Risk assessment handbook

The Probabilistic Risk Assessment Unit at EG G Idaho has developed this handbook to provide guidance to a facility manager exploring the potential benefit to be gained by performance of a risk assessment properly scoped to meet local needs. This document is designed to help the manager control the resources expended commensurate with the risks being managed and to assure that the products can be used programmatically to support future needs in order to derive maximum beneflt from the resources expended. We present a logical and functional mapping scheme between several discrete phases of project definition to ensure that a potential customer, working with an analyst, is able to define the areas of interest and that appropriate methods are employed in the analysis. In addition the handbook is written to provide a high-level perspective for the analyst. Previously, the needed information was either scattered or existed only in the minds of experienced analysts. By compiling this information and exploring the breadth of knowledge which exists within the members of the PRA Unit, the functional relationships between the customers' needs and the product have been established

Evaluation of new products by New Zealand supermarket retail grocery buyers

Little has been written about the evaluative aspects of new product decisions within the broad reseller market. Reports a study, prior to which no known information existed about New Zealand retail grocery buyers' evaluations of new products, procedures followed or importance attached to various criteria as pertaining acceptance or rejection decisions. Fourteen in-depth interviews with management and buyers, and a subsequent mail questionnaire to 47 potential respondents involving their assessment of the importance attached to criteria in accept or reject decisions were undertaken. Results suggest the application of both “hard” and “soft” core sets of criteria which embody the evaluation of product, supplier and presenter. These criteria are applied to as many as 2,000 products per year, most of which are at the “duplication” end of the new product continuum. Ranks of criteria, and hence assumed central importance, vary depending on the treatment applied, though not a great deal of variation between buyers is suggested. While this may be the case, the company one represents and the use or non-use of a ranging committee seemingly play a determining influence

Effects of inert dust on olive (Olea europaea L.) leaf physiological parameters

Background. Cement factories are major pollutants for the surrounding areas. Inert dust deposition has been found to affect photosynthesis, stomatal functioning and productivity. Very few studies have been conducted on the effects of cement kiln dust on the physiology of perennial fruit crops. Our goal was to study some cement dust effects on olive leaf physiology. Methods. Cement kiln dust has been applied periodically since April 2003 onto olive leaves. Cement dust accumulation and various leaf physiological parameters were evaluated early in July 2003. Measurements were also taken on olive trees close to the cement factory. Results. Leaf dry matter content and specific leaf weight increased with leaf age and dust content. Cement dust decreased leaf total chlorophyll content and chlorophyll a/chlorophyll b ratio. As a result, photosynthetic rate and quantum yield decreased. In addition, transpiration rate slightly decreased, stomatal conductance to H2O and CO2 movement decreased, internal CO2 concentration remained constant and leaf temperature increased. Discussion. The changes in chlorophyll are possibly due to shading and/or photosystem damage. The changes in stomatal functioning were possibly due to dust accumulation between the peltates or other effects on stomata. Conclusions. Dust (in this case from a cement kiln) seems to cause substantial changes to leaf physiology, possibly leading to reduced olive productivity. Recommendations. Avoidance of air contamination from cement factories by using available technology should be examined together with any possible methodologies to reduce plant tissue contamination from cement dust. Perspectives. Longterm effects of dust (from cement kiln or other sources) on olive leaf, plant productivity and nutritional quality of edible parts could be studied for conclusive results on dust contamination effects to perennial crops