Search results for "Equipment Failure"
showing 10 items of 150 documents
Detection and prevention of enhanced biological phosphorus removal deterioration caused by Zoogloea overabundance.
2008
A sequencing batch reactor was operated in the conventional anaerobic-aerobic mode for enhanced biological phosphorus removal using acetate as the sole substrate. Despite the nutrients concentrations in the influent being high enough to satisfy the biological requirements, Zoogloea ramigera managed to grow in the system until it had negative effects on the process performance. The excess of exocellular polymeric material produced by this microorganism contributed to a viscous bulking phenomenon and caused important settling problems. The examination of the sludge under the microscope was a valuable tool to diagnose the cause of the imbalance in the process. The strategy adopted to avoid the…
Alanine blends for ESR measurements of thermal neutron fluence in a mixed radiation field
2007
In this paper, the results of a study on the electron spin resonance (ESR) dosimetry to measure thermal neutron fluence in a mixed radiation field (neutron and photons) are presented. The ESR responses of alanine dosemeters with different additives are compared. In particular, the (10)B-acid boric and the Gd-oxide were chosen to enhance the sensitivity of alanine dosemeters to thermal neutrons. Irradiations were carried out inside the thermal column of the TAPIRO reactor of the ENEA center, Casaccia Rome. The main results are a greater neutron sensitivity and a smaller lowest detectable fluence for the dosemeters with gadolinium than for dosemeters of alanine with (10)B, which is well known…
Delayed, diffuse acute peritonitis secondary to misplacement of a cystogastrostomic "pigtail" drain in an outpatient after discharge.
2017
Background and aim of the work: Pancreatic pseudocyst endoscopic drainage by pancreatogastrostomy “pigtail” drain placement is spreading worldwide, with high success-rate and low morbidity, and is increasingly performed as outpatient procedure. The paper reports an unusual very early complication of this procedure and discusses the peculiar aspects of this event in an outpatient setting. Methods: The first case of a 56-year-old outpatient developing a postoperative diffused acute peritonitis by gastric juice spilling caused by the misplacement of the distal end of two transgastric drains not reaching the pseudocyst is reported. As the case was programmed as outpatient and acute peritonitis …
Zein as biodegradable material for effective delivery of alkaline phosphatase and substrates in biokits and biosensors
2016
A biodegradable material, zein, is proposed as a reagent delivery platform for biokits and biosensors based on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity/inhibition in the presence of phosphatase substrates. The immobilization and release of both the substrate and/or the active ALP, in a biodegradable and low-cost material such as zein, a prolamin from maize, and in combination with glycerol as plasticizer have been investigated. Three zein-based devices are proposed for several applications: (1) inorganic phosphorus estimation in water of different sources (river, lake, coastal water and tap water) with a detection limit of 0.2mg/L - compared to at least 1mg/L required by legislation, (2) estimat…
Ultrasound (US) guided central venous catheterization of internal jugular vein on over 65-year-old patients versus blind technique.
2004
Background and Objectives Performing a central venous catheterization (CVC) on older patients for long-term central intravenous therapy could be a very important procedure. It could be associated with a high incidence of related complications, especially on over 65-year-old, high risk, selected patients. Methods The authors analyzed the results of 72 central venous CVC of internal jugular vein performed on over 65-year-old patients with ultrasound (US) guide from January 1998 to April 2003. Results The average performing time was 4 min, with 98.7% of success, 0% of major complications, and 4.1% of minor complications (one mild vagal hypotension and two catheter dislocation). Conclusions The…
Efficacy of protection by latex gloves during orthodontic therapy.
2000
The wearing of gloves during orthodontic or dental treatment is generally indicated for reasons of hygiene and protection against infection. This study was aimed at determining the extent and localization of perforations caused by the various orthodontic treatment techniques and interrupting the infection barrier. The impermeability was tested by means of a water retention test according to European standard EN 455, Part 1, performed on 1600 Centramed (Centramed, Koblenz), Tekmedic and SafeEx non-sterile disposable latex gloves (both by Safe Med, Switzerland) and Safe Gan latex gloves with an additional acrylate coating (also by Safe Med). The perforation rate in unused gloves was between 0…
A nonlinear biomechanical model for evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid shunt systems.
1994
In view of complications arising from physical properties of cerebrospinal fluid shunts, a biomechanical model of hydrocephalus was set up to study in vivo parameters that may influence their function. These include: intracranial pressure, compliance and pulses, intrathoracic, intra-abdominal, and subcutaneous pressures, and the effects of siphonage and repeated valve flushing. Each of these factors was studied separately upon shunt implantation in the model. Results of testing of a sample low-pressure valve with antisiphon device conformed with consumer information in regard to valve opening pressure and pressure flow measurements. No customer information, however, was supplied concerning …
Prevention of feeding tube dislodgement with the Wiesbaden rein: a case series.
2009
We describe initial experience with the use of a new fixation method (Wiesbaden rein), which has been developed to prevent dislodgement of feeding tubes in the gastrointestinal tract. The Wiesbaden rein has been used in three patients without complication. In none of the patients was dislodgement or malfunction of the feeding tube observed. Therefore, the use of the Wiesbaden rein might prevent dislodgement of feeding tubes. Clinical trials are required before this new method can be recommended for general use.
A ten-year follow-up of the Reflection cementless acetabular component.
2008
We reviewed the long-term results at ten to 12 years of 118 total hip replacements in 109 patients using a second-generation hemispherical cementless acetabular component (Reflection) designed to address the problem of backside wear. Five patients (five hips) died and six patients (seven hips) were lost to follow-up. The remaining 98 patients (106 hips) had a mean age of 62.9 years (34.0 to 86.2) A rate of revision for aseptic loosening of 0.9%, and predictable results were found with respect to radiological evidence of fixation, lack of pain, walking ability, range of movement and function. One component was revised for aseptic loosening, and of the 101 hips (95.2%) that did not have a rev…
Active lighting applied to three-dimensional reconstruction of specular metallic surfaces by polarization imaging
2006
International audience; In the field of industrial vision, the three-dimensional inspection of highly reflective metallic objects is still a delicate task. We deal with a new automated three-dimensional inspection system based on polarization analysis. We first present an extension of the shape-from-polarization method for dielectric surfaces to metallic surfaces. Then, we describe what we believe to be a new way of solving the ambiguity concerning the normal orientation with an active lighting system. Finally, applications to shape-defect detection are discussed, and the efficiency of the system to discriminate defects on specular metallic objects made by stamping and polishing is presente…