Comparisons among calibration instruments in the CALDEX accountancy tank calibration

An experiment known as the CALibration Demonstration EXercise (CALDEX) has tested volume, weight, and level measurement instruments in a 12,500-{ell} annular vessel. Data from this experiment were statistically analyzed in the following ways: Data from various high-precision differential pressure gauges, liquid-level determination instruments, and weight devices were analyzed and compared; Incremental inputs to the tank, determined by a high-precision balance and rotary piston meter, were compared with load cell measurements and found to agree; and Data from precision pressure gauges did not vary significantly among gauges; data from capacitive level measurement instruments did not vary either. However, data from the sonic probe were not consistent enough to make comparison meaningful. 3 refs., 3 figs., 3 tabs

Analyse de l'evolution a long terme des equilibres de la biosphere

SIGLECNRS RP 185 (1895) / INIST-CNRS - Institut de l'Information Scientifique et TechniqueFRFranc

Patterns of globalized reproduction: Egg cells regulation in Israel and Austria

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Since the successful introduction of <it>in vitro </it>fertilization in 1978, medically assisted reproduction (MAR) has proliferated in multiple clinical innovations. Consequently, egg cells have become an object of demand for both infertility treatment and stem cell research, and this raises complex legal, ethical, social and economic issues.</p> <p>In this paper we compare how the procurement and use of human egg cells is regulated in two countries: Israel and Austria. Israel is known for its scientific leadership, generous public funding, high utilization and liberal regulation of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Austria lies at the other extreme of the regulatory spectrum in terms of restrictions on reproductive interventions.</p> <p>In both countries, however, there is a constant increase in the use of the technology, and recent legal developments make egg cells more accessible. Also, in both countries the scarcity of egg cells in concert with the rising demand for donations has led to the emergence of cross-border markets and global 'reproductive tourism' practices. In Israel, in particular, a scandal known as the 'eggs affair' was followed by regulation that allowed egg cell donations from outside the country under certain conditions.</p> <p>Cross-border markets are developed by medical entrepreneurs, driven by global economic gaps, made possible by trans-national regulatory lacunae and find expression as consumer demand. The transnational practice of egg cell donations indicates the emergence of a global public health issue, but there is a general lack of medical and epidemiological data on its efficacy and safety. We conclude that there is need for harmonisation of domestic laws and formulation of new instruments for international governance.</p