Academic literature on the topic 'North American In-Grade Testing Program'

Context.—Data collection and analysis of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Interlaboratory Comparison Program (Proficiency Testing) J-Survey results provide insights into North American pretransfusion compatibility testing practices and trends. Objectives.—To assess current North American manual testing practices for ABO grouping, rhesus (Rh) typing, antibody screening, and crossmatching using CAP proficiency testing data. Design.—Analysis of the CAP Interlaboratory Comparison Program J-Survey data (2005–2010) to identify laboratory methods used for ABO grouping, Rh typing, antibody screening, and crossmatching. Data were analyzed by test method using Microsoft (Redmond, Washington) Excel software. Results.—The method used most often in ABO grouping and Rh typing was tube testing. Many laboratories also used tube testing for antibody detection and crossmatching, but during the study period, the proportion of laboratories using gel-based methodologies increased considerably. Conclusions.—Most North American CAP laboratories continue to use tube methods for ABO/Rh testing. Use of gel-based methodologies increased during the past 5 years for antibody screening and crossmatching.

Abstract Context.—Pretransfusion testing of whole blood and red blood cell recipients is regulated by the federal government under the authority of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988. Regulated tests include determination of ABO group, Rh D type, antibody detection, antibody identification, and crossmatching. A wide variety of methods and reagents are available for these regulated tests. During 2001–2004, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Interlaboratory Comparison Program (Proficiency Testing) J-Survey collected data from more than 4000 laboratories regarding their pretransfusion testing practices. Those data are presented in this report. Objective.—To assess current testing practices for ABO grouping, Rh D typing, antibody detection, and crossmatching in North America. Design.—Data collected for the CAP Interlaboratory Comparison Program (Proficiency Testing) J-Survey were analyzed for trends in laboratory testing practice during 2001– 2004. The data were grouped for analysis by peer group (testing method used) for ABO grouping, Rh D typing, antibody detection, and crossmatching and then analyzed. Setting, Patients, or Other Participants.—Subscribers to the CAP Interlaboratory Comparison Program Transfusion Medicine J-Series. Results.—The most common testing schemes used in North America during 2001–2004 are as follows: ABO grouping (most laboratories perform tube testing: 97.6% in 2000 and 91.1% in 2004); Rh D typing (most laboratories perform tube testing: 97.7% in 2001 and 91.1% in 2004); antibody detection (most laboratories perform tube testing: 69.7% in 2001 and 55% in 2004, most frequently with the low ionic strength solution anti-human globulin [AHG] method, 48.3% in 2001 and 39.9% in 2004; as of 2004 slightly more laboratories use the gel AHG method [42%] than the low ionic strength solution AHG tube method); crossmatching for alloimmunized patients (most laboratories perform tube testing using a low ionic strength solution AHG method; 55.8% in 2001 and 47.6% in 2004); and crossmatching for nonalloimmunized patients (tube testing using an immediate spin method; 42% in 2001 and 40.4% in 2004). Conclusions.—Most North American laboratories currently favor tube methods when performing ABO grouping, Rh typing, antibody screening, and crossmatching. However, there has been a significant increase in the use of gel-based methods in recent years, especially for antibody detection and crossmatching. Data collection and data analysis of CAP Interlaboratory Comparison Program Survey results allow for assessment of laboratory proficiency and provide insights into current North American practice trends in pretransfusion compatibility testing.

At present, no Canadian document is available with which engineers can design light-gauge steel-frame – wood structural panel shear walls that are relied upon to resist lateral in-plane loading (earthquake and wind). For this reason, a research project was initiated with the overall goal of developing a shear wall design method that could be used in conjunction with the 2005 National Building Code of Canada. The initial phase of the project was to conduct an experimental study to provide information on the response of single-storey shear walls. An extensive program of tests was completed on walls composed of 1.12 mm thick 230 MPa grade steel framing sheathed with 12.5 mm Douglas-fir plywood, Canadian softwood plywood, or 11 mm oriented strand board wood structural panels. Various wall lengths and connection patterns were incorporated into the program of monotonic and reversed cyclic tests. The scope of testing was selected such that it added to the North American database of information for steel-frame – wood structural panel shear walls. Information on the test program and the general results are provided in this paper.Key words: shear wall, light-gauge steel, wood structural panel, earthquake, wind.

AbstractVon Willebrand factor (VWF) level and/or function is altered in von Willebrand disease (VWD), the most common heritable bleeding disorder worldwide. Laboratory assessment of VWF is continually evolving. Historically, the primary method for the assessment of VWF platelet-binding activity was the ristocetin cofactor assay (VWF:RCo). Contemporary alternative measures of VWF platelet-binding activity include VWF:GPIbR (recombinant; using ristocetin), VWF:GPIbM (recombinant; gain-of-function mutant), and monoclonal antibody. Recently, the American Society of Hematology, International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis, National Hemophilia Foundation, and World Federation of Hemophilia collaboration issued guidelines recommending the use of newer assays of VWF platelet-binding activity (VWF: GPIbM, VWF: GPIbR) over VWF:RCo, given known limitations of the VWF:RCo assay. Despite this recommendation, the newer VWF:GPIbM and VWF:GPIbR assays are not United States Food and Drug Administration cleared, limiting their availability in the United States. We sought to assess assay utilization trends, agreement of VWF testing methods, and imprecision of VWF testing (based on assigned sample type) from the College of American Pathologists Proficiency Testing Surveys. The analysis confirms that, while VWF antigen testing has low imprecision, the various VWF activity assays have significant interassay variability, with VWF:RCo showing greater imprecision than the newer GPIb-binding assays. The overall trends in assay utilization reflect the barriers to complete compliance with modern VWD diagnostic guidelines in North America.

Abstract:Diabetic polyneuropathy is a complex disease of progressive nerve fiber loss. Initial screening and diagnosis in clinical practice usually depend on assessment of subjective complaints. A need exists for objective, simple, and reproducible assessment tools that can be readily used in clinical practice. The importance of early diagnosis is highlighted by the recent North American Diabetes Control and Complications Trial where intensive insulin therapy reduced the risk of developing diabetic neuropathy by 61%. At the University of Michigan, we have developed an outpatient neuropathy program. Patients are given a questionnaire and a brief screening examination, designated the Neuropathy Screening Instrument. Diabetic neuropathy is confirmed and staged in patients with a positive Neuropathy Screening Instrument, by a quantitative neurologic examination and nerve conduction studies, designated the Diabetic Neuropathy Score. The Michigan program has been compared with well-established instruments and has been found to be sensitive and reproducible for screening and diagnosis. We believe the program provides a valuable tool for the clinician in the practice setting and should allow diagnosis and intervention earlier in the course of diabetic neuropathy.

The project is based on control pollination of different fir species in the sense of interspecific hybridization. The aim of this procedure is a new bred material for specific needs of forestry and Christmas tree production. Concrete breeding aims are represented in this sense by resistance to limiting environmental conditions (e.g. drought) and by resistance to diseases and pests. The experiment follows a traditional hybridization program of the department focused on the genus <I>Abies</I> and recently it has been extended by the Czech-U.S. cooperation (North Carolina State University Raleigh). For hybridization mainly Mediterranean fir species are used together with Asian species (e.g. <I>Abies koreana</I>) and of course American species (above all <I>Abies fraseri</I>). Hybridizations will be followed by <I>Phytophthora cinnamomi</I> screenings that have high priority. Hybrid progenies will undergo early testing and their vegetative propagation for cloning purposes is being considered.

Introduction:Biological safety cabinets (BSCs) are the primary means of containment used in laboratories worldwide. To ensure the proper functioning of BSCs, they need to be certified annually, at a minimum, per National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)/American National Standards Institute Standard 49.Objectives:A common problem most organizations face is that in many instances, the technicians who certify the cabinets are not accredited by the NSF. Additionally, in states or regions that do not have local NSF accredited field certifiers, it takes weeks to get a service request completed, thereby delaying the research work of the laboratory. Moreover, in such instances, the cost associated with cabinet certification and repair can be very high.Materials and Methods:This led the Office of Safety at the University of North Dakota to do a thorough cost-benefit analysis of developing an in-house BSC certification program. After completing the training and testing requirements for the NSF’s advanced accreditation program, the BSC certification program was initiated on campus.Results:The identified benefits led to the initiation of a program in both local and regional capacity for repair, maintenance, and certification of BSCs, and the university’s experiences were shared with other universities.Conclusions:By developing an in-house BSC certification program, the University of North Dakota was able to reduce wait times associated with service repairs, reduce costs, and generate revenue for the department. Furthermore, this led to improved hands-on training programs related to BSC use in laboratories working with biohazardous agents.

Rootstock breeding programs in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Japan have all released apple rootstocks in the recent past that are potentially important to the worldwide apple industry in the next century. Several of these programs are continuing to breed new rootstocks. Each program has focused on different breeding objectives, thus giving a wide range of horticultural characteristics among this new group of rootstocks. All programs have focused on the horticulturally important traits of productivity, dwarfing and precocity but certain programs have also emphasized other characteristics such as propagability, stress tolerance, disease resistance or insect resistance. Commercialization of this new group of rootstocks is proceeding at an extremely fast pace due to the worldwide networking of fruit tree nursery companies and the use of plant patents. This presents a large job for research and extension personnel to properly test rootstocks for adaptability to different growing areas before they are planted on a large scale. The national rootstock testing project (NC-140) composed of researchers from most apple growing states and provinces in the U.S. and Canada is collecting rootstocks from around the world and conducting uniform field trials that give performance data from a wide variety of climates and soils. This information becomes the basis for local rootstock recommendations in North America. This presentation reviews the most promising rootstocks from around the world and summarize the research information from North American and worldwide trials.

Objectives. To evaluate lead levels in tap water at licensed North Carolina child care facilities. Methods. Between July 2020 and October 2021, we enrolled 4005 facilities in a grant-funded, participatory science testing program. We identified risk factors associated with elevated first-draw lead levels using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results. By sample (n = 22 943), 3% of tap water sources exceeded the 10 parts per billion (ppb) North Carolina hazard level, whereas 25% of tap water sources exceeded 1 ppb, the American Academy of Pediatrics’ reference level. By facility, at least 1 tap water source exceeded 1 ppb and 10 ppb at 56% and 12% of facilities, respectively. Well water reliance was the largest risk factor, followed by participation in Head Start programs and building age. We observed large variability between tap water sources within the same facility. Conclusions. Tap water in child care facilities is a potential lead exposure source for children. Given variability among tap water sources, it is imperative to test every source used for drinking and cooking so appropriate action can be taken to protect children’s health. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(S7):S695–S705. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.307003 )

Abstract Family caregivers are at increased risk for negative impacts on their psychological and physical health compared to non-caregivers. Virtual caregiving programs are beneficial as caregivers may not have time to devote to face-to-face programs and especially important to caregivers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our team at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is testing the efficacy of the Caregiver Thrive, Learn & Connect Virtual Program adapted from the Coping with Caregiving evidence-based multicomponent intervention (Gallagher-Thompson et al., 2003). The program offers to registered caregivers six weekly sessions over Zoom teleconferencing in small groups led by trained professionals from community partners serving socio-demographically diverse caregivers. Sessions address stress management, mood management, resilience, self-care, coping strategies, and isolation. Preliminary baseline data on 42 participants indicates that caregivers are primarily female (87%), on average 64 years old, and from diverse racial backgrounds: white (69%), African American (29%) and Asian American (2%). Participants provide care to persons with memory troubles or dementia (66%) and chronic health conditions (34%). Baseline data on initial levels of caregivers’ psychosocial outcomes indicated salient levels of mental health outcomes for burden (high = 49%; mild = 35%); anxiety (moderate = 16%; severe = 20%) and depression (mild levels = 35%; moderately and severe level of depression = 33%). Caregivers for chronic health conditions reported significantly higher anxiety compared to dementia caregivers. The Caregiver TLC program offers support to the targeted caregiver population seeking to improve their level of competence, mental health and social isolation.

Soil testing can be a valuable method to help turfgrass managers make fertilizer decisions and choosing the most appropriate soil test extractant is key. This depends on soil properties and the availability of correlation data for turfgrass species in the desired region. This chapter describes common extracts and demonstrates their efficacy for phosphorous and potassium extraction with three soil samples from the North American Proficiency Testing program (http://www.naptprogram.org/) administered by the Soil Science Society of America. Fertilizer recommendations were made based on regional sufficiency levels from university soil-testing laboratories and the Minimum Levels for Sustainable Nutrition (MLSN) guidelines from the Asian Turfgrass Center and PACE Turf. Sufficiency Levels for Available Nutrients (SLAN) or MLSN guidelines are most appropriate for deciding how to fertilize turf. However, recommendations based on an inappropriate extractant, calibration, saturated paste extraction, or ideal ratios or of major exchangeable cations (i.e., Basic Cation Saturation Ratio) are inappropriate.

<em>Abstract</em>.—The Asian black carp <em>Mylopharyngodon piceus </em>is of interest to the aquaculture industry in the United States as a biological control for snails and mollusks. However, past experience in North America with other Asian carps has raised concern that black carp will establish wild populations and negatively affect native populations of fish and invertebrates, especially mollusks. The demand for black carp has led biologists to seek ways to allow their use while at the same time maintaining control over their distribution and reproduction. Physical containment and restrictions on importation, release, and stocking have mostly failed. Control of reproduction holds more promise. The induction of triploidy (having three sets of chromosomes), which can render an individual biologically sterile, is of particular interest. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of proposed testing procedures used to assure genetic triploidy in black carp prior to distribution by the state of Missouri, using black carp and grass carp <em>Ctenopharyngodon idella</em>. Our objectives were to (1) verify if the ploidy determination methodology (nuclear size) employed was 100% accurate, (2) determine growth and survival of juvenile black carp over extended periods of time under laboratory and pond conditions, and (3) histologically examine development and gametogenesis in gonads collected from triploid and diploid black and grass carps of different ages and stages of maturation. Comparison of erythrocyte nuclear size using the Coulter counter method versus the more accurate method of flow cytometry that measures DNA content indicated an error rate of 0.25% by the former method. Black carp grew and survived well in mid-Missouri ponds. Triploid grass carp males appeared to produce functional gametes, and some triploid black carp male testes had apparently normal spermatocytes within cysts. A few normally developing oocytes at previtellogenic and vitellogenic stages were observed in triploid grass carp females, and a few normal perinuclear oocytes could be identified in triploid black carp females. Currently, the standards of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s triploid grass carp voluntary inspection program are being followed by some states to manage triploid black carp. Our results indicate that although the percentage of diploid black carp that could pass through the currently proposed screening program is small, overall numbers of diploid black carp distributed in a state could be substantial depending on the number of triploids distributed. Furthermore, despite indications that triploid male black carp can be expected to be functionally sterile, reproductive studies may be warranted given the large wild populations of diploid grass carp, bighead carp <em>Hypophthalmichthys nobilis</em>, and silver carp <em>H. molitrix </em>in the Mississippi River basin system.

<em>Abstract</em>.—The Asian black carp <em>Mylopharyngodon piceus </em>is of interest to the aquaculture industry in the United States as a biological control for snails and mollusks. However, past experience in North America with other Asian carps has raised concern that black carp will establish wild populations and negatively affect native populations of fish and invertebrates, especially mollusks. The demand for black carp has led biologists to seek ways to allow their use while at the same time maintaining control over their distribution and reproduction. Physical containment and restrictions on importation, release, and stocking have mostly failed. Control of reproduction holds more promise. The induction of triploidy (having three sets of chromosomes), which can render an individual biologically sterile, is of particular interest. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of proposed testing procedures used to assure genetic triploidy in black carp prior to distribution by the state of Missouri, using black carp and grass carp <em>Ctenopharyngodon idella</em>. Our objectives were to (1) verify if the ploidy determination methodology (nuclear size) employed was 100% accurate, (2) determine growth and survival of juvenile black carp over extended periods of time under laboratory and pond conditions, and (3) histologically examine development and gametogenesis in gonads collected from triploid and diploid black and grass carps of different ages and stages of maturation. Comparison of erythrocyte nuclear size using the Coulter counter method versus the more accurate method of flow cytometry that measures DNA content indicated an error rate of 0.25% by the former method. Black carp grew and survived well in mid-Missouri ponds. Triploid grass carp males appeared to produce functional gametes, and some triploid black carp male testes had apparently normal spermatocytes within cysts. A few normally developing oocytes at previtellogenic and vitellogenic stages were observed in triploid grass carp females, and a few normal perinuclear oocytes could be identified in triploid black carp females. Currently, the standards of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s triploid grass carp voluntary inspection program are being followed by some states to manage triploid black carp. Our results indicate that although the percentage of diploid black carp that could pass through the currently proposed screening program is small, overall numbers of diploid black carp distributed in a state could be substantial depending on the number of triploids distributed. Furthermore, despite indications that triploid male black carp can be expected to be functionally sterile, reproductive studies may be warranted given the large wild populations of diploid grass carp, bighead carp <em>Hypophthalmichthys nobilis</em>, and silver carp <em>H. molitrix </em>in the Mississippi River basin system.

The importance of the archaeological site of Crystal River has been known since at least 1859, but it was excavations in the site’s burial mounds by C.B. Moore in the early twentieth that made the site famous among archaeologists. Later, Ripley Bullen provided additional insight on several of the other mounds and the village at Crystal River, and he and Adelaide Bullen supplied the first account of the nearby site of Roberts Island. Unfortunately, however, the excavations of both Moore and Bullen are underreported, and there has been little work at the sites using modern archaeological methods. Recent work under the auspices of the Crystal River Early Village Archaeological Project rectifies this with research program that combines the analysis of previous collections with minimally invasive new field work. The latter included detailed topographic mapping, coring and shovel testing, geophysical resistivity survey using ground-penetrating radar and electrical resistance, Bayesian modelling, and small-scale test excavations. As a result of these investigations, the sites are among the most thoroughly dated of any Woodland-period sites in eastern North America.

The Center for Optics Manufacturing (COM) and the Army Materiel Command -- in collaboration with the American Precision Optics Manufacturer's Association (APOMA) has created a diverse and comprehensive optics manufacturing modernization program that is helping to revitalize the global competitiveness of the North American Optics industry. The key benefit of the program is the ability of COM to provide support and guidance to the technical and business resources of participating companies, transferring COM's know-how to their staffs. A significant portion of this benefit includes the tryout of Opticim and Opticam modules -- using the company's designs and parts - in order to best solve the company's business challenges.

The boilers’ generating bank (convective) section began suffering repeated random failures at the Miami-Dade County Resources Recovery Facility. The plant embarked on an optimization program to better identify and target the failures using non destructive ultrasonic Internal Rotary Inspection Services (IRIS) testing. Through the use of the IRIS nondestructive testing method, the plant was able to identify 3 major contributors to tube failures by mapping out the locations of the tube wastage across all 4 boilers at the facility. The testing allowed optimizing the use of resources allocated to this area of the boiler and resulted in a considerable drop of unscheduled downtime and increase in generating bank tube reliability. The IRIS testing method involves an ultrasonic probe that is lowered down the inside of the tubes. The tubes are flooded with water in order to get a full 360-degree thickness survey of the tubes from top to bottom, (steam drum to mud drum). The data for over 4.7 miles (7.5 Km) of linear tube per boiler is recorded digitally and presented on a CD. By pinpointing the location and severity of tube wastage across the entire generating bank section, the root cause of the failures could be identified. An integrated solution was developed involving a combination of tube replacements, shielding, tube plugging, and soot blower optimization. This paper summarizes the results of the testing and optimization program.

Covanta is using a multifaceted approach to problem solving in Waste-to-Energy systems which combines several types of computer modeling with physical cold flow models, field testing, and engineering experience. This problem-solving approach is applied to boiler corrosion, gas and particulate flow patterns, reagent injection, and APC system issues. Our goals are to bring the most appropriate tools to each issue and incorporate results back into the engineering approach in order to continually improve our technical capabilities. Several types of computer modeling are used. A commercially available energy balance program is used for steam cycle evaluations and boiler energy balance and heat transfer calculations. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models are developed to investigate temperature and flow patterns where local conditions must be understood in detail. We have made extensive use of cold flow models to improve performance of APC systems, and to evaluate overfire air mixing in furnaces, and flow distribution through tube banks in boilers. Field testing is used to investigate temperature fluctuations and distributions, flow stratification, corrosion rates, and to validate modeling or analytical results. Each of these approaches has its own set of advantages, disadvantages, and limitations, and must always be combined with a healthy dose of operating and engineering experience. Analytical work is done by, or in close cooperation with, our operations and engineering staff with many years of experience operating, designing, and modifying boilers, APC systems, and related equipment. This integrated approach has yielded significant improvements in many cases and is being used in increasingly complex applications.

The Air Force Research Laboratory, Airbase Technologies Division (AFRL/RXQ) is engineering and evaluating the Transportable Waste-to-Energy System (TWES). This trailer mounted system will convert military base waste and biomass waste streams to useful heat and power. The Department of Energy (DOE) Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) is a TWES funding partner. The first stage of the project is a suspension-type combustor (furnace). The furnace has been built and tested. A key feature of the furnace system is its unique patented combustion coil design. The design is intended to maximize ablative heat transfer by increasing particle residence time near a radiant ignition source. The innovative features of the design are targeted at ensuring that the system can be highly fuel-flexible to convert a variety of biomass and other waste streams to energy while demonstrating very low emissions. In 2008, the unit underwent two days of emissions stack testing using established Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) testing protocols. During the testing, extensive real-time data were also collected. This paper presents the data and corresponding analysis of the recent emissions testing performed while utilizing dry wood chips as a control fuel. Detailed emission comparisons are presented using publicly available information from commercial units and from a similarly sized experimental system for small biomass combustion. Key combustion efficiency factors, such as carbon monoxide emissions and nitrogen oxide emissions are presented. The authors also provide commentary on the results for next generation units and the use of this mode of energy conversion for small scale systems.

Abstract Elastic fasteners have been shown to reduce gage widening and decrease the potential for rail roll compared to conventional cut-spike-only systems. For this reason, elastic fastening systems have been installed in high-degree curves on many North American heavy-haul railroads. Field observations in the United States, however, have noted broken cut spikes and screw/drive spikes on this type of fastening system, especially in steep-grade, high-degree curve territories. It was found that spikes typically fracture between 1 to 1.5 inches below the top surface of the ties, making them difficult to detect by visual inspection alone. Notable recent derailments have been attributed to broken spikes as reported by Class I railroads. Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI), as part of a joint program between the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Association of American Railroads (AAR), completed the initial phase of a study investigating the root cause of these broken cut and screw/drive spikes. Previous research under this joint program has confirmed through metallurgical investigation that material fatigue was the failure mechanism, and subsequent numerical simulation has shown that the bending stress in spikes can exceed the fatigue limit of the spike material. To further investigate the in-track loading environment of spikes, cut spikes instrumented with strain gages were installed in the high-tonnage test loop of the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST) at FRA’s Transportation Technology Center The test investigated the loading environment of spikes by considering several in-track conditions. The results showed that the load transferred to spikes during insertion and train passing could cause spike stresses higher than the fatigue limit and therefore lead to the permanent bending of spikes. Moreover, the bending moment was primarily carried by one of the four spikes from the same plate. This paper provides an overview of the development of instrumented spikes as well as the results of the in-track testing using these spikes. The findings from this study will guide future revenue service testing, for which a high-grade, high-curvature location will be considered to further investigate the broken spike issue.

Real-Time Da Vinci Lubricant Oil Consumption (DALOC™) measurements were made on a 2,942 kW (4,000 hp) EMD 16-710G3 locomotive diesel engine, as part of a program to evaluate prototype cylinder kits that hold the potential to reduce lubricating oil consumption and hence reduce exhaust particulate matter emissions towards meeting EPA Tier 0+ locomotive emissions certification. The DALOC technique uses sulfur dioxide (SO2) measured in the exhaust gas stream as a tracer for oil consumption. The engine was operated on an ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (3 ppm by weight) and commercially available SAE grade 20W40 mineral-based lubricating oil (4,865 ppm by weight). Knowing the SO2 concentration in the exhaust, the air and fuel flow rates, and the lubricating oil consumption rate can be calculated in real-time, i.e. on a second-to-second basis. Use of this measurement technique on the locomotive engine application has proven to be a cost- and time-reducing tool for mapping steady-state lubricating oil consumption rate. Numerous prior publications describe the evolution of this technique over time as well as the prior art in the area of lubricant impact on emissions [1–12]. As part of this project, the lubricant oil consumption of 4 different cylinder kits were accurately quantified at 4 steady-state operating conditions typical of North American freight locomotive operation within less than 40 hours of actual engine running. Applying this measurement technique, a reduction of lubricant oil consumption of 75%+ in comparison to the baseline cylinder kits were documented.

Abstract The SEMASS Resource Recovery Facility (SEMASS) is a processed refuse fuel (PRF) waste-to-energy plant serving much of Southeastern Massachusetts. Units 1 and 2 at the plant were designed with spray dryer absorbers (SDAs) and electrostatic precipitators (ESPs). A review of historical data from the plant indicated that in order to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Municipal Waste Combustor (MWC) Rule (40 CFR Part 60, Subpart Cb), which is known as the Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT), improved emission performance would be required from the flue gas cleaning system on Units 1 and 2. A pilot test program was conducted which led to the installation of COHPAC, or COmpact Hybrid PArticulate Collector units (i.e. flue gas polishing devices) downstream of the ESPs on these two combustion trains. The COHPAC units were successfully started up in June, 2000. In addition to these modifications, it was determined that further control of mercury emissions would be required. A system to inject powdered activated carbon into the flue gas was added to the plant. This paper describes that carbon injection system. A comparison between test data obtained at SEMASS is made with predictions based upon the EPA testing at the Ogden Martin Systems of Stanislaus, Inc. Municipal Waste Combustor Facility near Crows Landing, California and the EPA testing at the Camden County Municipal Waste Combustor in Camden, New Jersey. These are waste-to-energy plants, the former utilizing an SDA and a baghouse while the latter contains an SDA followed by an ESP. In addition, the effect of carbon injection location upon mercury reduction was investigated. The results of that study are also included.

In the early 1980’s Polk County and four other partner counties in rural Northwest Minnesota made the decision to incorporate a waste to energy (WTE) plant into their solid waste management program. This decision was made to comply with the Minnesota hierarchy for solid waste management, to extend the life of the Polk County landfill, and to recover valuable energy from the waste. The plant was constructed in 1987 and began burning MSW in 1988. The processing technology consisted of two starved air mass burn municipal solid waste combustors each with a combustion capacity of 40 tons of MSW per day, and produced energy in the form of saturated steam for customers in the adjacent industrial park. Initially each train utilized a two field electrostatic precipitator (ESP) as the air pollution control (APC) device. In 1996, a materials recovery system (MRF) was constructed in front of the waste combustors to remove problem/objectionable items most of which are recyclable. This facility has been a tremendous success providing many benefits including reduced stack emissions, lower O & M costs for the WTE units, and revenues from the sales of extracted recyclables. In 1998 Polk began injecting powdered activated carbon (PAC) into the flue gas of each unit upstream of the ESP to attain compliance with new State limits for dioxin/furans and mercury. Then in 2000 Polk County proceeded with an APC retrofit project designed to meet revised EPA emission guidelines which set more stringent limits for pollutants currently regulated and added limits for several other pollutants previously unregulated. In 2001 and 2004 Polk County performed research demonstration projects substituting screened WTE combined ash for a portion of natural aggregate in two asphalt road construction projects. Both projects passed stringent environmental testing and demonstrated superior strength and flexibility performance compared to conventional asphalt. Polk County is now proceeding with the installation of a turbine/generator to produce renewable electricity with excess steam. The electricity produced will be used to reduce the demand for incoming power from the local utility. Initially this may be only a twenty-five percent reduction but has the potential to be more in the event one or more of the steam customers reduces their dependence on steam from the WTE plant. All of these projects received funding assistance from the State of Minnesota in the form of Capital Assistance Grants. In 2003 the WTE plant and MRF became debt free and Polk County lowered the tip fee resulting in a disposal rate that is fairly competitive with that of most out of state landfills. This paper will discuss the development, success, and benefits of this completely integrated solid waste management system for these five counties located in Northwest Minnesota.

Abstract SA-193 B16 studs are more cost effective and more reliable in high temperature equipment applications than B8 studs, however B16 stud applications are currently limited in a significant portion of North American and other places in the world colder climates due to the current −20F (−30C) impact test exemption temperature in ASME Section VIII, B31, and FFS-1. Furthermore, MDMT adjustments are not permitted for studs due to preload [e.g., UCS-66(b)]. ASME BPVC Section VIII Division 1 specifies an impact test exemption temperature for SA-193 B7 of −55F (−48C) for up to 2 ½” (64 mm) studs, whereas SA-193 B16 studs have a higher impact test exemption temperature of −20F (−30C) up to 7” (175 mm) studs. The similar material and chemical properties of B16 and B7 studs (both SA-193) give reason to believe that both stud types should exhibit similar fracture toughness properties at low temperatures. Two-phase research and testing programs have been running for the past few years. The initial research and testing were performed on one sample material to determine if the MDMT for B16 and B7 studs was similar at low temperatures for small diameters. Part of this feasibility study involved developing impact test transition curves through Charpy impact testing, as well as fracture toughness testing, which will be detailed in this paper. Then the second part of the program was about statistical sampling with material sourced from around the world.

Over the last two and a half years, Covanta Energy, working with their technology partner, Martin GmbH of Germany, has developed and commercialized a new technology for reducing NOx emissions from Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities. NOx levels below 60 ppm (7% O2) have been reliably achieved, which is a reduction of 70% below the current EPA standard and typical levels of today’s EfW facilities in the United States. This technology represents a significant step forward in NOx control for the EfW industry. The technology, known as VLN™, employs a unique combustion system design, which in addition to the conventional primary and secondary air streams, also features a new internal stream of “VLN™-gas,” which is drawn from the combustor and re-injected into the furnace. The gas flow distribution between the primary and secondary air, as well as the VLN™-gas, is controlled to yield the optimal flue gas composition and furnace temperature profile to minimize NOx formation and optimize combustion. The VLN™ process is combined with conventional, aqueous ammonia SNCR technology to achieve the superior NOx performance. The SNCR control system is also integrated with the VLN™ combustion controls to maximize NOx reduction and minimize ammonia slip. A simplified version of the process, known as LN™, was also developed and demonstrated for retrofit applications. In the LN™ process, air is used instead of the internal VLN™ gas. The total air flow requirement is higher than in the VLN™ process, but unchanged compared to conventional systems, minimizing the impact on the existing boiler performance and making it ideal for retrofit applications. Covanta first demonstrated the new VLN™ and LN™ processes at their Bristol, Connecticut facility. One of Bristol’s 325 TPD units was retrofitted in April of 2006 to enable commercial scale testing of both the VLN™ and LN™ processes. Since installing and starting up the new system, Bristol has operated in both VLN™ and LN™ modes for extended periods, totaling more than one year of operation at NOx levels at or below 60 ppm (7% O2). The system is still in place today and being evaluated for permanent operation. Based on the success of the Bristol program, Covanta installed LN™ NOx control systems in a number of other existing units in 2007 and 2008 (total MSW capacity of over 5000 TPD), and is planning more installations in 2009. All of these retrofits utilize the Covanta LN™ system to minimize any impacts on existing boiler performance by maintaining existing excess air levels. Going forward, Covanta is making the LN™ technology available to its existing client base and is working with interested facilities to complete the necessary engineering and design modifications for retrofit of this innovative technology. For new grassroots facilities, Covanta is offering the VLN™ system with SNCR as its standard design for NOx control. An additional feature, particular to VLN™, is the reduced total combustion air requirement, which results in improved boiler efficiency. This translates into increased energy recovery per ton of waste processed. In addition to introducing the VLN™ and LN™ processes, this paper will provide an overview of the Bristol development and demonstration project. NOx and NH3 slip data from Bristol will be presented, illustrating the extended operating experience that has been established on the system. Other operating advantages of the new technology will also be discussed, along with lessons learned during the start-up and initial operating periods. The VLN™ technology has been demonsrated to decrease NOx emissions to levels well below any yet seen to date with SNCR alone and is comparable to SCR-catalytic systems. The result is a significant improvement in NOx control for much less upfront capital cost and lower overall operating and maintenance costs. VLN™ also also goes hand in hand with higher energy efficiency, whereas SCR systems lower energy efficiency due to an increased pressure drop and the need for flue gas reheat. The commercialization of the VLN™ and LN™ processes represents a significant step forward in the reduction of NOx emissions from EfW facilities.

The focus in this project was a workshop with the objective of promoting the standardization of fracture toughness testing procedures applicable to pipeline girths welds using SENT specimens. The participants included those currently active in the test procedures used in North America and Europe. The aim of this workshop was to develop guidelines for a round robin testing program with the focus on testing of SENT specimens with a surface notch in the girth weld zone

The objectives of this project were to develop nondestructive methods for detection of internal properties and firmness of fruits and vegetables. One method was based on a soft piezoelectric film transducer developed in the Technion, for analysis of fruit response to low-energy excitation. The second method was a dot-matrix piezoelectric transducer of North Carolina State University, developed for contact-pressure analysis of fruit during impact. Two research teams, one in Israel and the other in North Carolina, coordinated their research effort according to the specific objectives of the project, to develop and apply the two complementary methods for quality control of agricultural commodities. In Israel: An improved firmness testing system was developed and tested with tropical fruits. The new system included an instrumented fruit-bed of three flexible piezoelectric sensors and miniature electromagnetic hammers, which served as fruit support and low-energy excitation device, respectively. Resonant frequencies were detected for determination of firmness index. Two new acoustic parameters were developed for evaluation of fruit firmness and maturity: a dumping-ratio and a centeroid of the frequency response. Experiments were performed with avocado and mango fruits. The internal damping ratio, which may indicate fruit ripeness, increased monotonically with time, while resonant frequencies and firmness indices decreased with time. Fruit samples were tested daily by destructive penetration test. A fairy high correlation was found in tropical fruits between the penetration force and the new acoustic parameters; a lower correlation was found between this parameter and the conventional firmness index. Improved table-top firmness testing units, Firmalon, with data-logging system and on-line data analysis capacity have been built. The new device was used for the full-scale experiments in the next two years, ahead of the original program and BARD timetable. Close cooperation was initiated with local industry for development of both off-line and on-line sorting and quality control of more agricultural commodities. Firmalon units were produced and operated in major packaging houses in Israel, Belgium and Washington State, on mango and avocado, apples, pears, tomatoes, melons and some other fruits, to gain field experience with the new method. The accumulated experimental data from all these activities is still analyzed, to improve firmness sorting criteria and shelf-life predicting curves for the different fruits. The test program in commercial CA storage facilities in Washington State included seven apple varieties: Fuji, Braeburn, Gala, Granny Smith, Jonagold, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and D'Anjou pear variety. FI master-curves could be developed for the Braeburn, Gala, Granny Smith and Jonagold apples. These fruits showed a steady ripening process during the test period. Yet, more work should be conducted to reduce scattering of the data and to determine the confidence limits of the method. Nearly constant FI in Red Delicious and the fluctuations of FI in the Fuji apples should be re-examined. Three sets of experiment were performed with Flandria tomatoes. Despite the complex structure of the tomatoes, the acoustic method could be used for firmness evaluation and to follow the ripening evolution with time. Close agreement was achieved between the auction expert evaluation and that of the nondestructive acoustic test, where firmness index of 4.0 and more indicated grade-A tomatoes. More work is performed to refine the sorting algorithm and to develop a general ripening scale for automatic grading of tomatoes for the fresh fruit market. Galia melons were tested in Israel, in simulated export conditions. It was concluded that the Firmalon is capable of detecting the ripening of melons nondestructively, and sorted out the defective fruits from the export shipment. The cooperation with local industry resulted in development of automatic on-line prototype of the acoustic sensor, that may be incorporated with the export quality control system for melons. More interesting is the development of the remote firmness sensing method for sealed CA cool-rooms, where most of the full-year fruit yield in stored for off-season consumption. Hundreds of ripening monitor systems have been installed in major fruit storage facilities, and being evaluated now by the consumers. If successful, the new method may cause a major change in long-term fruit storage technology. More uses of the acoustic test method have been considered, for monitoring fruit maturity and harvest time, testing fruit samples or each individual fruit when entering the storage facilities, packaging house and auction, and in the supermarket. This approach may result in a full line of equipment for nondestructive quality control of fruits and vegetables, from the orchard or the greenhouse, through the entire sorting, grading and storage process, up to the consumer table. The developed technology offers a tool to determine the maturity of the fruits nondestructively by monitoring their acoustic response to mechanical impulse on the tree. A special device was built and preliminary tested in mango fruit. More development is needed to develop a portable, hand operated sensing method for this purpose. In North Carolina: Analysis method based on an Auto-Regressive (AR) model was developed for detecting the first resonance of fruit from their response to mechanical impulse. The algorithm included a routine that detects the first resonant frequency from as many sensors as possible. Experiments on Red Delicious apples were performed and their firmness was determined. The AR method allowed the detection of the first resonance. The method could be fast enough to be utilized in a real time sorting machine. Yet, further study is needed to look for improvement of the search algorithm of the methods. An impact contact-pressure measurement system and Neural Network (NN) identification method were developed to investigate the relationships between surface pressure distributions on selected fruits and their respective internal textural qualities. A piezoelectric dot-matrix pressure transducer was developed for the purpose of acquiring time-sampled pressure profiles during impact. The acquired data was transferred into a personal computer and accurate visualization of animated data were presented. Preliminary test with 10 apples has been performed. Measurement were made by the contact-pressure transducer in two different positions. Complementary measurements were made on the same apples by using the Firmalon and Magness Taylor (MT) testers. Three-layer neural network was designed. 2/3 of the contact-pressure data were used as training input data and corresponding MT data as training target data. The remaining data were used as NN checking data. Six samples randomly chosen from the ten measured samples and their corresponding Firmalon values were used as the NN training and target data, respectively. The remaining four samples' data were input to the NN. The NN results consistent with the Firmness Tester values. So, if more training data would be obtained, the output should be more accurate. In addition, the Firmness Tester values do not consistent with MT firmness tester values. The NN method developed in this study appears to be a useful tool to emulate the MT Firmness test results without destroying the apple samples. To get more accurate estimation of MT firmness a much larger training data set is required. When the larger sensitive area of the pressure sensor being developed in this project becomes available, the entire contact 'shape' will provide additional information and the neural network results would be more accurate. It has been shown that the impact information can be utilized in the determination of internal quality factors of fruit. Until now,

This paper presents an experimental program to investigate distortional and global interaction buckling of stainless steel lipped channel columns in compression. Appropriate cross-sections and lengths were chosen so as to observe distortional-overall interaction buckling. In total, 21 buckling tests were conducted. After a brief introduction to the choice of column specimen geometries, key experimental results have been presented and discussed. The tests aim to study and observe the effect of distortional-global interactive buckling, study member under pin-ended boundary conditions, and provide benchmarks for design. Column tests were carried out with 13 position transducers monitoring displacements at key locations. A 3-D laser scanner was used to measure the imperfection shapes and magnitudes of the columns before testing. Material tests have been performed to determine the mechanical properties of stainless steel. Distortional–global interactive buckling of all columns is shown to be a failure mode. The experimental results are also used to evaluate the Australian Standard AS/NZS, North American Specification AISI, as well as formulation proposed by Becque and Rasmussen’s predictions, indicated that the Direct Strength Method (DSM) as described in AISI and AS/NZS for members undergoing distortional-overall interaction buckling are unconservative. Becque and Rasmussen’s curve is much closer to the test points than DSM in AISI and AS/NZS.