Initial Cost Of Equipment Research Articles

Comparison of passive and manual chlorination in small piped water networks in rural Ghana: Technical performance, ease-of-use, and cost

Chlorination is the most common water treatment method globally and leads to proven health benefits. Yet, many rural water supplies in low-income settings are unchlorinated, exposing consumers to waterborne diseases. Insufficient technical and financial capacity of water suppliers in low-resource settings are common barriers to more widespread chlorination. We conducted a case study of two approaches to chlorinate small piped water supplies− passive (inline) chlorination and manual chlorination− and compared their technical performance, ease-of-use, and costs in rural Ghana. Based on 685 water quality measurements across two piped networks over three months, both methods provided adequate free chlorine residuals (i.e., 0.2–2.0 mg/L) most of the time (71% for manual chlorination and 86% for passive chlorination). Follow-up measurements five months later revealed a decline in chlorine levels with the manual approach (47% in the target range) and an increase with the passive (inline) approach (100% in the target range). We observed large fluctuations in chlorine levels over time, particularly with inline chlorination, that pH, temperature, conductivity, and turbidity variations did not fully explain. Temporal changes in chlorine demand and/or inconsistently implemented protocols possibly contributed to these fluctuations. Inline chlorination scored higher for ease-of-use (85%) than manual chlorination (70%) but was less financially viable: it represented an 11% increase in operational expenses, compared to 4% for manual chlorination. Initial equipment and installation cost approximately 6,000 USD for inline chlorination and about 260 USD for manual chlorination. Our results highlight the tradeoffs between passive (inline) and manual chlorination. Although less favorable for ease-of-use, manual chlorination is more viable financially and can achieve comparable performance with strict dosing protocol adherence, suggesting this approach deserves similar consideration as passive chlorination when evaluating options for low-resource settings. Both methods are susceptible to changes in operator behaviors and require external oversight plus support for troubleshooting and recalibration.

Perceptions and attitudes toward digital dentistry among dental professionals: a questionnaire survey study

In recent decades, digital technologies have become increasingly essential in dentistry, continuing the field's long-standing necessity of cutting-edge technology and innovation.The objective of the study was to determine the perception and attitude of dentists towards the use of digital technology.A Questionnaire study was conducted amongst 400 dental professionals. The questionnaire was sent electronically to all participants. The data from the filled forms was then compiled in a spreadsheet. The data was analyzed using IBM-SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Studies) Version 22. P value was taken as statistically significant (P-Value < 0.05). 58% dental professionals did not receive any training. 42% dental professionals have received formal training or education in digital dentistry during their professional career while 58% didn’t receive any training. 62% of professionals have noted changes in treatment outcomes or patient satisfaction since integrating digital dentistry technologies into their practice. 77% of participants expressed a willingness to adopt CAD/CAM systems in their practices. More than 75% were optimistic about bright future of digital technologies in dentistry in improving patient care and treatment outcomes.The majority of dental professionals were in the favor of incorporation of digital dentistry into clinical practice. Initial high cost of equipment’s and lack of formal training were the major barrier for incorporating digital technologies in routine clinical practice.

The Benefits and Challenges of Implementing Teleophthalmology in Low-Resource Settings: A Systematic Review.

Technology has significantly changed medical practice, including diagnosis, treatment, and availability. Telemedicine use in the specialty of ophthalmology seems to be a promising field. In underserved populations, limited coverage of ophthalmic healthcare facilities results in a higher burden of eye-related diseases and visual impairment. The main obstacle preventing these individuals from receiving eye care consultations is difficulty in access and transportation. There is an urgent need for eye care facilities for these people, and teleophthalmology has the potential to provide eye care facilities to these underserved people. Teleophthalmology was reported as cost-effective, time-saving, reliable, and efficient for underserved populations. However, teleophthalmology has certain limitations in its implementation in the form of a high initial cost of equipment, problems with consistent electricity and internet supply, and the reluctance of people in certain regions toward acceptance of teleophthalmology. This systematic review assessed the benefits and challenges of implementing teleophthalmology in low-resource settings.

Перешкоди впровадженню теплових насосів у централізованому теплопостачанні

Today, heat pumps are recognized as one of the technologies that most contribute to the decarbonization of almost all spheres of modern society life, especially industry and energy. The integration of heat pumps into district heating is considered as an implementation of renewable energy technology that will enable the European Union (EU) to achieve its ambitious energy and climate policy goals for developing sustainable society. The purpose of this article is to analyze and systematize the EU experience in overcoming obstacles to the introduction of heat pump technologies in district heating and to determine the possibilities of its application in Ukraine. It was found that it is impossible to ensure the universal integration of heat pumps into district heating for all EU members, and an individual analysis is required for each EU country, taking all technical and environmental aspects into account. Obstacles to the large-scale implementation of heat pump technologies into district heating are of a complex nature. Complex obstacles require an integrated approach that simultaneously removes these obstacles and includes direct incentives, indirect taxes, technical standards, building codes, education, etc. An analysis of the experience of the EU countries (financial support, education and training, preferential tariffs for electricity for heat pump operation, EU regulations on energy efficiency of buildings, the EU directive on renewable energy sources, etc.) made it possible to identify obstacles to the widespread implementation of heat pumps in district heating. The main such obstacles are the high initial cost of heat pump equipment, the high cost of electricity, the high cost of connecting to electricity and heat networks, insufficient government incentives, the lack of domestic production of heat pumps and highly qualified personnel for their implementation. The proposed main preventive measures to overcome these obstacles are the creation of a State Program to stimulate the introduction of heat pumps; legislative support aimed at accelerating the introduction of heat pumps; creation of financial incentives for their implementation; state stimulation of production of heat pump equipment and professional training of operating personnel. This article is aimed at discussing directions for the formation of effective legislative and regulatory measures for comprehensive stimulation of the large-scale introduction of heat pumps in the district heating in Ukraine. Keywords: heat pumps, renewable energy sources, district heating, implementation, obstacles, overcoming.

Assessing iPhone LiDAR & Recon-3D for determining area of origin in bloodstain pattern analysis.

Bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) has proven to be a useful tool in forensic and criminal investigations for quite some time. Traditionally, documenting a crime scene for a bloodletting event was completed using manual techniques, physical strings, and a tape measure. In more recent years, laser scanners and 3D software programs have become a preferred method to capture accurate data that improves the validity and reliability of BPA. The initial cost of laser scanning equipment is relatively high, rendering these systems inaccessible to some police and smaller agencies. Recon-3D is a newly developed iPhone application that utilizes the iPhone LiDAR sensor in combination with video data to create 3D point clouds of crime scenes. To assess the viability of Recon-3D for area of origin analysis, two tests were performed. One was a series of bloodstain impacts which were analyzed in FARO Zone 3D software, while the second was a series of 6 repeated Recon-3D scans of two 90-degree walls which was then compared to the FARO Focus S350 scanner using CloudCompare software. A total of eight impact patterns were made at three different distances from a wall. The area of origin was measured and compared to the known location of the blood source. The average total 3D error for the area of origin set at 25, 50, and 100 cm from two perpendicular walls was found to be 6.04, 15.16, and 36.59 cm, respectively. These results are similar to past studies where programs such as HemoSpat have been used. The results of the point cloud comparison show that on average, 95% of the points from Recon-3D fall below a threshold of 3.6 mm when compared to a FARO Focus S350 laser scanner. Thus, the results of this test suggest that Recon-3D is an accurate and affordable scanning application for bloodstain patterns at crime scenes and the data provide acceptable results for area of origin analysis in BPA programs which accept laser scanner data.

Exploring synergistic ecological and economic energy solutions for low-urbanized areas through simulation-based analysis

<abstract> <p>In this study, we assess the feasibility of a Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) for the residential area of Hengam Island, Iran. The optimal system design, based on the analysis of minimum CO<sub>2</sub> emissions, unmet electric load and capacity shortage, reveals that a hybrid system consisting of 12,779,267 kW (55.8% of production) of solar PV panels and 10,141,978 kW (44.2% of production) of wind turbines is the most suitable for this case study. This configuration ensures zero CO<sub>2</sub> emissions and high reliability over a 25-year project lifetime, with an unmet electric load of 164 kWh per year and a capacity shortage of 5245 kWh per year. However, this case has a high initial cost of equipment, with a Total Net Present Cost (TNPC) of ＄54,493,590. If the power grid is also used for energy exchange with the island, TNPC can be significantly reduced by 76.95%, and battery losses can be reduced by 96.44%. The proposed system on the grid can reduce carbon emissions to zero, making it highly environmentally compatible. The sale of excess electricity produced to the power grid creates an energy market for the island. Given the weather conditions and the intensity of the sun in the studied area, the area has very suitable conditions for the exploitation of renewable energies. Transitioning the residential sector towards renewable energies is crucial to overcome energy crises and increasing carbon emissions. Increasing renewable equipment production and improving technology can address the challenge of high prices for renewable energy production.</p> </abstract>

Towards smart communities using solar photovoltaic technologies: A comparative assessment by novel wins in league theory

In the present work, hybrid energy systems based on various types of solar photovoltaic technologies is investigated for rural electricity supply. Five configurations are considered based on solar tracking systems, including biaxial, uniaxial and non-tracking. Solar photovoltaic size is optimized by HOMER software. Choosing the appropriate configuration is based on considering the simultaneous effect of six criteria, including renewable fraction (RF), solar capacity factor (CF), initial equipment cost, levelized cost of energy (LCOE), CO2 emission and energy security. In this study, for the first time the theory of Wins in League (WIL) is used to select the best system. This theory is a form of classical multicriteria decision-making methods. Technical evaluations showed that the highest amount of RF and CF is related to the vertical uniaxial and biaxial tracking system, respectively. The solar system without tracking has the lowest LCOE, but the horizontal uniaxial tracking system has the highest LCOE. In general, LCOE between different configurations ranges from 0.198 to 0.207 $/kWh, and solar energy is proper for electrification in Iranian rural areas. The results of the WIL theory also show that, the biaxial solar tracking system is best option in rural areas.

Efficiency of 3D printed composite resin restorations compared with subtractive materials: Evaluation of fatigue behavior, cost, and time of production

Statement of problemThree-dimensionally (3D)-printed composite resins have been marketed as materials for definitive restorations. However, limited information is available regarding the stability of the adhesive interface and the efficiency of 3D printed composite resins. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the integrity of the marginal adhesive interface before and after thermal and mechanical fatigue of an initial formulation of a 3D printed composite resin and to evaluate the efficiency of this manufacturing method. Material and methodsFreshly extracted molars were prepared for onlays and adhesively restored with either 3D printed composite resin (VarseoSmile Crown Plus) (Group 3D), milled composite resin (Tetric CAD) (Group MCOMP), milled PMMA (Telio CAD) (Group PMMA), and milled lithium disilicate (IPS e.max CAD) (Group EM). Marginal analysis was performed under a scanning electron microscope before and after fatigue by thermomechanical cyclic loading, and initial and terminal percentages of continuous margin (%CM) were compared. The time required for the production of each type of restoration was recorded, and the production costs were also compared. ResultsBefore aging, 3D, MCOMP, and EM presented comparable values of %CM (69.8%, 75.9%, and 63.1%, respectively) that were statistically significantly higher (P<.05) than those of PMMA (45.1%). After aging, 3D and EM had comparable results (44.7% and 43.7%, respectively), which were lower than those of the MCOMP group (68.5%) but higher than those of the PMMA group (20.5%). Regarding time efficiency, 3D printing took less time than MCOMP or PMMA if more than 8 restorations were fabricated. For the production costs, 3D printing was 5.5, 8.7, and 10.2 times less expensive than PMMA, MCOMP, and EM, respectively. The initial equipment cost was also lower for the additive manufacturing method. However, 3D printing did not always considerably reduce waste. ConclusionsIn terms of marginal adaptation, the evaluated initial formulation of a 3D printed composite resin behaved similarly to other well-established definitive restoration materials and better than milled PMMA, both before and after fatigue. Three-dimensionally printed resins present advantages in terms of equipment and consumable costs, even for a single restoration, but also for production time when more than 8 restorations were fabricated.

Patterns of fuel use, cooking practices and factors associated with the non use of liquefied petroleum gas for cooking in peri-urban Cameroon

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Over three billion people, mostly living in low and middle income countries are exposed to household air pollution from reliance on polluting cooking fuels (e.g. wood, charcoal). There is a dearth of information on barriers to adoption and sustained use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). METHODS: A cross-sectional demographic and fuel use survey was conducted in peri-urban Mbalmayo in Central Cameroon. Stratified random sampling was conducted to identify LPG users and solid fuel users. Participants completed in-depth surveys on individual and household characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with the non use of LPG. RESULTS: Among households using solid fuels (n=196), the main reported barrier to LPG adoption included the initial cost of LPG equipment (n=87; 59%). Concerns over LPG safety were a significant concern in both users and non-users of LPG (n=366; 83.6%) perceived LPG to be dangerous). More than a quarter reporting difficulty in obtaining an LPG cylinder refill when the cylinder was empty (n=127; 29%). Stacking was universal (100%) amongst LPG users, with cost of refills, free secondary fuel, and distance from retail point influencing the more exclusive use of LPG for clean cooking. The determinants of the non use of LPG were: education level (P = 0.023), non access to flush toilet (P=0.000), age group of 36-45 years (P = 0.037), low cash income (P=0.047); no pipe for water at home (P=0.047), the cost of LPG (P=0.018), behaviour on LPG dangerousness (0.034). CONCLUSIONS: To scale LPG adoption in peri-urban Cameroon, addressing safety concerns through education, and financially supporting households should be prioritized. Policies to facilitate uptake of LPG should be targeted on populations with low socioeconomic status. KEY WORDS: LPG, clean cooking, adoption

Patterns of fuel use, cooking practices and factors associated with the use of LPG for cooking in peri-urban Cameroon

Background/Aim: Over three billion people, mostly living in low and middle income countries (LMICs), are exposed to household air pollution from reliance on polluting fuels (e.g. wood, charcoal). There is a dearth of information on barriers to adoption and sustained use of clean cooking fuels, (e.g. liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)) in remote locations in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional demographic and fuel use survey was completed by approximately 1500 household cooks from peri-urban Mbalmayo in Central Cameroon. Stratified random sampling was conducted to identify approximately 200 clean (LPG) and 200 polluting (e.g. wood) cooking fuel users who completed in-depth surveys on individual and household characteristics that were potentially associated with cooking behavior and fuel choice. Results: Among households using solid fuels (n=196), the main reported barrier to LPG adoption included the initial cost of LPG equipment (n=87; 59%). Concerns over LPG safety were a significant concern in both users and non-users of LPG (n=366; 83.6% perceived LPG to be dangerous). Decision making over choice of cooking fuel was approximately equally split between the main cook (typically women) and the head of household (usually men); men were in charge of decision making regarding cooking fuel adoption among 41.4% (n=121) LPG users and 56.2% (n=82) of biomass users. Stacking was universal (100%) amongst LPG users, with 70% LPG use. Free secondary fuel and a distance 20-30minutes from retail point reduced LPG use by 20% and 10% respectively. Household head unemployed (O.R 2,057, p-value .000), No formal education (O.R 15.200,p-value .006), and Cost (O.R 2.489, p-value 0.000) were all associated with the non-adoption of LPG. Conclusions: Addressing safety concerns through education, and financially supporting households (e.g. through microfinance) will considerably scale LPG adoption in peri-urban Cameroon. Policies to facilitate LPG adoption should be targeted to both genders. Key words: LPG, clean cooking, adoption

Integrated design and optimization research of LNG cold energy and main engine exhaust heat utilization for LNG powered ships

This paper aims at the high-efficiency utilization of LNG cold energy and main engine exhaust heat of ten-thousand-box LNG-powered container ship, and takes the 9200TEU LNG powered ship as the target ship. The two-level parallel Rankine cycle system is used to replace the original exhaust heat boiler utilization system, and the LNG horizontal three-level nested Rankine cycle is added on the basis of the two-level parallel Rankine cycle, realizing the efficient integrated utilization of the LNG vaporization cold energy and the exhaust heat of the main engine. Aspen HYSYS is used to simulate the scheme, and the genetic algorithm is further used to optimize the parameter matching of the system. Finally, the economic analysis of the cost saved by the optimization scheme and the initial investment cost is carried out. The results show that the system exergy efficiency in summer conditions reaches 58.20%, and the system exergy efficiency in spring, autumn and winter conditions reaches 58.73%; the initial system equipment cost is US$34.41 million, the power production cost of the system is 0.129 US$/kWh, and the payback period PBP is 7.37 years.

Effect of nitrogen gas supply to graphite target on properties of ta-CNx films deposited by FCVA method

It has been reported that ta-CNx coatings deposited by the IBA-FAD method show excellent low friction and wear properties, however the hardness decreases with the N/C ratio in the coating. Although, using an ion gun to mix nitrogen in the coating gives several pros to the coating, however, it rises initial cost of equipment. To overcome this situation, nitrogen ion generation by just supplying nitrogen gas close to an arc discharge area which is used in the FAD carbon ion generation was suggested by authors. The supplied nitrogen gas is ionized by the high voltage arc which is supplied to a graphite target. The effects on the N/C ratio was measured by AES, hardness was measured by nano-indentation tester, and tribological properties of the deposited ta-CNx coatings were examined. The results showed that ta-CNx coatings deposited by nitrogen gas supply method showed higher hardness than ordinally nitrogen ion beam deposition method.

A Methodological Framework for Free and Open-Source UAV-Based Archaeological Research

AbstractFull-coverage pedestrian survey to record cultural features on unexplored archaeological landscapes is costly in terms of time, money, and personnel. Over the past two decades, researchers have implemented remote sensing and landscape data collection techniques using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to combat some of these burdens, but the initial cost of equipment, software, and processing power has hindered the ubiquitous implementation of UAV technology as an accessible companion tool to traditional archaeological survey. This article presents a free and open-source, technology-independent analytical framework for the collection and processing of UAV images to produce high-resolution digital terrain models limited only by the equipment available to the researcher. Results from the free and open-source protocol are directly compared to those produced using proprietary software to illustrate the capabilities of freely available data processing tools for UAV-collected images. By replicating the methods outlined here, researchers should be able to identify and target areas of interest to increase fieldwork efficiency, decrease costs of implementing this technology, and produce high-resolution digital terrain models to conduct spatial analyses that pursue a deeper understanding of cultural landscapes.

Quantifying Waterfowl Numbers: Comparison of Drone and Ground-Based Survey Methods for Surveying Waterfowl on Artificial Waterbodies

Drones are becoming a common method for surveying wildlife as they offer an aerial perspective of the landscape. For waterbirds in particular, drones can overcome challenges associated with surveying locations not accessible on foot. With the rapid uptake of drone technology for bird surveys, there is a need to compare and calibrate new technologies with existing survey methods. We compared waterfowl counts derived from ground- and drone-based survey methods. We sought to determine if group size and waterbody size influenced the difference between counts of non-nesting waterfowl and if detection of species varied between survey methods. Surveys of waterfowl were carried out at constructed irrigation dams and wastewater treatment ponds throughout the Riverina region of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Data were analyzed using Bayesian multilevel models (BMLM) with weakly informative priors. Overall, drone-derived counts of waterfowl were greater (+36%) than ground counts using a spotting scope (β_ground= 0.64 [0.62–0.66], (R2 = 0.973)). Ground counts also tended to underestimate the size of groups. Waterbody size had an effect on comparative counts, with ground counts being proportionally less than drone counts (mean = 0.74). The number of species identified in each waterbody type was similar regardless of survey method. Drone-derived counts are more accurate compared to traditional ground counts, but drones do have some drawbacks including initial equipment costs and time-consuming image or photo processing. Future surveys should consider using drones for more accurately surveying waterbirds, especially when large groups of birds are present on larger waterbodies.

OZONIZATION PURIFICATION OF INDUSTRIAL PLANTS WASTEWATER

The results of industrial wastewater treatment with ozone are presented in the article. The optimal parameters from various factors of the process of wastewater treatment of nonferrous metallurgy enterprises of the Republic of Kazakhstan by a chemical method using oxidative neutralization were studied and determined. The depth of oxidation and the duration of ozonation are functions of the pH of the solution. deep purification of cyanides, thiocyanates, copper, zinc, lead, foaming agent (99-100%) has been achieved. Ozonation products of each toxic component of wastewater have been identified. The article shows that non-ferrous metals can be utilized in the process of ozonation of industrial wastewater. Ozone is able to react with organic and inorganic compounds until complete oxidation. During ozonation of wastewater, metal ions of low oxidation states form insoluble complex compounds and hydroxides that precipitate. However, ozonation has not only advantages, but also the following disadvantages: the formation of by-products, as well as the high initial cost of equipment. The advantages of ozone include the following: strong oxidant and disinfectant; very effective against viruses, which is especially important and relevant in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Ozonation is widely used for industrial waste water treatment and is relevant from an environmental point of view. Keywords: ozone, purification, wastewater, cyanides, thiocyanates, copper, zinc, lead, frother.

Performance analysis of an earth–air heat exchanger integrated into an agricultural irrigation system for a greenhouse environmental temperature-control system

In this article, an earth–air heat exchanger (EAHE) system is applied in an agricultural greenhouse temperature-control system and integrated into the existing irrigation facilities to reduce the installation cost. In addition, an annual performance study and analysis are conducted for this system, and the mathematical model is verified with the experimental results; then, the energy-saving efficiency and economic benefits of the system are evaluated from the mathematical models and experimental data. The average difference between the experimental data and mathematical models is about 2.6%. This EAHE is buried under an existing irrigation channel; the channel is supplemented by an irrigation well, and the water temperature of the channel is stabilized by the well water. Compared with the traditional EAHE system, this system can achieve sufficient performance without a deep soil layer (above 5 m) and use the system's integrated existing facilities, significantly reducing the installation cost. According to the experimental results, a cooling capacity of 1.5–4.5 kW can be provided in summer under different weather conditions, a heating capacity of 0.7–2.8 kW can be provided in winter, and the greenhouse temperature can be maintained in the required range. Compared with the traditional heat-pump system, 561.6 kWh can be saved through this EAHE system in summer (operating for 90 days), with an energy-saving benefit of 74.3%, and 177.6 kWh can be saved in winter (operating for 30 days), with an energy-saving benefit of 67.3%. Moreover, the initial equipment costs can be reduced by 35.3%.

The evolution of brachytherapy for prostate cancer.

Brachytherapy (BT), using low-dose-rate (LDR) permanent seed implantation or high-dose-rate (HDR) temporary source implantation, is an acceptable treatment option for select patients with prostate cancer of any risk group. The benefits of HDR-BT over LDR-BT include the ability to use the same source for other cancers, lower operator dependence, and - typically - fewer acute irritative symptoms. By contrast, the benefits of LDR-BT include more favourable scheduling logistics, lower initial capital equipment costs, no need for a shielded room, completion in a single implant, and more robust data from clinical trials. Prospective reports comparing HDR-BT and LDR-BT to each other or to other treatment options (such as external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) or surgery) suggest similar outcomes. The 5-year freedom from biochemical failure rates for patients with low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk disease are >85%, 69-97%, and 63-80%, respectively. Brachytherapy with EBRT (versus brachytherapy alone) is an appropriate approach in select patients with intermediate-risk and high-risk disease. The 10-year rates of overall survival, distant metastasis, and cancer-specific mortality are >85%, <10%, and <5%, respectively. Grade 3-4 toxicities associated with HDR-BT and LDR-BT are rare, at <4% in most series, and quality of life is improved in patients who receive brachytherapy compared with those who undergo surgery.

High Performance Anode for Direct Cellulosic Biomass Fuel Cells Operating at Intermediate Temperatures

Abstract Cellulosic biomass resources have considerable potential as a renewable energy source that can be used for the cogeneration of electricity and heat. The utilization of these resources generally requires three major systematic processes: gasification, gas processing, and gas utilization. If a power generator could operate using wood resources directly as fuels, then this system could be significantly simplified, thereby reducing initial equipment cost and enhancing application flexibility. An intermediate-temperature fuel cell could possibly realize such an operation; however, the fuel-cell characteristics, especially the catalytic activity of the Pt/C anode, are not sufficient at present. In this study, we attempted to improve the anode activity by alloying Pt with other metals, followed by optimization of the alloy in terms of its atomic ratio and content. The resulting PtFe/C anode yielded higher power densities (37–42 mW cm−2) and energy densities (125–169 Wh kg−1) at 250 °C for fuels composed of cypress, tissue paper, and cotton, compared to those obtained using the Pt/C anode, despite its smaller Pt loading.

Reason Maintenance in Product Modelling via Open Source CAD System

The present and future challenges of a new product design, forecasting and risk management launch strategy for a new product modelling decision process. This paper intends to propose and to look towards the development of a low-cost integrated CAD-CAPP-CAD/CAM product modelling system for the design and manufacture of a proposed product. It is a mapping between several design phases like functional design, technical design and physical design. The modelling data generation process begins with the drafting of a product to be maintained using the drafting software package. From the CAD drawing, the data are transferred to be used as the product models and a CAPP software package will then prepare the operational parameters for the manufacturing of the product. These process data are relayed to a CAM software package, which will then generate the automating information-processing functions. The final stage of the function is to support design and manufacturing operations that may have reaped many benefits in terms of its initial equipment and software costs.

EQA-derived metrics to assess overall instrument performance

To the Editor, Recently sigma metrics have been used to assess assay fitness for purpose using external quality assessment surveys [1, 2]. One of the major decisions facing clinical laboratories is the evaluation and purchase of new equipment. This exercise is a considerable one with the costs of both the initial equipment and ongoing consumable costs having a significant impact on the laboratory budget. Many factors may be taken into account when comparing analysers including hardware and consumable costs, environmental costs (power and water), ongoing training and maintenance support. But perhaps most attention is devoted to the analytical performance of individual assays since poor performance can have deleterious effects on reagent and human resource costs (repeats, recalibration), staff morale, and customer satisfaction in terms of poor turnaround times and inappropriate clinical decisions which can reduce laboratory credibility.