Pediatric CT: how to compare the Present DRL Values? : 12.10

Purpose: To determine dose thresholds, in term of CTDIvol, where subtle anatomical structures of pediatric CT images becomes no more detectable and compare them to the most recent Reference Dose Levels (DRL) proposed in the UK, Germany and Switzerland. Materials and methods: A GE LightSpeed-Ultra scanner (MSCT 8 slices) was used to perform chest and abdomen acquisitions on 8 patients (age range 2 to 16 years old) to provide a set of gold standard images. Dose reductions were then simulated by introducing image noise on raw data to provide simulated CT images with CTDIvol ranging from 2 to 22 mGy. All images were reviewed and scored independently by four experienced radiologists using the VGA methodology (Visual Grading Analysis) to determine the dose threshold where a significant loss of normal anatomy conspicuity appeared. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests, a p >0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: No significant difference in VGA scoring appeared for CTDIvol leading to image noise levels lower than 10 and 25 HU for respectively abdominal and chest acquisitions. These data can thus be used to set the AEC (automatic exposure control) system of units having similar noise properties than the GE LightSpeed-Ultra used in this study. The present DRLs proposed for pediatric CT acquisitions are compatible with an excellent image quality level. Conclusion: The differences of DRL values proposed in Europe for pediatric acquisitions are marginal and assure a very good image quality level. The results of this study allow to further optimize the acquisition protocol by giving Noise Index value to set the AEC device.

Development of a Computer Controlled Underbody Plow: TR412, Final Report, January 2006

Underbody plows can be very useful tools in winter maintenance, especially when compacted snow or hard ice must be removed from the roadway. By the application of significant down-force, and the use of an appropriate cutting edge angle, compacted snow and ice can be removed very effectively by such plows, with much greater efficiency than any other tool under those circumstances. However, the successful operation of an underbody plow requires considerable skill. If too little down pressure is applied to the plow, then it will not cut the ice or compacted snow. However, if too much force is applied, then either the cutting edge may gouge the road surface, causing significant damage often to both the road surface and the plow, or the plow may ride up on the cutting edge so that it is no longer controllable by the operator. Spinning of the truck in such situations is easily accomplished. Further, excessive down force will result in rapid wear of the cutting edge. Given this need for a high level of operator skill, the operation of an underbody plow is a candidate for automation. In order to successfully automate the operation of an underbody plow, a control system must be developed that follows a set of rules that represent appropriate operation of such a plow. These rules have been developed, based upon earlier work in which operational underbody plows were instrumented to determine the loading upon them (both vertical and horizontal) and the angle at which the blade was operating.These rules have been successfully coded into two different computer programs, both using the MatLab® software. In the first program, various load and angle inputs are analyzed to determine when, whether, and how they violate the rules of operation. This program is essentially deterministic in nature. In the second program, the Simulink® package in the MatLab® software system was used to implement these rules using fuzzy logic. Fuzzy logic essentially replaces a fixed and constant rule with one that varies in such a way as to improve operational control. The development of the fuzzy logic in this simulation was achieved simply by using appropriate routines in the computer software, rather than being developed directly. The results of the computer testing and simulation indicate that a fully automated, computer controlled underbody plow is indeed possible. The issue of whether the next steps toward full automation should be taken (and by whom) has also been considered, and the possibility of some sort of joint venture between a Department of Transportation and a vendor has been suggested.

Joint Enrollment Report, 2011

The Iowa Department of Education collects information on joint enrollment in Iowa’s 15 community colleges. Jointly enrolled students are high school students enrolled in community college credit coursework. Most jointly enrolled students enroll through Senior Year Plus programs such as PSEO (Postsecondary Enrollment Options) and concurrent enrollment. Others enroll independently by paying tuition or enrolling in courses delivered through contractual agreements that do not meet the definition of concurrent enrollment. For more information about Senior Year Plus programs, please refer to the department’s website. This report consists of fiscal year and trend data on joint enrollment including headcount enrollment, credit hours, student demographics, and enrollment by program type and offering arrangement. All data included in this report is taken from the Community College Management Information System (MIS) and confirmed by each college, unless otherwise noted.

Iowa Community Colleges Student Enrollment Report, December 2000

The Iowa community colleges transmit the Fall 2000 enrollments to the Department of Education after the 14th day of the fall term start date. All data in this report, except where noted, are taken from the Management Information System (MIS) electronic data files and are confirmed by the community college transmittal sheet. The Fall 2000 unduplicated credit headcount enrollment of 65,473 demonstrates an increase of 3 percent over Fall 1999 enrollment of 63,809.

Iowa Community Colleges Student Enrollment Report, December 2007

Iowa Community Colleges transmit fall enrollment data to the Department of Education after the 14th day of the fall term start date. All data included in this report, except where noted, are taken from the Management Information System (MIS) electronic data files and are confirmed by the community college.

Iowa Community Colleges Student Fall Enrollment Report, December 2009

Iowa Community Colleges transmit fall enrollment data to the Department of Education after the 14th day of the fall term start date. All data included in this report, except where noted, are taken from the Management Information System (MIS) electronic data files and are confirmed by the community college.

Iowa Community Colleges Student Fall Enrollment Report, December 2001

Iowa Community Colleges transmit fall enrollment data to the Department of Education after the 14th day of the fall term start date. All data included in this report, except where noted, are taken from the Management Information System (MIS) electronic data files and are confirmed by the community college.

Iowa Community Colleges Student Fall Enrollment Report, December 2003

Iowa Community Colleges transmit fall enrollment data to the Department of Education after the 14th day of the fall term start date. All data included in this report, except where noted, are taken from the Management Information System (MIS) electronic data files and are confirmed by the community college.

Iowa Community Colleges Student Fall Enrollment Report, November 2003

Iowa Community Colleges transmit fall enrollment data to the Department of Education after the 14th day of the fall term start date. All data included in this report, except where noted, are taken from the Management Information System (MIS) electronic data files and are confirmed by the community college.

Iowa Community Colleges Student Fall Enrollment Report, November 2003

Iowa Community Colleges transmit fall enrollment data to the Department of Education after the 14th day of the fall term start date. All data included in this report, except where noted, are taken from the Management Information System (MIS) electronic data files and are confirmed by the community college.

Iowa Community Colleges Student Fall Enrollment Report, December 2004

Iowa Community Colleges transmit fall enrollment data to the Department of Education after the 14th day of the fall term start date. All data included in this report, except where noted, are taken from the Management Information System (MIS) electronic data files and are confirmed by the community college.

Iowa Community Colleges Student Fall Enrollment Report, February 2006

Iowa Community Colleges transmit fall enrollment data to the Department of Education after the 14th day of the fall term start date. All data included in this report, except where noted, are taken from the Management Information System (MIS) electronic data files and are confirmed by the community college.

Iowa Community Colleges Student Fall Enrollment Report, Fall 2005

Iowa Community Colleges transmit fall enrollment data to the Department of Education after the 14th day of the fall term start date. All data included in this report, except where noted, are taken from the Management Information System (MIS) electronic data files and are confirmed by the community college.

Iowa Community Colleges Student Fall Enrollment Report, November 18, 2014

Iowa Community Colleges transmit fall enrollment data to the Department of Education after the 14th day of the fall term start date. All data included in this report, except where noted, are taken from the Management Information System (MIS) electronic data files and are confirmed by the community college.

Iowa Community Colleges Student Fall Enrollment Report, July 2008

Iowa Community Colleges transmit fall enrollment data to the Department of Education after the 14th day of the fall term start date. All data included in this report, except where noted, are taken from the Management Information System (MIS) electronic data files and are confirmed by the community college.