Search results for "Failure analysis"
showing 10 items of 132 documents
A near-field actuated optical nanocavity
2008
International audience; We demonstrate here that switching and tuning of a nanocavity resonance can be achieved by approaching a sub-micrometer tip inside its evanescent near-field. The resonance energy is tuned over a wide spectral range (Δλ/λ~10-3) without significant deterioration of the cavity peak-transmittance and of the resonance linewidth. Such a result is achieved by taking benefits from a weak tip-cavity interaction regime in which the tip behaves as a pure optical path length modulator.
Bend- and splitting loss of dielectric-loaded surface plasmon-polariton waveguides.
2008
International audience; The design, fabrication, characterization, and modeling of basic building blocks of plasmonic circuitry based on dielectric- loaded surface polariton waveguides, such as bends, splitters, and Mach- Zehnder interferometers are presented. The plasmonic components are realized by depositing subwavelength dielectric ridges on a smooth gold film using mass-production- compatible UV-photolithography. The near-field characterization at telecommunication wavelengths shows the strong mode confinement and low radiation and bend losses. The performance of the devices is found in good agreement with results obtained by full vectorial three-dimensional finite element simulations.…
Demonstration of a reef knot microfiber resonator.
2009
We propose a new way to realize a microfiber optical resonator by implementing the topology of a reef knot using two microfibers. We describe how this structure, which includes 4 ports and can serve as an add-drop filter, can be fabricated. Resonances in an all-silica reef knot are measured and good fits are obtained from a simple resonator model. We also show the feasibility of assembling a hybrid silica-chalcogenide reef knot structure.
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…
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…
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…
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.
Video-assisted surgery: suggestions for failure prevention in laparoscopic cholecystectomy
2014
Background: Surgery differs from other medical specialties in its execution. It is often complex and includes considerable individual variations. Observing problems in operating theatres (OT) allows for the identification of system failures which should be defined for learning purposes to increase patient safety and enhance general safety culture within hospital organizations. This study evaluates a common video-assisted surgical procedure, laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) through failure analysis. The profile of the LC procedure and failure sources is presented. Methods: Data consisted video-observations and interviews concerning twelve LC operations performed at a day surgery unit. All o…
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…