Available Technologies (available + technology)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Development of an Expert System Shell Based on Genetic Algorithms for the Selection of the Energy Best Available Technologies and their Optimal Operating Conditions for the Process Industry

EXPERT SYSTEMS, Issue 3 2001
D.A. Manolas
The development of genetic algorithms started almost three decades ago in an attempt to imitate the mechanics of natural systems. Since their inception, they have been applied successfully as optimization methods, and as expert systems, in many diverse applications. In this paper, a genetic-algorithm-based expert system shell is presented that, when combined with a proper database comprising the available energy-saving technologies for the process industry, is able to perform the following tasks: (a) identify the best available technologies (BATs) among the available ones for a given process industry, and (b) calculate their optimal design parameters in such a way that they comply with the energy requirements of the process. By the term BAT is meant the available energy-saving technology, among the existing ones in the market, that is the best for the case. [source]


Diagnosis of tuberculosis: Available technologies, limitations, and possibilities

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS, Issue 5 2003
Sanjay K. Garg
Abstract Rapid diagnosis and treatment are important for preventing transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, the diagnosis of tuberculosis continues to pose serious problems, mainly because of difficulties in differentiating between patients with active tuberculosis and those with healed lesions, normal mycobacterium boris BCG (Bacillus Calmette Guerin) vaccinated individuals, and unvaccinated Manteux positives. Physicians still rely on conventional methods such as Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining, fluorochrome staining, sputum culture, gastric lavage, and other non-traditional methods. Although the tuberculin test has aided in the diagnosis of tuberculosis for more than 85 years, its interpretation is difficult because sensitization with nontuberculous mycobacteria leads to false-positive tests. There have been numerous unsuccessful attempts to develop clinically useful serodiagnostic kits for tuberculosis. A number of proteinaceous and nonprotein antigens (such as acyltrehaloses and phenolglycolipids) have been explored from time to time for the development of such assays but they have not proved to be clinically useful. It has been difficult to develop an ELISA utilizing a suitable antigen because M. tuberculosis shares a large number of antigenic proteins with other microorganisms that may or may not be pathogenic. With the advent of molecular biology techniques, there have been significant advances in nucleic acid-based amplification and hybridization, which are helping to rectify existing flaws in the diagnosis of tuberculosis. The detection of mycobacterial DNA in clinical samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a promising approach for the rapid diagnosis of tuberculous infection. However, the PCR results must be corrected for the presence of inhibitors as well as for DNA contamination. In the modern era of genetics, marked by proteomics and genomics, the day is not far off when DNA chip-based hybridization assays will instantly reveal mycobacterial infections. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 17: 155,163, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Development of an Expert System Shell Based on Genetic Algorithms for the Selection of the Energy Best Available Technologies and their Optimal Operating Conditions for the Process Industry

EXPERT SYSTEMS, Issue 3 2001
D.A. Manolas
The development of genetic algorithms started almost three decades ago in an attempt to imitate the mechanics of natural systems. Since their inception, they have been applied successfully as optimization methods, and as expert systems, in many diverse applications. In this paper, a genetic-algorithm-based expert system shell is presented that, when combined with a proper database comprising the available energy-saving technologies for the process industry, is able to perform the following tasks: (a) identify the best available technologies (BATs) among the available ones for a given process industry, and (b) calculate their optimal design parameters in such a way that they comply with the energy requirements of the process. By the term BAT is meant the available energy-saving technology, among the existing ones in the market, that is the best for the case. [source]


Thermal performance of aluminium-foam CPU heat exchangers

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 11 2006
H. Mahdi
Abstract This study investigates the performance of existing central processing unit (CPU) heat exchangers and compares it with aluminium-foam heat exchangers in natural convection using an industrial set-up. Kapton flexible heaters are used to replicate the heat produced by a computer's CPU. A number of thermocouples are connected between the heater and the heat sink being used to measure the component's temperature. The thermocouples are also connected to a data-acquisition card to collect the data using LabVIEW program. The values obtained for traditional heat exchangers are compared to published data to validate experiments and set-up. The validated set-up was then utilized to test the aluminium-foam heat exchangers and compare its performance to that of common heat sinks. It is found that thermal resistance is reduced more than 70% by employing aluminium-foam CPU heat exchangers. The results demonstrate that this material provides an advantage on thermal dissipation under natural convection over most available technologies, as it considerably increases the surface-area-to-volume ratio. Furthermore, the aluminium-foam heat exchangers reduce the overall weight. Copyright © 2005 John wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Techniques and Applications of Transcatheter Embolization Procedures in Pediatric Cardiology

JOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 5 2003
JAMES Y. SIM M.D.
Transcatheter embolization of congenital or acquired superfluous vascular structure has become routine procedures performed by interventional pediatric cardiologists. Embolization procedure is often part of a collaborative effort with cardiac surgeons to palliate complex congenital heart defect, such as in embolizing aortopulmonary collateral arteries in patient with single ventricle physiology. In other cases, the procedure is the definitive treatment as in embolizing coronary artery fistula. Pediatric cardiologists performing embolization procedures should be familiar with available technologies as well as understand the underlying cardiac anatomy and pathophysiology. This article provides a comprehensive review of presently available embolization agents and technologies. Some of the technologies are used only by interventional radiologists but may be useful to pediatric cardiologists. Specific clinical applications in pediatric cardiology are also discussed with summary of current literature. With continue advancement in transcatheter technology and operator expertise, all unwanted vascular communication should be amenable to transcatheter embolization. (J Interven Cardiol 2003;16:425,448) [source]


A bi-criterion optimization approach for the design and planning of hydrogen supply chains for vehicle use

AICHE JOURNAL, Issue 3 2010
Gonzalo Guillén-Gosálbez
Abstract In this article, we address the design of hydrogen supply chains for vehicle use with economic and environmental concerns. Given a set of available technologies to produce, store, and deliver hydrogen, the problem consists of determining the optimal design of the production-distribution network capable of satisfying a predefined hydrogen demand. The design task is formulated as a bi-criterion mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) problem, which simultaneously accounts for the minimization of cost and environmental impact. The environmental impact is measured through the contribution to climate change made by the hydrogen network operation. The emissions considered in the analysis are those associated with the entire life cycle of the process, and are quantified according to the principles of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). To expedite the search of the Pareto solutions of the problem, we introduce a bi-level algorithm that exploits its specific structure. A case study that addresses the optimal design of the hydrogen infrastructure needed to fulfill the expected hydrogen demand in Great Britain is introduced to illustrate the capabilities of the proposed approach. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010 [source]


Steady-state multiplicity, flashback, and control issues in CH4 radiant burners

AICHE JOURNAL, Issue 9 2004
M. Bizzi
Abstract Methane is widely employed as a source of energy in combustion systems. Among the currently available technologies, radiant heaters offer high thermal efficiency and low environmental impact in comparison with atmospheric burners. The present work deals with the modeling of methane combustion in a noncatalytic metal fiber burner, represented by means of one-dimensional transient equations. The model accounts for a detailed reaction mechanism, radiation within the porous medium, longitudinal heat and mass transfer. After its validation, the model was employed to analyze a typical stability problem that affects these systems: under given operating conditions (low specific power inputs and excess of air) the occurrence of flashback may in fact preclude the safe operation of the system. As a consequence of energy radiation in the upstream direction, the burner upstream surface and the plenum chamber might become hot enough to heat in turn the gas feedstock, thus eventually determining flashback. In this paper, the mechanism of flashback is numerically investigated as a function of the burner structure and operating conditions by means of a model analysis so as to single out regions of flashback occurrence and a criterion for safe operation. Finally, some guidelines are outlined for a cheap and effective control of the system, paving the way for possible improvement of currently adopted control systems. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 50: 2276,2286, 2004 [source]


In situ chemical analysis of modern organic tattooing inks and pigments by micro-Raman spectroscopy

JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY, Issue 9 2008
Kelvin W. C. Poon
Abstract The chemical composition of tattooing pigments has varied greatly over time according to available technologies and materials. Beginning with naturally derived plant and animal extracts, to coloured inorganic oxides and salts, through to the modern industrial organic pigments favoured in today's tattooing studios. The demand for tattooing is steadily growing as it gains cultural popularity and acceptance in today's society, but ironically, increasing numbers of individuals are seeking laser removal of their tattoos for a variety of reasons. Organic pigments are favoured for tattooing because of their high tinting strength, light fastness, enzymatic resistance, dispersion and relatively inexpensive production costs. Adverse reactions have been reported for some organic inks, as well as potential complications, during laser removal procedures stemming from the unintentional creation of toxic by-products. Currently, regulatory bodies such as the US Food and Drug Administration have not approved any coloured inks to be injected into the skin, and tattoo ink manufacturers often do not disclose the ingredients in their products to maintain proprietary knowledge of their creations. A methodology was established using micro-Raman spectroscopy on an animal model to correctly identify the constituents of a selection of modern, organic tattoo inks in situ or post procedure, within the skin. This may serve as a preliminary tool prior to engaging in Q-switched laser removals to assess the risks of producing potentially hazardous compounds. Likewise, the pigments responsible for causing adverse reactions in some patients may be quickly identified to hasten any corresponding treatment. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Best Available Treatment Technologies Applied to Groundwater Circulation Wells

REMEDIATION, Issue 3 2002
Andrew Curtis Elmore
Groundwater circulation wells (GCWs) are a quasi-in-situ method for remediating groundwater in areas where remediation techniques that limit the water available for municipal, domestic, industrial, or agricultural purposes are inappropriate. The inherently resource-conservative nature of groundwater circulation wells is also philosophically appealing in today's culture, which is supportive of green technologies. Groundwater circulation wells involve the circulation of groundwater through a dual-screen well, with treatment occurring between the screens. The wells are specifically designed so that one well screen draws in groundwater and the second returns the groundwater after it has been treated within the well. Historically, the treatment has been performed with specialized equipment proprietary to GCW vendors. Two full-scale pilot systems at a formerly used Defense Superfund site in Nebraska used best available technologies for treatment components. A multiple-tray, low-profile air stripper typically used for pump-and-treat remediation systems was successfully adapted for the GCW pilot system located in a trichloroethylene (TCE) hot spot. An ultraviolet water disinfection system was successfully adapted for the GCW pilot system located in a hot spot contaminated with the explosive compound hexhydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). The pilot systems showed that GCW technology is competitive with a previously considered pump-and-treat alternative for focused extraction, and the regulatory community was supportive of additional GCW applications. A remedial design for the site includes 12 more GCW systems to complete focused remediation requirements. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]


Technoreview: Focusing light on infection in four dimensions

CELLULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2004
Pascal Roux
Summary The fusion of cell biology with microbiology has bred a new discipline, cellular microbiology, in which the primary aim is to understand host,pathogen interactions at a tissue, cellular and molecular level. In this context, we require techniques allowing us to probe infection in situ and extrapolate quantitative information on its spatiotemporal dynamics. To these ends, fluorescent light-based imaging techniques offer a powerful tool, and the state-of-the-art is defined by paradigms using so-called multidimensional (multi-D) imaging microscopy. Multi-D imaging aims to visualize and quantify biological events through time and space and, more specifically, refers to combinations of: three (3D, volume), four (4D, time) and five (5D, multiwavelength)-dimensional recordings. Successful multi-D imaging depends upon understanding the available technologies and their limitations. This is especially true in the field of microbiology where visualization of infectious/pathogenic activities inside living host systems presents particular technical challenges. Thus, as multi-D imaging rapidly becomes a common bench tool to the cellular microbiologist, this review provides the new user with some of the necessary technical insight required to get the best from these methods. [source]


Cardiovascular Risk Assessment and Triptans

HEADACHE, Issue 2004
Vasilios Papademetriou MD
Identifying the patient for whom triptans are contraindicated because of recognized, diagnosed cardiovascular disease is relatively straightforward. Determining whether a patient with potential unrecognized cardiovascular disease is an appropriate candidate for triptan therapy, however, constitutes a difficult challenge, especially in the absence of a framework for workup of patients. This article discusses the pathophysiology of coronary heart disease and issues involved in assessing cardiovascular risk, and it attempts to provide a framework for cardiovascular risk assessment that can be applied to decisions for prescribing triptans. Current guidelines for cardiovascular risk assessment allow stratification of patients to low, intermediate, or high risk of coronary heart disease events. This framework for risk assessment can be applied to decisions for prescribing triptans. Cardiovascular risk-assessment algorithms discussed elsewhere in this supplement suggest that patients at low risk (1 or no risk factors) of coronary heart disease can be prescribed triptans without the need for a more intensive cardiovascular evaluation. Conversely, patients with established coronary heart disease or coronary heart disease risk equivalents should not be prescribed triptans according to the current prescribing recommendations. Patients at intermediate risk (2 or more risk factors) of coronary heart disease require cardiovascular evaluation before triptans can be prescribed. Current understanding suggests that the risk of future acute coronary events is a function of the absolute number of vulnerable plaques present, a variable that cannot be accurately determined using available technology or risk-prediction models. Cardiovascular risk-assessment guidelines should be evaluated in the context of this limitation. [source]


Solution-Processable Near-IR Photodetectors Based on Electron Transfer from PbS Nanocrystals to Fullerene Derivatives

ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 6 2009
Krisztina Szendrei
Nanocrystal/fullerene derivative inorganic,organic hybrid photodetectors exhibiting high detectivity for near-IR wavelengths and a linear power dependence are produced. The ultrafast electron transfer from the PbS crystals to the fullerene opens a new route to obtaining efficient photodetectors that are appealing, cost-effective alternatives to the currently available technology. [source]


Satellite rural communications: telephony and narrowband networks

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKING, Issue 5 2005
Roberto Conte
Abstract Rural communications are important for large and developing countries, and telecommunications systems have been implemented depending upon the available technology at the time. Rural users do not generate the same amount of revenue as urban users do, thus lowering incentives for rural telecommunications investment with service to those regions delayed as long as possible. Voice and data communications are essential to the economic development of a region, and it has been shown that traffic increases rapidly as soon as the service is available. Satellite-based digital networks provide efficient long-distance service to rural communities at lower cost than similar land-based wired networks with acceptable quality. Small earth stations along with Wireless Local Loops can provide both local and long-distance service efficiently and at low cost, offering digital multimedia services on a global scale. This paper focuses on the description of different narrowband technologies used to service rural communities, namely basic telephone and low-bit-rate data (<64 kbps) applications through the use of satellite and terrestrial wireless systems. A basic network economic planning description is presented, and important parameters such as satellite network size, topology and multiple access are identified in order to improve the process of effective and cost-efficient rural communications network design. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Use of a lactic acid bacteria starter culture during green olive (Olea europaea L cv Ascolana tenera) processing

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 7 2005
Vincenzo Marsilio
Abstract Among the Italian olive germplasm, ,Ascolana tenera' is one of the best varieties for table olive production. This research addressed the impact of different processing types (Greek-style and Spanish-style) on the fermentation and phenolic composition of olive fruit. In particular, the effects of a lactic acid bacteria (LAB) starter culture on the fermentation of naturally green olives processed according to the traditional Greek method were studied. Results revealed that Spanish-style processing produced a dramatic loss of total phenolics, while natural olive processing favoured a higher retention of biophenols. Oleoside 11-methylester, a phenol-related compound, and hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, vanillic acid, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol, oleuropein and oleuropein aglycons, as the main phenols, were detected in olive fruit. More interestingly, this research indicated that inoculation with LAB affected the pH, total acidity, microbial profile and palatability of olives. Olives fermented with the LAB starter culture were perceived by panellists to be less bitter and more aromatic than those spontaneously fermented. Thus the use of LAB inoculants during olive fermentation could be applied with the currently available technology. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


Cardiac Output Technologies with Special Reference to the Horse

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2003
Kevin T.T. Corley
Critical illness, anesthesia, primary cardiovascular disease, and exercise may result in marked hemodynamic alterations. Measuring cardiac output (CO) is central to defining these alterations for both clinician and researcher. In the past 10 years, several new methods of measuring CO have been developed for the human medical market. Some of these methods are now validated in the horse and are in clinical use. The Fick method has been used in equine research for more than a century. It depends on simultaneous measurement of mixed venous (pulmonary arterial) and peripheral arterial oxygen content and oxygen uptake by the lungs. The technique is technically demanding, which restricts its clinical use. Indicator dilution techniques, with indocyanine green, cold (thermodilution), or lithium as the marker, have also been widely used in the horse. The indocyanine technique is cumbersome, and thermodilution requires right heart catheterization, which is not a benign procedure, making both of these methods less than ideal for clinical use. Lithium dilution requires catheterization of a peripheral artery and a jugular vein. It has recently been validated in anesthetized adult horses and neonatal foals. Doppler echocardiography is a noninvasive ultrasound-based technique. More accurate measurements are obtained with transesophageal than with transthoracic measurements; however, both methods require considerable technical expertise. Bioimpedance and pulse contour analysis are 2 new methods that have yet to be validated in the horse. With the currently available technology, lithium dilution appears to be the method of measuring CO best suited to the equine clinic. [source]


ENT challenges at the small scale

THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ROBOTICS AND COMPUTER ASSISTED SURGERY, Issue 2 2007
C. J. Coulson
Abstract Background In this paper we consider two relatively frequently performed operations in the field of ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgery and consider how they could be improved by using robotic applications. We consider currently available robots and propose theoretical robotic solutions. Methods The application of robotic systems for both cochlear implantation and endoscopic sinus surgery was considered. Currently available robotic systems were reviewed and those with potential use in ENT surgery were identified. For aspects of operations where there is no available technology, hypotheses are presented on how robots could help. Results Three robotic systems were identified with potential usage in ENT: the PathfinderÔ neurosurgical robot, the Acrobot® knee replacement system and the autonomous smart drill for drilling a cochleostomy. Conclusions The challenge for the future of ENT is being able to perform tasks beyond the level of human perception and abilities. The examples presented here demonstrate that microtechnologies could be used to reduce complications, decrease operating time and improve clinical results. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


GENETIC ENGINEERING TO AVOID GENETIC NEGLECT: FROM CHANCE TO RESPONSIBILITY

BIOETHICS, Issue 4 2010
JESSICA HAMMOND
ABSTRACT Currently our assessment of whether someone is a good parent depends on the environmental inputs (or lack of such inputs) they give their children. But new genetic intervention technologies, to which we may soon have access, mean that how good a parent is will depend also on the genetic inputs they give their children. Each new piece of available technology threatens to open up another way that we can neglect our children. Our obligations to our children and our susceptibilities to corresponding legal and moral sanctions may be about to explosively increase. In this paper I argue that we should treat conventional neglect and ,genetic neglect', failing to use genetic intervention technologies to prevent serious diseases and disabilities , morally consistently. I conclude that in a range of cases parents will have a moral obligation to use genetic treatments to prevent serious disabilities in their children. My particular focus is on prenatal interventions and their impact of the bodily integrity of expectant mothers. I conclude that although bodily integrity constrains moral obligations, it is outweighed in a range of cases. [source]


From genomics via proteomics to cellular physiology of the Gram-positive model organism Bacillus subtilis

CELLULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 8 2005
Uwe Völker
Summary Complementing proteomic technologies enable an unbiased view of cellular adaptation and thus may provide a new understanding of cellular physiology, particularly for microorganisms because a major fraction of their proteome is accessible to currently available technology. In combination with transcriptional profiling expression proteomics provides access to interesting candidate genes and proteins that will then need to be validated and supplemented by traditional physiological, biochemical and genetic approaches. After a description of the current status of the technology, we display the potential of microbial proteomics using the model organism Bacillus subtilis as example. Starting from a proteome map a proteomic view of the metabolism will be provided. Furthermore, we demonstrate that proteomics complemented by transcriptomics is also useful for the study of stress and starvation responses and that integration of these data will lead to a comprehensive understanding of the adaptational network of bacterial cells. Thus, B. subtilis constitutes a highly versatile and tractable model organism for the study of generic stress responses and the expertise that has been gained can easily be transferred to the study of the cellular physiology of related Gram-positive pathogens and their pathophysiology. [source]