This thesis reports on the modification of the "Safecode" computer-program to monitor the safety of radio-isotope laboratories, and its application to 24 compliance audits in NSW during the period 1999 to 2006. Additionally, an attempt was made to predict the level of risk to persons working within those laboratories. Based on the current NSW radiation control legislation and the relevant Australian Standards a comprehensive audit checklist was developed for this project. Each safety requirement in those documents was used to develop a question, resulting in 187 questions in the checklist. The questions were grouped into the following seven Topic Elements: Licensing and Registration; Radiation Safety Administration; Personal and Area Monitoring; Dose Limit Compliance; Documentation/Records; RSO/RSC Qualifications and Duties; and Facilities. A novel feature was the allocation of "weighting factors" to individual questions and Elements. The computer program facilitated analysis of data and provided output in spreadsheet and graphical form. .The on-site physical audits were conducted using the project check-list, and were supplemented by discussions with the client's representative. The results showed significant variation between sites with overall compliance scores ranging from 37% to 94%. The reasons for this large variation stem from differences in local management regime; the appointment of an RSO at one site; variation in the extent of adoption of relevant codes of practice; and legislative weaknesses. Further analysis of the data presented legal, advisory and combined scores for each Element for each site; and variations over time. The graphic displays of the results were appreciated by client management. The formula developed to predict risk, based on the physical parameters alone, showed little relationship to the total audit scores. Statistical analysis of the two data groups by correlation coefficient confirmed this general finding. Development of the formula however served to indicate deficiencies in the Question Set, and the importance of human factors in achieving a high degree of safety.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-22T20:49:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-06-30 / Introdução - Os Streptococcus agalactiae são bactérias consideradas parte da microbiota da vagina, das vias aéreas superiores e do trato intestinal, porém sua importância como patógeno humano vem crescendo no decorrer dos anos. Quando presente na vagina podem trazer sérias consequências para a mulher, podendo estar associados à infertilidade, aumentar o risco de ruptura prévia de membrana, levar a corioaminionite, endometrite, etc. e, a partir da colonização vaginal da mãe, pode também haver contaminação dos neonatos na hora do parto. Objetivo - O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a associação dos Streptococcus agalactiae com inflamação vaginal em mulheres atendidas nos laboratórios públicos de Maceió. Material e método - Foi coletado material do terço médio distal da vagina de 1014 mulheres entre 18 e 49 anos. Um dos swabs foi utilizado para a realização de exame bacterioscópico e os outros dois swabs foram utilizados para a realização de cultura para o Streptococcus agalactiae (colocado em caldo Todd-Hewitt) e outros microrganismos, além de exame a fresco direto. A identificação dos microrganismos foi realizada de acordo com a literatura. Resultados - A frequência de colonização vaginal pelo Streptococcus agalactiae encontrada neste estudo foi de 13,9%, sendo que 98 (9,7%) culturas foram positivas somente para este microrganismo e em 43 (4,2%) o mesmo estava associado a outros microrganismos. Dentre as mulheres com cultura positiva apenas para o estreptococo, 18,9% apresentaram reação inflamatória, enquanto somente 6,7% não tinham inflamação. A proporção de reações inflamatórias observadas nas mulheres colonizadas pelo estreptococo foi comparável à de outros patógenos comumente encontrados na vagina como: Candida spp., G. vaginalis e Trichomonas spp.. Em relação ao grau de associação destes microrganismos com inflamação vaginal, verificou-se um Risco Relativo de 2,80 para o Streptococcus agalactiae, 2,01 para Candida spp., 0,55 para Gardnerella vaginalis e 19,03 para Trichomonas spp. Estes dados foram confirmados pela análise multivariada pelo método Forward Stepwise (Wald). Foi verificado que a gestação não constitui um fator de risco, bem como a idade, número de parceiros sexuais, frequência de relações sexuais, abortos e gestações anteriores. Conclusão - O estreptococo do grupo B, quando presente na vagina, mostrou ser um agente promotor de inflamação, a exemplo de outros microrganimos como Candida spp e Trichomonas spp, que são sempre valorizados quando encontrados nesse sítio. Este fato mostra que esta bactéria, ainda considerada parte da microbiota vaginal, pode ser considerada tão patogênica como outros microrganismos, havendo assim a necessidade de diferenciar quanto a um estado de simples colonização ou se a bactéria está sendo agente de processo infeccioso. / superior aerial tract, and intestinal tract microbiota, but it is growing in importance as a human pathogen throughout the last years. When it is present in vagina, it can bring serious consequences to the woman, and can be associated to infertility, improving risk of premature rupture of membrane, leading to chorioamnionitis, endometritis, etc. and from mother vaginal colonization there may be contamination of neonates during delivery. Objective - Objective of this study was to determine the association of Streptococcus agalactiae with vaginal inflammatory process in women attended in public laboratories of Maceió. Material and methods – It has been collected material in the distal medium third of the vagina of 1014 women from 18 to 49 years. One of the swabs has been used to bacterioscopic examination procedures and the other two swabs had been used for culture procedures of Streptococcus agalactiae (put in Todd-Hewitt broth) and other microorganisms, beyond the fresh direct examination. The identification of the microorganisms has been made according to literature. Results – The frequency of vaginal colonization by Streptococcus agalactiae found in this study has been of 13,9%, being 98 (9,7%) positive cultures only for this microorganism and 43 (4,2%) associated with other microorganisms. Among women with positive culture only to streptococcus, 18,9% presented inflammatory reaction, while only 6,7% didn’t have inflammation. The proportion of inflammatory reactions observed in women colonized by the streptococcus has been comparable to that of other pathogens commonly found in vagina as: Candida spp., G. vaginalis and Trichomonas spp.. In relation to the degree of association of those microorganisms with vaginal inflammatory processes, it has been verified a Relative Risk of 2,80 for Streptococcus agalactiae, 2,01 for Candida spp., 0,55 for Gardnerella vaginalis and 19,03 for Trichomonas spp. Those data have been confirmed by the multivariant analysis using Forward Stepwise method (Wald). It has been verified that pregnancy does not constitute a risk factor, nor age, number of partners, frequency of intercourse, abortions and previous pregnancies. Conclusion – B group streptococcus, when it is present in vagina showed to be an inflammatory process promoting agent, as for example other microorganisms, like Candida spp and Trichomonas spp, that are always valued when they are found in that site. This fact shows that this bacteria that is still considered as part of vaginal biota, should be considered so much pathogenic as other microorganisms, thus existing the necessity of differenciating between a state of simple colonization or otherwise if the bacteria is being an infectious process agent. / TEDE / BV UNIFESP: Teses e dissertações

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Masters Degree in Technology: Chemistry, in the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the Durban University of Technology, 2008. / In this work, a holistic approach to validate analytical methods was assessed by virtue of Monte Carlo simulations. This approach involves a statement of the methodsâ s scope (i.e. analytes, matrices and concentration levels) and requisites (internal or external); selection of the methodâ s (fit-for-purpose) features; pre-validation and validation of the intermediate accuracy and its assessment by means of Monte Carlo simulations. Validation of the other methodâ s features and a validity statement in terms of a â fit-for-purposeâ decision making, harmonized validation-control-uncertainty statistics and short-term routine work with the aim of proposing virtually â ready-to-useâ methods. The protocol could be transferred to other methods. The main aim is to harmonize the work to be done by research teams and routine laboratories assuming that different aims, strategies and practical viewpoints exist. As a result, the recommended protocol should be seen as a starting point. It is necessary to propose definitive (harmonized) protocols that must be established by international normalisation/accreditation entities. The Quality Assurance (Method verification and Internal Quality Control, IQC) limits, as well as sample uncertainty were estimated consistently with the validated accuracy statistics i.e. E U (E) and RSDi + U (RSDi). Two case studies were used to assess Monte Carlo simulation as a tool for method validation in analytical laboratories, the first involves an indirect polarographic method for determining nitrate in waste water and the second involves a direct determination of heavy metals in sea water by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry, as an example of the application of the protocol. In this sense the uncertainty obtained could be used for decision making purposes as it is very tempting to use uncertainty as a commercial argument and in this work it has been shown that the smaller the uncertainty, the better the measurement of the instrument or the laboratoryâ s reputation.

Submitted in fulfillment of requirements of the degree of Master in Health Sciences: Dental Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Pumice is used in the polishing of dental appliances to remove surface irregularities. It is usually used in a slurry form that is pumice powder mixed with water. In Nigeria, the increased cost of pumice as a result of its limited supply into the country has encouraged dental technicians to re-use pumice slurry for longer periods than advocated when polishing acrylic dentures, whether new or old dentures which have been worn in the mouth. Consequently, this is likely to increase cross-infection of communicable diseases in the dental technology laboratory. Although materials such as white sand, black sand and porcelnite can be used, literature documents that these materials are less effective in the polishing of acrylic dentures (Areeg 2011). The focus of this study was to use eggshells, a natural waste product, to develop and test the quality of an alternative material to reduce the surface roughness of heat-cured acrylic resins. A quantitative research paradigm and an experimental research strategy were adopted. The research design included two phases. In phase one of this study, different characterisation techniques such as Brunnae-Emmer Teller (BET); Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR); X-ray Diffraction (XRD); Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM); Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM); Laser Scattering Particle Size Distribution Analyser (PSA); Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA); and Induction-Coupling-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) were used to assess the suitability of the new abrasive material (NAM). In addition, the level of microbial contamination of the NAM was assessed in line with the specified microbial limits for cosmetic products. In contrast, phase two investigated the product-based quality of the NAM as an abrasive material for removable dental appliances. There were two sample groups, that is, the NAM (test group) and Pumice (control), and each sample group had 50 PMMA acrylic specimens. The surface roughness (Ra) was measured using a Talysurf profilometer. An Independent Tukey test was used to analyse the Ra values (p=0.05). A Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Optical Microscope (OEM) were further used to support the results of the profilometer in terms of the quality of surface finish and polish. Validity of the study was achieved following the ISO 20795-1 (2013) methods of preparation and fabrication of the acrylic specimens. The reliability was determined via reproducibility and repeatability of tests. The BET analysis showed that the NAM is predominantly a mesoporous powder. The FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed that the NAM is pure calcite with unique water absorbing characteristics, and is free of bacteria. The EDX and ICP-OES analyses revealed calcium, oxygen and carbon as the major elemental composition of the NAM. The SEM and TEM images revealed irregular shaped particles in the NAM. The PSA analysis of the particle distribution showed the NAM to be superfine (50nm to 0.3µm) and medium (44µm powder), respectively. The TGA analysis revealed a high-grade carbonate product in the NAM (>66.0 mass% of calcium carbonates). In addition, and in terms of in the qualities of the NAM in reducing the surface roughness of PMMA resins, the test group and the control group produced Ra values that were significant different (p<0.0001). The SEM and OEM analyses further confirmed the differences in the surfaces between the polished sample groups at different magnifications. Overall, the control showed the highest mean average (0.1056±0.03688µm), whereas the test group had the lowest Ra values (0.0476±0.01379). The lowest Ra values measured with the test group indicated that the NAM improves the surface smoothness of PMMA acrylic specimens. Notably, this study conclusively showed that the NAM effectively reduces the surface roughness to below the threshold limit value of 0.2µm. Significantly, and in associating the Ra values to the threshold limit value of 0.2µm, the NAM produced better results than pumice. Hence the use of the NAM as a polishing material for acrylic dentures is highly recommended. Finally and in line the NAM being a suitable alternative to pumice as it effectively reduces the surface roughness of PMMA specimens, future investigation into the use of eggshell nanoparticles to develop dental prophylaxes will be encouraged. / M

Thesis (MCur)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Simulation refers to a teaching method that is used to teach students clinical skills. The use of mannequins is the most common type of simulation. Given the pivotal role that simulation plays in teaching students clinical skills, it is important to understand the experience and perceptions students have utilizing simulation laboratories. The aim of the study was to explore the experience and perceptions of primary health care students utilizing simulation laboratories. The researcher posed the following research question as a guide for this study: “What are the experiences and perceptions of primary health care students utilizing simulation laboratories?” A qualitative approach with a phenomenological research design was applied. A purposive sample of n=10 and a focus group of 7 participants was drawn from a total population of 232 primary health care students. An interview guide was designed based on the objectives of the study and validated by experts in Nursing, Education and the Ethics Committee at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University. Experts in the field of teaching and learning, nursing and research methodology were consulted to determine the feasibility and content of the study, to evaluate the research process and outcome. Two (2) trained fieldworkers were responsible for collecting the data. Data was collected by means of individual interviews and by interviewing a focus group. The transcription of the interviews was done by the researcher. The data that emerged from the data analysis was coded and categorised into themes and subthemes. The five themes that emerged were simulation as a teaching method; a mannequin offering effective learning; confidence in clinical practice; structure of the course; and a support system. The researcher compiled a written account of the interpretations that emerged from the data analysis and verified this with the fieldworkers. In addition, member checking was done on two (2) of the participants from the focus group as well as two (2) of the participants from the individual interviews, to validate the transcribed data. The Conceptual Theoretical Framework of Bloom supports the findings of this study. The findings suggest that the mannequins should be upgraded regularly and should be able to register a response. It is recommended that a mannequin should be designed which is computer programmed according to different conditions which will include the signs and symptoms of those diseases for example tuberculosis. The participants need to be placed in the clinical environment at a much earlier stage in their programme. Peer group teaching and assessment should be introduced in the programme. Further research is recommended since institutions and disciplinaries working with simulation were not included in the study. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Simulasie verwys na ’n onderrigmetode wat gebruik word om studente kliniese vaardighede aan te leer. Die gebruik van mannekyne is die mees algemene vorm van simulasie. Gegee die deurslaggewende rol wat simulasie speel in die onderrig van kliniese vaardighede aan studente, is dit belangrik om die ervaring en persepsies van studente wat gebruik maak van simulasie-laboratoriums, te wete te kom. Die doel van hierdie studie was om die ervaring en persepsies van primêre gesondheidssorgstudente wat van simulasie-laboratoriums gebruik maak, te ondersoek. Die navorser het die volgende navorsingsvraag as ’n riglyn vir hierdie studie gestel: “Wat is die ervaringe en persepsies van primêre gesondheidssorgstudente wat simulasielaboratoriums gebruik?” ’n Kwalitatiewe benadering met ’n fenomenologiese navorsingsontwerp is toegepas. ’n Doelbewuste steekproef van n=10 en ’n fokusgroep van 7 deelnemers is geneem vanuit ’n totale bevolking van 232 primêre gesondheidsorgstudente. ’n Onderhoudgids is ontwerp, gebaseer op die doelwitte van die studie en gevalideer deur kundiges in Verpleging, Opvoedkunde en die Etiese Komitee van die Fakulteit van Gesondheidswetenskappe aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch. Kundiges op die gebied van onderrig en leer, verpleging en navorsingsmetodologie is geraadpleeg om die haalbaarheid en inhoud van die studie te bepaal vir die evaluering van die navorsingsprosedure en uitkomste. Twee (2) opgeleide veldwerkers was verantwoordelik om die data te versamel. Die data was versamel deur middel van individuele onderhoude en ‘n onderhoud met ‘n fokus groep. Die onderhoude was getranskribeer deur die navorser. Die data wat uit die analise gekom het, is geënkodeer en gekategoriseer in temas en subtemas. Die vyf temas wat hieruit voortgespruit het, is simulasie as ’n onderrigmetode; ’n mannekyn wat effektiewe leer bied; vertroue in die kliniese praktyk; die struktuur van die kursus; en ’n ondersteuningssisteem. Die navorser het ’n geskrewe verslag saamgestel van die weergawe van die data-analise wat saamgestel en deur die veldwerker geverifieer is. Bykomend is die kontrole van lede van twee (2) van die deelnemers van die fokusgroep, asook twee (2) van die deelnemers vanuit die individuele onderhoude gedoen, om die getranskribeerde data se geldigheid te verklaar. Die Konseptuele Teoretiese Raamwerk van Bloom rugsteun die bevindinge van hierdie studie. Die bevindinge beveel aan dat die mannekyne gereeld opgegradeer behoort te word en dat hulle ’n respons moet kan registreer. Dit word aanbeveel dat ’n mannekyn ontwerp behoort te word wat rekenaar geprogrammeerd is volgens die verskillende toestande wat die tekens en simptome van siektes soos tuberkulose insluit. Die deelnemers behoort in ’n baie vroeë stadium van die program in die kliniese omgewing geplaas te word. Verdere navorsing word aanbeveel, aangesien inrigtings en dissiplines wat met simulasie gemoeid is, nie in hierdie studie ingesluit is nie.

published_or_final_version / Business Administration / Master / Master of Business Administration

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No description available.

The purpose of this study was three-fold: 1. To determine the amount and direction of changes in sources of funding for the Regional Education Service Centers from 1979 to 1984. 2. To determine the percent of change in programming expenditures of the Regional Education Service Centers from 1979 to 1984. 3. To rate the changes in quality of programming as perceived by the superintendents of the local school districts receiving services from 1979 to 1984. A review of the literature and a brief history of the Regional Education Service Centers of Texas were followed by tabular and narrative descriptions of the findings. Deflated data, to account for inflation, were derived by applying Bureau of Labor statistics formulas to dollar amounts supplied by the Regional Education Service Centers. Each of the five Education Service Centers included in the study experienced a decrease in total funds, due chiefly to a cut in federal and state support. Although local contributions increased in four out of five of the Regions during the five-year period, the net result to the Centers was a decrease in funding ranging from 23.2 percent to 51.8 percent. The impact on programming was severe. Of the nine major services on which data was gathered—media services, data processing, counseling/guidance, special education, migrant education, bus driver training, staff development, drug education/crime prevention, and bilingual education— two had been eliminated in all of the Regions included in the study by 19 84, and some of the Regions had discontinued services in other areas as well. Surveys for rating the services of the Education Service Centers were sent to 126 current superintendents who held the same position in 1979. The results indicated that although fewer dollars had been expended and some services had been eliminated, the quality of programming had not diminished from 1979 to 1984.

Nos últimos 15 anos a utilização do LED (Light-emitting diode) como fonte de iluminação alternativa se tornou bastante comum. Na década de 90 eles evoluíram de forma a ser possível a criação de LED com comprimentos de ondas menores, nas cores azul, verde e ciano e de onde veio a criação do LED branco de alta potência. Com este novo conceito de iluminação, devido às exigências de condições específicas para o desenvolvimento de atividades que exige um grau maior de cuidado no conforto visual e na confiabilidade de análise de cores na produção de produtos, o ser humano passou a ser um dos focos de pesquisa. Como a visão humana pode perceber o espectro de cores dos resultados de processos químicos com a presença do LED? Como o uso dessa tecnologia pode alterar de forma significativa o resultado de testes e exames onde a percepção de cores é determinante? O objetivo deste trabalho é identificar a sensibilidade ao contraste espacial e fazer uma comparação com o uso das lâmpadas fluorescentes tradicionais para identificar as principais vantagens e desvantagens no uso desta tecnologia. As lâmpadas LED foram instaladas em um dos laboratórios de Química do Câmpus São Paulo e testes para identificação de cores foram aplicados a voluntários. Para efeito de comparação, os mesmos testes foram aplicados no laboratório de Biologia que tem o mesmo formato e dimensão, mas as lâmpadas foram as Fluorescentes tubulares e, para completar a análise, painéis LED foram instalados, também, no laboratório de Química e os testes foram repetidos. Os resultados quanto ao uso das lâmpadas tubulares LED foram bem consistentes e, comprovam que o LED pode ser utilizado em ambientes profissionais onde as cores são imprescindíveis para qualidade de produtos. / In the last 15 years, the use of LED (Light-emitting diode) as a source of alternative lighting has become quite common. In the 90 they evolved in such a way that it is possible to create LED with smaller wavelengths, in the colors Blue, green and cyan and the creation of the high power white LED. With this new lighting concept, due to the requirements of specific conditions for the development of activities that require a higher level of care in the visual comfort and reliability of color analysis in the production of products, the human being has become one of the focuses of research. As the human vision could perceive the color spectrum of the results of chemical processes with the presence of LED? As the use of this technology can change significantly the result of tests and exams where the perception is crucial? The aim of this study is to identify the spatial contrast sensitivity and make a comparison with the use of traditional fluorescent lamps to identify the main advantages and disadvantages in the use of this technology. LED lamps installed in a Campus chemistry Labs and tests for identification of colors applied to volunteers. For comparison, the same tests applied in the laboratory of Biology that has the same format and size, but the lamps were the tubular Fluorescent and, to complete the analysis, LED panels installed, too, in the laboratory of chemistry and the tests repeated. The results regarding the use of LED lamps were quite consistent and show that the LED used in professional environments where the colors are indispensable for quality products.