Satisfactory Status Research Articles

Project, or faith? Quebec's 1995 push for sovereignty, and the realities of international relations

As Quebec prepared for a province-wide referendum vote on sovereignty in 1995, the United States had a satisfactory status quo with Canada and it was interested in maintaining open, business-friendly trade and investment relations. Facing the prospect of the separation of Quebec from Canada, issues such as negotiating the continuation of treaty obligations and managing the disruption of financial markets were of paramount importance to Canadians and Americans. Because Quebec leaders did not appear to be addressing these issues in a way that would build a foundation for post-referendum bilateral economic relations with the United States, it was difficult for US officials to consider the separation project credible.

Benchmark to escape from Lake Wobegon

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate whether an employee reports an accurate view of the relative performance level of the organisation for which they work.Design/methodology/approachUtilizes a survey of 2,517 senior managers, managers and team leaders from 120 different organisations in nine different countries.FindingsThere is significant and consistent overestimation of performance with 75 percent of the management team reporting that their organisation is above average, and only 5 percent rating their organisation as below average compared to its competitors. A very significant finding is that where there is likely to be a greater degree of knowledge of competitor's performance estimation improves.Practical implicationsThe implication of this misrepresentation of the true position is to make it less likely that an improvement initiative will succeed as managers will not be sufficiently motivated to improve an apparently satisfactory status quo. The paper calls for greater focus both on the activity of benchmarking and in the process of spreading knowledge of the benchmarking activity.Originality/valueThis paper extends issues such as the Lake Wobegon effect and socially desirable reporting which have been investigated in depth in the area of personal self‐assessment and applies them into a different arena, that of the employee's view of the performance of the organisation.

Autopercepção das condições bucais em uma população de idosos da cidade de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brasil

O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a autopercepção das condições bucais em uma população de idosos não-institucionalizados da cidade de Montes Claros. A pesquisa objetivou ainda verificar a associação existente entre a autopercepção e as características sociodemográficas, necessidades odontológicas, condições sistêmicas e uso de medicações nos indivíduos pesquisados. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo transversal com uma amostra do tipo aleatória simples (n=204). A autopercepção foi avaliada através do Índice de Determinação da Saúde Bucal Geriátrica (GOHAI). De acordo com os resultados obtidos, 53,9% dos idosos eram do gênero feminino; 53,9% não eram casados; 57,8% possuíam idade entre 60 e 69 anos; 84,9% não eram brancos; 69,1% eram analfabetos; 56,4% tinham renda per capita > ½ salário mínimo; 59,8% foram ao dentista há três anos ou mais; 52,9% realizaram a última consulta no serviço público; 63,7% eram edêntulos; 67,2% usavam algum tipo de prótese; 77% necessitavam de prótese e 81,4% não possuíam alteração de tecido mole. Destes, 31,9% apresentavam doença periodontal; o CPO-D médio foi 29,39; 91,2% apresentavam alguma doença sistêmica; 78,4% usavam medicação e a maior parte (36,3%) autopercebeu a condição bucal como regular. Na análise multivariada, foi verificado que os idosos que necessitavam de algum tipo de prótese dentária e não possuíam cônjuge apresentaram maiores chances de ter uma baixa autopercepção das condições bucais. De maneira geral, percebeu-se que a maioria dos idosos possuía uma condição socioeconômica satisfatória; apresentava necessidades odontológicas normativas; tinha alguma doença sistêmica; usava medicação e autopercebeu a saúde bucal como regular ou ruim, condizente com a avaliação profissional.

Water pollution studies in the rivers of the Edirne Region–Turkey

Physico-chemical parameters of Tunca, Merich, Arda and Ergene rivers, in the Edirne region of Turkey, were investigated. Studies were carried out during 1998–2004 and the data obtained were compared with EU threshold levels. The results showed that the total concentrations of P, Pb, Cu, Ni, Mn and Co were higher than these threshold levels. There is an urgent need for Turkey to limit water pollution from a wide range of dangerous substances, particularly at a time when it is being considered as an EU candidate. Turkey will be required to achieve a satisfactory status in its waters by 2015, in particular in the waters of the rivers investigated in this paper that border Bulgaria and Greece. Levels of pollutants which pose a significant risk to the aquatic environment need to be monitored and strictly controlled.

Ecological status of soils in Moscow Zoo

The quantitative assessment of the status of soils in Moscow Zoo was performed using traditional and original methods based on the differentiated system of indices. The studies were conducted in animal open-air cages and on plots available for visitors. The dynamics of the temperature and water-air regimes in the root-inhabited layer, the density, the acidity, and the salinity of the soils were studied. The level of the biological activity was assessed according to the intensity of the organic matter decomposition and the substrate-induced respiration. In the background of the rather satisfactory status of the soils, negative factors were found: a periodic excess or deficit of moisture and, for the most part, low biological activity (low respiration and decomposition of the lignin-cellulose test material). Recommendations for the improvement of the status of the soil cover in Moscow Zoo are proposed.

Restoring satisfactory status in ThinPrep Pap test specimens with too few squamous cells and containing microscopic red blood cells

Treatment of specimens that contain excessive blood can effectively reduce the unsatisfactory rate; however, a considerable number of unsatisfactory specimens remain. We evaluated the effectiveness of reprocessing unsatisfactory specimens that had too few squamous cells and contained microscopic red blood cells (TFSQRBC).Out of the 688 unsatisfactory specimens at microscopic screening, 197 (28.63%) were TFSQRBC that were reprocessed by treatment of glacial acetic acid (GAA). Red blood cells were observed clogging the pores in the filter of the ThinPrep device. After reprocessing, 129 (68.48%) yielded a satisfactory diagnosis, which accounted for a reduction of the unsatisfactory rate by 18.25%. In the restored satisfactory specimens, abnormal diagnoses of 1 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) (0.78%), 3 atypical glandular cells (AGC) (2.33%), and 13 atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) (10.08%) were made. The abnormal diagnoses in this group of patients were significantly higher than that in the general population screened.Reprocessing unsatisfactory ThinPrep (TP) specimens of TFSQRBC can reduce the unsatisfactory rate of the TP Pap test significantly and is a cost-effective measure. The initially unsatisfactory specimens are more likely to represent cases with an abnormal diagnosis, which also justifies the effort of reprocessing this group of specimens. Adjustment of the pore size on the ThinPrep filter device may reduce the interference of red blood cells.

Levosimendan for Postoperative Ventricular Dysfunction Following Heart Transplantation

The development of postoperative ventricular dysfunction immediately after heart transplantation is a serious complication that leads to low-output syndrome and which necessitates circulatory support. It is one of the most common causes of early morbidity and mortality. We present our experience with 6 heart transplant patients who were treated with intravenous levosimendan, a calcium sensitizer with inodilator properties, after regular hemodynamic therapy with sympathomimetic amines failed to result in a satisfactory hemodynamic status. Use of this drug was well tolerated and brought about hemodynamic improvements that were sufficient to enable patients to be weaned from inotropic support with amines and which led to clinical recovery, with 5 of the 6 patients being discharged from the intensive care unit.

Stem cell renewal and contraction of the tunica media caused by a damaged blood vessel following a thick needle stab

A marked difference in the healing process of the inferior vena cava in rats following a stab with a 17-G (1.48 mm phi) ultrahard zirconium ceramic (Zr) needle and with a common stainless steel (St) needle (also 1.48 mm phi was observed. This was investigated in vivo by histological imaging and biochemical micro-autoradiographic imaging using [2-(14)C]-thymidine as a biomarker in vivo. On the first day after the stab with either, the Zr or the St injection needle, the tunica adventitia showed the most pronounced damage, as evidenced by a large puncture wound characterized by blood congestion, but with few inflammatory cells being observed. A marked contraction of the tunica media was observed. The depth of the injury reached the tunica layer, but amounted to less than 1/3 of the needle diameter. Loose fragments of the endothelial lining were detected, together with scattered red corpuscles. The survival rate of the experimental animals amounted to less than 40% on the 3rd day after the stab by either the Zr or St needle, due to the large needle diameter. In addition, histological imaging of the wound area in the endothelial layer and tunica media showed considerable congestion and inflammation, which limited the evaluation of the regeneration status of the inferior vena cava of the surviving animals. Results were obtained from a few animals that displayed satisfactory recovery status. On the 3rd day after the stab by either the Zr or St injection needle, a relatively large proportion of the hemostatic clots became incorporated into the collagenous tissue, i.e. the tunica adventitia. A marked contraction of the tunica media was also observed, similar to that on the 1st day, following the needle injury. In the case of the endothelium (tunica intima), the injury caused by the Zr needle was reinfiltrated by adult stem cells 3 days after the stab, but the tunica media, composed of endothelial cells, still contained relatively contracted collagenous material. In addition, several interesting cell colonies were observed in the medial layer at the short distance from the boundary of the damaged tissue. It was assumed that these colonies produced medial tissue composed of collagenous supporting tissue or smooth muscle cells. In the experiment using the St needle, the incorporation of [2-(14)C]-thymidine into the nucleus of the stem cells was observed in the small capillaries of the tunica media, but not in the support cells of the latter.

Abdominal complications following open-heart surgery: a report of 12 cases and review of the literature

Introduction — Abdominal complications following open-heart surgery remain serious events as the mortality is reported to be tremendously high.The clinical presentation, the diagnostic strategy and the therapeutic management varies.We reviewed all records of those patients who developed abdominal complications with surgical consequences during the last five years, recorded a complete follow-up and compared the findings to a current view of the literature.Patients and methods — Altogether 5720 patients underwent open-heart surgery at our institution between 1/98 and 12/02. Out of these 12 (10 men, 2 women) developed severe gastrointestinal complications with surgical consequences.The mean age was 73.17 ± 8.11 years. Seven patients underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), two patients combined aortic valve replacement (AVR) and CABG, one isolated AVR, one mitral valve replacement (MVR) and yet another one combined MVR and CABG.The clinical records of all these patients were examined and a complete follow-up was recorded.Results — The duration of the entire cardiac operation was a mean of 212.67 ± 36.97 min, perfusion time 103 ± 29.32 min and myocardial ischaemic time 52.25 ± 24.56 min. Length of ICU-stay was between 1 and 5 days after cardiac surgery. Concerning gastrointestinal complications nine patients suffered from ischaemic intestinal disease, two from gastrointestinal ulcer bleeding and one from a preoperatively unknown bowel tumour with subsequent ileus. Four patients died in the immediate postoperative course, one patient within two years and seven patients show a satisfactory status at follow-up.Conclusions — A review from the literature shows an enormous mortality from abdominal complications following open-heart surgery.This was also found in our series.As many of these patients have a history of abdominal disease more attention should be paid to such anamnestic hints in the preparation before cardiac surgery. Hence we recommend early diagnostic measures and explorative laparotomy in doubtful situations in patients with positive anamnesis.

Short- and Long-Term Outcomes After Large Pulmonary Resection for Germ Cell Tumors After Bleomycin-Combination Chemotherapy

Abstract Background Treatment of nonseminomatous germ cell tumors frequently requires bleomycin-combination chemotherapy followed by resection of residual disease. Bleomycin administration however raises concerns with respect to postoperative respiratory complications, particularly for patients undergoing large pulmonary resections. We undertook an institutional review to determine the outcome of large pulmonary resections after bleomycin-combination chemotherapy. Methods Between 1981 and 2001, 530 patients presented to our institution for resection of residual intrathoracic disease for either metastatic testicular or primary mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumors. We subsequently reviewed 32 of these patients who required pneumonectomy (n = 19; right=9, left=10) or bilobectomy (n = 13) after bleomycin-combination chemotherapy. Results There were four operative deaths (13%). All postoperative deaths occurred in patients undergoing right-sided resections (pneumonectomy, n=2; bilobectomy, n=2) as a consequence of pulmonary complications. Operative survivors had a pulmonary morbidity of 18%. Fourteen of 20 long-term survivors were found to have a satisfactory performance status at follow-up. Conclusions Otherwise young and healthy male nonseminomatous germ cell tumors patients requiring large pulmonary resections after bleomycin-combination chemotherapy appear to be at higher than anticipated risk for pulmonary-related morbidity and mortality. However long-term survivors report an acceptable functional status.

Combined open heart surgery and replacement of the brachiocephalic trunc

We investigated the feasibility of open heart surgery with combined central vascular surgery and present the results from 9 years of experience. Of a total of nine patients, eight received coronary artery bypass grafting and one patient aortic valve replacement. Concerning vascular surgery a replacement of the brachiocephalic trunk using a Dacron prosthesis as an end-to-end anastomosis or as a bifurcations prosthesis was performed. Two patients underwent additional ipsilateral desobliteration of the internal carotid artery. The hospital stay was between 8 and 30 days (median 15). The duration of the whole operation was median 318 min (range: 294-345 min), perfusion time 67 min (range: 62-146 min), myocardial ischemic time 27 min (range: 11-83 min). There was no case of in-hospital death. Follow-up was available up to 7.5 years in 7 patients. Five patients show a satisfactory cardiac status. A sign for ischemic cerebral events or embolization was not observed. Due to the low complication rate, we conclude that concomitant open heart surgery with replacement of the brachiocephalic trunk can be performed with low risk; it allows-in contrast to direct endarterectomy-complete central revascularization and hence should be preferred compared to surgical therapy in separate settings.

Ipsilateral fractures of the proximal, mid-shaft and distal humerus

This report describes the evaluation, diagnosis and conservative treatment of an 80-year-old woman with a non-pathological ipsilateral fracture of the proximal, mid-shaft and distal humerus. The treatment goal was the prompt return of the patient to a satisfactory functional status without surgical intervention. The spiral diaphyseal fracture was reduced with manual traction without anaesthesia, and a U-slab casting was applied. Immobilisation was preserved for 6 weeks, and fracture healing progressed normally. Then the patient entered a rehabilitation programme with passive and active exercises. Complex fractures of the humerus are rare and often are misdiagnosed. Conservative treatment in an aged, self-sufficient patient with low activity demands or patients with multiple medical problems is a reasonable option with satisfactory results.

한방의료 이용노인의 노인의료 서비스에 대한 태도분석

The proportion of population over sixty-fiver will be expected to increase from the current level of 7.1% in 13.1% of in 2021. Then health services for them should be extended. And also the utilization of oriental medical care from the elderly has been increased and should be extended. Purpose of this study is to investigate current state of behavioral attitude and satisfaction of the oriental medical services for the elderly of inpatient in the hospital.br/ The four hospitals were selected arbitrarily from Pusan and Masan City, 277 over- sixty five elderly was responded by questionnaire are and analysed with SPSS program. Some major results of the survey are as follows;br/ 1. About half(45.7%) of the respondents is to the age group of 65 to 69. and the low level of income is 28.9% as comparatively very high.br/ 2. Major utihzation of the mpatients is 68.1% m the heart and circulatory system, and the proportion by the case following as first 48.7% second 34.4% cerebral arteriosclerosis and hypermia and stroke. and third 2.9% to of hlghpertenSlon.br/ 3. About half of them( 48. 7%) prefer to onental medical care than western medical carebr/ 4. Major motivation of hopitalization of oriental medical hospital is following as first coperating both oriental and western medical care in the same hospital, next more effective than wetern medical care. third services kindly, firth favorable place, environmental and facility, and five transportion.br/ 5. The differentials of preference to oriental medical care by demographic charactenstics were found out as that of similar to by sex. resident and education but education career of low level to be more preference, while not significant statistics level. Then the elderly of low income IS more prefer to onental medical care. but not signifIcant statistic level among the 3 class of economic levels.br/ 6. The satisfactory status of oriental medical service of them are found out as favorable about more 80% in service of physicians and nurse services. And the differentials of the satisfaction by the demographic characteristics are not significant in general.br/

Influence of Oral Health on Combat Readiness in the Croatian Army

The impact of the acute stomatological conditions on the reducing of the combat readiness is an important responsibility for the military planners. Classification of dental health is the primary condition for research and assessment of the army dental readiness for combat. Clinical examination of teeth and mouth included 912 soldiers, 650 of whom were recruits and 262 active duty military personnel. According to their oral status, the examinees were divided into three classes. Class 1 included all those examinees that did not require any dental treatment or reevaluation within 12 months. Class 2 included all of the examinees whose oral health was such that if regularly controlled or followed up, they were not expected to have a dental emergency within 12 months. Class 3 included all of the examinees that required dental treatment to correct both their dental and oral health because the present condition was likely to cause acute stomatological conditions during the 12-month period. This survey designated 130 (14.3%) of the examinees to class 1,178 (19.5%) to class 2, and 604 (66.2%) to class 3. The combat readiness of the 604 (66.2%) examinees in the third class was reduced because a dental emergency can cause the need for dental treatment. The recruits do not have satisfactory dental status even at the beginning of their army service. Unfortunately, active duty military personnel do not have satisfactory dental status either, although they have access to cost-free dental care (prosthetics and orthodontics are not included). This increases the possibility for development of dental emergencies that would have a negative impact on combat readiness.

LOW-DOSE INTRAVENOUS IRON ADMINISTRATION IN CHRONIC HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS TREATED WITH RECOMBINANT HUMAN ERYTHROPOIETIN

We conducted a prospective study to determine the effect of intravenous low-dose iron administration in chronic hemodialysis patients treated with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO). Sixteen hemodialysis patients (8 males and 8 females; mean age 63.1±9.8 years) on maintenance rHuEPO therapy were included in the study. Patients with <100 ng/ml of ferritin received 50 mg iron during every hemodialysis session. Patients with 100–200 ng/ml of ferritin were given 50 mg iron fortnightly. Iron was not supplemented in patients with ferritin levels >200 ng/ml. Mean hematocrit, serum iron levels and transferrin saturations were significantly higher at 6 and 12 months. There was a significant reduction in weekly rHuEPO doses between the start and the 6th and 12th months. Our study shows intravenous iron administration of 100 mg/month may be sufficient to achieve a satisfactory iron status in dialysis patients on maintenance rHuEPO therapy.

Impact of the “faster better cheaper” requirements for satellites components/subsystems on SEP organistion and processes

In the early 90′s, SEP environment in the satellites business quickly evolved from agencies funded programs (ESA, CNES, government) to a situation in which SEP has numerous private customers and where agencies behave as private companies i.e. opening world-wide competition, requesting high involvement of SEP in non recurring funding. SEP quickly reacted to face this challenge by improving not only their products but also the way these products are developed and produced. A new organization of SEP/DPES unit (around 200 people) was set up end 1994, with project oriented guidelines such as streamlining the hierarchical levels in order to increase personals implication and motivation, favoring flexible project organizations to the previous somewhat rigid matrix organization, enforcing commercial/marketing structure to the new customers. Highly motivated slim teams were constituted around each project, picking up expert partners inside SEP/DPES departments. Project partners proved to plead in an efficient manner with their own management on the behalf of the projects they were implied in. Eventually, this organization helped, of course with other progress actions, to a global performance improvement of SEP/DPES. Improved development processes were put into practice in 1995 among which design to cost, carefully decided internal preliminary studies, long term agreements with preferred subcontractors. SEP/DPES ISO.9001 certification (mid-1998) which gives evidence of the satisfactory status of SEP/DPES PA system already helps to avoid to costly comply with numerous project tailored P.A. requirements. New products were developed/qualified since the mid-90′s, on SEP funding (at least partial, sometimes total), following the here before described processes and organization. Among SEP/DPES newly developed products, three examples are more thoroughly discussed. In the field of electrical propulsion where SEP/DPES has gained expertise in since the 60′s, new developments started in the early 90′s in Hall propulsion through numerous partnership with Russian, American and Italian companies and/or universities. A mature knowledge of Hall thruster functioning and technologies helped SEP to recently complete a successful qualification of their first Hall thruster. “PPS 1350” which will be in flight aboard STENTOR French technological satellite in year 2000. A cost reduction research of this new product was held in parallel to the PPS 1350 qualification, taking into account all the lessons learnt during PPS 1350 development. Its major outputs are the numerous simplifications that were found leading to dramatic cost reductions without impairing thruster performances (reliability was even improved). This improved thruster is today very favorably considered by several primes for small low earth orbit satellites. Hydrazine propulsion is an other example. In this field, which SEP decided in 1996 to accompany their customers in their move from large traditional satellites (SPOT/ERS family) to smaller, cheaper ones. To do so, SEP proposed a monolithic propulsion subsystem (patented design) in which all usual propulsion subsystem assembly devices (piping, supports, brackets…) are avoided, components being directly mounted on the propellant tank. Significant costs reduction could be offered to customers thanks to this innovation. Along with the hydrazine propulsion, SEP also modernised their solar array drive mechanisms the SEPTA's® — SEPTA 31 was qualified end 1998 and will have its maiden flight aboard CNES/ALCATEL JASONI small earth observation satellite. In summary, SEP had to make important changes in order to adapt to the market evolution, which occurred in the early 90's. There efforts implied as well organization as processes as products. First outputs are significant cost reduction; in line will the objectives. First hardware of this new generation will fly in year 2000.

A high bandwidth control system for a helicopter in-flight simulator

The Institute of Flight Mechanics of the DLR has developed a helicopter in-flight simulator, called ATTHeS (Advanced Technology Testing Helicopter System). This in-flight simulator is used for control law design, handling qualities investigations and, in an operational mode, for test pilot training. An explicit model-following control system has been developed which meets the demands of high bandwidth and high flexibility. The essential steps, to obtain a satisfactory status of the control system are described in this paper. The first step was to define an appropriate mathematical model of the testbed BO 105, which includes rotor degrees of freedom to reduce time delays, as these are normally used to describe model deficiencies. The second step was to conduct flight tests with the testbed and then determine the parameters of the defined model by system identification. The third step was the inversion of the above-defined and identified model, and building up the tools for the calculation of the feedforward part of the model-following control system. In a fourth step the design and calculation of the feedback structure was conducted. This was done by intensive simulation runs and a final refinement in flight tests. The fifth and final step was to conduct many flight tests for the evaluation of the performance of the overall system, to make the in-flight simulator available for operational investigations.

A Note on theGeneral Theory of Employment, Interest and Money

On April 21, 1946, J. M. Keynes succumbed to heart failure. Thus was blotted out a great light that has not yet been replaced. The General Theory, his last doctrinal work-in a sense his economic testament-is above all a theory of employment. That is what gives it its importance. Indeed full employment, that is to say, the absence of any enforced leisure, is not merely the criterion for a healthy state of an economy. It is also and primarily the basis for a satisfactory status of labor and consequently, in a free society, a condition of political and social equilibrium. Actual unemployment and even the mere threat of unemployment are for workers a cause of alienation and demoralization. When labor is in danger of losing jobs, it cannot be completely independent of its employers. It finds itself handicapped in wage negotiations and, as a result, work is rarely remunerated at rates corresponding to its productivity. The dole may provide the unemployed worker with material assistance, but it cannot assuage his feeling of social uselessness. It is because it offered a plausible solution to the distressing problem of unemployment that the General Theory was received with so much interest in 1936. The solution even seemed so simple, and full employment so largely attainable, that several governments did not hesitate to include it among the constitutional rights of their nationals. Nowadays the beneficial influence of the General Theory on employment levels is scarcely questioned, despite the fact that since 1938 it has been overshadowed

Lightning Protection for an Oilfield Automation And Instrumentation System

A description of lightning protection devices in a computer-monitored oilfield automation project located on the south high plains of West Texas near Levelland. Lightning damage was substantially reduced with the present protection system. Introduction For many years, the problem of protecting electrical systems from lightning discharges has plagued power and communications engineers. Only within the past few decades has lightning been a problem to engineers dealing with electrical power systems in oil fields. The problem of lightning protection in West Texas oil fields is unique because of the high concentration of elevated high-voltage lines above flat plains that attract lightning discharges. Most modern, electrically operated oil fields have power distribution systems that are well protected from power distribution systems that are well protected from lightning discharges; and, in many cases, these systems are isolated by sectionalizers and other devices. Even if a portion of a field is disabled by lightning damage, the remainder of the field continues to function normally. This paper concentrates on protecting the low-voltage electronic instrument systems that are very susceptible to even minor voltage surges caused by lightning. In the last several years, the tremendous expansion of oilfield automation and electronic surveillance equipment has required increased emphasis on protecting low-voltage instrument systems from lightning discharges. These systems use DC voltages of near zero to 50 v with 120-v AC-powersources. This paper deals with methods used in a major oilfield automation project to protect various parts of the system from lightning damage. The lightning protection devices discussed are used to protect two of Amoco Production Co.'s computer-monitored oilfield automation projects located on the south high plains of West Texas near Levelland, Tex, plains of West Texas near Levelland, Tex, Fig. 1 shows schematically the automation project operating in one of the locations. This is a secondary waterflood unit with almost 700 wells. The unit is under the surveillance of a computer-monitored oilfield production automation system that utilizes about 1,500 status, production automation system that utilizes about 1,500 status, control, and measurement devices. It has about 150 miles of buried multiconductor cables ranging from 6- t50-pair cables. In this project, "pump-off" controllers are used to control the producing wells, have dry contacts, and indicate satisfactory controller operation and motor status. Water injection wells are controlled by mechanical pressure-regulating valves. The injection rates and pressures are monitored by the computer "reading" amplified signals from turbine meters and pressure transducers. pressure transducers. At satellite tank batteries, the status of tank levels, fire indicators, temperature, and other conditions is monitored with each end device having a set of dry contacts. Producing well tests are obtained by automatically Producing well tests are obtained by automatically switching individual flowlines to fired heater-treaters or separators using electrically operated ball valves. Dry contact meter pulses from these vessels are accumulated by the computer system to determine producing volumes and rates. The telemetry system consists of master and remote telemetry units. Communication between telemetry units is accomplished by frequency modulation using buried copper conductors. JPT P. 1405

A summary of 1127 breeding soundness examinations in beef bulls

A total of 1127 breeding soundness examinations was conducted on 1005 bulls utilizing the method of examination and criteria for classifying bulls of the Society for Theriogenology. Classification of bulls according to breeding soundness potentials was as follows: 83.5% of the bulls were satisfactory, 9.0% of the bulls were questionable, 6.9% of the bulls were unsatisfactory and .6% of the bulls could not be classified. There were no breed differences in classifications. After 60 months of age there was a greater incidence of unsatisfactory potential breeders. Of the 178 questionable and unsatisfactory bulls, 54 were re-evaluated after a rest period of approximately 72 days. Questionable and unsatisfactory bulls less than two years of age improved to satisfactory status on subsequent examinations more often than bulls greater than 2 years of age (P<.05). Questionable or unsatisfactory potential breeders with clinical abnormalities did not attain satisfactory status on subsequent examinations as often as questionable or unsatisfactory bulls without clinical abnormalities (P<.05). Of 942 satisfactory potential breeders, 120 bulls did not give a satisfactory semen sample on the first collection attempt, but did respond with satisfactory semen on subsequent attempts during the same examination period. In 1127 examinations, 7 bulls (.6%) did not respond to the electroejaculator. Breeding stock has for years been selected on the basis of conformation, carcass quality, rate of gain, feed conversion, mothering ability, and color markings. Many producers are now including breeding soundness examinations as a basis for selecting breeding animals. Although there have been many papers published describing various methods of clinically determining breeding potential in bulls, there are only a few reports summarizing the results when any of the described methods have been applied to large numbers of bulls. The University of Missouri Veterinary Clinic has been one of the major collection centers in the State of Missouri for conducting breeding soundness examinations for a number of years due to its central location and close proximity to many of the state-tested bull sales. A summary of 1127 breeding soundness examinations is being reported.