Search results for " Reliability."
showing 10 items of 551 documents
Treatment of high strength industrial wastewater with membrane bioreactors for water reuse: Effect of pre-treatment with aerobic granular sludge on s…
2019
Abstract In this study, the treatment of citrus wastewater with membrane bioreactors (MBRs) under different configurations was investigated for water reuse. In particular, one MBR and one aerobic granular sludge MBR (AGS + MBR) bench scale plants were operated for 60 days. The experimental campaign was divided into two periods. In Phase I, a conventional hollow fiber MBR was employed for the treatment of the raw high strength wastewater, whereas in Phase II a combination of in-series reactors (AGS + MBR) was adopted for the treatment of the high strength citrus wastewater The results demonstrated that both plant configurations enabled very high COD removal, with average values close to 99%.…
A questionnaire to assess parental perception of barriers towards active commuting to school (PABACS): Reliability and validity
2019
Abstract Introduction Parental barriers are a key factor to determine physical activity behaviors, such as active commuting to school in young people. The purpose of this study was to test the reliability and validity of a questionnaire which addresses parental barriers towards active commuting to school. Methods This paper describes the development, following the Delphi method, and the validation of a Likert-scale questionnaire of 23 items (Parental Perception of Barriers towards Active Commuting to School (PABACS)) designed to determine the main parental barriers. These barriers are categorized into 3 scales (general, walking, and cycling barriers) and the overall questionnaire. A total o…
Comparative evaluation of three semi-quantitative radiographic grading techniques for knee osteoarthritis in terms of validity and reproducibility in…
2008
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work was to compare the measurement properties of three categorical X-ray scoring methods of knee osteoarthritis (OA), both on semiflexed and extended views. METHODS: In data obtained from trials and cohorts, X-rays were graded using Kellgren and Lawrence (KL), the OA Research Society International (OARSI) joint space narrowing score, and measurement of joint space width (JSW). JSW was analyzed as a categorical variable. Construct validity was assessed through logistic regression between X-ray stages and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index. Inter-observer reliability was assessed in 50 subjects for extended views by weighted kappa. Intra-obser…
Comparison between Different Dynamic Reconfigurations of Electrical Connections for partially shaded PV Modules
2018
This paper presents an economical investigation on the benefits related to the employment of reconfiguration systems for photovoltaic plants. More in detail, different structures of reconfigurators are proposed and, in order to evaluate the economical convenience on their installation, the Net Present Value is used as a validation element. Significant results are carried out from the proposed analysis.
Performance of a historical cantilever reinforced concrete bridge with half-joint degradation
2022
The lack of maintenance of roadway concrete bridges built from the Second World War until the 70 s of the 20th century has led in recent years to an ever-increasing request for safety assessments. When bridge performance in terms of Serviceability Limit State (SLS) and Ultimate Limit State (ULS) has to be evaluated, in-situ visual inspections and load tests for safety and maintenance assessment have to be coupled with structural analysis. In order to identify a sound bridge structural model and to assess the actual conservation state, more refined models than those usually considered for section and reinforcement design should be used to reproduce the results of load tests and perform globa…
The Integrated Migrant worker Safety Training Evaluation Model: IMSTEM
2021
Abstract This paper presents the development of the IMSTEM (Integrated Migrant worker Safety Training Evaluation Model), which aims to provide guidance on how to evaluate the transfer of safety training of migrant workers. Addressing the lack of rigorous safety training evaluation frameworks, the IMSTEM, using a mixed methods, multi-source approach, covers the deficiencies of previous models. The IMSTEM has its foundations in three main sources: a) the integration of safety training literature in relation to migrant workers; b) the theoretical framework of realist evaluation, which enables evaluators to understand what works for whom in which circumstances; and c) the integration of the tra…
Post-license Education for Novice Drivers: Evaluation of a Training Programme implemented in Spain
2006
Abstract Introduction This study evaluated the implementation of a second phase training program for novice drivers in Spain, which puts the primary focus of the training on the higher hierarchical levels of driver behavior. Method Two hundred and sixty-three participants took part throughout the study, which was implemented as an experimental design with the test and control groups assessed before and after the one day safety training. Measurement of the impact of the training program focused on the participants' self-evaluation and self-reporting of some driving behavior indicators related to accident risk. Results Data analysis showed a change in the expected direction in the scale relat…
The spatial evaluation of the radiative human body heat exchanges: An effective contribution for limiting energy consumption and achieving better ind…
2018
Abstract Radiative heat exchanges inside buildings remarkably affect the thermal balance of the human body in confined spaces and the related thermal comfort sensations of people. The mean radiant temperature is an important component of this balance. Unfortunately, it is usually computed by means of too simplified relationships, which significantly influence the comfort evaluations. Such simplified approaches are also accountable for a less effective design of HVAC systems which, in turn, could result in high energy consumption in the climatization of buildings. However, an accurate evaluation of the mean radiant temperature, especially when high intensity sources are present in a given in…
An analytical model of heat transfer and fluid dynamic performances of an unconventional NTR engine for manned interplanetary missions
2009
Abstract An analytical model of fluid flow and heat transfer of a Nuclear Thermal Rocket (NTR) engine concept is presented. The engine is based on the direct conversion of the kinetic energy of the fission fragments (FFs) into the propellant enthalpy. The FFs can escape from an extremely thin layer of fissionable material: a sufficiently large surface coated with few micrometers of Americium 242m, confined by a neutron moderator–reflector, may become a critical reactor. Three dimensional coupled CFD-Monte Carlo simulations have already been presented in Di Piazza and Mulas (2006) . In this paper, an analytical integral 1-D model of fluid dynamics and heat transfer is built in order to fores…
Management and use of filter masks in the “none-medical” population during the Covid-19 period
2020
Abstract SARS-CoV-2 has become a pandemic disease declared by the World Health Organization, consequently each nation has taken a series of actions managed by the government in order to prevent the spread of this dangerous virus. The most common countermeasure is the use of a mask that should cover the mouth and nose to filter the inhaled and exhaled air. Those masks are medical devices that should be handled properly; unfortunately in our study, observation of the population during the so-called “phase 2″ has very often shown an inappropriate use of any type of mask which reduces its effectiveness. The correct dissemination of adequate information on how to use the mask and the strict cont…