The effect of bandwidth on the quality of transmitted pediatric echocardiograms

Background: Remote access to pediatric cardiology diagnostic services is enabled by real-time transmission of echocardiographic images. Several transmission bandwidths have been used but there has been little analysis of image quality provided by different bandwidths. We designed a study of the quality of transmitted images at various bandwidths. Methods: Two echocardiographers viewed randomly a series of 13 recorded pediatric echocardiographic images either directly or after transmission using 1 of 4 bandwidths: 256; 384; 512; or 768 kbps. An image clarity scoring scale was used to assess image quality of cardiac structures. Results: Measurable differences were found in image quality with different transmission bandwidths; 512 kbps was the minimum for consistently clear imaging of all cardiac structures examined. Conclusion: Bandwidth greater than 512 kbps confers sharper images subjectively although this could not be quantified by our methods.

International evaluation of current and future requirements for environmental engineering education

The field of environmental engineering is developing as a result of changing environmental requirements. In response, environmental engineering education (E3) needs to ensure that it provides students with the necessary tools to address these challenges. In this paper the current status and future development of E3 is evaluated based on a questionnaire sent to universities and potential employers of E3 graduates. With increasing demands on environmental quality, the complexity of environmental engineering problems to be solved can be expected to increase. To find solutions environmental engineers will need to work in interdisciplinary teams. Based on the questionnaire there was a broad agreement that the best way to prepare students for these future challenges is to provide them with a fundamental education in basic sciences and related engineering fields. Many exciting developments in the environmental engineering profession will be located at the interface between engineering, science, and society. Aspects of all three areas need to be included in E3 and the student needs to be exposed to the tensions associated with linking the three.

Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on the quality of minimally processed pineapple cv.'Smooth Cayenne' fruit

The effects of modified atmosphere (MA) conditions on the quality of minimally processed pineapple slices were determined. Commercial pineapple slice packs sealed with 40 pm thick polyester film were kept at 4.5 degrees C for 14 d. The oxygen transmission rate of the film was 23 ml m(-2) day(-1) atm(-1) (at 25 degrees C, 75% RH). In-built atmospheres and the quality of the products were determined. O-2 concentrations within the packs stabilised at 2%, while CO2 concentrations increased to 70% by day 14. The high CO2 level suggested an inappropriate lidding film permeability for the product, and hence affected its quality. Three batches of pineapple slices were packed in the laboratory using lidding films with oxygen transmission rate of 75, 2790 or 5000 ml m(-2) day(-1) atm(-1) (at 23 degrees C, 0% RH). Headspace atmospheres from laboratory-packed pineapple slices suggested an optimum equilibrium modified atmosphere of ca. 2% O-2 and 15% CO2. Respiration data from the laboratory-prepared packs were pooled together and used to develop a correlation model relating respiration rates to O-2 and CO2 concentrations. The model showed a decrease in respiration rate with decreasing O-2 and increasing CO2 concentrations. Respiration rate stabilised at 2% 02 and 10% CO2. The high concentrations of CO2 observed in the commercial packs did not fit the range in the respiration model. The model could aid in selection of MA conditions for minimally processed pineapple fruit.

A new perspective on service quality: A multi-dimensional, hierarchical scale

This study offers a new perspective on the nature, content and structure of perceived service quality. The Nordic and Gap schools of quality assessment are integrated with recent advances in the literature to develop and test a multidimensional, hierarchical scale. The scale provides a framework for assessing service quality within a high involvement, high contact, ongoing service environment. Empirical results indicated that service quality conforms to a multidimensional, hierarchical structure consisting of four primary dimensions, which in turn comprise nine sub-dimensions. The results obtained extend our understanding of service evaluation and have important implications for service providers seeking to improve the quality of the services they provide.