Problem identification

Its substance is in setting problem forecast objectives, i.e., questions, which are necessary to answer through modeling. As a rule, they have an ecological or research nature. In the former case the problem to be solved is associated with underground water or geological environment quality protection as a whole. In the latter case, with the study of hydrogeochemical environment, its processes and their role in formation economic mineral deposits. 

In any case this problem should include time, place or conditions, for which the forecast is being performed, and those parameters, which are necessary to determine in the end of computation experiment. These results are treated as dependent variables of the modeling or output variables. Their content determines the modeling direction. As in case of forecasting, modeling problems may be direct or inverse. 

Forward modelling is intended for the forecast of changes in underground water and the host medium properties and composition as a result of changing the environment. They forecast change in water properties and content of its individual components as a result of dissolution or formation of specific minerals, evaporation, mixing, rise or fall of temperature, etc. Solution of these problems is based on specific concepts groimd water formation processes, and the input data characterize their properties and composition. 

Engineering designing process is a five-stage sequential process with stages called Problem Identification, Problem Formulation, Conceptual Designing, Preliminary Designing, and Detailed Designing.  

the cost of computer calculations is so much lower with respect to the cost of manual calculations that there is no justification for using preliminary models and following the five-stage process. Therefore, today the dominant understanding of the engineering designing process is that of a four-stage process. 

Our approach to designing is knowledge based. That means that we understand the entire process as a process of acquiring knowledge about 

When working on the problem identification, any technology-specific terms should be avoided at all costs. Such terms have the power to put our problem in a certain context and thus to significantly limit our focus to only a small part of the relevant knowledge. Consider the following example  

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Technical and Business Issues. In general, the successflil appHcation of any technology is dependent on both technical and business issues. For knowledge-based systems, six critical issues are problem identification, user acceptance, measurement of impact, appropriateness, feasibHity, and cost. 

The current and past operation should be compared so that the timing of the observed problems is estabhshed. The possible causes (hypotheses) can be compared against the measurements found on the log sheets. The number of possible causes can then be reduced. When the quantity or quahty or measurements is insufficient to further reduce the set of causes, additional measurements are required. These may require special instruments (e.g., gamma-ray scanning) not routinely usedin the plant. Alternative operating conmtions may also be required to further reduce the number of causes. As part of the problem identification, it is alwavs important to look for measurements that are inconsistent with the proposed explanation. They will be more informative than the ones justifying the hypothesized cause. Ultimately, with appropriate additional measurements, the cause can be identified. This is not an exact science and, as stated above, relies heavily upon the communication, technical, and investigative skills of analysts. 

When equipment shutdown becomes necessary, diagnostics must be precise enough to accomplish problem identification and rectification with minimal downtime. 

The Corrective Action Plan (CAP) relies on the sequential performance of activities which are conventional engineering practices. These activities include problem identification, development and evaluation of alternatives, and the implementation of the selected alternative. The three analogous phases identified in the CAP are as follows ... 

In addition to strictly quantitative measures (e.g., dollars and time), plants managers information requirements about PSM installation will very likely include specific status reports and problem identification. The information likely to be needed includes ... 

Thus, the entire thrust of a water treatment program requires a proactive approach to potential problem identification and resolution. The scope of the program should therefore be wide enough to include not only all relevant conditioning equipment and chemical treatments but also a variety of technical and operational support services. 

Most QI programs build upon an established quality assurance (QA) process. Quality assurance can be defined as a formal and systematic process in which problems in delivering health care are identified, solutions to the problems are developed and implemented, and follow-up monitoring then is carried out [30]. QA begins with problem identification. After possible sources of the problem are determined, solutions are developed and implemented. Then, the results of the intervention or solution are evaluated to determine whether or not the problem has been resolved. By incorporating a goal of continual improvement, a QA process can contribute to quality improvement activities. 

Pettersson, L. and Westerholm, R., State of the art of multi-fuel reformers for fuel cell vehicles Problem identification and research needs, Int. ]. Hydrogen Energ., 26, 243, 2001. 

R. Westerholm, L.J. Pettersson, State of the Art Multi-Fuel Reformers for Automotive Fuel Cell Applications Problem Identification and Research Needs, KFB Swedish Transport Communications Research Board, Stockholm, October 31, 1999. 

But science is neither value free nor independent. Values do and should enter into important phases of the research process such as problem identification, design of methods and experiments, model assumptions and the use of normative concepts (Alroe and Kristensen 2002). Some concepts that are widely used in agricultural research are clearly value laden. Obvious examples include sustainability, food quality, soil quality, nature quality, animal welfare, rural development and human wellbeing. Such concepts often have different meanings in different groups, discourses and research disciplines. These conceptual differences influence the kinds of... 

No single method or algorithm of optimization exists that can be applied efficiently to all problems. The method chosen for any particular case will depend primarily on (1) the character of the objective function, (2) the nature of the constraints, and (3) the number of independent and dependent variables. Table 8-6 summarizes the six general steps for tne analysis and solution of optimization problems (Edgar, Himmelblau, and Lasdon, Optimization of Chemical Processes, 2d ed., McGraw-Hill, New York, 2001). You do not have to follow the cited order exactly, but you should cover all the steps at some level of detail. Shortcuts in the procedure are allowable, and the easy steps can be performed first. Steps 1,2, and 3 deal with the mathematical definition of the problem identification of variables, specification of the objective function, and statement of the constraints. If the process to be optimized is very complex, it may be necessary to reformulate the problem so that it can be solved with reasonable effort. Later in this section, we discuss the development of mathematical models for the process and the objective function (the economic model) in typical RTO applications. 

The "classic combinations" of elements arise due to specific problem identification. Some of the elements such as silicon, iron, chromium and aluminum are from the wear of liners and rings pistons or from the air induction system and contamination. Lead, tin and aluminum are from the wear of bearings and pistons, from lack of lubrication and coolant contamination. A sudden upward change above the maximum concentration limit mentioned above of any metallic element suggests an increased wear rate, and possibly abnormal operating conditions (Erickson and Taylor, 1984). The interpretation of wear analyses is often greatly enhanced by additional tests which detect contamination of fuel, water and antifreeze. 

In the preparation stage, many of the analytical or problem identification techniques, described in the paragraphs on the continuous improvement aspects of TQM, are very useful. These methods include Ishikawa Fishbone Diagrams, Pareto Charts, and Flow Charts etc. (see Section B, 3.4). 

The management of process safety is many-faceted. The mitigation systems discussed in this book are only part of a total solution. Structured evaluation of chemical process safety is a process of continuous improvement that includes problem identification, development of proposed solutions, evaluation of solutions against established criteria, and, if appropriate, implementation of solutions. This approach is shown in Figure 1.1. 

Administrative problems are the most time-consuming ones. From problem identification until final disposal of the obsolete stockpiles, two years and more are a realistic time frame. Very often long diplomatic negotiations are necessary for a bilateral agreement between the countries where the waste has been generated and the country of final disposal. Compared to the long planning phase, the actually fieldwork is normally carried out within weeks. 

It is important to be cognizant of humidity changes and possible sample surface heating problems. Identification of all photodegradants is rarely necessary, but can be useful in understanding the mechanism(s) of photodecomposition and aid in the development of protective measures. 

This article covers problem identification and procedures for solving them, as well as practices to maintain HPLC systems in good operating condition. It also guides users of HPLC equipment to investigate the source of a malfunction through each system component, from sample preparation to detection and integration. 

And this is the crucial problem) identification versus classification. Natural groups may be indefinite with regard to their character states)... 

Retrospective review is conducted after the patient has received a medication, and the treatment is complete. Medical charts or computerized records are screened to identify patterns and trends. This may be the simplest type to perform, because large amounts of data can be reviewed quickly, and the outcomes are known. Information gained from large retrospective reviews is helpful for problem identification and initiating actions that will benefit future patients. However, inaccurate or incomplete documentation could limit the usefulness of information collected. 

Patient assessment is the basis from which a pharmaceutical care plan evolves. Problem identification and therapeutic monitoring cannot occnr nntU a thorongh assessment is complete. The initial assessment is also the basis for evalnating response to therapy throughout the course of treatment. Psychiatric assessment requires sensitivity and good listening skills on the part of the clinician because it is based primarily on a subjective interview and not objective tests. With careful data collection, clinicians can make substantial contributions to care that improve patient outcomes. 

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