Academic literature on the topic 'Analytical indicators'

International evidence indicates that school systems need to change in order to tackle early school leaving and improve social inclusion in education and society. Policy-makers and school actors require practical tools to assist them in this process, made all the more urgent by the EU2020 headline target to reduce early school leaving. This report develops such practical tools; it is designed to inform strategic policy and practice by offering an innovative framework of structural indicators for early school leaving prevention and inclusion in school. It draws upon key European Council and Commission policy documents on early school leaving prevention, and also on the Paris Declaration 2015 on promoting common values of freedom, tolerance and non-discrimination through education, which includes a focus on social marginalization.

Two case studies are described where partially biodegraded petroleum residues were collected from the marine environment and analysed to investigate the changes in aromatic hydrocarbons with increasing biodegradation.The first of these studies, involved following the weathering of sea-floor residues from drilling discharges from an offshore petroleum exploration and production platform situated off the coast of North Western Australia. During operations, formation cuttings with adhering oil-based drilling muds were discharged into the ocean via a chute into approximately 125n1 of water, forming a substantial mound at the base of the platform. A suite of seabed sediments was collected from 16 sampling sites at various distances from the platform immediately following the cessation of drilling operations. The distribution of hydrocarbons in the sediment directly under tile cuttings chute was consistent with that found in drilling fluids formulated from a kerosene-like fluid. The samples from more remote sites exhibited the successive enhancement of an unresolved complex mixture relative to the n-alkanes, associated with tile presence of residues from petroleum biodegradation processes. In a subsequent sampling some three years later, a 10 cm core was retrieved from the cuttings pile and divided into 1 cm depth intervals. Samples within 6 cm of the surface of the cuttings pile contained biodegraded residues of the drilling mud, where the extent of biodegradation increased with decreasing proximity to the surface, most likely indicative of aerobic biodegradation. Biodegradation was less evident in the underlying sediments, where anaerobic conditions prevailed.<br>Analysis of the aromatic hydrocarbons in both sets of sediment extracts by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed the successive depletion of alkylnaphthalenes, and due to the subtlety of changes in the extent of biodegradation, provided an excellent opportunity to examine the susceptibility of biodegradation towards the individual alkylnaphthalenes in the marine environment. Conventional GC-MS analysis of these mixtures is performed under chromatographic conditions where complete resolution of the mixture is not achieved and several isomers co-elute. The mass spectra of these co-eluting isomers may be so similar that one is unable to differentiate between them, and their abundance may therefore not be determined. Since each isomer has a unique infrared spectrum, however, the abundance of each individual isomer was determined by comparing the infrared spectrum of the co-eluting compounds with the spectrum of each of the isomers. To this end, techniques were developed for the application of direct-deposition gas chromatography - Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (GCFTIR) to the analysis of the complex mixture of alkylnaphthalenes present in the petroleum. This technique was also extended to discriminate between individual alkylphenanthrene isomers, and to clarify the sorption behaviour of the dimethylphenanthrenes by mordenite molecular sieves. The identification of other compounds of geochemical significance in petroleum is also described.<br>Analyses of' the aromatic hydrocarbons in the contaminated sea-floor sediments using GC-FTIR enabled the unambiguous identification and quantification of each of the dimethylnaphthalene, trimethylnaphthalene and tetramethylnaphthalene isomers present in the samples, from which the relative extents of depletion of each with increasing extent of biodegradation were determined. It was apparent from the considerable differences in the observed susceptibility to biodegradation that a strong relationship exists between the compound structure and its susceptibility to biodegradation, with 1,6-disubstituted polymethylnaphthalenes being preferentially depleted relative to other isomers that lack this feature. The second case study involved tracking the fate (weathering) of hydrocarbons from an accidental release of condensate from a buried pipeline into intertidal coastal (mangrove) sediments in North Western Australia. Sediment samples were collected on nine occasions over a three-year period. Chemical analysis of the saturated and aromatic hydrocarbon components of the petroleum extracts revealed that both hydrocarbon fractions exhibited an increasingly biodegraded profile with increased residence time in the sediments. In a similar manner to the first case study, detailed analysis of the aromatic hydrocarbons using GC-FTIR techniques was performed to determine the depletion of individual alkylnaphthalene isomers with increasing extent of biodegradation. It was apparent that a relationship similar to that observed for the sea-floor sediments exists between the alkylnaphthalene structure and its susceptibility to biodegradation.<br>Changes in the distribution of methylphenanthrene and dimethylphenanthrene isomer mixtures were also studied and the susceptibility to biodegradation amongst these determined in a similar manner. These relative susceptibilities to biodegradation of the aromatic hydrocarbons were then related to the established hierarchy of susceptibilities of the saturated hydrocarbons, in effect providing a second parallel system for the assessment of the extent of biodegradation. Finally, a system of ratios calculated from the relative abundances of selected aromatic hydrocarbons was developed and used as indicators to differentiate between several crude oils that have been biodegraded to varying extents. These parameters also offer promise as indicators of multiple accumulation events in oil reservoirs where petroleum fluids biodegraded to differing extents are mixed.

Irgarol 1051 is a common antifoulant toxic to certain marine organisms. Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) are exposed to this herbicide when it leaches into the marine environment from painted structures, making SAVs ideal candidates to function as sentinel indicator of contamination. In the initial stage of this study, Coconut Grove and Key Largo Harbor were assessed for environmental exposure to Irgarol. Water, sediment and SAVs were collected, the latter two subject to automated solid phase extraction, and all samples analyzed by GC/MS-SIM for Irgarol and its metabolite, M1. Of the vegetation analyzed, Halodule and Syringodium had the highest capacity to bioaccumulate Irgarol and M1. The root system and leaf contributed negligibly and significantly, respectively, to Irgarol uptake. In the final stage, a transplant between Coconut Grove and Chicken Key showed that the biota Thalassia and Halodule were able to uptake and depurate Irgarol, respectively, over a period of 30 days.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2000.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this paper the effectiveness of "transplanting" a particular methodology of a probabilistic approach is assessed in a South African economic context. The methodology makes use of leading indicators which are used in regression models, with a dichotomous response variable, assuming values of 0 or 1 to indicate expansion or contraction of economic activity. The backbone of the study closely replicates the work of Nazmi (1993) and his work on turning point prediction. The recorded results indicate an ability of the model to accurately forecast businesscycle turning points in the 1980s. In the period of the 1990s, the model displays a diminished capacity to forecast the turning points with acceptable accuracy. Leading indicators, in the South African experience, show a reliable leading relationship to the composite coincident index in the current study period between 1970 and 1980 and thereafter this relationship decreases, impacting negatively upon the forecasting ability of the model.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie studie word die doeltreffende 'oorplanting' van 'n bepaalde metodologie van 'n waarskynlikheidsbenadering tot ekonomiese vooruitskatting in 'n Suid-Afrikaanse konteks assesseer. Die metodologie benut leidende aanwysers wat in regressiemodelle gebruik word, met 'n tweeledige responsveranderlike wat die waardes 0 of 1 aanneem om die uitbreiding of inkrimping van ekonomiese aktiwiteit aan te dui. Die kern van hierdie studie reflekteer tot 'n groot mate die werk van Nader Nazmi oor draaipunt voorspellings. Resultate toon aan dat Nazmi se model wel sakesiklusse se draaipunte akkuraat voorspel het gedurende die 1980's. Gedurende die 1990's het hierdie model se voorspeIlingsakkuraatheid egter afgeneem. In die Suid-Afrikaanse omstandighede dui leidende/rigtinggewende aanwysers op 'n betroubare verhouding wat betref die saamgestelde meelopende indeks vir die tydperk 1970 tot 1980 in die onderhawige studie. Daarna is daar 'n afname in die verhouding, wat 'n negatiewe impak het op die voorspellingsvermoe van die model. In hierdie studie word die doeltreffende 'oorplanting' van 'n bepaalde metodologie van 'n waarskynlikheidsbenadering tot ekonomiese vooruitskatting in 'n Suid-Afrikaanse konteks assesseer. Die metodologie benut leidende aanwysers wat in regressiemodelle gebruik word, met 'n tweeledige responsveranderlike wat die waardes 0 of 1 aanneem om die uitbreiding of inkrimping van ekonomiese aktiwiteit aan te dui. Die kern van hierdie studie reflekteer tot 'n groot mate die werk van Nader Nazmi oor draaipunt voorspellings. Resultate toon aan dat Nazmi se model wel sakesiklusse se draaipunte akkuraat voorspel het gedurende die 1980's. Gedurende die 1990's het hierdie model se voorspeIlingsakkuraatheid egter afgeneem. In die Suid-Afrikaanse omstandighede dui leidende/rigtinggewende aanwysers op 'n betroubare verhouding wat betref die saamgestelde meelopende indeks vir die tydperk 1970 tot 1980 in die onderhawige studie. Daarna is daar 'n afname in die verhouding, wat 'n negatiewe impak het op die voorspellingsvermoe van die model.

In this thesis, simple methods to determine sulfide at low levels (µg L-1) in aqueous samples and sediments by water free hydrogen sulfide vapor generation using a commercially available vapor generation accessory have been developed. The hydrogen sulfide is then introduced in the ICP-QMS, equipped with an octopole collision/reaction cell which is vented with hydrogen and helium gases, or in the ICP-AES where the optical path between the plasma and the monochromator is purged with nitrogen. Moreover some studies have been conducted for the determination of arsenic by ICP-MS in natural waters with high sodium and chloride content. Spectral and non spectral interferences on arsenic measurement have been investigated and different experiments have been developed to solve such interferences (optimizations of the cell collision conditions, arithmetic corrections, introduction of small amounts of alcohol). Finally, the use of the DGT technique (diffusive gradients in thin films) has been evaluated in acidic samples and mining wastes for the firs time.<br>En aquesta tesi, s’han desenvolupat mètodes senzills per a la determinació de sulfur a baixes concentracions (µg L-1) en mostres aquoses i sediments mitjançant la generació de sulfur d’hidrogen, utilitzant un accessori de generació d’hidrurs comercial. Un cop format el sulfur d’hidrogen, aquest es pot introduir a l’ICP-QMS, equipat amb una cel•la de col•lisió/reacció o a l’ICP-AES amb el pas entre el plasma i el monocromador purgat amb nitrogen. També s’han fet alguns estudis per determinar arsènic amb ICP-MS en aigües naturals amb alt contingut de sodi i clor. S’han estudiat les interferències espectrals i no espectrals sobre aquest element i s’han dut a terme diferents experiments per a resoldre-les (optimització de la cel•la de col•lisió, aplicació de correccions matemàtiques, introducció de petites quantitats d’alcohol). Finalment, s’ha avaluat l’ús de la tècnica de DGT (diffusive gradients in thin films) en mostres àcides (pHs de 5 a 10) i residus de mineria per primera vegada.

The diploma thesis is focudes on the assessment of economic situation of the company ConTeyor Czech Republic s.r.o. The thesis is divided into three main parts, namely the theoretical basis of the work, analytical part and final proposals that could means improvement. Economic and statistical indicators are used for the overall assessment the situation. The financial statements of the analyzed company for the period 2010 – 2019 are the main basis.

Аналітика – інструмент для розроблення та правильного підтримання програмних продуктів. Системи аналітики є актуальними для усіх пост-релізних етапах розробки гри – від збору аналітики для визначення залученості гравців на початкових етапах, до збору аналітики для розробки оновлень. Мета роботи – проаналізувати існуючі системи аналітки, та на основі дослідження розробити систему аналітики, яка б легко інтегрувалась в будь-яку гру, розроблену за допомогою C#, та відображала дані в зручному для розробника вигляді. Записка містить 64 сторінки, 29 рисунків, 4 додатки та 14 посилань.<br>Analytics is a tool for developing and properly maintaining software products. Analytics systems are relevant for all post – release stages of game development-from collecting analytics to determining player engagement in the initial stages, to collecting analytics to develop updates. The aim of the work is to analyze existing analytics systems, and based on the research, develop an analytics system that would easily integrate into any game developed using C#, and display data in a convenient form for the developer. The note contains 64 pages, 29 Figures, 4 attachments and 14 links.<br>Аналитика - инструмент для разработки и правильного поддержания программных продуктов. Системы аналитики актуальны для всех пост-релизных этапах разработки игры - от сбора аналитики для определения вовлеченности игроков на начальных этапах, к сбору аналитики для разработки обновлений. Цель работы - проанализировать существующие системы Аналитки, и на основе исследования разработать систему аналитики, которая легко интегрировалась в любую игру, разработанную с помощью C #, и отражала данные в удобном для разработчика виде. Записка содержит 64 страницы, 29 рисунков, 4 приложения и 14 ссылок.

An automated on-line SPE-LC-MS/MS method was developed for the quantitation of multiple classes of antibiotics in environmental waters. High sensitivity in the low ng/L range was accomplished by using large volume injections with 10-mL of sample. Positive confirmation of analytes was achieved using two selected reaction monitoring (SRM) transitions per antibiotic and quantitation was performed using an internal standard approach. Samples were extracted using online solid phase extraction, then using column switching technique; extracted samples were immediately passed through liquid chromatography and analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry. The total run time per each sample was 20 min. The statistically calculated method detection limits for various environmental samples were between 1.2 and 63 ng/L. Furthermore, the method was validated in terms of precision, accuracy and linearity. The developed analytical methodology was used to measure the occurrence of antibiotics in reclaimed waters (n=56), surface waters (n=53), ground waters (n=8) and drinking waters (n=54) collected from different parts of South Florida. In reclaimed waters, the most frequently detected antibiotics were nalidixic acid, erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole and ofloxacin (19.3-604.9 ng/L). Detection of antibiotics in reclaimed waters indicates that they can’t be completely removed by conventional wastewater treatment process. Furthermore, the average mass loads of antibiotics released into the local environment through reclaimed water were estimated as 0.248 Kg/day. Among the surface waters samples, Miami River (reaching up to 580 ng/L) and Black Creek canal (up to 124 ng/L) showed highest concentrations of antibiotics. No traces of antibiotics were found in ground waters. On the other hand, erythromycin (monitored as anhydro erythromycin) was detected in 82% of the drinking water samples (n.d-66 ng/L). The developed approach is suitable for both research and monitoring applications. Major metabolites of antibiotics in reclaimed wates were identified and quantified using high resolution benchtop Q-Exactive orbitrap mass spectrometer. A phase I metabolite of erythromycin was tentatively identified in full scan based on accurate mass measurement. Using extracted ion chromatogram (XIC), high resolution data-dependent MS/MS spectra and metabolic profiling software the metabolite was identified as desmethyl anhydro erythromycin with molecular formula C36H63NO12 and m/z 702.4423. The molar concentration of the metabolite to erythromycin was in the order of 13 %. To my knowledge, this is the first known report on this metabolite in reclaimed water. Another compound acetyl-sulfamethoxazole, a phase II metabolite of sulfamethoxazole was also identified in reclaimed water and mole fraction of the metabolite represent 36 %, of the cumulative sulfamethoxazole concentration. The results were illustrating the importance to include metabolites also in the routine analysis to obtain a mass balance for better understanding of the occurrence, fate and distribution of antibiotics in the environment. Finally, all the antibiotics detected in reclaimed and surface waters were investigated to assess the potential risk to the aquatic organisms. The surface water antibiotic concentrations that represented the real time exposure conditions revealed that the macrolide antibiotics, erythromycin, clarithromycin and tylosin along with quinolone antibiotic, ciprofloxacin were suspected to induce high toxicity to aquatic biota. Preliminary results showing that, among the antibiotic groups tested, macrolides posed the highest ecological threat, and therefore, they may need to be further evaluated with, long-term exposure studies considering bioaccumulation factors and more number of species selected. Overall, the occurrence of antibiotics in aquatic environment is posing an ecological health concern.