Measurement interpretation of results

In Chapter 1 a general pattern for analytical procedures was introduced and the various stages of an analysis identified as sampling pretreatment separation or masking measurement interpretation of results. Subsequent chapters have dealt with separation methods, measurement techniques and the interpretation of results in more detail. It remains to examine sampling more closely and to consider, by way of example, some overall analytical schemes. 

Schober, S. 2005. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) Environmental Biomonitoring Measures, Interpretation of Results. Presented at the Second Meeting on Human Biomonitoring for Environmental Toxicants, April 28, 2005, Washington, DC. 

At the micro-scale level, there really is no way to measure concentration fluc tuations. Resort must be made to other qualitative interpretation of results for either a process or a chemical reac tion studv. 

Understanding the positions of sample and other measurement locations within the equipment is also important. The presence or absence of isolation valves needs to be identified. While isolation valves may be too large for effective sampling, their absence will require that pipe fitters add them such that sample valves can be connected. This must be done in advance of any test. If analysts assume that samples are from a liquid stream when they are vapor or that temperature measurements are within a bed instead of outside it, interpretation of results could be corrupted. Analysts should also develop an understanding of control transmitters and stations. The connection between these two may be difficult to identify at this level in fully computer-controlled units. 

The measurement of filth elements by microanalysis is a valuable adjunct in the enforcement of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and serves as an efficient means of evaluating conditions of cleanliness, decency, and sanitation in food-producing plants. This, of course, is in addition to the value of microanalytical methods in the determination of the fitness of foods as they reach the consumer. The techniques available, together with proficiency of manipulation, repeated references to authentic materials, and sound judgment in the interpretation of results, provide effective enforcement weapons in the constant war to prevent the production and interstate distribution of products which are unfit for the table of the American consumer. 

The pursuit of operations research consists of (a) the judgment phase (what are the problems ), (b) the research phase (how to solve these problems), and (c) the decision phase (how to act on the finding and eliminate the problems). These phases require the evaluation of objectives, analysis of an operation and the collection of evidence and resources to be committed to the study, the (mathematical) formulation of problems, the construction of theoretical models and selection of measures of effectiveness to test the models in practice, the making and testing of hypotheses as to how well a model represents the problem, prediction, refinement of the model, and the interpretation of results (usually as possible alternatives) with their respective values (payoff). The decision-maker generally combines the findings of the... 

As pointed out above, accumulatory pressure and weight loss measurements usually refer to the total reaction. When there are several volatile products, it is necessary to identify all components and investigate progressive changes in gas composition. Quantitative determinations of the amounts of each product (EGA) should, ideally, be combined with measurements of the total extent of reaction, although Gam [143] has recommended caution in the interpretation of results from simultaneous measurements. 

Let us note that this definition of y breaks the limits of the Kielson-Storer model and can cause a few contradictions in interpretation of results. If the measured cross-section oj appears to be greater than oo, then, according to (3.45), the sought y does not exist. To be exact, this assertion is valid relative to the cross-section of the rotational energy relaxation oe = (1 — y2)oot since y2 is always positive. As to oj, taking into account the domain of negative values of y, corresponding to the anticorrelated case (see Chapter 2), formula (3.45) fails to define y when oj > 2co. 

The rate of urine amylase excretion is a sensitive reflection of the amylase released into the blood. The urine amylase remains abnormal 1-2 weeks after the serum returns to normal because the renal clearance of amylase rises 3-fold in acute pancreatitis and takes 1-2 weeks to return to normal. In pancreatitis, a number of investigators have reported a higher percentage of urinary amylase elevations, as contrasted with serum amylase elevations, particularly when the urinary amylase output over an interval is measured. Random urine collections for one, two and 24 hours are 792-4264 (2926 1074 S.D.) units per 24 hours. However, the wide range of normals make interpretation of results difficult. Of 107 patients with elevated serum or urine amylases, 16 were found to have a normal pancreas at operation (78). 

The most common mechanical property of cements that has been measured routinely is compressive strength (Polakowski Kipling, 1966). Measurement is easy to carry out but there are several reasons to consider that the results from the technique are unsatisfactory. Interpretation of results is uncertain because of the complexities in the mode of failure. Minor imperfections in the material lead to localized stress concentrations which affect the magnitude of the result. 

With respect to sampling, sufficient numbers of environmental samples should be obtained to permit reliable statistical and biologic Interpretation of results. At the same time, the samples collected should be from environmental locations where human exposure Is most likely to occur (or did occur. If questions of past exposures require assessment). They should also be targeted for those environmental media which can be expected to have the greatest potential for human exposure and absorption. Finally, the samples must be obtained and preserved so that the chemicals which pose the greatest threat for human health In terms of toxicity and tissue persistence can be accurately measured. 

The possibilities for combining thermoanalytical methods like TG with other techniques and to carry out such measurements in certain cases simultaneously are increasing. This is of great significance for the easier and sometimes unambiguous interpretation of results. 

As a practical matter of cost, studies on solvent isotope effects are usually limited to D/H substituted solvents, although recently a few lsO solvent effects have been measured. Interpretation of enzymatic solvent isotope effects is even more complicated than it is when the isotopic probe is incorporated in the substrate(s). This is because enzyme proteins have many exchangeable protons and, also, this is frequently true for reactants (substrates). Thus the observed isotope effect is the collective result of many different isotopic substitutions, each of which may influence... 

Abstract Delivery of nicotine in the most desirable form is critical in maintaining people s use of tobacco products. Interpretation of results by tobacco industry scientists, studies that measure free-base nicotine directly in tobacco smoke, and the variability of free-base nicotine in smokeless tobacco products all indicate that the form of nicotine delivered to the tobacco user, in addition to the total amount, is an important factor in whether people continue to use the product following their initial exposure. The physiological impact of nicotine varies with the fraction that is in the free-base form and this leads to continued exposure to other toxic tobacco contents... 

SEC is a very useful method. It is evident that it substantially influenced recent progress in both polymer science and technology. The SEC measinements are simple, fast, repeatable, and rather economic. The method, however, conceals several pitfalls. These are hidden in the measurements, in the data processing, and in the interpretation of results. Unfortunately, some SEC shortages are... 

The Rayleigh velocity of the fibres and the matrix were measured in this study, and had average values of 3074 ms"1 for the matrix (cf. the value for titanium in Table 6.3), 6610 m s"1 for the /3-SiC in the fibres (somewhat higher than the range of values for most other solids), and 2766 ms"1 in the carbon core. Such measurements played an important part in the interpretation of results in the very extensive study from which these pictures... 

Change in the geometry of measurement in abrasiveness tests is very important and should be considered in the measuring routine. Neglecting this factor may lead to entirely wrong interpretation of results. 

Mechanical Destruction of Materials under Load and the Influence on Interpretation of Results of Measurement... 

Palmquist (1957) was the first to make use of the deformation developing around the Vickers pyramid indentation as an aid in the interpretation of results. The Palmquist test consists of determining the resistance of brittle materials to propagation of the cracks appearing at the corners of the Vickers pyramid mapping on a polished surface. The measured value, defined as Palmquist toughness, is given by the formula... 

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