Abstract: Recognizing punctuation in computer-implemented speech recognition includes performing speech recognition on an utterance to produce a recognition result for the utterance. A non-verbalized punctuation mark is identified in a recognition result and the recognition result is formatted based on the identification.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for dissolving actinic oxides, the process comprising performing the steps of (a) introducing the actinic oxides into a solution of nitric acid; (b) treating the acidic solution in order to substantially remove palladium; and (c) treating with divalent silver. Preferably, the actinic oxides are comprised in spent nuclear fuel. Optionally, the process comprises a second treatment of the acidic solution in order to substantially remove palladium and a second treatment with divalent silver. The steps may be performed on a batchwise or continuous basis. The treatment to remove palladium is preferably carried out by solvent extraction or ion exchange, and provides greatly improved rates of dissolution of oxides of plutonium. The treatment with divalent silver preferably involves the addition of a source of monovalent silver, followed by an electrolysis treatment to generate divalent silver.

Abstract: Recognizing punctuation in computer-implemented speech recognition includes performing speech recognition on an utterance to produce a recognition result for the utterance. A non-verbalized punctuation mark is identified in a recognition result and the recognition result is formatted based on the identification.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for the dissolution of spent nuclear fuel pins or contaminated cladding, the method comprising contacting together the pins and both nitric and fluoroboric acids which, preferably, are present in admixture. The combination of acids dissolves both cladding and fuel at an acceptable rate and provides a solution suitable for use in subsequent purification processes such as the Purex process.

Abstract: Processes for the treatment of solutions used for the decontamination of radioactively contaminated surfaces wherein the solution contains radioactive metal ions and organic complexing agents are described herein. The processes include treating the solutions with a reagent suitable for the destruction of the complexing agent and contains a metal capable of existing in more than one oxidation state, and raising the pH of the resultant solution to a level at which the metal of the reagent precipitates or flocs out of the solution. Processes in which the contaminated solutions are treated with electromagnetic radiation, treated with UV or visible radiation, and treated at an ambient temperature are also described herein.

Abstract: A process for the electrochemical dissolution of a metallic structure having a plurality of electrically conducting components comprises utilising the structure as a sacrificial electrode in an electrochemical cell so as to dissolve at least part of the strcuture. The process is characterised in that, prior to the use of the structure as a sacrificial electrode, molten metal is allowed to solidify about the structure so as electrically to connect together the components.