Supplemental Requirements Research Articles

SCHEDULING SUPPLEMENTARY DRIP IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS OF DATE PALM TREES IN SOILS SUBJECTED TO CONTRIBUTION FROM GROUND WATER DEPTHS UNDER ELFAYOUM CONDITIONS

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera, L.) has been focused byresearchers to maximize its production (quantity and quality) and morespecifically to its water management aiming to find the most effectiveand economic amounts of water needed for optimum fruit quality.Three different locations of different soil texture (clay, clay loamand sandy loam) were chosen at Fayoum Governorate. At each location,four sites of different ground water table depth (gwtd), i.e. ≈ 40, 80, 120and 160 cm already grown with date palm trees; were selected for thisstudy. Within each site 3 date palm trees variety Balady aged from 8-10 years (as replicates) were the task of this study. The selected sites ofthe tested soils were analyzed for some soil physical and chemicalproperties. The ground water table depth at each site was measured in anobservation well of 10 cm diameter that was dug to 180 cm depth, then,the weighted averages of (gwtd) were calculated. The actualevapotranspiration (ETc) of date palm for all the year 2004 under ElFayoum conditions was calculated and the contribution from the tested(gwtd) of the site (ETc.g) to the date palm consumptive use wasestimated.Results showed that the maximum value of total yearlycontribution from ground water table to water consumptive use for datepalm (1069.31 mm) was found in the clay soil with the gwtd (≈ 40 cm),while the minimum value (161.35 mm) was observed in the sandy loamsoil with the gwtd (≈160 cm). Highly significant negative correlationswere indicated between the values of total yearly contribution (ETc-g,mm) and the values of (gwtd), and, their simple regression equationsshowed significant relationships as follows:For the clay soil : r = - 0.985 and Y1 = 1240.50 - 5.34 X .For the clay loam soil : r = - 0.989 and Y2 = 1215.00 - 5.75 X .For the sandy loam soil : r = - 0.972 and Y3 = 1016.30 - 5.70 X .Where: Y is the ETc-g (mm) and X is the gwtd (cm).Results showed also that the minimum value of the netrequirement needs (ETn) for date palm (414.67 mm/year) is seen inclayey soil with the gwtd (≈ 40 cm), while the maximum value(1322.22 mm/year) was observed in the sandy loam soil with the gwtd(≈160 cm). Highly significant positive correlations were detectedbetween the values of the net requirements needs (ETn) and that ofgwtd, meanwhile, their simple regression equations showed significantrelationships as follows:For the clay soil : r = + 0.965 and Y1 = 249.15 + 5.31 X.For the clay loam soil : r = + 0.971 and Y2 = 266.76 + 5.79 X.For the sandy loam soil : r = + 0.945 and Y3 = 467.10 + 5.70 X.Where: Y is the ETn (mm/year) and X is the gwtd (cm). The net requirement needs values (ETn) were considered as thenet supplementary drip irrigation requirements (NSDIR) andcalculated in m3/feddan/year for date palm trees. Consequently,scheduling the monthly NSDIR as liter/tree/day through all months ofthe year, as well as, the needed number of drippers were presented forthe application in the studied soils and ground water table depthsunder Fayoum Governorate conditions.

Strengthening Materials Specifications

Continuing efforts to strengthen materials specifications readily recognize that a mere compliance with a materials specification only assures a material meeting or exceeding the minimum expectations explicitly detailed in the specification. Implicitly, such efforts also recognize that additional and specific client needs must be addressed as supplementary requirements and introduced during material procurement to reduce risks and assure enhanced performance. This article describes two U.S. Navy-related case studies that allowed further strengthening of the materials specification process, using newer methods and renewed understanding. The first case demonstrates the use of a constraints-based modeling approach to specify the chemical composition of high-performance welding electrodes for critical U.S. Navy applications. This approach helps to distinguish high-performance welding electrode chemical compositions from rich and lean welding electrode chemical compositions that might limit the operational envelope, reduce performance, or both, while increasing overall cost of fabrication but otherwise meet electrode specification requirements. The second case identifies that the size of an ingot could be an important factor while specifying the aluminum and sulfur contents of very large-size, heavy-gauge plates. Renewed understanding of melt fluidity issues associated with the solidification of very large-size ingots shows that deficiencies in through-thickness ductility of heavy-gauge plates are related to controlling aluminum and sulfur contents of the voluminous melt, notwithstanding explicit compliance with specification requirements.

Delay-dependent stability analysis and synthesis of uncertain T–S fuzzy systems with time-varying delay

This paper considers the delay-dependent stability analysis and controller design for uncertain T–S fuzzy system with time-varying delay. A new method is provided by introducing some free-weighting matrices and employing the lower bound of time-varying delay. Based on the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional method, sufficient condition for the asymptotical stability of the system is obtained. By constructing the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional appropriately, we can avoid the supplementary requirement that the time-derivative of time-varying delay must be smaller than one. The fuzzy state feedback gain is derived through the numerical solution of a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The upper bound of time-delay can be obtained by using convex optimization such that the system can be stabilized for all time-delays. The efficiency of our method is demonstrated by two numerical examples.

Generalized directed loop method for quantum Monte Carlo simulations

Efficient quantum Monte Carlo update schemes called directed loops have recently been proposed, which improve the efficiency of simulations of quantum lattice models. We propose to generalize the detailed balance equations at the local level during the loop construction by accounting for the matrix elements of the operators associated with open world-line segments. Using linear programming techniques to solve the generalized equations, we look for optimal construction schemes for directed loops. This also allows for an extension of the directed loop scheme to general lattice models, such as high-spin or bosonic models. The resulting algorithms are bounce free in larger regions of parameter space than the original directed loop algorithm. The generalized directed loop method is applied to the magnetization process of spin chains in order to compare its efficiency to that of previous directed loop schemes. In contrast to general expectations, we find that minimizing bounces alone does not always lead to more efficient algorithms in terms of autocorrelations of physical observables, because of the nonuniqueness of the bounce-free solutions. We therefore propose different general strategies to further minimize autocorrelations, which can be used as supplementary requirements in any directed loop scheme. We show by calculating autocorrelation times for different observables that such strategies indeed lead to improved efficiency; however, we find that the optimal strategy depends not only on the model parameters but also on the observable of interest.

N-acetylcysteine does not prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia in immature infants: a randomized controlled trial

Objective To evaluate whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC) infusion during the first week of life reduces the risk of death or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in infants with extremely low birth weight. Study design In a Nordic multicenter, double-blind trial, infants (n = 391) weighing 500 to 999 g and on ventilator or nasal continuous positive airway pressure were randomized before the age of 36 hours to receive NAC 16 to 32 mg/kg/d (n = 194) or placebo (n = 197) intravenously for 6 days. Primary end points were death or BPD, defined as supplementary oxygen requirement at 36 weeks' gestational age. Results There was no difference in the combined incidence of the primary end points death or BPD, 51% vs. 49%, between the NAC group and control group. Also similar was the incidence of BPD in survivors at 36 weeks' gestational age, 40% vs. 40%, and the mean oxygen requirement at the age of 28 days, 31.2% vs. 30.7%, respectively. The severity of BPD was similar in both groups. Conclusions A 6-day course of intravenous N-acetylcysteine at the dosage used does not prevent BPD or death in infants with extremely low birth weight.

Dynamics of a class of uncertain nonlinear systems under flow‐invariance constraints

For a class of uncertain nonlinear systems (UNSs), the flow-invariance of a time‐dependent rectangular set (TDRS) defines individual constraints for each component of the state‐space trajectories. It is shown that the existence of the flow‐invariance property is equivalent to the existence of positive solutions for some differential inequalities with constant coefficients (derived from the state‐space equation of the UNS). Flow‐invariance also provides basic tools for dealing with the componentwise asymptotic stability as a special type of asymptotic stability, where the evolution of the state variables approaching the equilibrium point (EP){0} is separately monitored (unlike the standard asymptotic stability, which relies on global information about the state variables, formulated in terms of norms). The EP{0} of a given UNS is proved to be componentwise asymptotically stable if and only if the EP{0} of a differential equation with constant coefficients is asymptotically stable in the standard sense. Supplementary requirements for the individual evolution of the state variables approaching the EP{0} allow introducing the stronger concept of componentwise exponential asymptotic stability, which can be characterized by algebraic conditions. Connections with the componentwise asymptotic stability of an uncertain linear system resulting from the linearization of a given UNS are also discussed.

Componentwise Asymptotic Stability of a Class of Nonlinear Systems

Componentwise asymptotic stability is a special type of asymptotic stability, where each component of the state-space trajectories approaching the equilibrium point is individually monitored (unlike the standard asymptotic stability, which relies on global information about the state variables, formulated in terms of norms). This property is explored for a class of nonlinear systems, by using the theory of flow-invariant sets. Supplementary requirements for the individual evolution of the state variables approaching the equilibrium point allow introducing the stronger concept of componentwise exponential asymptotic stability, which may be characterized in terms of nonlinear algebraic inequalities.

Necessidades de irrigação suplementar em soja nas condições edafoclimáticas do Planalto Médio e Missões, RS

Este trabalho foi conduzido com a finalidade de estimar as necessidades estocásticas de irrigação suplementar por aspersão na cultura da soja (Glycine max L. Merrill), nas regiões agroecológicas do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, denominadas de Planalto Médio e Missões. As necessidades foram simuladas em relação à combinação entre locais, épocas de semeadura, níveis de manejo da irrigação e entre níveis de ocorrência . As necessidades de irrigação suplementar foram máximas na semeadura de 15 de outubro, e os menores valores foram encontrados na semeadura de 15 de dezembro; as necessidades de irrigação suplementar foram maiores nas condições agroecológicas das Missões quando comparadas com as do Planalto Médio; as lâminas de irrigação suplementar estimadas aumentaram à medida que o nível de risco diminuiu.

Practice versus Prescription in the Disclosure and Recognition of Derivatives

The contentious issue of the recognition and measurement of derivative instruments is again high on the Australian standard‐setting agenda, following pronouncements by the International Accounting Standards Committee (USC) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). This study investigates firms' disclosure of derivative accounting policies and measurement practices pursuant to the introduction of AASB 1033. A lack of clarity and completeness in the disclosures suggests that supplementary requirements are necessary. A preference for using hedge accounting is also apparent. Should an Australian standard disallow or impose conditions on hedge accounting, fims will need to alter their current accounting practices and risk management strategies and they will probably reassess their use of derivatives.

Dose-dependency of intra-articular morphine analgesia

We have examined if the analgesic effects of intra-articular morphine are dose-dependent in patients undergoing elective arthroscopic knee surgery. At the end of surgery, patients were allocated randomly to one of four groups to receive intra-articular saline (n = 22), or morphine 1 mg (n = 24), 2 mg (n = 21) or 4 mg (n = 19). After operation, patients remained in hospital overnight and pain intensity was assessed using a visual analogue scale at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 h after intra-articular injection. Patients requesting additional analgesia received a loading dose of piritramide 0.1 mg kg-1 i.v. and were connected to a PCA device using the same drug. Increasing doses of intra-articular morphine were associated with greater analgesic effects and less supplementary analgesic requirements.

Neonatal chronic lung disease and exogenous surfactant therapy.

Neonatal chronic lung disease is an important cause of morbidity following premature birth. Surfactant abnormalities, including absence of phosphatidylglycerol and surfactant protein A deficiency, are associated with chronic lung disease. In addition, glycolipids and proteins, inhibitors of surfactant function, are present in the airways of affected patients. To date, there is information regarding the impact of exogenous surfactant on this condition, but preliminary results suggest that even a single dose of a natural surfactant at least temporarily reduces the level of supplementary oxygen requirement. Randomized controlled trials are required to evaluate whether surfactant administration will reduce chronic oxygen dependency and its associated morbidity.

Analgesic effects of intra-articular morphine during and after knee arthroscopy: a comparison of two methods

The objective of this study was to compare the analgesic effects of intra-articularly administered bupivacaine with bupivacaine/morphine during and after therapeutic knee arthroscopy. In a prospective, randomized study, 50 patients with clinical signs of medial meniscal injury were allocated to two groups, A and B. The patients in group A received 40 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine while the same dose of bupivacaine combined with 1 mg of morphine sulphate was administered in group B. Pain was estimated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) during surgery and at 2, 4, 6, and 24 hours after the operation was completed. Supplementary analgesic requirements were also registered, as well as the patients' overall rating of the entire procedure. The pain scores were significantly lower in Group B throughout the whole postoperative observation period. However, no significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of intraoperative pain scores, supplementary analgesic requirements, or the overall rating of the procedure. This study provides evidence that arthroscopic surgery can be performed in a safe manner after intra-articularly administered bupivacaine with or without low-dose morphine. The combination of low- dose morphine and bupivacaine did, however, produce a superior postoperative analgesic effect during the 24 hours following knee arthroscopy compared with bupivacaine alone. Arthroscopy 1998 Mar;14(2):192-6

Comparative effects of theophylline and caffeine on respiratory function of prematurely bora infants

The aim of this study was to determine the relative effects of theophylline and caffeine on neonatal respiratory function. Fifty-three preterm infants (45 infants with a median gestational age of 28 weeks, range 24–34 weeks completed the protocol) were randomized to receive either theophylline (loading dose 4 mg/kg followed by 4 mg/kg/day) or caffeine (loading dose 10 mg/kg followed by 5 mg/kg/day). Compliance of the respiratory system ( C RS), strength of Hering Breuer reflex and the inspired oxygen concentration requirement were measured immediately prior to, 24 h and 7 days after commencing therapy. There was no statistically significant difference in the patient characteristics of the two groups, but only the theophylline group contained immature infants (i.e. < 26 weeks gestational age ( n = 7)). At 24 h, there was a significant improvement in C RS and reduction in supplementary oxygen requirements in the caffeine group ( p < 0.01), in the theophylline group no such significant effects were seen. In the study population overall, after 7 days of treatment in both the theophylline and caffeine groups there was an improvement in C RS ( p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 respectively) and a reduction in the inspired oxygen concentration ( p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 respectively). There was, however, a significant reduction in the strength of the Hering Breuer reflex only in the caffeine group ( p < 0.05) and this was a decrease which related to the change in C RS ( p < 0.05). The only statistically significant difference in the magnitude of change in C RS, reflex strength or supplementary oxygen requirements between the two groups was that the reduction in inspired oxygen requirement in the caffeine group was greater man that in the theophylline treated infants at 24 h ( p < 0.05). We conclude theophylline and caffeine have similar effects on neonatal respiratory function, but our results suggest caffeine administration may be associated with an earlier onset of action.

Postoperative Epidural Infusion

The aim of this randomized, double-blind trial of postoperative thoracic epidural analgesic infusions was to determine whether clonidine at 10 microg/h (group C10, n = 22), 15 microg/h (Group C15, n = 24), or 20 microg/h (Group C20, n = 24) improved postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing abdominal gynecologic surgery, without side effects or hemodynamic changes, when added to a 5-mL/h infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine and fentanyl 2 microg/mL (Group CO, n = 22). The 24-h study infusion was supplemented, as required, by patient-controlled epidural fentanyl. Groups were similar for age, weight, duration, and type of surgery. Clonidine produced a dose-dependent improvement in analgesia at rest. Only 20 microg/h significantly increased the percentage of patients who experienced no pain with coughing (relative risk 1.44, 95% confidence interval 1.24-1.94), reduced pain scores with coughing (P < 0.05), and significantly lowered supplementary fentanyl requirements (P < 0.05). Groups were similar for sedation, pruritus, nausea, time to ambulation, and satisfaction with analgesia. Clonidine produced a dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure and pulse rate and an increase in vasopressor requirement (P < 0.01). Epidural clonidine infused at 20 microg/h improves analgesia during coughing when combined with epidural bupivacaine-fentanyl in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery but is associated with hemodynamic changes and increased vasopressor requirement.

Postoperative Epidural Infusion

The aim of this randomized, double-blind trial of postoperative thoracic epidural analgesic infusions was to determine whether clonidine at 10 micro g/h (group C10, n = 22), 15 micro g/h (Group C15, n = 24), or 20 micro g/h (Group C20, n = 24) improved postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing abdominal gynecologic surgery, without side effects or hemodynamic changes, when added to a 5-mL/h infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine and fentanyl 2 micro g/mL (Group C0, n = 22). The 24-h study infusion was supplemented, as required, by patient-controlled epidural fentanyl. Groups were similar for age, weight, duration, and type of surgery. Clonidine produced a dose-dependent improvement in analgesia at rest. Only 20 micro g/h significantly increased the percentage of patients who experienced no pain with coughing (relative risk 1.44, 95% confidence interval 1.24-1.94), reduced pain scores with coughing (P < 0.05), and significantly lowered supplementary fentanyl requirements (P < 0.05). Groups were similar for sedation, pruritus, nausea, time to ambulation, and satisfaction with analgesia. Clonidine produced a dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure and pulse rate and an increase in vasopressor requirement (P < 0.01). Epidural clonidine infused at 20 micro g/h improves analgesia during coughing when combined with epidural bupivacaine-fentanyl in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery but is associated with hemodynamic changes and increased vasopressor requirement. (Anesth Analg 1997;84:1323-8)

Ultimate Strength Considerations for Seismic Design of the Reduced Beam Section (Internal Plastic Hinge)

Several international (Ref. 1-4) and more recent US (Ref. 5 &amp; 6) research tests have confirmed that the use of a reduced section (often referred to as "dogbone") of a wide flange beam in the proximity of welded beam-to-column moment connections is a very promising means to improve seismic ductility. The notion to protect against seismic overloads through an intentional ductile "fuse" has long existed, but this particular application has recently surfaced as an alternative solution to the post-Northridge concerns about the prescriptive welded connection detail. ARBED, the owner of a 1992 US patent on the reduced beam section (RBS), has graciously waived any commercial royalty rights for its public use. The RBS is accomplished through an engineered gradual transition of the beam flanges to the intended reduced section at a given location. In comparison to the reinforced (strengthened) connections with beam cover plates, ribs, side plates, or haunches, this modification provides the more reliable ductility of "interior" plastic hinge formation in the main beam member but without elevating force demands on the supporting columns and the remaining framing system beyond those of the original member sizes. Likewise, this efficient configuration does not increase the required weld deposition volume, constraint, nor supplementary material requirements. This paper outlines several basic strength principles that could be used in a convenient design of beams with reduced sections to achieve a proper balance between seismic ductility and strength demand. First-order effects of moment continuity, beam span, and beam properties were included in a general systematic procedure.

Implementation of ISO 9001 in a medical testing laboratory

The Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Genetics, within the Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research at Westmead Hospital, is a medical testing laboratory operating within the public sector health system of New South Wales, Australia. It provides acute-care pathology services to Westmead Hospital (a 900-bed tertiary referral university teaching hospital) as well as to three district hospitals and three rural hospitals. In addition to these core clinical chemistry services, it offers approximately 150 specialised biochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, trace metal and molecular genetics assays as a reference laboratory service. In 1993, the Department became Australia's first medical testing laboratory to be registered to ISO 9001-1987/AS3901-1987. In 1995, this certification was extended to AS/NZS ISO 9001-1994. We are currently preparing for further accreditation to ISO/IEC Guide 25-1990, with additional supplementary requirements for medical testing. This paper describes the Quality System that the Department developed and which has been successfully maintained and extended since original certification. Important features of the Quality System are:

Trends in gear oil additives

AbstractOf the total amount of additives produced and sold in the world, gear oil additives are the second largest group, after the engine oil additives. According to the purpose of the finished lubricant, these additives can be classed as either additives for automotive gear lubricants or additives for industrial gear lubricants. Although the main function of such additives is the same for both types of lubricants, namely to reduce friction and wear and avoid surface fatigue, permanent deformation of the tooth, and excessive wear, the requirements that these lubricants have to meet are different. The most important specifications for automotive gear lubricants are, in the USA, API GL‐1—GL‐6, and MIL L 2105 A—2105 D, respectively, whereas in Europe manufacturers tend to have taken GL‐4 or GL‐5 as a basis, and added their own supplementary requirements. Industrial gear lubricants are manufactured according to US Steel 224 specification, DIN 51517/3, and AGMA 250.04. The gear oil additives themselves are based on sulphur and phosphorus chemistry, but other chemicals are introduced into the additive packages to ensure oxidation stability, anti‐corrosion protection, copper compatibility and better seal compatibility. Boron compounds are shown to improve the antiwear and extreme‐pressure properties of the lubricants, as well as oxidation stability, thermal stability and detergency. Rig and bench tests demonstrate the benefits of adding boron compounds to fully formulated GL 5 oils and to classic sulphur‐phosphorus additive packages for automotive and industrial gear oils.

Comparison of intraarticular bupivacaine with the addition of morphine or fentanyl for analgesia after arthroscopic surgery

A randomized study on 30 patients undergoing knee arthroscopy was performed. Group I (n = 15) received 50 mg of 0.25% bupivacaine and 1 mg of morphine, and group II (n = 15) received 50 mg of 0.25% bupivacaine and 100 micrograms of fentanyl. The visual analogue scale was recorded at intervals of 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after the operation. Supplementary analgesia requirements were also recorded. In group I, pain scores were lower than group II (P < .05) during the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 12th, 24th, and 48th hours. The duration of analgesia on group I was significantly longer than group II. The combination of intraarticular morphine and bupivacaine has a longer analgesic duration and effect than a combination of fentanyl and bupivacaine.

Sleep pattern and supplementary oxygen requirements in infants with chronic neonatal lung disease

Seven infants with chronic neonatal lung disease and baseline oxygen saturation greater than 90% were studied with overnight polysomnography in their prescribed oxygen environment, and on a second night with 0·25 L/min additional oxygen. All had sleep fragmentation and decreased rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep, which was reversed after the increased oxygen. Sleep duration (p<0·003), percentage REM sleep (p<0·001), and mean REM sleep period length (p<0·001) were increased, and arousals in REM sleep decreased (p<0·05), with improved oxygenation. We conclude that, in infants with chronic neonatal lung disease, arousal mechanisms minimise oxygen desaturation but induce sleep disruption.