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Canopy cover (CC) quantifies the proportion of canopy materials projected vertically onto the ground surface. CC is a crucial canopy structural variable and is commonly used in many ecological and climatic models. The vertical CC profile product is currently available from the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI). However, detailed information about the accuracy and uncertainty of the GEDI vertical CC profile product remains limited. The objective of this study is to validate the GEDI CC product over selected forest sites using reference values derived from digital hemispherical photography (DHP), airborne laser scanning (ALS) point clouds, and simulated waveforms. The accuracy of CC was quantified and analyzed regarding GEDI observation conditions, waveform processing, and estimation methods. The results show that the GEDI total CC correlates well with those estimated from DHP, ALS, and simulated waveform data (r2 = 0.65, 0.71, and 0.71, respectively) but is systematically underestimated (bias = −0.05, −0.11, and −0.07, respectively) based on reference data. Compared with the ALS-estimated CC, needleleaf forest shows the highest correlation for vertical CC (r2 ≥ 0.65) and shrubland shows the lowest bias for total CC (bias = −0.13). The mean absolute error (MAE) of the GEDI CC decreases from 0.15 to 0.09 as the estimation height increases from ground to 35 m. The GEDI total CCs derived from the waveform interpretation algorithms A2 and A6 display the highest r2 (≥ 0.6) and smallest RMSE (≤ 0.23) compared to those of the other algorithms. The CC accuracy increases with beam sensitivity and decreases with increasing canopy cover. The GEDI CC was improved at moderate CC values using a canopy-to-ground backscattering coefficient ratio (ρv/ρg) determined with the regression method. The partial difference between GEDI CC and ALS CC is attributed to definitional discrepancies. Further improvement of the CC algorithm can be made by using vegetation-specific waveform processing algorithms and realistic ρv/ρg values.

Copyright of Transfer: Zeitschrift für Kommunikation & Markenmanagement is the property of Deutsche Werbewissenschaftliche Gesellschaft and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Downward shortwave radiation (DSR) is a critical variable in energy balance driving Earth’s surface processes. Satellite-derived and reanalysis DSR products have been developed and continuously improved during the last decades. However, as those products have different temporal resolutions, their performances in different time scales have not been well-documented, particularly in China. This study intended to evaluate several DSR products across multiple time scales (i.e. instantaneous, 1-hourly, daily, and monthly average) and ecosystems in China. Six DSR products, including GLASS, BESS, CLARA-A2, MCD18A1, ERA5 and MERRA-2, were evaluated against ground measurements at Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN) and integrated land-atmosphere interaction observation (TPDC) sites from 2009 to 2012. The instantaneous DSR of MCD18 showed a root mean square error (RMSE) of 146.02 W/m2. The hourly RMSE of ERA5 (155.52 W/m2) was largely smaller than MERRA-2 (188.53 W/m2). On the daily and monthly scale, BESS had the most optimized accuracy among the six products (RMSE of 36.82 W/m2). For the satellite-derived DSR products, the monthly accuracy at CERN can meet the threshold accuracy requirement set by World Meteorological Organization (WMO) for Global Numerical Weather Prediction (20 W/m2).

Introduction: In 2017 the drug chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) became unavailable to Dutch patients with the rare inborn error of metabolism cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX). This was a direct result of a steep price increase after CDCA was authorized in the EU as an orphan drug. As a result, Dutch health insurance companies were unable to reimburse this drug and the availability of CDCA to patients with CTX was directly at risk creating an unmet medical need. CTX is characterized by juvenile cataract, tendon xanthomas, infantile-onset diarrhea, psychomotor retardation and progressive cerebellar ataxia. Treatment with CDCA, when initiated before neurological symptoms are present, can prevent the onset of neurological complications. Methods: To assure continuation of patient treatment with a high quality product, the hospital pharmacy of the Amsterdam UMC developed CDCA capsules as a pharmacy preparation. A simple and robust formulation was developed for capsules in a broad dose range of 35-250 mg, ensuring that both pediatric and adult patients can receive an exact dose tailored to their specific needs. Capsules are prepared manually on a small scale for the individual patient. To assure the quality of the product, product validation and stability studies were performed. Results: The results show that the product complies with all specifications based on the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia. The capsules contain the declared amount of CDCA, no degradation product or other (microbiological) impurities are formed during the production process and the capsules show a quick dissolution profile. Stability studies indicate that it is a stable product and no impurities increase or arise over time. These results show that these pharmacy preparations are of high quality and comply to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements. Discussion: Through our research, we have demonstrated that pharmacy compounding can be a viable alternative in situations where immediate access to essential medication is crucial or when certain drugs are temporarily inaccessible. The purpose of this paper is to offer comprehensive guidance to other pharmacies to improve the availability of currently inaccessible drugs through the practice of pharmacy compounding, thereby facilitating improved patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In 2017 the drug chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) became unavailable to Dutch patients with the rare inborn error of metabolism cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX). This was a direct result of a steep price increase after CDCA was authorized in the EU as an orphan drug. As a result, Dutch health insurance companies were unable to reimburse this drug and the availability of CDCA to patients with CTX was directly at risk creating an unmet medical need. CTX is characterized by juvenile cataract, tendon xanthomas, infantile-onset diarrhea, psychomotor retardation and progressive cerebellar ataxia. Treatment with CDCA, when initiated before neurological symptoms are present, can prevent the onset of neurological complications.Methods: To assure continuation of patient treatment with a high quality product, the hospital pharmacy of the Amsterdam UMC developed CDCA capsules as a pharmacy preparation. A simple and robust formulation was developed for capsules in a broad dose range of 35–250 mg, ensuring that both pediatric and adult patients can receive an exact dose tailored to their specific needs. Capsules are prepared manually on a small scale for the individual patient. To assure the quality of the product, product validation and stability studies were performed.Results: The results show that the product complies with all specifications based on the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia. The capsules contain the declared amount of CDCA, no degradation product or other (microbiological) impurities are formed during the production process and the capsules show a quick dissolution profile. Stability studies indicate that it is a stable product and no impurities increase or arise over time. These results show that these pharmacy preparations are of high quality and comply to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements.Discussion: Through our research, we have demonstrated that pharmacy compounding can be a viable alternative in situations where immediate access to essential medication is crucial or when certain drugs are temporarily inaccessible. The purpose of this paper is to offer comprehensive guidance to other pharmacies to improve the availability of currently inaccessible drugs through the practice of pharmacy compounding, thereby facilitating improved patient care.

In healthcare, the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT) is considered a standard for assessing hand dexterity. A digital version of the classic Nine-Hole Peg Test – the dNHPT - has been developed that allows digital measurement of hand function. The prototype of this dNHPT was investigated in this study with test-retest and crossover design with 32 healthy adults. Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Bland-Altman diagram were used to analyze concurrent validity. Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC), standard error or measurement (SEM) and smallest detectable change (SDC) were used to determine test-retest and interrater reliability. Our results showed a moderate concurrent validity (r = 0.592). The Bland Altman analysis showed an estimated a mean difference of −2.47 between the dNHPT in comparison with the conventional NHPT. The dNHPT demonstrated good test-retest reliability (ICC: 0.75, SEM: 0.89, SDC: 2.47) and high interrater reliability (ICC: 0.76). To conclude, the dNHPT can contribute to objectify the measurement of hand dexterity without losing its most compactness and simplicity as the most important properties of NHPT.

Bile acid synthesis defects (BASDs) comprise a group of rare diseases that can be severely disabling. Bile acid supplementation with 5 to 15 mg/kg cholic acid (CA) has been hypothesized to decrease endogenous bile acid production, stimulate bile secretion, and improve bile flow and micellar solubilization, thereby improving the biochemical profile and potentially slowing down disease progression. Currently, CA treatment is unavailable in the Netherlands, and CA capsules were compounded by the Amsterdam UMC Pharmacy from CA raw material. This study aims to determine the pharmaceutical quality and stability of the pharmacy compounded CA capsules. Pharmaceutical quality tests were performed on 25 mg and 250 mg CA capsules according to general monographs of the European Pharmacopoeia 10th ed. For the stability study, the capsules were stored under long-term conditions (25 °C ± 2 °C/60% ± 5% RH) and accelerated conditions (40 °C ± 2 °C/75% ± 5% RH). Samples were analyzed at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The findings demonstrate that the pharmacy compounded CA capsules within a range of 25–250 mg that complied with the European regulations in regard to product quality and safety. The pharmacy compounded CA capsules are suitable for use in patients with BASD, as clinically indicated. With its simple formulation, pharmacies are provided a guidance on product validation and stability testing when commercial CA capsules are unavailable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transpiration is a key process driving energy, water and thus carbon dynamics. Global transpiration products are fundamental for understanding and predicting vegetation processes. However, validation of these transpiration products is limited, mainly due to lack of suitable data sets. We propose a method to use SAPFLUXNET, the first quality‐controlled global tree sap flow (SF) database, for evaluating transpiration products at global scale. Our method is based on evaluating temporal mismatches, rather than absolute values, by standardizing both transpiration and SF products. We evaluate how transpiration responses to hydro‐meteorological variation from the Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam Model (GLEAM), a widely used global transpiration product, compare to in situ responses from SAPFLUXNET field data. Our results show GLEAM and SAPFLUXNET temporal trends are in good agreement, but diverge under extreme conditions. Their temporal mismatches differ depending on the magnitude of transpiration and are not random, but linked to energy and water availability. Despite limitations, we show that the new global SAPFLUXNET data set is a valuable tool to evaluate T products and identify problematic assumptions and processes embedded in models. The approach we propose can, therefore, be the foundation for a wider use of SAPFLUXNET, a new, independent, source of information, to understand the mechanisms controlling global transpiration fluxes. Plain Language Summary: Transpiration, the water evaporating from leaves, is a key element in the energy, water and carbon cycles of terrestrial ecosystems. Understanding patterns of transpiration at global scales is fundamental for prediction of future climates. Several models are used for estimating global transpiration, however identifying limitations and biases in these models is difficult, because we lack field data to compare them against. In this work, we propose a new method to enable tree‐level sap flow (SF) data from SAPFLUXNET, the first global SF database, to be used to evaluate transpiration products and models. We evaluated how well GLEAM, a widely used transpiration product, matches SAPFLUXNET field data. We found GLEAM and SAPFLUXNET data to be in reasonable agreement however, mismatches occur under extreme dry or wet meteorological conditions, conditions which are likely to become more common under future climates. The detection of mismatches between SAPFLUXNET and GLEAM data is valuable for the identification of model processes and assumptions which could be reasonable within current climate, but inadequate for future climate conditions. The method we propose allows the use of SAPFLUXNET to understand the true mechanisms controlling global transpiration providing a new, independent, source of information to evaluate transpiration products and models. Key Points: Transpiration products are vital for understanding land‐atmosphere processes, but their validation is limited by lack of suitable data setsWe propose a method to use SAPFLUXET—the first global database of tree sap flow data—to evaluate transpiration products at global scaleWe show SAPFLUXNET to be a valuable tool to evaluate potential errors in the assumptions and processes embedded in transpiration models [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Remote Sensing is the property of Editorial Office of Journal of Remote Sensing & Science Publishing Co. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Remote Sensing is the property of Editorial Office of Journal of Remote Sensing & Science Publishing Co. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Remote Sensing is the property of Editorial Office of Journal of Remote Sensing & Science Publishing Co. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Downward shortwave radiation (DSR) is a critical variable in energy balance driving Earth's surface processes. Satellite-derived and reanalysis DSR products have been developed and continuously improved during the last decades. However, as those products have different temporal resolutions, their performances in different time scales have not been well-documented, particularly in China. This study intended to evaluate several DSR products across multiple time scales (i.e. instantaneous, 1-hourly, daily, and monthly average) and ecosystems in China. Six DSR products, including GLASS, BESS, CLARA-A2, MCD18A1, ERA5 and MERRA-2, were evaluated against ground measurements at Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN) and integrated land-atmosphere interaction observation (TPDC) sites from 2009 to 2012. The instantaneous DSR of MCD18 showed a root mean square error (RMSE) of 146.02 W/m2. The hourly RMSE of ERA5 (155.52 W/m2) was largely smaller than MERRA-2 (188.53 W/m2). On the daily and monthly scale, BESS had the most optimized accuracy among the six products (RMSE of 36.82 W/m2). For the satellite-derived DSR products, the monthly accuracy at CERN can meet the threshold accuracy requirement set by World Meteorological Organization (WMO) for Global Numerical Weather Prediction (20 W/m2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of ESPOCH Congresses: The Ecuadorian Journal of S.T.E.A.M. is the property of Knowledge E DMCC and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Bile acid synthesis defects (BASDs) comprise a group of rare diseases that can be severely disabling. Bile acid supplementation with 5 to 15 mg/kg cholic acid (CA) has been hypothesized to decrease endogenous bile acid production, stimulate bile secretion, and improve bile flow and micellar solubilization, thereby improving the biochemical profile and potentially slowing down disease progression. Currently, CA treatment is unavailable in the Netherlands, and CA capsules were compounded by the Amsterdam UMC Pharmacy from CA raw material. This study aims to determine the pharmaceutical quality and stability of the pharmacy compounded CA capsules. Pharmaceutical quality tests were performed on 25 mg and 250 mg CA capsules according to general monographs of the European Pharmacopoeia 10th ed. For the stability study, the capsules were stored under long-term conditions (25 °C ± 2 °C/60% ± 5% RH) and accelerated conditions (40 °C ± 2 °C/75% ± 5% RH). Samples were analyzed at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The findings demonstrate that the pharmacy compounded CA capsules within a range of 25–250 mg that complied with the European regulations in regard to product quality and safety. The pharmacy compounded CA capsules are suitable for use in patients with BASD, as clinically indicated. With its simple formulation, pharmacies are provided a guidance on product validation and stability testing when commercial CA capsules are unavailable.

Following the progress of satellite data assimilation in the 1990s, the combination of meteorological satellites and numerical models has changed the way scientists understand the earth. With the evolution of numerical weather prediction models and earth system models, meteorological satellites will play a more important role in earth sciences in the future. As part of the space-based infrastructure, the Fengyun (FY) meteorological satellites have contributed to earth science sustainability studies through an open data policy and stable data quality since the first launch of the FY-1A satellite in 1988. The capability of earth system monitoring was greatly enhanced after the second-generation polar orbiting FY-3 satellites and geostationary orbiting FY-4 satellites were developed. Meanwhile, the quality of the products generated from the FY-3 and FY-4 satellites is comparable to the well-known MODIS products. FY satellite data has been utilized broadly in weather forecasting, climate and climate change investigations, environmental disaster monitoring, etc. This article reviews the instruments mounted on the FY satellites. Sensor-dependent level 1 products (radiance data) and inversion algorithm-dependent level 2 products (geophysical parameters) are introduced. As an example, some typical geophysical parameters, such as wildfires, lightning, vegetation indices, aerosol products, soil moisture, and precipitation estimation have been demonstrated and validated by in-situ observations and other well-known satellite products. To help users access the FY products, a set of data sharing systems has been developed and operated. The newly developed data sharing system based on cloud technology has been illustrated to improve the efficiency of data delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given its leverage effect on downstream processes, the early phase of product development has special significance for the success of an innovation project. The scope for decision-making in the early phase is high and the time and effort required for changes relatively low. The late correction of wrong decisions made in early phases, on the other hand, is often associated with a disproportionately high effort. Validation activities in the early phase of product development are thus key to development success. At the same time, however, early validation activities come with special challenges, partly resulting from the high degree of uncertainty and a lack of resources in this phase. Early validation starts from product models. The product profile is a product model established for the use in the early development phase and beyond. It contains both solution-open and solution-specific elements. A particular challenge that developers face in practice when preparing early validation activities is the specification of solution-open elements of the product profile. Contributing to a targeted validation in early development phases, this paper presents a method that supports the developer in prioritizing, selecting and concretizing solution-open product attributes for early creation-validation cycles starting from the initial system of objectives. The method enables product developers to reduce uncertainties systematically regarding relevant customer and user requirements by means of targeted validation already in early development phases. We will explain the findings of this paper by using an example from the automotive industry. We will also discuss results from the evaluation of the method which we generated in a development project for mining equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking photographs with a commercially available digital camera is an efficient and objective method for determining the green fractional vegetation cover (FVC) for field validation of satellite products. However, classifying leaves under shadows in processing digital images remains challenging and results in classification errors. To address this problem, an automatic shadow-resistant algorithm in the Commission Internationale d’Eclairage L*a*b* color space (SHAR-LABFVC) based on a documented FVC estimation algorithm (LABFVC) is proposed in this paper. The hue saturation intensity (HSI) is introduced in SHAR-LABFVC to enhance the brightness of shaded parts of the image. The lognormal distribution is used to fit the frequency of vegetation greenness and to classify vegetation and the background. Real and synthesized images are used for evaluation, and the results are in good agreement with the visual interpretation, particularly when the FVC is high and the shadows are deep, indicating that SHAR-LABFVC is shadow resistant. Without specific improvements to reduce the shadow effect, the underestimation of FVC can be up to 0.2 in the flourishing period of vegetation at a scale of 10 m. Therefore, the proposed algorithm is expected to improve the validation accuracy of remote sensing products.

Fractional vegetation cover (FVC) is one of the most important criteria for surface vegetation status. This criterion corresponds to the complement of gap fraction unity at the nadir direction and accounts for the amount of horizontal vegetation distribution. This study aims to directly validate the accuracy of FVC products over crops at coarse resolutions (1 km) by employing field measurements and high-resolution data. The study area was within an oasis in the Heihe Basin, Northwest China, where the Heihe Watershed Allied Telemetry Experimental Research was conducted. Reference FVC was generated through upscaling, which fitted field-measured data with spaceborne and airborne data to retrieve high-resolution FVC, and then high-resolution FVC was aggregated with a coarse scale. The fraction of green vegetation cover product (i.e., GEOV1 FVC) of SPOT/VEGETATION data taken during the GEOLAND2 project was compared with reference data. GEOV1 FVC was generally overestimated for crops in the study area compared with our estimates. Reference FVC exhibits a systematic uncertainty, and GEOV1 can overestimate FVC by up to 0.20. This finding indicates the necessity of reanalyzing and improving GEOV1 FVC over croplands.

Abstract Today, dimensional validation of polymer parts with micrometer level accuracy is performed long time after production because the part needs time to "settle" (which for some polymer materials takes weeks). However, manufacturing industry requires the measurements to be performed before part stabilization, to reduce the waiting time for quality control without compromising the level of accuracy. This work proposes an analytical solution for predicting the reference length of a classical 32 mm polymer part with an uncertainty of less than 10 μm when measured at non-reference conditions. Creep, moisture uptake and temperature are here the main issues to consider for polymer parts. The present study focuses on the dimensional changes governed by moisture uptake and creep with model parameters separately obtained by experimental studies combined with numerical simulations. Finally, the obtained analytical solution is used to predict the reference length of stabilized and non-stabilized polymer parts measured continuously over two months. The prediction shows good agreement with the reference values for settled parts at reference conditions. Highlights • Compensation for hygroscopic swelling and creep effects in dimensional metrology of non-stabilized polymer parts. • Experimental characterization of moisture uptake and hygroscopic swelling of ABS parts supported by numerical simulations. • Long-term dimensional measurements of initially fresh ABS polymer parts and analytical description of the creep behavior. • Comparison of the predicted and measured reference lengths of stabilized and non-stabilized polymer parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellite (EUMETSAT) established the Satellite Application Facility on Support to Operational Hydrology and Water management (H-SAF) on July 2005. The aim of the H-SAF is to derive parameters which are important for hydrology, for hydrological models. H-SAF derives precipitation, soil moisture, and snow products based on satellite information, and makes hydrological validation. The Hungarian Meteorological Service takes part in the product validation work. In this paper we describe the different products, then the validation activities are shown including some examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fractional vegetation cover (FVC) is one of the most important criteria for surface vegetation status. This criterion corresponds to the complement of gap fraction unity at the nadir direction and accounts for the amount of horizontal vegetation distribution. This study aims to directly validate the accuracy of FVC products over crops at coarse resolutions (1 km) by employing field measurements and high-resolution data. The study area was within an oasis in the Heihe Basin, Northwest China, where the Heihe Watershed Allied Telemetry Experimental Research was conducted. Reference FVC was generated through upscaling, which fitted field-measured data with spaceborne and airborne data to retrieve high-resolution FVC, and then high-resolution FVC was aggregated with a coarse scale. The fraction of green vegetation cover product (i.e., GEOV1 FVC) of SPOT/VEGETATION data taken during the GEOLAND2 project was compared with reference data. GEOV1 FVC was generally overestimated for crops in the study area compared with our estimates. Reference FVC exhibits a systematic uncertainty, and GEOV1 can overestimate FVC by up to 0.20. This finding indicates the necessity of reanalyzing and improving GEOV1 FVC over croplands. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The development of efficient and systematic ground-based spatial sampling strategies is critical for the validation of medium-resolution satellite-derived leaf area index (LAI) products, particularly over heterogeneous land surfaces. In this paper, a new sampling strategy based on high-resolution vegetation index prior knowledge (SSVIP) is proposed to generate accurate LAI reference maps over heterogeneous areas. To capture the variability across a site, the SSVIP is designed to 1) stratify the nonhomogeneous area into zones with minimum within-class variance; 2) assign the number of samples to each zone using Neyman optimal allocation; and 3) determine the spatial distribution of samples with a nearest neighbor index. The efficiency of the proposed method was examined using different vegetation types and pixel heterogeneities. The results indicate that the SSVIP approach can properly divide a heterogeneous area into different vegetation cover zones. Whereas the LAI reference maps generated by SSVIP attain the target accuracy of 0.1 LAI units in cropland and broadleaf forest sites, the current sampling strategy based on vegetation type has a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.14 for the same number of samples. SSVIP was compared with the current sampling strategy at 24 VALERI sites, and the results suggested that samples selected by SSVIP were more representative in the feature space and geographical space, which further indicated the reasonable validation over heterogeneous land surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To be successful within the business environment, a company has to make significant efforts, to maintain or gain more competitive advantage in the area of activity, sell high volumes products, launch with quality and provide to the customers the desired variety of products. Over the years it was observed, that some organizations tend to be stolen by the high volumes sales mirage, and focusing too much only on the external strategies, the internal environment has been left aside. Those who maintained a dual interest on both internal/ external environment of the organization understood the need of investments dedicated to new products development, new technologies and process optimization strategies. From the process optimization activity, derived a significant number of new processes, or tools designed to improve and sustain a process. But before implementing these tools, it is mandatory to perform an analysis that could confirm the feasibility of the product, or will underline if it needs significant improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article an account of the different phases involved in seatbelt component development and testing are explained. This will include a short introduction about the 3 point seatbelt and its components, the different tools and needed in each validation phase: concept, product and serial production. In the concept phase the impact of different external factor on the development process is listed as well as the tools used by the development team such as CAD, FMEA, FEA, MBS etc. For the product phase the different departments involved in this step as well as the test to be performed are listed, and in the serial life phase the tools for quality and production control are listed such as the SPC and COP [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PET/CT imaging can reflect the physiological metabolic process in living body which is the model experiment incapable to simulate. Animal experiment may be considered for systematic validation of PET/CT products. The obtained research data can be used to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness and safety of PET/CT products, and be submitted as supporting documents for research data or clinical evaluation data when doing product registration or alteration registration. In this study, the functions and advantages of animal experiments were expounded, and relevant research cases were given as well as the issues that should be paid attention to. It can be a reference for the validation and review of PET/CT products.

The Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet Sounder (SBUS) is one of the 11 main payload instruments onboard Feng Yun-3 (FY-3), the second generation of Chinese polar orbit meteorological satellites. This paper presents the results of SBUS instrument calibration, and data and product validation during the prelaunch and postlaunch periods. Topics include the instrument prelaunch calibration and characterization, in-orbit monitoring, validation of the ozone profiles retrieved from the FY-3 SBUS measurements, and an application of the retrievals to monitoring the 2011 Arctic ozone depletion. For the prelaunch calibration of SBUS, the estimated uncertainty of laboratory calibration is approximately 4.7%. The in-orbit solar irradiance measurements indicate that the diffuser reflectivity degraded approximately 15% for the 252-nm channel, and 3% to 5% for the other 11 channels during a 12-mo period. Using ozone vertical profiles retrieved from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet (SBUV)/2s as a “truth,” the initial comparison of ozone profiles between FY-3 SBUS and SBUV/2s finds that the relative percent bias of the FY-3 SBUS with the SBUV/2 results is good. The averaged differences range over to ±7% for FY-3A SBUS and ±6% for FY-3B SBUS. The SBUS ozone profile retrievals reveal that the spring 2011 Arctic ozone depletion mainly resulted from a sharp ozone decrease in the upper troposphere to lower stratosphere, which accounts for 70% to 80% of the total ozone loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is aimed at providing a detailed description of the Flood Validation Exercise organised by the Independent Service Validation Group of the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) RESPOND project. The aims of the validation exercise were: (1) providing a practical example of validation procedures in the frame of the GMES Emergency Response services; (2) executing a full-scale validation exercise able to cope with the requirements of an emergency service; and (3) better understanding the performances and limitations of Earth observation services for Flood Damage Mapping. This validation exercise is a first step of the main task to define the whole validation process for GMES services. When this is achieved, there will be knowledge concerning how well services meet the service specifications derived from the user needs. The present exercise has the purpose of gathering this knowledge. The output of this validation exercise can be used to characterise and qualify the performance and timeliness of Crisis and Damage Mapping Services. This paper summarises the methodology for the flood exercise validation and the results of product validation and inter-comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mathematical models for growth, heat inactivation and histamine formation by Morganella psychrotolerans and Morganella morganii were studied to evaluate the importance of these bacteria in seafood. Curves for growth and histamine formation by M. psychrotolerans in broth and seafood were generated at constant and changing storage temperatures (n =12). Observed and predicted times to formation of 100, 500 and 2000 ppm histamine were used for evaluation of an existing M. psychrotolerans histamine formation model [-this issue. Modelling and predicting the growth and histamine formation by Morganella psychrotolerans. International Journal of Food Microbiology. doi:10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2008.08.016] Growth rates for M. psychrotolerans and M. morganii were determined at different constant temperatures from 0 °C to 42.5 °C whereas heat inactivation was studied between 37.5 °C and 60 °C. A M. morganii growth and histamine formation model was developed by combining these new data (growth rate model) and data from the existing literature (maximum population density and yield factor for histamine formation). The developed M. morganii model was evaluated by comparison of predicted growth and histamine formation with data from the existing literature. Observed and predicted growth rates for M. psychrotolerans, at constant temperatures, were similar with bias- and accuracy factor values of 1.15 and 1.45, respectively (n =11). On average times to formation of critical concentrations of histamine by M. psychrotolerans were acceptably predicted but the model was not highly accurate. Nevertheless, predictions seemed useful to support decisions concerning safe shelf-life in relation to formulation, storage and distribution of chilled seafood. Parameters for the effect of temperature on growth and inactivation of M. psychrotolerans and M. morganii differed markedly with T min of −8.3 to −5.9 °C vs. 0.3 to 2.8 °C, T opt of 26.0 to 27.0 °C vs. 35.9 to 37.2 °C and T max 32.0 to 33.3 °C vs. 44.0 to 47.4 °C, D 50 °C of 5.3 min vs. 13.1 min and z-values of 6.8 °C and 7.2 °C. At temperatures above ∼15 °C M. morganii grew faster than M. psychrotolerans. Bias- and accuracy factor-values of 1.41 and 2.44 (n =93) showed the predicted growth of M. morganii to be faster than previously observed in fresh fish and broth. In agreement with this, predicted times to formation of critical histamine concentrations by M. morganii were on average shorter than observed in fresh fish. A combined model was suggested to predict histamine formation by both psychrotolerant and mesophilic Morganella during storage of fresh fish between 0 °C and 37 °C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]