derived total ozone column amounts are compared to the overpasses from the Earth Probe/Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer, Ozone Monitoring Instrument, and Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite satellites that cover 1998-2016. Second, characteristics of the stratospheric and tropospheric columns are examined along with ozone structure in the tropical tropopause layer (TTL). We find that (1) relative to our earlier evaluations of SHADOZ data, in 2003, 2007, and 2012, sonde-satellite total ozone column offsets at 12 stations are 2% or less, a significant improvement; (2) as in prior studies, the 10 tropical SHADOZ stations, defined as within ±19° latitude, display statistically uniform stratospheric column ozone, 229 ± 3.9 DU (Dobson units), and a tropospheric zonal wave-one pattern with a 14 DU mean amplitude; (3) the TTL ozone column, which is also zonally uniform, masks complex vertical structure, and this argues against using satellites for lower stratospheric ozone trends; and (4) reprocessing has led to more uniform stratospheric column amounts across sites and reduced bias in stratospheric profiles. As a consequence, the uncertainty in total column ozone now averages 5%.

A survey of antimicrobial usage in animals in South Africa with specific reference to food animals.

PubMed

Eagar, Hayley; Swan, Gerry; van Vuuren, Moritz

2012-08-01

The purpose of this study was to set a benchmark for a monitoring and surveillance programme on the volumes of antimicrobials available and consumed by animals for the benefit of animal health in South Africa. This survey was collated from data available from 2002 to 2004. The authorised antimicrobials available in South Africa were firstly reviewed. The majority of available antimicrobials were registered under the Stock Remedies Act 36 1947. Secondly, volumes of antimicrobials consumed were then surveyed and it was found that the majority of consumed antimicrobials were from the macrolide and pleuromutilin classes, followed by the tetracycline class, the sulphonamide class and lastly the penicillin class.Results showed that 68.5% of the antimicrobials surveyed were administered as in-feed medications. 17.5% of the total volume of antimicrobials utilised were parenteral antimicrobials, whereas antimicrobials for water medication constituted 12% of the total and 'other' dosage forms, for example the topical and aural dosage forms, constituted 1.5% of the total. Intramammary antimicrobials represented 0.04% of the total. The surveillance systems for veterinary antimicrobials used by other countries were scrutinised and compared. It was concluded that a combination of the surveillance systems applied by Australia and the United Kingdom is the best model (with modifications) to apply to the animal health industry in South Africa. Such a surveillance system, of the volumes of veterinary antimicrobials consumed, should ideally be implemented in conjunction with a veterinary antimicrobial resistance surveillance and monitoring programme. This will generate meaningful data that will contribute to the rational administration of antimicrobials in order to preserve the efficacy of the existing antimicrobials in South Africa.

Monitoring costs in the ICU: a search for a pertinent methodology.

PubMed

Reis Miranda, D; Jegers, M

2012-10-01

Attempts to determine costs in the intensive care unit (ICU) were not successful until now, as they failed to detect differences of costs between patients. The methodology and/or the instruments used might be at the origin of this failure. Based on the results of the European ICUs studies and on the descriptions of the activities of care in the ICU, we gathered and analysed the relevant literature concerning the monitoring of costs in the ICU. The aim was to formulate a methodology, from an economic perspective, in which future research may be framed. A bottom-up microcosting methodology will enable to distinguish costs between patients. The resulting information will at the same time support the decision-making of top management and be ready to include in the financial system of the hospital. Nursing staff explains about 30% of the total costs. This relation remains constant irrespective of the annual nurse/patient ratio. In contrast with other scoring instruments, the nursing activities score (NAS) covers all nursing activities. (1) NAS is to be chosen for quantifying nursing activities; (2) an instrument for measuring the physician's activities is not yet available; (3) because the nursing activities have a large impact on total costs, the standardisation of the processes of care (following the system approach) will contribute to manage costs, making also reproducible the issue of quality of care; (4) the quantification of the nursing activities may be the required (proxy) input for the automated bottom-up monitoring of costs in the ICU. © 2012 The Authors. Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica © 2012 The Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica Foundation.

Increasing Antimicrobial Resistance Monitored in Surveillance Analysis of Blood Stream Infections in Febrile Neutropenic Pediatric Oncology Patients.

PubMed

El-Mahallawy, Hadir A; Hassan, Safaa Shawky; El-Wakil, Mohamed; Moneer, Manar M; Shalaby, Lobna

2015-01-01

Continuous surveillance of pattern of blood stream infection is necessary in febrile neutropenia (FN)especially with the recent escalating trend in the management of pediatric cancer patients towards intensified regimens and with the increase in infections caused by resistant organisms limiting the choice of antibiotics. To monitor change in pattern of blood stream infections (BSI) in FN pediatric cancer patients. Surveillance of FN episodes with positive BSI was prospectively monitored and compared to a previous surveillance in the same pediatric oncology unit. A total of 232 BSI positive episodes were documented in 192 patients during a 6 months period. The results of recent surveillance analysis showed an increase in intensified regimens of chemotherapy, antimicrobial resistance, fungal infections, and prolonged duration of episodes when compared to previous surveillance, with p value sof <0.001, 0.005, 0.021, and <0.001, respectively. There was an apparent decrease in the crude mortality but this was not statistically significant, to 6% in 2011 from 10 % in 2006. The pattern of BSI at our institution is still inclining towards gram positive organisms but is showing a shift towards more antibiotic resistance and fungal infections.

Post-Closure Report for Closed Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Corrective Action Units, Nevada National Security Site, Nevada: For Calendar Year 2017, Revision 0

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

Matthews, Patrick; Alvarado, Juan

This report serves as the combined annual report for post-closure activities for the following closed corrective action units (CAUs): CAU 90, Area 2 Bitcutter Containment CAU 91, Area 3 U-3fi Injection Well CAU 92, Area 6 Decon Pond Facility CAU 110, Area 3 WMD U-3ax/bl Crater CAU 111, Area 5 WMD Retired Mixed Waste Pits CAU 112, Area 23 Hazardous Waste Trenches The results of the inspections, a summary of maintenance activities, and an evaluation of monitoring data are presented in this report. Site inspections are conducted annually at CAUs 90, 91, and 112; semiannually at CAUs 92 and 110;more » and quarterly at CAU 111. Additional inspections are conducted at CAU 92 if precipitation occurs in excess of 1.0 inches in a 24-hour period and at CAU 111 if precipitation occurs in excess of 1.0 inch in a 24-hour period. Inspections include an evaluation of the condition of the units, including covers, fences, signs, gates, and locks. At CAU 110, soil moisture monitoring, vegetation evaluations, and subsidence surveys are conducted in addition to the visual inspections. At CAU 111, soil moisture monitoring, vegetation evaluations, subsidence surveys, direct radiation monitoring, air monitoring, radon flux monitoring, and groundwater monitoring are conducted. This report will address all monitoring items notes above except groundwater monitoring. Groundwater monitoring is documented in the Nevada National Security Site Data Report: Groundwater Monitoring Program Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Site. All required inspections, maintenance, and monitoring were conducted in accordance with the post-closure requirements of the permit. Revision 4 of Permit NEV HW0101 was issued effective December 10, 2015, and remains in effect until December 10, 2020.« less

Intensity output and effectiveness of light curing units in dental offices.

PubMed

Omidi, Baharan-Ranjbar; Gosili, Armin; Jaber-Ansari, Mona; Mahdkhah, Ailin

2018-06-01

The aims of the study were measuring the light intensity of light curing units used in Qazvin's dental offices, determining the relationship between the clinical age of these units and their light intensity, and identifying the reasons for repairing them. In this cross-sectional study, the output intensity of 95 light curing devices was evaluated using a radiometer. The average output intensity was divided up into four categories (less than 200, 200-299, 300-500, and more than 500 mW/cm2). In addition, a questionnaire was designed to obtain information mainly about the type, clinical age, and frequency of maintenance of the units and the reasons for fixing them. Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, chi-squared, and t-tests ( p < 0.05) on SPSS 24. A total of 95 light curing units were examined, with 61 (64.2%) of them being of the LED type and 34 (35.8%) of the QTH type. While average light intensity in LED units was significantly higher than in QTH devices, the two device types were not significantly different regarding desirable light intensity (i.e., ≥ 300 mw/cm2). A negative correlation was observed between clinical age and light intensity. In addition, bulb replacement in QTH devices was over three times as much as in LED units. Also, repairing QTHs was more than twice as much frequent as fixing LEDs. The most common reason for repair was the breakage of the tip of the device. The light intensity of LED units is significantly higher than that of QTH devices, and the frequency of repairing in QTHs was significantly more than in LEDs. Furthermore, light intensity decreases with aging, and dentists should regularly monitor the conditions of light units. Key words: Light curing unit, radiometer, light intensity, dental equipment, dental offices.

40 CFR 60.4905 - What are the monitoring and calibration requirements for compliance with my operating limits?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... malfunctions, or required monitoring system quality assurance or control activities conducted during monitoring... 40 Protection of Environment 7 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false What are the monitoring and calibration... SOURCES Standards of Performance for New Sewage Sludge Incineration Units Performance Testing, Monitoring...

40 CFR 60.4905 - What are the monitoring and calibration requirements for compliance with my operating limits?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... malfunctions, or required monitoring system quality assurance or control activities conducted during monitoring... 40 Protection of Environment 6 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false What are the monitoring and calibration... SOURCES Standards of Performance for New Sewage Sludge Incineration Units Performance Testing, Monitoring...

40 CFR 60.4905 - What are the monitoring and calibration requirements for compliance with my operating limits?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... malfunctions, or required monitoring system quality assurance or control activities conducted during monitoring... 40 Protection of Environment 7 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false What are the monitoring and calibration... SOURCES Standards of Performance for New Sewage Sludge Incineration Units Performance Testing, Monitoring...

40 CFR 60.4905 - What are the monitoring and calibration requirements for compliance with my operating limits?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... malfunctions, or required monitoring system quality assurance or control activities conducted during monitoring... 40 Protection of Environment 7 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false What are the monitoring and calibration... SOURCES Standards of Performance for New Sewage Sludge Incineration Units Performance Testing, Monitoring...

Predicting intraoperative feasibility of combined TES-mMEP and cSSEP monitoring during scoliosis surgery based on preoperative neurophysiological assessment.

PubMed

Azabou, Eric; Manel, Véronique; Abelin-Genevois, Kariman; Andre-Obadia, Nathalie; Cunin, Vincent; Garin, Christophe; Kohler, Remi; Berard, Jérôme; Ulkatan, Sedat

2014-07-01

Combined monitoring of muscle motor evoked potentials elicited by transcranial electric stimulation (TES-mMEP) and cortical somatosensory evoked potentials (cSSEPs) is safe and effective for spinal cord monitoring during scoliosis surgery. However, TES-mMEP/cSSEP is not always feasible. Predictors of feasibility would help to plan the monitoring strategy. To identify predictors of the feasibility of TES-mMEP/cSSEP during scoliosis surgery. Prospective cohort study in a clinical neurophysiology unit and pediatric orthopedic department of a French university hospital. A total of 103 children aged 2 to 19 years scheduled for scoliosis surgery. Feasibility rate of intraoperative TES-mMEP/cSSEP monitoring. All patients underwent a preoperative neurological evaluation and preoperative mMEP and cSSEP recordings at both legs. For each factor associated with feasibility, we computed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value. A decision tree was designed. Presence of any of the following factors was associated with 100% feasibility, 100% specificity, and 100% PPV: idiopathic scoliosis, normal preoperative neurological findings, and normal preoperative mMEP and cSSEP recordings. Feasibility was 0% in the eight patients with no recordable mMEPs or cSSEPs during preoperative testing. A decision tree involving three screening steps can be used to identify patients in whom intraoperative TES-mMEP/cSSEP is feasible. Preoperative neurological and neurophysiological assessments are helpful for identifying patients who can be successfully monitored by TES-mMEP/cSSEP during scoliosis surgery. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Quantification of the proportion of motor neurons recruited by transcranial electrical stimulation during intraoperative motor evoked potential monitoring.

PubMed

Tsutsui, Shunji; Yamada, Hiroshi; Hashizume, Hiroshi; Minamide, Akihito; Nakagawa, Yukihiro; Iwasaki, Hiroshi; Yoshida, Munehito

2013-12-01

Transcranial motor evoked potentials (TcMEPs) are widely used to monitor motor function during spinal surgery. However, they are much smaller and more variable in amplitude than responses evoked by maximal peripheral nerve stimulation, suggesting that a limited number of spinal motor neurons to the target muscle are excited by transcranial stimulation. The aim of this study was to quantify the proportion of motor neurons recruited during TcMEP monitoring under general anesthesia. In twenty patients who underwent thoracic and/or lumbar spinal surgery with TcMEP monitoring, the triple stimulation technique (TST) was applied to the unilateral upper arm intraoperatively. Total intravenous anesthesia was employed. Trains of four stimuli were delivered with maximal intensity and an inter-pulse interval of 1.5 ms. TST responses were recorded from the abductor digiti minimi muscle, and the negative peak amplitude and area were measured and compared between the TST test (two collisions between transcranial and proximal and distal peripheral stimulation) and control response (two collisions between two proximal and one distal peripheral stimulation). The highest degree of superimposition of the TST test and control responses was chosen from several trials per patient. The average ratios (test:control) were 17.1 % (range 1.8-38 %) for the amplitudes and 21.6 % (range 2.9-40 %) for the areas. The activity of approximately 80 % of the motor units to the target muscle cannot be detected by TcMEP monitoring. Therefore, changes in evoked potentials must be interpreted cautiously when assessing segmental motor function with TcMEP monitoring.

Design of ecoregional monitoring in conservation areas of high-latitude ecosystems under contemporary climate change

USGS Publications Warehouse

Beever, Erik A.; Woodward, Andrea

2011-01-01

Land ownership in Alaska includes a mosaic of federally managed units. Within its agency’s context, each unit has its own management strategy, authority, and resources of conservation concern, many of which are migratory animals. Though some units are geographically isolated, many are nevertheless linked by paths of abiotic and biotic flows, such as rivers, air masses, flyways, and terrestrial and aquatic migration routes. Furthermore, individual land units exist within the context of a larger landscape pattern of shifting conditions, requiring managers to understand at larger spatial scales the status and trends in the synchrony and spatial concurrence of species and associated suitable habitats. Results of these changes will determine the ability of Alaska lands to continue to: provide habitat for local and migratory species; absorb species whose ranges are shifting northward; and experience mitigation or exacerbation of climate change through positive and negative atmospheric feedbacks. We discuss the geographic and statutory contexts that influence development of ecological monitoring; argue for the inclusion of significant amounts of broad-scale monitoring; discuss the importance of defining clear programmatic and monitoring objectives; and draw from lessons learned from existing long-term, broad-scale monitoring programs to apply to the specific contexts relevant to high-latitude protected areas such as those in Alaska. Such areas are distinguished by their: marked seasonality; relatively large magnitudes of contemporary change in climatic parameters; and relative inaccessibility due to broad spatial extent, very low (or zero) road density, and steep and glaciated areas. For ecological monitoring to effectively support management decisions in high-latitude areas such as Alaska, a monitoring program ideally would be structured to address the actual spatial and temporal scales of relevant processes, rather than the artificial boundaries of individual land-management units. Heuristic models provide a means by which to integrate understanding of ecosystem structure, composition, and function, in the midst of numerous ecosystem drivers.

40 CFR Table 3 to Subpart Mmm of... - Monitoring Requirements for Control Devices a

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

.... Carbon adsorber (regenerative) Stream flow monitoring device, and 1. Total regeneration stream mass or volumetric flow during carbon bed regeneration cycle(s) 1. For each regeneration cycle, record the total regeneration stream mass or volumetric flow. Carbon bed temperature monitoring device 2. Temperature of carbon...

40 CFR Table 3 to Subpart Mmm of... - Monitoring Requirements for Control Devices a

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

.... Carbon adsorber (regenerative) Stream flow monitoring device, and 1. Total regeneration stream mass or volumetric flow during carbon bed regeneration cycle(s) 1. For each regeneration cycle, record the total regeneration stream mass or volumetric flow. Carbon bed temperature monitoring device 2. Temperature of carbon...

40 CFR Table 3 to Subpart Mmm of... - Monitoring Requirements for Control Devices a

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

.... Carbon adsorber (regenerative) Stream flow monitoring device, and 1. Total regeneration stream mass or volumetric flow during carbon bed regeneration cycle(s) 1. For each regeneration cycle, record the total regeneration stream mass or volumetric flow. Carbon bed temperature monitoring device 2. Temperature of carbon...

Status of whitebarkpine in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem: A step-trend analysis comparing 2004-2007 to 2008-2011

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shanahan, Erin; Irvine, Kathryn M.; Roberts, Dave; Litt, Andrea R.; Legg, Kristin; Daley, Rob; Chambers, Nina

2014-01-01

Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) is a foundation and keystone species in upper subalpine environments of the northern Rocky Mountains that strongly influences the biodiversity and productivity of high-elevation ecosystems (Tomback et al. 2001, Ellison et al. 2005). Throughout its historic range, whitebark pine has decreased significantly as a major component of high-elevation forests. As a result, it is critical to understand the challenges to whitebark pine—not only at the tree and stand level, but also as these factors influence the distribution of whitebark pine across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). In 2003, the National Park Service (NPS) Greater Yellowstone Inventory & Monitoring Network identified whitebark pine as one of twelve significant natural resource indicators or vital signs to monitor (Jean et al. 2005, Fancy et al. 2009) and initiated a long-term, collaborative monitoring program. Partners in this effort include the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Forest Service, and Montana State University with representatives from each comprising the Greater Yellowstone Whitebark Pine Monitoring Working Group. The objectives of the monitoring program are to assess trends in (1) the proportion of live, whitebark pine trees (>1.4-m tall) infected with white pine blister rust (blister rust); (2) to document blister rust infection severity by the occurrence and location of persisting and new infections; (3) to determine mortality of whitebark pine trees and describe potential factors contributing to the death of trees; and (4) to assess the multiple components of the recruitment of understory whitebark pine into the reproductive population. In this report we summarize the past eight years (2004-2011) of whitebark pine status and trend monitoring in the GYE. Our study area encompasses six national forests (NF), two national parks (NP), as well as state and private lands in portions of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho; this area is collectively described as the GYE here and in other studies. The sampling design is a probabilistic, twostage cluster design with stands of whitebark pine as the primary units and 10x50 m belt transects as the secondary units. Primary sampling units (stands) were selected randomly from a sample frame of approximately 10,770 mapped pure and mixed whitebark pine stands ≥2.0 hectares in the GYE (Dixon 1997, Landenburger 2012). From 2004 through 2007 (monitoring transect establishment or initial time-step), we established 176 permanent belt transects (secondary sampling units=176) in 150 whitebark pine stands and permanently marked approximately 4,740 individual trees >1.4 m tall to monitor long-term changes in blister rust infection and survival rates. Between 2008 and 2011 (revisit time-step), these same 176 transects were surveyed and again all previously tagged trees were observed for changes in blister rust infection and survival status. Objective 1. Using a combined ratio estimator, we estimated the proportion of live trees infected in the GYE in the initial time-step (2004-2007) to be 0.22 (0.031 SE). Following the completion of all surveys in the revisit time-step (2008-2011), we estimated the proportion of live trees infected with white pine blister rust as 0.23 (0.028 SE; Table 2). We detected no significant change in the proportion of trees infected in the GYE between the two time-steps. Objective 2. We documented blister rust canker locations as occurring in the canopy or bole. We compared changes in canker position between the initial time-step (2004-2007) and the revisit time-step (2008-2011) in order to assess changes in infection severity. This analysis included the 3,795 trees tagged during the initial time-step that were located and documented as alive at the end of the revisit time-step. At the end of the revisit time-step, we found 1,217 trees infected with blister rust. This includes the 287 newly tagged trees in the revisit time step of which 14 had documented infections. Of these 1,217 trees, 780 trees were infected with blister rust in both time steps. Trees with only canopy cankers made up approximately 43% (519 trees) of the total number of trees infected with blister rust at the end of the revisit time-step, while trees with only bole cankers comprised 20% (252 trees), and those with both canopy and bole cankers included 37% (446 trees) of the infected sample. A bole infection is considered to be more consequential than a canopy canker, as it compromises not only the overall longevity of the tree, but its functional capacity for reproductive output as well (Kendall and Arno 1990, Campbell and Antos 2000, McDonald and Hoff 2001, Schwandt and Kegley 2004). In addition to infection location, we also documented infection transition between the canopy and bole. Of the 780 live trees that were infected with blister rust in both time-steps, approximately 31% (242) maintained canopy cankers and 36% (281) retained bole infections at the end of the revisit time-step. Infection transition from canopy to bole occurred in 30% (234) of the revisit time-step trees while 3% (23) transitioned from bole to canopy infections during this period. Objective 3. To determine whitebark pine mortality, we resurveyed all belt transects to reassess the life status of permanently tagged trees >1.4 m tall. We compared the total number of live tagged trees recorded during monitoring transect establishment to the total number of resurveyed dead tagged trees recorded during the revisit time-step and identified all potential mortality-influencing conditions (blister rust, mountain pine beetle, fire and other). By the end of the revisit time-step, we observed a total of 975 dead tagged whitebark pine trees; using a ratio estimator, this represents a loss of approximately 20% (SE=4.35%) of the original live tagged tree population (GYWPMWG 2012). Objective 4. To investigate the proportion of live, reproducing tagged trees, we divided the total number of positively identified cone-bearing trees by the total number of live trees in the tagged tree sample at the end of the revisit time-step. To approximate the average density of recruitment trees per stand, trees ≤1.4 m tall were summed by stand (within the 500 m² transect area) and divided by the total number of stands. Reproducing trees made up approximately 24% (996 trees) of the total live tagged population at the end of the revisit time-step. Differentiating between whitebark pine and limber pine seedlings or saplings is problematic given the absence of cones or cone scars. Therefore, understory summaries as presented in this report may include individuals of both species when they are sympatric in a stand. The average density of small trees ≤1.4 m tall was 53 understory trees per 500 m². Raw counts of these understory individuals ranged from 0-635 small trees per belt transect. In addition, a total of 287 trees were added to the tagged tree population by the end of 2011. These newly tagged trees were individuals that upon subsequent revisits had reached a height of >1.4 m tall and subsequently added to the sample. Throughout the past decade in the GYE, monitoring has helped document shifts in whitebark pine forests; whitebark pine stands have been impacted by insect, pathogen, wildland fire, and other disturbance events. Blister rust infection is ubiquitous throughout the ecosystem and infection proportions are variable across the region. And while we have documented mortality of whitebark pine, we have also recorded considerable recruitment. We provide this first step-trend report as a quantifiable baseline for understanding the state of whitebark pine in the GYE. Many aspects of whitebark pine health are highly variable across the range of its distribution in the GYE. Through sustained implementation of the monitoring program, we will continue efforts to document and quantify whitebark pine forest dynamics as they arise under periodic upsurges in insect, pathogen, fire episodes, and climatic events in the GYE. Since its inception, this monitoring program perseveres as one of the only sustained longterm efforts conducted in the GYE with a singular purpose to track the health and status of this prominent keystone species.

Use of structured decision making to identify monitoring variables and management priorities for salt marsh ecosystems

USGS Publications Warehouse

Neckles, Hilary A.; Lyons, James E.; Guntenspergen, Glenn R.; Shriver, W. Gregory; Adamowicz, Susan C.

2015-01-01

Most salt marshes in the USA have been degraded by human activities, and coastal managers are faced with complex choices among possible actions to restore or enhance ecosystem integrity. We applied structured decision making (SDM) to guide selection of monitoring variables and management priorities for salt marshes within the National Wildlife Refuge System in the northeastern USA. In general, SDM is a systematic process for decomposing a decision into its essential elements. We first engaged stakeholders in clarifying regional salt marsh decision problems, defining objectives and attributes to evaluate whether objectives are achieved, and developing a pool of alternative management actions for achieving objectives. Through this process, we identified salt marsh attributes that were applicable to monitoring National Wildlife Refuges on a regional scale and that targeted management needs. We then analyzed management decisions within three salt marsh units at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, coastal Delaware, as a case example of prioritizing management alternatives. Values for salt marsh attributes were estimated from 2 years of baseline monitoring data and expert opinion. We used linear value modeling to aggregate multiple attributes into a single performance score for each alternative, constrained optimization to identify alternatives that maximized total management benefits subject to refuge-wide cost constraints, and used graphical analysis to identify the optimal set of alternatives for the refuge. SDM offers an efficient, transparent approach for integrating monitoring into management practice and improving the quality of management decisions.

Noninvasive optoacoustic monitoring of cerebral venous blood oxygenation in newborns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrov, Irene Y.; Wynne, Karon E.; Petrov, Yuriy; Esenaliev, Rinat O.; Richardson, C. Joan; Prough, Donald S.

2012-02-01

Cerebral ischemia after birth and during labor is a major cause of death and severe complications such as cerebral palsy. In the USA alone, cerebral palsy results in permanent disability of 10,000 newborns per year and approximately 500,000 of the total population. Currently, no technology is capable of direct monitoring of cerebral oxygenation in newborns. This study proposes the use of an optoacoustic technique for noninvasive cerebral ischemia monitoring by probing the superior sagittal sinus (SSS), a large central cerebral vein. We developed and built a multi-wavelength, near-infrared optoacoustic system suitable for noninvasive monitoring of cerebral ischemia in newborns with normal weight (NBW), low birth-weight (LBW, 1500 - 2499 g) and very low birth-weight (VLBW, < 1500 g). The system was capable of detecting SSS signals through the open anterior and posterior fontanelles as well as through the skull. We tested the system in NBW, LBW, and VLBW newborns (weight range: from 675 g to 3,000 g) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. We performed single and continuous measurements of the SSS blood oxygenation. The data acquisition, processing and analysis software developed by our group provided real-time, absolute SSS blood oxygenation measurements. The SSS blood oxygenation ranged from 60% to 80%. Optoacoustic monitoring of the SSS blood oxygenation provides valuable information because adequate cerebral oxygenation would suggest that no therapy was necessary; conversely, evidence of cerebral ischemia would prompt therapy to increase cerebral blood flow.

Monitoring Potential Transport of Radioactive Contaminants in Shallow Ephemeral Channels: FY2017

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

Mizell, Steve A.; Campbell, Scott A.; McCurdy, Greg

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is conducting a field assessment of the potential for contaminated soil to be transported from the Smoky Site Contamination Area (CA) as a result of storm runoff. This activity supports U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Environmental Management Nevada Program (EM-NV) efforts to establish post-closure monitoring plans for the Smoky Site Soils Corrective Action Unit (CAU) 550. The work is intended to confirm the likely mechanism of transport and determine the meteorological conditions that might cause the movement of contaminated soils, as well as determine the particle size fraction that is most closely associated with transportedmore » radionuclide-contaminated soils. These data will facilitate the design of the appropriate post-closure monitoring program. In 2011, DRI installed a meteorological monitoring station on the west side of the Smoky Site CA and a hydrologic (runoff) monitoring station within the CA, near the east side. Air temperature, wind speed, wind direction, relative humidity, precipitation, solar radiation, barometric pressure, soil temperature, and soil water content are collected at the meteorological station. The maximum, minimum, and average or total values (as appropriate) for each of these parameters are recorded for each 10-minute interval. The maximum, minimum, and average water depth in the flume installed at the hydrology station are also recorded for every 10-minute interval. This report presents data collected from these stations during fiscal year (FY) 2017.« less

Balancing habitat delivery for breeding marsh birds and nonbreeding waterfowl: An integrated waterbird management and monitoring approach at Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri

USGS Publications Warehouse

Loges, Brian W.; Lyons, James E.; Tavernia, Brian G.

2017-08-23

The Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge (CCNWR) in the Mississippi River flood plain of eastern Missouri provides high quality emergent marsh and moist-soil habitat benefitting both nesting marsh birds and migrating waterfowl. Staff of CCNWR manipulate water levels and vegetation in the 17 units of the CCNWR to provide conditions favorable to these two important guilds. Although both guilds include focal species at multiple planning levels and complement objectives to provide a diversity of wetland community types and water regimes, additional decision support is needed for choosing how much emergent marsh and moist-soil habitat should be provided through annual management actions.To develop decision guidance for balanced delivery of high-energy waterfowl habitat and breeding marsh bird habitat, two measureable management objectives were identified: nonbreeding Anas Linnaeus (dabbling duck) use-days and Rallus elegans (king rail) occupancy of managed units. Three different composite management actions were identified to achieve these objectives. Each composite management action is a unique combination of growing season water regime and soil disturbance. The three composite management actions are intense moist-soil management (moist-soil), intermediate moist-soil (intermediate), and perennial management, which idles soils disturbance (perennial). The two management objectives and three management options were used in a multi-criteria decision analysis to indicate resource allocations and inform annual decision making. Outcomes of the composite management actions were predicted in two ways and multi-criteria decision analysis was used with each set of predictions. First, outcomes were predicted using expert-elicitation techniques and a panel of subject matter experts. Second, empirical data from the Integrated Waterbird Management and Monitoring Initiative collected between 2010 and 2013 were used; where data were lacking, expert judgment was used. Also, a Bayesian decision model was developed that can be updated with monitoring data in an adaptive management framework.Optimal resource allocations were identified in the form of portfolios of composite management actions for the 17 units in the framework. A constrained optimization (linear programming) was used to maximize an objective function that was based on the sum of dabbling duck and king rail utility. The constraints, which included management costs and a minimum energetic carrying capacity (total moist-soil acres), were applied to balance habitat delivery for dabbling ducks and king rails. Also, the framework was constrained in some cases to apply certain management actions of interest to certain management units; these constraints allowed for a variety of hypothetical Habitat Management Plans, including one based on output from a hydrogeomorphic study of the refuge. The decision analysis thus created numerous refuge-wide scenarios, each representing a unique mix of options (one for each of 17 units) and associated benefits (i.e., outcomes with respect to two management objectives).Prepared in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the decision framework presented here is designed as a decision-aiding tool for CCNWR managers who ultimately make difficult decisions each year with multiple objectives, multiple management units, and the complexity of natural systems. The framework also provides a way to document hypotheses about how the managed system functions. Furthermore, the framework identifies specific monitoring needs and illustrates precisely how monitoring data will be used for decision-aiding and adaptive management.

Laser doppler imaging as additional monitoring after digital replanting: A prospective study.

PubMed

Schmid, Marc; Seyed Jafari, S Morteza; Haug, Luzian; Surke, Carsten; Hunger, Robert E; Van De Ville, Dimitri; Juon Personeni, Bettina; Shafighi, Maziar; Voegelin, Esther

2018-03-14

Despite various exisiting monitoring methods, there is still a need for new technologies to improve the quality of post-operative evaluation of digital replantation. The purpose of the study is using a laser Doppler imaging device (Easy-LDI) as an additional tool to assess perfusion. In this method, the changes in the frequency of the laser ligth provide information regarding perfusion of the monitored tissue. This study included seven patients (10 fingers; age of patients: 21-57 years) who suffered from a total (n = 6) or subtotal amputation (n = 4) due to accidents. In addition to hourly standard monitoring with clinical evaluation and skin thermometry, revascularized fingers were hourly monitored with Easy LDI for 48 h. LDI measurement values ranged between 0.8 and 223 (mean 90.62 ± 21.42) arbitrary perfusion units (APU). The mean LDI values before and after revascularization were 7.1 ± 2.85 and 65.30 ± 30.83 APU, respectively. For the successful revascularized fingers (8 of 10 fingers) values from 19 to 223 APU (mean 98.52 ± 15.48) were demonstrated. All of the replants survived, but due to venous occlusion two digits required revision 12 and 35 h after revascularization, respectively. In the two cases, Easy-LDI also showed a constant and slow decline of the perfusion values. Furthermore, Pearson normalized correlation coefficient showed a positive significant correlation between temperatures of the replants and LDI-values (P < .001, r = +0.392) and a negative significant correlation between Δtemperature and LDI-values (P < .001, r = -0.474). The LDI-device might be a promising additional monitoring technique in detection of perfusion disturbance in monitoring digital replantations. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Indicator Organisms: Learner's Guide for a Critical Path in Water Quality Monitoring.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glazer, Richard B.; And Others

This learner's guide on indicator organisms is derived from a water monitoring curriculum developed at Ulster County Community College. There are 37 modules in this guide; each is introduced with a statement of purpose and then broken down into units of instruction. These units contain an objective, learning conditions, and a performance level.…

40 CFR 60.4176 - Additional requirements to provide heat input data.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 6 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Additional requirements to provide heat... Compliance Times for Coal-Fired Electric Steam Generating Units Monitoring and Reporting § 60.4176 Additional requirements to provide heat input data. The owner or operator of a Hg Budget unit that monitors and reports Hg...

40 CFR 60.646 - Monitoring of emissions and operations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... concentration in the acid gas from the sweetening unit for each 24-hour period: At least one sample per 24-hour... require a more frequent sampling schedule. (3) The average acid gas flow rate from the sweetening unit... rate of acid gas. The monitoring device reading shall be recorded at least once per hour during each 24...

40 CFR 60.646 - Monitoring of emissions and operations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... concentration in the acid gas from the sweetening unit for each 24-hour period: At least one sample per 24-hour... require a more frequent sampling schedule. (3) The average acid gas flow rate from the sweetening unit... rate of acid gas. The monitoring device reading shall be recorded at least once per hour during each 24...

40 CFR 60.646 - Monitoring of emissions and operations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... concentration in the acid gas from the sweetening unit for each 24-hour period: At least one sample per 24-hour... require a more frequent sampling schedule. (3) The average acid gas flow rate from the sweetening unit... rate of acid gas. The monitoring device reading shall be recorded at least once per hour during each 24...

40 CFR 60.646 - Monitoring of emissions and operations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... concentration in the acid gas from the sweetening unit for each 24-hour period: At least one sample per 24-hour... require a more frequent sampling schedule. (3) The average acid gas flow rate from the sweetening unit... rate of acid gas. The monitoring device reading shall be recorded at least once per hour during each 24...

40 CFR 60.646 - Monitoring of emissions and operations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... concentration in the acid gas from the sweetening unit for each 24-hour period: At least one sample per 24-hour... require a more frequent sampling schedule. (3) The average acid gas flow rate from the sweetening unit... rate of acid gas. The monitoring device reading shall be recorded at least once per hour during each 24...

Accuracy of pulse oximetry in assessing heart rate of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit.

PubMed

Singh, Jasbir K S B; Kamlin, C Omar F; Morley, Colin J; O'Donnell, Colm P F; Donath, Susan M; Davis, Peter G

2008-05-01

To determine the accuracy of pulse oximetry measurement of heart rate in the neonatal intensive care unit. Stable preterm infants were monitored with a pulse oximeter and an ECG. The displays of both monitors were captured on video. Heart rate data from both monitors, including measures of signal quality, were extracted and analysed using Bland Altman plots. In 30 infants the mean (SD) difference between heart rate measured by pulse oximetry and electrocardiography was -0.4 (12) beats per minute. Accuracy was maintained when the signal quality or perfusion was low. Pulse oximetry may provide a useful measurement of heart rate in the neonatal intensive care unit. Studies of this technique in the delivery room are indicated.

Estimated use of water in the United States in 2010

USGS Publications Warehouse

Maupin, Molly A.; Kenny, Joan F.; Hutson, Susan S.; Lovelace, John K.; Barber, Nancy L.; Linsey, Kristin S.

2014-01-01

In 2010, more than 50 percent of the total withdrawals in the United States were accounted for by 12 States. California accounted for about 11 percent of the total withdrawals and 10 percent of freshwater withdrawals in the United States, predominantly for irrigation. Texas accounted for about 7 percent of total withdrawals, predominantly for thermoelectric power, irrigation, and public supply. Florida accounted for 18 percent of the total saline-water withdrawals in the United States, mostly from surface-water sources for thermoelectric power. Oklahoma and Texas accounted for about 70 percent of the total saline groundwater withdrawals in the United States, mostly for mining.

Evaluation of the impact of banking umbilical cord blood units with high cell dose for ethnically diverse patients.

PubMed

Stritesky, Gretta; Wadsworth, Kimberly; Duffy, Merry; Buck, Kelly; Dehn, Jason

2018-02-01

Umbilical cord blood units provide an important stem cell source for transplantation, particularly for patients of ethnic diversity who may not have suitably matched available, adult-unrelated donors. However, with the cost of cord blood unit acquisition from public banks significantly higher than that for adult-unrelated donors, attention is focused on decreasing cost yet still providing cord blood units to patients in need. Historical practices of banking units with low total nucleated cell counts, including units with approximately 90 × 10 7 total nucleated cells, indicates that most banked cord blood units have much lower total nucleated cell counts than are required for transplant. The objective of this study was to determine the impact on the ability to identify suitable cord blood units for transplantation if the minimum total nucleated cell count for banking were increased from 90 × 10 7 to 124 or 149 × 10 7 . We analyzed ethnically diverse patients (median age, 3 years) who underwent transplantation of a single cord blood unit in 2005 to 2016. A cord blood unit search was evaluated to identify units with equal or greater human leukocyte antigen matching and a greater total nucleated cell count than that of the transplanted cord blood unit (the replacement cord blood unit). If the minimum total nucleated cell count for banking increased to 124 or 149 × 10 7 , then from 75 to 80% of patients would still have at least 1 replacement cord blood unit in the current (2016) cord blood unit inventory. The best replacement cord blood units were often found among cords with the same ethnic background as the patient. The current data suggest that, if the minimum total nucleated cell count were increased for banking, then it would likely lead to an inventory of more desirable cord blood units while having minimal impact on the identification of suitable cord blood units for transplantation. © 2017 AABB.

Selected Measurements of Total Arctic Column Ozone Amounts from Aura Ozone Monitoring Instrument, 2004-2005 Arctic Winter

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-06-02

Images from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument onboard NASA Aura spacecraft shows the average total column ozone during the months of January and March, and the total column ozone on the single day of 11 March, 2005.

Space radiation studies for the reporting period, June 1983 - July 1984

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

Two Active Radiation Dosimeters (ARD's) flown on Spacelab 1, performed without fault and were returned to Space Science Laboratory, MSFC for recalibration. During the flight in December 1983, performance was monitored at the Huntsville Operations Center (HOSC). Despite some problems with the Shuttle data system handling the VFI, it could be established that the ARD's were operating normally. Postflight calibrations of both units determined that sensitivities were essentially unchanged from preflight values. Flight tapes were received for approximately 60% of the flight and it appears that this is the total available. The next phase of effort will involve close collaboration with Space Science Laboratory, MSFC, in the analysis of this data. The Nuclear Radiation Monitor (NRM) was under assembly and testing at MSFC. Support was rendered in the areas of materials control and parts were supplied for the supplementary heaters, dome gas-venting device and photomultiplier tube housing. Performance characteristics of some flight-space photomultipliers were measured.

Head circumference growth reference charts for Turkish children aged 0-84 months.

PubMed

Elmali, Ferhan; Altunay, Canan; Mazicioglu, Mümtaz M; Kondolot, Meda; Ozturk, Ahmet; Kurtoglu, Selim

2012-05-01

This study sought to produce updated head circumference references in a representative population of Turkish children aged 0 to <84 months. Head circumference measurements are very important in monitoring child growth, to evaluate macrocephaly and microcephaly. Primary sampling units involved family health centers in the city center and suburbs of Kayseri. In total, 2989 children (1479 boys and 1510 girls) were included. Head circumference was measured with a nonelastic tape on a line passing over the glabella and posterior occipital protrusion in children aged 0-2 years lying on a bed, and children aged more than 2 years standing up. We compared the 50th percentile of our cross-sectional data with longitudinal Belgian and American data. The comparison indicated that Turkish head circumference percentiles were similar to, or not much lower than, Belgian and American percentiles. Head circumference percentiles can be used to evaluate children with microcephaly and macrocephaly (±2 standard deviations), and to monitor growth. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The use of ERTS-1 to more fully utilize and apply marine station data to the study and productivity along the eastern shelf waters of the United States

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marshall, H. G. (Principal Investigator); Bowker, D. E.; Witte, W. G.

1976-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Sea truth data were obtained during two ERTS overpasses in waters near the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay. Correlations were made between total phytoplankton and chlorophyll values in these waters to radiance detected by ERTS in an effort to map areas of similar productivity levels. Band 4 radiance had the highest correlation to all parameters with bands 5 and 6 showing decreasing correlations in each case. The radiance values were apparently influenced by one or more factors, most likely including the sediment content of the water. Data have shown that ERTS MSS is not suitable for monitoring chlorophyll in near-shore waters where sediment loads are high. It is suggested that in more seaward or pelagic locations, that ERTS MSS would be more efficient in monitoring surface chlorophyll values and establishing direct relationships to phytoplankton concentrations.

Space radiation studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1989-01-01

Two Active Radiation Dosimeters (ARD's) flown on Spacelab 1, performed without fault and were returned to Space Science Laboratory, MSFC for recalibration. During the flight, performance was monitored at the Huntsville Operations Center (HOSC). Despite some problems with the Shuttle data system handling the verification flight instrumentation (VFI), it was established that the ARD's were operating normally. Postflight calibrations of both units determined that sensitivities were essentially unchanged from preflight values. Flight tapes were received for approx. 60 percent of the flight and it appears that this is the total available. The data was analyzed in collaboration with Space Science Laboratory, MSFC. Also, the Nuclear Radiation Monitor (NRM) was assembled and tested at MSFC. Support was rendered in the areas of materials control and parts were supplied for the supplementary heaters, dome gas-venting device and photomultiplier tube housing. Performance characteristics of some flight-space photomultipliers were measured. The NRM was flown on a balloon-borne test flight and subsequently performed without fault on Spacelab-2. This data was analyzed and published.

Status and prospects for renewable energy using wood pellets from the southeastern United States

DOE PAGES

Dale, Virginia H.; Kline, Keith L.; Parish, Esther S.; ...

2017-04-20

The ongoing debate about costs and benefits of wood-pellet based bioenergy production in the southeastern United States (SE USA) requires an understanding of the science and context influencing market decisions associated with its sustainability. Production of pellets has garnered much attention as US exports have grown from negligible amounts in the early 2000s to 4.6 million metric tonnes in 2015. Currently, 98% of these pellet exports are shipped to Europe to displace coal in power plants. We ask, 'How is the production of wood pellets in the SE USA affecting forest systems and the ecosystem services they provide?' To addressmore » this question, we review current forest conditions and the status of the wood products industry, how pellet production affects ecosystem services and biodiversity, and what methods are in place to monitor changes and protect vulnerable systems. Scientific studies provide evidence that wood pellets in the SE USA are a fraction of total forestry operations and can be produced while maintaining or improving forest ecosystem services. Ecosystem services are protected by the requirement to utilize loggers trained to apply scientifically based best management practices in planning and implementing harvest for the export market. Bioenergy markets supplement incomes to private rural landholders and provide an incentive for forest management practices that simultaneously benefit water quality and wildlife and reduce risk of fire and insect outbreaks. Bioenergy also increases the value of forest land to landowners, thereby decreasing likelihood of conversion to nonforest uses. Monitoring and evaluation are essential to verify that regulations and good practices are achieving goals and to enable timely responses if problems arise. Conducting rigorous research to understand how conditions change in response to management choices requires baseline data, monitoring, and appropriate reference scenarios. Furthermore, long-term monitoring data on forest conditions should be publicly accessible and utilized to inform adaptive management.« less

Status and prospects for renewable energy using wood pellets from the southeastern United States

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

Dale, Virginia H.; Kline, Keith L.; Parish, Esther S.

The ongoing debate about costs and benefits of wood-pellet based bioenergy production in the southeastern United States (SE USA) requires an understanding of the science and context influencing market decisions associated with its sustainability. Production of pellets has garnered much attention as US exports have grown from negligible amounts in the early 2000s to 4.6 million metric tonnes in 2015. Currently, 98% of these pellet exports are shipped to Europe to displace coal in power plants. We ask, 'How is the production of wood pellets in the SE USA affecting forest systems and the ecosystem services they provide?' To addressmore » this question, we review current forest conditions and the status of the wood products industry, how pellet production affects ecosystem services and biodiversity, and what methods are in place to monitor changes and protect vulnerable systems. Scientific studies provide evidence that wood pellets in the SE USA are a fraction of total forestry operations and can be produced while maintaining or improving forest ecosystem services. Ecosystem services are protected by the requirement to utilize loggers trained to apply scientifically based best management practices in planning and implementing harvest for the export market. Bioenergy markets supplement incomes to private rural landholders and provide an incentive for forest management practices that simultaneously benefit water quality and wildlife and reduce risk of fire and insect outbreaks. Bioenergy also increases the value of forest land to landowners, thereby decreasing likelihood of conversion to nonforest uses. Monitoring and evaluation are essential to verify that regulations and good practices are achieving goals and to enable timely responses if problems arise. Conducting rigorous research to understand how conditions change in response to management choices requires baseline data, monitoring, and appropriate reference scenarios. Furthermore, long-term monitoring data on forest conditions should be publicly accessible and utilized to inform adaptive management.« less

Electronic monitoring of occlusion treatment for amblyopia in patients aged 7 to 16 years.

PubMed

Fronius, Maria; Bachert, Iris; Lüchtenberg, Marc

2009-10-01

Age limits for the prescription of amblyopia treatment have been debated and challenged recently, due to results of studies from ophthalmology and the neurosciences. Lack of knowledge about compliance with prescribed treatment is still a major factor for the uncertainty about the amount of plasticity in the visual system of older children and adolescents. The development of devices for the electronic recording of patching (Occlusion Dose Monitor, ODM) has allowed the collection of objective data about daily occlusion. In a prospective study, occlusion dose rates were recorded continuously during 4 months by means of the ODM developed in the Netherlands [1] in nine amblyopic patients between 7 and 16 years of age who were prescribed between 5 and 7 hours of daily patching. Visual acuity was assessed every 3 to 6 weeks. The electronic monitoring showed objective occlusion between 2 and 6.25 hours/day (mean 4.61 h/d) during the first month and 0 to 6.5 hours/day (mean 3.47 h/d) during the following 3 months of treatment. The total acuity gain in the amblyopic eye amounted to between -0.1 and 0.4 log units (mean 0.19) for crowded optotypes. Differences to initial acuities were statistically significant. The calculated average dose-response relationship (cumulated hours occlusion*0.1/acuity gain) for 4 months of occlusion was 234 hours of occlusion per 0.1 log unit of acuity gain. This study presents for the first time objective treatment and dose response data in amblyopic patients beyond the "classical" treatment age. Electronic monitoring of occlusion and considerable amounts of patching were shown to be feasible. The acuity results indicate that there is a potential for improvement, yet treatment seemed to be less efficient than shown by previous studies in younger patients. Continuation of this research may advance the discussion about age-dependent evidence-based amblyopia treatment, about preschool screening for amblyopia and about plasticity of the visual system.

Catchment-scale hydrologic implications of parcel-level stormwater management (Ohio USA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shuster, William; Rhea, Lee

2013-04-01

SummaryThe effectiveness of stormwater management strategies is a key issue affecting decision making on urban water resources management, and so proper monitoring and analysis of pilot studies must be addressed before drawing conclusions. We performed a pilot study in the suburban Shepherd Creek watershed located in Cincinnati, Ohio to evaluate the practicality of voluntary incentives for stormwater quantity reduction on privately owned suburban properties. Stream discharge and precipitation were monitored 3 years before and after implementation of the stormwater management treatments. To implement stormwater control measures, we elicited the participation of citizen landowners with two successive reverse-auctions. Auctions were held in spring 2007, and 2008, resulting in the installation of 85 rain gardens and 174 rain barrels. We demonstrated an analytic process of increasing model flexibility to determine hydrologic effectiveness of stormwater management at the sub-catchment level. A significant albeit small proportion of total variance was explained by both the effects of study period (˜69%) and treatment-vs.-control (˜7%). Precipitation-discharge relationships were synthesized in estimated unit hydrographs, which were decomposed and components tested for influence of treatments. Analysis of unit hydrograph parameters showed a weakened correlation between precipitation and discharge, and support the output from the initial model that parcel-level green infrastructure added detention capacity to treatment basins. We conclude that retrofit management of stormwater runoff quantity with green infrastructure in a small suburban catchment can be successfully initiated with novel economic incentive programs, and that these measures can impart a small, but statistically significant decrease in otherwise uncontrolled runoff volume. Given consistent monitoring data and analysis, water resource managers can use our approach as a way to estimate actual effectiveness of stormwater runoff volume management, with potential benefits for management of both separated and combined sewer systems. We also discuss lessons-learned with regard to monitoring design for catchment-scale hydrologic studies.

Water-quality trend analysis and sampling design for the Souris River, Saskatchewan, North Dakota, and Manitoba

USGS Publications Warehouse

Vecchia, Aldo V.

2000-01-01

The Souris River Basin is a 24,600-square-mile basin located in southeast Saskatchewan, north-central North Dakota, and southwest Manitoba.  The Souris River Bilateral Water Quality Monitoring Group, formed in 1989 by the governments of Canada and the United States, is responsible for documenting trends in water quality in the Souris River and making recommendations for monitoring future water-quality conditions.  This report presents results of a study conducted for the Bilateral Water Quality Monitoring Group by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the North Dakota Department of Health, to analyze historic trends in water quality in the Souris River and to determine efficient sampling designs for monitoring future trends.  U.S. Geological Survey and Environment Canada water-quality data collected during 1977-96 from four sites near the boundary crossings between Canada and the United States were included in the trend analysis. A parametric time-series model was developed for detecting trends in historic constituent concentration data.  The model can be applied to constituents that have at least 90 percent of observations above detection limits of the analyses, which, for the Souris River, includes most major ions and nutrients and many trace elements.  The model can detect complex nonmonotonic trends in concentration in the presence of complex interannual and seasonal variability in daily discharge.  A key feature of the model is its ability to handle highly irregular sampling intervals.  For example, the intervals between concentration measurements may be be as short as 10 days to as long as several months, and the number of samples in any given year can range from zero to 36. Results from the trend analysis for the Souris River indicated numerous trends in constituent concentration.  The most significant trends at the two sites located near the upstream boundary crossing between Saskatchewan and North Dakota consisted of increases in concentrations of most major ions, dissolved boron, and dissolved arsenic during 1987-91 and decreases in concentrations of the same constituents during 1992-96.  Significant trends at the two sites located near the downstream boundary crossing between North Dakota and Manitoba included increases in dissolved sodium, dissolved chloride, and total phosphorus during 1977-86, decreases in dissolved oxygen and dissolved boron and increases in total phosphorus and dissolved iron during 1987-91, and a decrease in total phosphorus during 1992-96. The time-series model also was used to determine the sensitivity of various sampling designs for monitoring future water-quality trends in the Souris River.  It was determined that at least two samples per year are required in each of three seasons--March through June, July through October, and November through February--to obtain reasonable sensitivity for detecting trends in each season.  In addition, substantial improvements occurred in sensitivity for detecting trends by adding a third sample for major ions and trace elements in March through June, adding a third sample for nutrients in July through October, and adding a third sample for nutrients, trace elements, and dissolved oxygen in November through February.

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

Cho, M; Kim, T; Kang, S

Purpose: The purpose of this work is to develop a new patient set-up monitoring system using force sensing resistor (FSR) sensors that can confirm pressure of contact surface and evaluate its feasibility. Methods: In this study, we focused on develop the patient set-up monitoring system to compensate for the limitation of existing optical based monitoring system, so the developed system can inform motion in the radiation therapy. The set-up monitoring system was designed consisting of sensor units (FSR sensor), signal conditioning devices (USB cable/interface electronics), a control PC, and a developed analysis software. The sensor unit was made by attachingmore » FSR sensor and dispersing pressure sponge to prevent error which is caused by concentrating specific point. Measured signal from the FSR sensor was sampled to arduino mega 2560 microcontroller, transferred to control PC by using serial communication. The measured data went through normalization process. The normalized data was displayed through the developed graphic user interface (GUI) software. The software was designed to display a single sensor unit intensity (maximum 16 sensors) and display 2D pressure distribution (using 16 sensors) according to the purpose. Results: Changes of pressure value according to motion was confirmed by the developed set-up monitoring system. Very small movement such as little physical change in appearance can be confirmed using a single unit and using 2D pressure distribution. Also, the set-up monitoring system can observe in real time. Conclusion: In this study, we developed the new set-up monitoring system using FSR sensor. Especially, we expect that the new set-up monitoring system is suitable for motion monitoring of blind area that is hard to confirm existing optical system and compensate existing optical based monitoring system. As a further study, an integrated system will be constructed through correlation of existing optical monitoring system. This work was supported by the Industrial R&D program of MOTIE/KEIT. [10048997, Development of the core technology for integrated therapy devices based on real-time MRI guided tumor tracking] and the Mid-career Researcher Program (2014R1A2A1A10050270) through the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT&Future Planning.« less

MS-BWME: A Wireless Real-Time Monitoring System for Brine Well Mining Equipment

PubMed Central

Xiao, Xinqing; Zhu, Tianyu; Qi, Lin; Moga, Liliana Mihaela; Zhang, Xiaoshuan

2014-01-01

This paper describes a wireless real-time monitoring system (MS-BWME) to monitor the running state of pumps equipment in brine well mining and prevent potential failures that may produce unexpected interruptions with severe consequences. MS-BWME consists of two units: the ZigBee Wireless Sensors Network (WSN) unit and the real-time remote monitoring unit. MS-BWME was implemented and tested in sampled brine wells mining in Qinghai Province and four kinds of indicators were selected to evaluate the performance of the MS-BWME, i.e., sensor calibration, the system's real-time data reception, Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and sensor node lifetime. The results show that MS-BWME can accurately judge the running state of the pump equipment by acquiring and transmitting the real-time voltage and electric current data of the equipment from the spot and provide real-time decision support aid to help workers overhaul the equipment in a timely manner and resolve failures that might produce unexpected production down-time. The MS-BWME can also be extended to a wide range of equipment monitoring applications. PMID:25340455

Chronic ovine evaluation of a totally implantable electrical left ventricular assist system.

PubMed

Ramasamy, N; Chen, H; Miller, P J; Jassawalla, J S; Greene, B A; Ocampo, A; Siegel, L C; Oyer, P E; Portner, P M

1989-01-01

The totally implantable Novacor left ventricular assist system (LVAS) comprises a pump/drive unit (VAD), electronic control and power subsystem (ECP), variable volume compensator (VVC), and belt skin transformer (BST). The system is now undergoing chronic in vivo evaluation. Cumulative animal testing of VAD, VVC, and BST subsystems are 12.1, 4.9, and 43 years, respectively. The longest implants were 279 days for the VAD, 767 days for the VVC, and 1,148 days for the BST. A chronic implant of the total system was electively terminated at 260 days. The LVAS was powered via the BST. Continuously monitored hemodynamic and pump parameters have demonstrated normal hemodynamics and LVAS operation. Periodic VVC determinations suggest a 0.8 ml/day diffusive gas loss. Tether-free operation has been demonstrated with an Ag-Zn battery backpack. The animal was healthy and free of infection as indicated by routine hematologic, biochemical and serum enzyme determinations. Hemolysis is minimal (plasma free hemoglobin less than 5 mg%). Pump output ranged from 7 to 8 L/min. Severe valve calcification was the reason for elective termination at 260 days. This preclinical in vivo experience, and in vitro reliability studies, demonstrate efficacy of the total system.

Mistakes in a stat laboratory: types and frequency.

PubMed

Plebani, M; Carraro, P

1997-08-01

Application of Total Quality Management concepts to laboratory testing requires that the total process, including preanalytical and postanalytical phases, be managed so as to reduce or, ideally, eliminate all defects within the process itself. Indeed a "mistake" can be defined as any defect during the entire testing process, from ordering tests to reporting results. We evaluated the frequency and types of mistakes found in the "stat" section of the Department of Laboratory Medicine of the University-Hospital of Padova by monitoring four different departments (internal medicine, nephrology, surgery, and intensive care unit) for 3 months. Among a total of 40490 analyses, we identified 189 laboratory mistakes, a relative frequency of 0.47%. The distribution of mistakes was: preanalytical 68.2%, analytical 13.3%, and postanalytical 18.5%. Most of the laboratory mistakes (74%) did not affect patients' outcome. However, in 37 patients (19%), laboratory mistakes were associated with further inappropriate investigations, thus resulting in an unjustifiable increase in costs. Moreover, in 12 patients (6.4%) laboratory mistakes were associated with inappropriate care or inappropriate modification of therapy. The promotion of quality control and continuous improvement of the total testing process, including pre- and postanalytical phases, seems to be a prerequisite for an effective laboratory service.

Critical Care Admissions following Total Laryngectomy: Is It Time to Change Our Practice?

PubMed

Walijee, Hussein; Morgan, Alexandria; Gibson, Bethan; Berry, Sandeep; Jaffery, Ali

2016-01-01

Critical Care Unit (CCU) beds are a limited resource and in increasing demand. Studies have shown that complex head and neck patients can be safely managed on a ward setting given the appropriate staffing and support. This retrospective case series aims to quantify the CCU care received by patients following total laryngectomy (TL) at a District General Hospital (DGH) and compare patient outcomes in an attempt to inform current practice. Data relating to TL were collected over a 5-year period from 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2015. A total of 22 patients were included. All patients were admitted to CCU postoperatively for an average length of stay of 25.5 hours. 95% of these patients were admitted to CCU for the purpose of close monitoring only, not requiring any active treatment prior to discharge to the ward. 73% of total complications were encountered after the first 24 hours postoperatively at which point patients had been stepped down to ward care. Avoiding the use of CCU beds and instead providing the appropriate level of care on the ward would result in a potential cost saving of approximately £8,000 with no influence on patient morbidity and mortality.

Microbial quality of water in dental unit waterlines.

PubMed

Nikaeen, Mahnaz; Hatamzadeh, Maryam; Sabzevari, Zohre; Zareh, Omolbanin

2009-09-01

Dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) are ideal environment for development of microbial biofilms. Microbial contamination of water in DUWLs is thought to be the result of biofilm formation as it could serves as a haven for pathogens. The aim of this study was to assess microbial quality of water in dental unit waterlines of dental units located at the dental school of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Water samples were collected from air/water syringe and high-speed handpiece. Generally, 100-200 ml water samples were collected aseptically in sterile containers with sodium thiosulfate at the beginning of the day after a 2 minute purge. Samples were transferred to the laboratory in insulated box with cooling packs and examined for total viable heterotrophic bacteria and fungi. The heterotrophic plate count levels were significantly exceeded the American Dental Association recommendations for DUWL water quality (< 200 CFU/ml), in both air/water syringe (84%, CFU/ml: 500-20000) and high-speed handpiece (96%, CFU/ml: 710-36800) samples. However, there was no significant difference between the level of contamination in the air/water syringe and high-speed handpiece. Fungi were found in 28% and 36% of air/water syringe and high-speed handpiece samples, respectively; and filamentous fungi were the most frequently isolated fungi. DUWLs should be subjected to routine microbial monitoring and to a decontamination protocol in order to minimize the risk of exposure to potential pathogens from dental units.

[Cases of acute poisoning admitted to a medical intensive care unit].

PubMed

Viertel, A; Weidmann, E; Brodt, H R

2001-10-19

Because of the paucity of information on the epidemiology of acute poisoning requiring intensive medical care, all such patients treated on the medical intensive care unit of the university hospital in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, between January 1993 and December 1999, were retrospectively evaluated. Of the total of 6211 patients, 147 (80 women, 67 men, mean age 41 years, 2,3 %) were treated for acute intoxication in the intensive care unit. Reasons for admission to the intensive care unit were the need for ventilator treatment or intensive monitoring of vital functions. 52 % of the patients (n = 76) had attempted suicide, most of them using anti-depressive drugs (n = 19), paracetamol (n = 16), or benzodiazepines (n = 9). Two patients (2,6 %) died. 48 % of the patients (n = 71) were admitted because of accidental poisoning. Leading toxic agents in this group were heroin (n = 19), alcohol (n = 18) and digitalis (n = 12). 11 patients had taken herbicides, animal poisons or chemicals used at work or for house cleaning. In this cohort, three i. v. drug abusers (4,2 %) had died. Depending on the agents used, a variety of treatments (charcoal, antidots, extracorporal therapy) were undertaken. Due to excellent care in the prehospital phase and in the emergency room the number of patients requiring treatment on the intensive care unit was rather low. The mortality was in the range of other reports.

Quantification of hourly variability in NO(x) emissions for baseload coal-fired power plants.

PubMed

Abdel-Aziz, Amr; Frey, H Christopher

2003-11-01

The objectives of this paper are to (1) quantify variability in hourly utility oxides of nitrogen (NO(x)) emission factors, activity factors, and total emissions; (2) investigate the autocorrelation structure and evaluate cyclic effects at short and long scales of the time series of total hourly emissions; (3) compare emissions for the ozone (O3) season versus the entire year to identify seasonal differences, if any; and (4) evaluate interannual variability. Continuous emissions monitoring data were analyzed for 1995 and 1998 for 32 units from nine baseload power plants in the Charlotte, NC, airshed. Unit emissions have a strong 24-hr cycle attributable primarily to the capacity factor. Typical ranges of the coefficient of variation for emissions at a given hour of the day were from 0.2 to 0.45. Little difference was found when comparing weekend emissions with the entire week or when comparing the O3 season with the entire year. There were substantial differences in the mean and standard deviation of emissions when comparing 1995 and 1998 data, indicative of the effect of retrofits of control technology during the intervening time. The wide range of variability and its autocorrelation should be accounted for when developing probabilistic utility emission inventories for analysis of near-term future episodes.

40 CFR 75.62 - Monitoring plan submittals.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... representative for an affected unit shall submit a complete, electronic, up-to-date monitoring plan file (except... quarterly report for a reporting quarter where an update of the electronic monitoring plan information is... associated, pursuant to § 75.53(b). Electronic submittal of all monitoring plan information, including...

Streamflow, Water Quality, and Constituent Loads and Yields, Scituate Reservoir Drainage Area, Rhode Island,Water Year 2002

USGS Publications Warehouse

Breault, Robert F.

2009-01-01

Streamflow and water-quality data were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) or the Providence Water Supply Board, Rhode Island's largest drinking-water supplier. Streamflow was measured or estimated by the USGS following standard methods at 23 streamflow-gaging stations; 10 of these stations were also equipped with instrumentation capable of continuously monitoring specific conductance. Streamflow and concentrations of sodium and chloride estimated from records of specific conductance were used to calculate instantaneous (15-minute) loads of sodium and chloride during water year (WY) 2002 (October 1, 2001 to September 30, 2002). Water-quality samples were also collected at 35 of 37 sampling stations in the Scituate Reservoir drainage area by the Providence Water Supply Board during WY 2002 as part of a long-term sampling program. Water-quality data are summarized by using values of central tendency and are used, in combination with measured (or estimated) streamflows, to calculate loads and yields (loads per unit area) of selected water-quality constituents for WY 2002. The largest tributary to the reservoir (the Ponaganset River, which was monitored by the USGS) contributed about 12.6 cubic feet per second (ft3/s) to the reservoir during WY 2002. For the same time period, annual mean streamflows measured (or estimated) for the other monitoring stations in this study ranged from about 0.14 to 8.1 ft3/s. Together, tributary streams (equipped with instrumentation capable of continuously monitoring specific conductance) transported about 534,000 kilograms (kg) of sodium and 851,000 kg of chloride to the Scituate Reservoir during WY 2002; sodium and chloride yields for the tributaries ranged from 2,900 to 40,200 kilograms per square mile (kg/mi2) and from 4,200 to 68,200 kg/mi2, respectively. At the stations where water-quality samples were collected by the Providence Water Supply Board, the median of the median chloride concentrations was 16.8 milligrams per liter (mg/L), median nitrate concentration was 0.02 mg/L as N, median nitrite concentration was 0.002 mg/L as N, median orthophosphate concentration was 0.03 mg/L as P, and median concentrations of total coliform and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria were 22 and 14 colony forming units per 100 milliliters (CFU/100 mL), respectively. The medians of the median daily loads (and yields) of chloride, nitrate, nitrite, orthophosphate and total coliform and E. coli bacteria were 21 kg/d (12 kg/d/mi2), 0.04 kg/d (0.014 kg/d/mi2), 0.005 kg/d (0.002 kg/d/mi2), 0.08 kg/d (0.035 kg/d/mi2), and 370 million colony forming units per day (CFUx106/d) (120 CFUx106/d/ mi2) and 300 CFUx106/d (75 CFUx106/d/mi2), respectively.