Technical Performance Standards Research Articles

Review of Neonatal and Infant Cranial US.

Review of Neonatal and Infant Cranial US.

Technical Performance Evaluation of Primary Education Buildings Based on Unesco Guidelines

Compulsory education is one of the Indonesian government’s programs in an effort to advance the nation. The compulsory education program can run well if it is supported by right facilities and infrastructure, such as good quality educational buildings. The technical performance of educational buildings can be realized with good quality if the building is designed and built with due observance to the technical standards of a predetermined building. With the same quality of educational buildings in all regions of Indonesia, this study will evaluate the technical performance standards of basic education buildings. The aim of the study was to determine the feasibility level of the technical performance of basic education buildings in Indonesia based on the UNESCO guidelines for school building design in Asia. The study used a qualitative method with a comparative case study approach, namely six basic education buildings in the province of Bali. Those buildings are compared with UNESCO guidelines based on aspects of the environment, teaching spaces and service areas.The results of this comparison are expected to be able to consider more environmental aspects, teaching spaces and service areas in sustainable design, development and maintenance so that the policies applied are localities, such as the use of materials and building methods

Overview of IEEE technical committee 41

This article provides an overview of TC-41-Traffic Enforcement Technologies. The stated goals of TC-41 are to: • Develop documentary standards, including design of test artifacts, test and measurement procedures, and minimally acceptable performance requirements; and technology guides for traffic enforcement technologies. • Stimulate the interest of the scientific, academic, and industrial communities in traffic enforcement technologies by conducting workshops and supporting the publication of technical manuscripts. • Promote the awareness, adoption, and harmonization of technical performance standards by local and state traffic enforcement authorities. • Support the development of test and evaluation protocols and conformity assessment requirements. • Maintain liaisons with other technical groups, societies, and organizations, both nationally and internationally, working in the same or similar area.

On the “Invisible Inventory Conundrum” in RFID‐Equipped Supply Chains: A Data Science Approach to Assessing Tag Performance

Recent trade reports suggest that RFID implementation continues to lag lofty projections. A primary concern is that, despite the high cost of implementing RFID systems, realized read‐rates fall short of expectations. This results in the invisible inventory conundrum whereby tagged merchandise may still not be accurately represented in inventory records. Drawing from data science to address this issue, we ask: How can directed data mining models be used to identify laboratory test performance criteria for RFID tags that operate reliably across the idiosyncratic facilities (i.e., unique DCs, warehouses, and stores) that comprise apparel retailers’ supply chains? We investigate this question by advancing a methodology that integrates laboratory test performance data, field tests of RFID tags fixed to apparel items and scanned under normal operating conditions, and the application of five directed data mining models to the integrated data set of laboratory and field test results. Our analyses of 45,416 observations show that two directed data mining models may identify—with near‐100% accuracy—laboratory test criteria that discriminate tags having 99% or greater read‐rates in the field. Accordingly, our study validates a generalizable methodology for identifying technical performance standards for tags that operate reliably within apparel retailers’ supply chains.

Guidelines for Acquisition, Interpretation, and Reporting of Whole-Body MRI in Myeloma: Myeloma Response Assessment and Diagnosis System (MY-RADS).

Acknowledging the increasingly important role of whole-body MRI for directing patient care in myeloma, a multidisciplinary, international, and expert panel of radiologists, medical physicists, and hematologists with specific expertise in whole-body MRI in myeloma convened to discuss the technical performance standards, merits, and limitations of currently available imaging methods. Following guidance from the International Myeloma Working Group and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence in the United Kingdom, the Myeloma Response Assessment and Diagnosis System (or MY-RADS) imaging recommendations are designed to promote standardization and diminish variations in the acquisition, interpretation, and reporting of whole-body MRI in myeloma and allow response assessment. This consensus proposes a core clinical protocol for whole-body MRI and an extended protocol for advanced assessments. Published under a CC BY 4.0 license. Online supplemental material is available for this article.

The geothermal potential of cities

What is the heat beneath our feet? There is a growing interest in the geothermal resources available at shallow depth beneath cities. However, there exists no general procedure for quantifying the low-temperature geothermal potential in urban ground and groundwater. This review categorizes previous work based on different definitions of the geothermal potential and compares the different assessment methods used. It is demonstrated that the theoretical potential of the available heat at a shallow depth is enormous, especially when not only the heat in place, but also compensating heat fluxes are considered. The technical potential describes the extractable heat by a specific technology. The methods to evaluate the extractable heat are manifold, including the use of technical performance standards, analytical and numerical simulation tools and mathematical regression procedures. These are different for groundwater well based open-loop systems and heat-exchanger-based closed loop systems, and the results depend on variable local factors, the density of systems applied and whether heat and/or cold is utilized. We contrast the published findings based on the power density and the relative contribution to the demand of a city. The broad span of the results highlights the need for a more consistent framework that distinguishes between the conceptual assumptions for calculating the technical geothermal potential and the local city-specific factors. This will be the basis for a reliable analysis of the economic geothermal potential of low-temperature geothermal applications on a local, district or city scale. This will also enhance the reliability and the trust in these technologies, and thus the public acceptance reflected in the acceptable geothermal potential.

Quantitative imaging biomarkers alliance (QIBA) recommendations for improved precision of DWI and DCE-MRI derived biomarkers in multicenter oncology trials.

Physiological properties of tumors can be measured both in vivo and noninvasively by diffusion-weighted imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Although these techniques have been used for more than two decades to study tumor diffusion, perfusion, and/or permeability, the methods and studies on how to reduce measurement error and bias in the derived imaging metrics is still lacking in the literature. This is of paramount importance because the objective is to translate these quantitative imaging biomarkers (QIBs) into clinical trials, and ultimately in clinical practice. Standardization of the image acquisition using appropriate phantoms is the first step from a technical performance standpoint. The next step is to assess whether the imaging metrics have clinical value and meet the requirements for being a QIB as defined by the Radiological Society of North America's Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers Alliance (QIBA). The goal and mission of QIBA and the National Cancer Institute Quantitative Imaging Network (QIN) initiatives are to provide technical performance standards (QIBA profiles) and QIN tools for producing reliable QIBs for use in the clinical imaging community. Some of QIBA's development of quantitative diffusion-weighted imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced QIB profiles has been hampered by the lack of literature for repeatability and reproducibility of the derived QIBs. The available research on this topic is scant and is not in sync with improvements or upgrades in MRI technology over the years. This review focuses on the need for QIBs in oncology applications and emphasizes the importance of the assessment of their reproducibility and repeatability. Level of Evidence: 5 Technical Efficacy Stage: 1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:e101-e121.

Energy efficiency of ro-ro passenger ships with integrated power systems

The Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2011 had an admirable intent to improve energy efficiency for ships through a set of technical performance standards. Nowadays, after several revisions regarding the EEDI calculation, it is still not clear whether this intent is (or will be) fulfilled. Segments of shipping particularly sensitive to these issues are passenger and ro-ro passenger ships since many of them are promoted by their shipowners as eco-friendly with the aim of attracting more tourists. This is particularly true for ships with integrated power system (IPS). However, the fact is that it is not possible to discuss energy efficiency improvements without a valid methodology to evaluate it. Current methodology to calculate EEDI is not applicable to ships with IPS since it observes only one operating point and only a part of the ship power system. This paper introduces a new methodology to evaluate energy efficiency of ro-ro passenger ships with IPS, based on a holistic approach, evaluates it for the current fleet of ro-ro passenger ships and proposes options to further improve it for new ships.

The Case for Technical Performance Standards for Radiation Inspection Systems

Abstract Technical performance standards operate within the homeland security enterprise to save significant time and money while increasing public safety. This is illustrated in this white paper through the lens of the standards infrastructure that is being developed to ensure the imaging performance and radiation safety of security screening systems in the United States that use active radiation probes to detect explosives and other contraband. The products of this effort include standard test objects, test methods, objective scoring algorithms, minimum performance requirements, technical guidance documents, and dosimetry protocols supported by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) measurement science and computational modeling. This project responds to government requirements for 100 % screening of transnational cargo and airline passengers and baggage while also establishing the means to harmonize national standards across disparate agencies and with international norms. This report will show how standards gaps are identified and anticipated and outline the standards development process, especially highlighting issues unique to technical performance standardization. Specific use cases are offered that document the impact of measurement standards when applied across the life cycle of radiation inspection systems in ways that complement and inform threat-based and operational testing and evaluation (T&E). Finally, a list of specific benefits to both public- and private-sector actors is given that, based upon experience to date, demonstrates the manifold and leveraged returns from applying technical performance standards to security screening.

Establishing Absolute Standards for Technical Performance

Establishing Absolute Standards for Technical Performance

Systematic review to establish absolute standards for technical performance in surgery.

Standard setting allows educators to create benchmarks that distinguish between those who pass and those who fail an assessment. It can also be used to create standards in clinical and simulated procedural skill. The objective of this review was to perform a systematic review of the literature using absolute standard-setting methodology to create benchmarks in technical performance. A systematic review was conducted by searching MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Abstracts of retrieved studies were reviewed and those meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for full-text review. The quality of evidence presented in the included studies was assessed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI), where a score of 14 or more of 18 indicates high-quality evidence. Of 1809 studies identified, 37 used standard-setting methodology for assessment of procedural skill. Of these, 24 used participant-centred and 13 employed item-centred methods. Thirty studies took place in a simulated environment, and seven in a clinical setting. The included studies assessed residents (26 of 37), fellows (6 of 37) and staff physicians (17 of 37). Seventeen articles achieved a MERSQI score of 14 or more of 18, whereas 20 did not meet this mark. Absolute standard-setting methodologies can be used to establish cut-offs for procedural skill assessments.

An objectively-analyzed method for measuring the useful penetration of x-ray imaging systems

The ability to detect wires is an important capability of the cabinet x-ray imaging systems that are used in aviation security as well as the portable x-ray systems that are used by domestic law enforcement and military bomb squads. A number of national and international standards describe methods for testing this capability using the so called useful penetration test metric, where wires are imaged behind different thicknesses of blocking material. Presently, these tests are scored based on human judgments of wire visibility, which are inherently subjective. We propose a new method in which the useful penetration capabilities of an x-ray system are objectively evaluated by an image processing algorithm operating on digital images of a standard test object. The algorithm advantageously applies the Radon transform for curve parameter detection that reduces the problem of wire detection from two dimensions to one. The sensitivity of the wire detection method is adjustable and we demonstrate how the threshold parameter can be set to give agreement with human-judged results. The method was developed to be used in technical performance standards and is currently under ballot for inclusion in an international aviation security standard.

Early experiences with the technical assessment of digital breast tomosynthesis systems

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is a new breast imaging technique which relies upon acquisition of multiple projection views over a limited angular range to reconstruct a volumetric image. DBT systems have been available for clinical use since 2009 and in 2011 the Hologic Dimensions was the first DBT system to receive FDA approval in the United States. Commercially available DBT systems have been the subject of a number of technical evaluations and the results have been published in the literature. However, given the novelty of the technique, technical performance standards for quality assurance (QA) of DBT systems have not yet been fully established. The National Cancer Screening Programme acquired five new Hologic Dimensions of DBT systems at the end of 2014. These systems were commissioned using the draft QA protocol for DBT systems published by the European Reference Organisation for Quality Assured Breast Screening and Diagnostic Services (EUREF) in 2014. Although still only available in draft form, this protocol offers guidance on QA measurements for DBT systems, and should help to ensure performance stability. Results from the commissioning showed that conventional and tomosynthesis technical performance was well matched between the five new systems. Dose and image quality measurements were found to be comparable with those obtained in other similar studies. It is clear the EUREF QA protocol still requires further development. However much experience was gained during this commissioning project which it is hoped will contribute to the development of the technical assessment of DBT systems.

Establishing Absolute Standards for Technical Performance

Establishing Absolute Standards for Technical Performance

Measurements and standards for bulk-explosives detection

Recent years have seen a dramatic expansion in the application of radiation and isotopes to security screening. This has been driven primarily by increased incidents involving improvised explosive devices as well as their ease of assembly and leveraged disruption of transportation and commerce. With global expenditures for security-screening systems in the hundreds of billions of dollars, there is a pressing need to develop, apply, and harmonize standards for x-ray and gamma-ray screening systems used to detect explosives and other contraband. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has been facilitating the development of standard measurement tools that can be used to gauge the technical performance (imaging quality) and radiation safety of systems used to screen luggage, persons, vehicles, cargo, and left-behind objects. After a review of this new suite of national standard test methods, test objects, and radiation-measurement protocols, we highlight some of the technical trends that are enhancing the revision of baseline standards. Finally we advocate a more intentional use of technical-performance standards by security stakeholders and outline the advantages this would accrue.

Development of environmentally superior treatment system to replace anaerobic swine lagoons in the USA

A full-scale treatment system for swine manure was developed to eliminate discharge to surface and ground waters and contamination of soil and groundwater by nutrients and heavy metals, along with related release of ammonia, odor, and pathogens. The system greatly increased the efficiency of liquid–solid separation by polymer injection to increase solids flocculation. Nitrogen management to reduce ammonia emissions was accomplished by passing the liquid through a module where bacteria transformed ammonia into harmless nitrogen gas. Subsequent alkaline treatment of the wastewater in a phosphorus module precipitated phosphorus and killed pathogens. Treated wastewater was recycled to clean swine houses and for crop irrigation. The system was tested during one year in a 4400-head finishing farm as part of the Agreement between the Attorney General of North Carolina and swine producers Smithfield Foods, Premium Standard Farms and Frontline Farmers to replace traditional waste treatment anaerobic lagoons with environmentally superior technology. The on-farm system removed 97.6% of the suspended solids, 99.7% of BOD, 98.5% of TKN, 98.7% of soluble ammonia ( NH 4 + – N ) , 95.0% of total P, 98.7% of copper and 99.0% of zinc. It also removed 97.9% of odor compounds in the liquid and reduced pathogen indicators to non-detectable levels. Based on performance obtained, it was determined that the treatment system met the Agreement’s technical performance standards that define an environmentally superior technology. These findings overall showed that cleaner alternative technologies are technically and operationally feasible and that they can have significant positive impacts on the environment and the livestock industry.

Rights, standards and quality in a complex humanitarian space: is Sphere the right tool?

The Sphere Project (consisting of both the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards for Disaster Response) has made prominent contributions to the debates, thinking and work on the quality of assistance and accountability of aid agencies. However, since its inception in 1997, several agencies expressed concerns regarding Sphere's approach, many of which were confirmed by the Sphere evaluation (2002/3). The present article restates these concerns, and addresses more fundamental issues regarding Sphere's cornerstone. It questions the validity of Sphere's rights-based approach, which consists of a tenuous link between the rights of affected populations and standards for technical interventions. Sphere is founded on "the right to assistance", although this right does not exist in international law. Its elaboration would entail solving several complex legal and political issues, which Sphere fails to address. This article also questions the validity and usefulness of universal standards for technical performance in helping relief agencies provide adapted assistance to disaster-affected populations, in line with their mandates and principles. It suggests that Sphere's approach and content largely reflect the concerns, priorities and values of technical professionals in Northern agencies, leaving limited space to genuine "participation" by affected populations and partners from the South.