Atmospheric optical calibration system

DOEpatents

Hulstrom, R.L.; Cannon, T.W.

1988-10-25

An atmospheric optical calibration system is provided to compare actual atmospheric optical conditions to standard atmospheric optical conditions on the basis of aerosol optical depth, relative air mass, and diffuse horizontal skylight to global horizontal photon flux ratio. An indicator can show the extent to which the actual conditions vary from standard conditions. Aerosol scattering and absorption properties, diffuse horizontal skylight to global horizontal photon flux ratio, and precipitable water vapor determined on a real-time basis for optical and pressure measurements are also used to generate a computer spectral model and for correcting actual performance response of a photovoltaic device to standard atmospheric optical condition response on a real-time basis as the device is being tested in actual outdoor conditions. 7 figs.

Atmospheric optical calibration system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hulstrom, R.L.; Cannon, T.W.

1988-10-25

An atmospheric optical calibration system is provided to compare actual atmospheric optical conditions to standard atmospheric optical conditions on the basis of aerosol optical depth, relative air mass, and diffuse horizontal skylight to global horizontal photon flux ratio. An indicator can show the extent to which the actual conditions vary from standard conditions. Aerosol scattering and absorption properties, diffuse horizontal skylight to global horizontal photon flux ratio, and precipitable water vapor determined on a real-time basis for optical and pressure measurements are also used to generate a computer spectral model and for correcting actual performance response of a photovoltaic devicemore » to standard atmospheric optical condition response on a real-time basis as the device is being tested in actual outdoor conditions. 7 figs.« less

Performance analysis of the ascent propulsion system of the Apollo spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hooper, J. C., III

1973-01-01

Activities involved in the performance analysis of the Apollo lunar module ascent propulsion system are discussed. A description of the ascent propulsion system, including hardware, instrumentation, and system characteristics, is included. The methods used to predict the inflight performance and to establish performance uncertainties of the ascent propulsion system are discussed. The techniques of processing the telemetered flight data and performing postflight performance reconstruction to determine actual inflight performance are discussed. Problems that have been encountered and results from the analysis of the ascent propulsion system performance during the Apollo 9, 10, and 11 missions are presented.

Performance evaluation of the croissant production line with reparable machines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsarouhas, Panagiotis H.

2015-03-01

In this study, the analytical probability models for an automated serial production system, bufferless that consists of n-machines in series with common transfer mechanism and control system was developed. Both time to failure and time to repair a failure are assumed to follow exponential distribution. Applying those models, the effect of system parameters on system performance in actual croissant production line was studied. The production line consists of six workstations with different numbers of reparable machines in series. Mathematical models of the croissant production line have been developed using Markov process. The strength of this study is in the classification of the whole system in states, representing failures of different machines. Failure and repair data from the actual production environment have been used to estimate reliability and maintainability for each machine, workstation, and the entire line is based on analytical models. The analysis provides a useful insight into the system's behaviour, helps to find design inherent faults and suggests optimal modifications to upgrade the system and improve its performance.

Comparison of simulated and actual wind shear radar data products

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Britt, Charles L.; Crittenden, Lucille H.

1992-01-01

Prior to the development of the NASA experimental wind shear radar system, extensive computer simulations were conducted to determine the performance of the radar in combined weather and ground clutter environments. The simulation of the radar used analytical microburst models to determine weather returns and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) maps to determine ground clutter returns. These simulations were used to guide the development of hazard detection algorithms and to predict their performance. The structure of the radar simulation is reviewed. Actual flight data results from the Orlando and Denver tests are compared with simulated results. Areas of agreement and disagreement of actual and simulated results are shown.

Method and system for monitoring and displaying engine performance parameters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abbott, Terence S. (Inventor); Person, Lee H., Jr. (Inventor)

1988-01-01

The invention is believed a major improvement that will have a broad application in governmental and commercial aviation. It provides a dynamic method and system for monitoring and simultaneously displaying in easily scanned form the available, predicted, and actual thrust of a jet aircraft engine under actual operating conditions. The available and predicted thrusts are based on the performance of a functional model of the aircraft engine under the same operating conditions. Other critical performance parameters of the aircraft engine and functional model are generated and compared, the differences in value being simultaneously displayed in conjunction with the displayed thrust values. Thus, the displayed information permits the pilot to make power adjustments directly while keeping him aware of total performance at a glance of a single display panel.

Performance analysis and evaluation of direct phase measuring deflectometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Ping; Gao, Nan; Zhang, Zonghua; Gao, Feng; Jiang, Xiangqian

2018-04-01

Three-dimensional (3D) shape measurement of specular objects plays an important role in intelligent manufacturing applications. Phase measuring deflectometry (PMD)-based methods are widely used to obtain the 3D shapes of specular surfaces because they offer the advantages of a large dynamic range, high measurement accuracy, full-field and noncontact operation, and automatic data processing. To enable measurement of specular objects with discontinuous and/or isolated surfaces, a direct PMD (DPMD) method has been developed to build a direct relationship between phase and depth. In this paper, a new virtual measurement system is presented and is used to optimize the system parameters and evaluate the system's performance in DPMD applications. Four system parameters are analyzed to obtain accurate measurement results. Experiments are performed using simulated and actual data and the results confirm the effects of these four parameters on the measurement results. Researchers can therefore select suitable system parameters for actual DPMD (including PMD) measurement systems to obtain the 3D shapes of specular objects with high accuracy.

Critical Uses of College Resources. Part I: Personnel Utilization System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vlahos, Mantha

A Personnel Utilization System has been designed at Broward Community College, which combines payroll, personnel, course, and function information in order to determine the actual duties performed by personnel for the amount of remuneration received. Objectives of the system are (1) to define the tasks being performed by faculty, staff, and…

Development of an on-site rapid real-time polymerase chain reaction system and the characterization of suitable DNA polymerases for TaqMan probe technology.

PubMed

Furutani, Shunsuke; Naruishi, Nahoko; Hagihara, Yoshihisa; Nagai, Hidenori

2016-08-01

On-site quantitative analyses of microorganisms (including viruses) by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system are significantly influencing medical and biological research. We have developed a remarkably rapid and portable real-time PCR system that is based on microfluidic approaches. Real-time PCR using TaqMan probes consists of a complex reaction. Therefore, in a rapid real-time PCR, the optimum DNA polymerase must be estimated by using actual real-time PCR conditions. In this study, we compared the performance of three DNA polymerases in actual PCR conditions using our rapid real-time PCR system. Although KAPA2G Fast HS DNA Polymerase has the highest enzymatic activity among them, SpeedSTAR HS DNA Polymerase exhibited better performance to rapidly increase the fluorescence signal in an actual real-time PCR using TaqMan probes. Furthermore, we achieved rapid detection of Escherichia coli in 7 min by using SpeedSTAR HS DNA Polymerase with the same sensitivity as that of a conventional thermal cycler.

Preliminary investigation of groundwater flow and trichloroethene transport in the Surficial Aquifer System, Naval Industrial Reserve Ordnance Plant, Fridley, Minnesota

USGS Publications Warehouse

King, Jeffrey N.; Davis, J. Hal

2016-05-16

The August 20, 2001, groundwater flow model simulator and the 2001 trichloroethene transport simulator were applied to a groundwater extraction and treatment system that existed in 2011. Furnished trichloroethene source areas and concentrations in the 2001 simulator were replaced with different, furnished, hypothetical source areas and concentrations. Forcing in 2001 was replaced with forcing in 2011. No trichloroethene concentrations greater than 3 µg/L were simulated as discharging to the Mississippi River during applications of the 2001 simulator to the 2011 groundwater extraction and treatment system. These applications were not intended to represent historical conditions. Differences between furnished and actual trichloroethene sources may explain differences between measurements and simulation results for the 2001 trichloroethene transport simulator. Causes of differences between furnished and actual trichloroethene sources may cause differences between hypothetical application results and the performance of the actual U.S. Department of the Navy groundwater extraction and treatment system at the Naval Industrial Reserve Ordnance Plant. Other limitations may also cause differences between application results and performance.

A demonstration of NIOSH push-pull ventilation criteria.

PubMed

Klein, M K

1987-03-01

This paper summarizes the results of a study performed on an actual chrome plating tank in order to validate criteria for push-pull ventilation systems developed by Huebener and Hughes at NIOSH. Validation of the criteria was made by taking area industrial hygiene samples for hexavalent and total chrome at ten locations around the plating tank. The sampling was performed during actual production runs or while the tank was operating with a dummy load. The sampling data are summarized. The data show that the push-pull system, operating at Huebener's criteria, could control emissions to below the current standards and guidelines. Conclusions and recommendations are included.

The Use of a Web-Based Course Management System: Causes and Performance Effects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ring, J. Kirk; Kellermanns, Franz W.; Barnett, Tim; Pearson, Allison W.; Pearson, Rodney A.

2013-01-01

This article reports the results of two studies that examined (a) students' intentions to use a web-based course management system, (b) their actual use of a course management system, and (c) the effect of their use of a course management system on classroom performance. We found that students' attitudes toward the course management…

Future applications of associative processor systems to operational KSC systems for optimizing cost and enhancing performance characteristics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perkinson, J. A.

1974-01-01

The application of associative memory processor equipment to conventional host processors type systems is discussed. Efforts were made to demonstrate how such application relieves the task burden of conventional systems, and enhance system speed and efficiency. Data cover comparative theoretical performance analysis, demonstration of expanded growth capabilities, and demonstrations of actual hardware in simulated environment.

41 CFR 301-11.3 - Must my agency pay an allowance (either a per diem allowance or actual expense)?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 4 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Must my agency pay an... Property Management Federal Travel Regulation System TEMPORARY DUTY (TDY) TRAVEL ALLOWANCES ALLOWABLE... per diem allowance or actual expense)? Yes, unless: (a) You perform travel to a training event under...

41 CFR 301-11.3 - Must my agency pay an allowance (either a per diem allowance or actual expense)?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 4 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Must my agency pay an... Property Management Federal Travel Regulation System TEMPORARY DUTY (TDY) TRAVEL ALLOWANCES ALLOWABLE... per diem allowance or actual expense)? Yes, unless: (a) You perform travel to a training event under...

Viking orbiter system primary mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goudy, J. R.

1977-01-01

An overview of Viking Orbiter (VO) system and subsystem performances during the primary mission (the time period from VO-1 launch on August 20, 1975, through November 15, 1976) is presented. Brief descriptions, key design requirements, pertinent historical information, unique applications or situations, and predicted versus actual performances are included for all VO-1 and VO-2 subsystems, both individually and as an integrated system.

EPSCoR Final Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Holdmann, Gwen

2016-12-20

Alaska is considered a world leader in renewable energy and microgrid technologies. Our workplan started as an analysis of existing wind-diesel systems, many of which were not performing as designed. We aimed to analyze and understand the performance of existing wind-diesel systems, to establish a knowledge baseline from which to work towards improvement and maximizing renewable energy utilization. To accomplish this, we worked with the Alaska Energy Authority to develop a comprehensive database of wind system experience, including underlying climatic and socioeconomic characteristics, actual operating data, projected vs. actual capital and O&M costs, and a catalogue of catastrophic anomalies. Thismore » database formed the foundation for the rest of the research program, with the overarching goal of delivering low-cost, reliable, and sustainable energy to diesel microgrids.« less

Consistency across Repeated Eyewitness Interviews: Contrasting Police Detectives’ Beliefs with Actual Eyewitness Performance

PubMed Central

Krix, Alana C.; Sauerland, Melanie; Lorei, Clemens; Rispens, Imke

2015-01-01

In the legal system, inconsistencies in eyewitness accounts are often used to discredit witnesses’ credibility. This is at odds with research findings showing that witnesses frequently report reminiscent details (details previously unrecalled) at an accuracy rate that is nearly as high as for consistently recalled information. The present study sought to put the validity of beliefs about recall consistency to a test by directly comparing them with actual memory performance in two recall attempts. All participants watched a film of a staged theft. Subsequently, the memory group (N = 84) provided one statement immediately after the film (either with the Self-Administered Interview or free recall) and one after a one-week delay. The estimation group (N = 81) consisting of experienced police detectives estimated the recall performance of the memory group. The results showed that actual recall performance was consistently underestimated. Also, a sharp decline of memory performance between recall attempts was assumed by the estimation group whereas actual accuracy remained stable. While reminiscent details were almost as accurate as consistent details, they were estimated to be much less accurate than consistent information and as inaccurate as direct contradictions. The police detectives expressed a great concern that reminiscence was the result of suggestive external influences. In conclusion, it seems that experienced police detectives hold many implicit beliefs about recall consistency that do not correspond with actual recall performance. Recommendations for police trainings are provided. These aim at fostering a differentiated view on eyewitness performance and the inclusion of more comprehensive classes on human memory structure. PMID:25695428

Consistency across repeated eyewitness interviews: contrasting police detectives' beliefs with actual eyewitness performance.

PubMed

Krix, Alana C; Sauerland, Melanie; Lorei, Clemens; Rispens, Imke

2015-01-01

In the legal system, inconsistencies in eyewitness accounts are often used to discredit witnesses' credibility. This is at odds with research findings showing that witnesses frequently report reminiscent details (details previously unrecalled) at an accuracy rate that is nearly as high as for consistently recalled information. The present study sought to put the validity of beliefs about recall consistency to a test by directly comparing them with actual memory performance in two recall attempts. All participants watched a film of a staged theft. Subsequently, the memory group (N = 84) provided one statement immediately after the film (either with the Self-Administered Interview or free recall) and one after a one-week delay. The estimation group (N = 81) consisting of experienced police detectives estimated the recall performance of the memory group. The results showed that actual recall performance was consistently underestimated. Also, a sharp decline of memory performance between recall attempts was assumed by the estimation group whereas actual accuracy remained stable. While reminiscent details were almost as accurate as consistent details, they were estimated to be much less accurate than consistent information and as inaccurate as direct contradictions. The police detectives expressed a great concern that reminiscence was the result of suggestive external influences. In conclusion, it seems that experienced police detectives hold many implicit beliefs about recall consistency that do not correspond with actual recall performance. Recommendations for police trainings are provided. These aim at fostering a differentiated view on eyewitness performance and the inclusion of more comprehensive classes on human memory structure.

Air Ground Data Link VHF Airline Communications and Reporting System (ACARS) Preliminary Test Report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1995-02-01

An effort was conducted to determine actual ground-to-air, and air-to-ground : performance of the Airline Communications and Reporting system (ACARS), Very : High Frequency (VHF) Data Link System. Parameters of system throughput, error : rates, and a...

Determining the biofilm penetrating ability of various biocides utilizing an artificial biofilm matrix

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McIlwaine, D.B.; Diemer, J.; Grab, L.

1997-12-01

The efficacy of many commonly used biocides is often determined by laboratory evaluations against a variety of planktonic microorganisms. While these tests provide some information as to the performance of a biocide against a particular microorganism, they may not predict how well the biocide will perform under actual field conditions against the more problematic sissile form of the organisms. In order to address the issue of how well a biocide penetrates and kills the problematic microorganisms contained within a biofilm, an artificial biofilm system utilizing microorganisms embedded in alginate beads has been used to compare the efficacy of biocide treatmentsmore » against both the planktonic and sessile form of the same organism. Pure cultures of Enterobacter aerogenes, as well as mixed field isolates, were used in the experiments. In addition, the alginate beads were prepared with actual system waters taken from a variety of industrial applications. In that way, all of the scale and corrosion inhibitors and other contaminants which are present in the actual system are also present in the model biofilm system. In all cases, the organisms contained within the artificial biofilm were significantly more difficult to kill than the corresponding planktonic microbes.« less

10 CFR 50.73 - Licensee event report system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... plant design; or (2) Normal and expected wear or degradation. (x) Any event that posed an actual threat... discovery of each component or system failure or procedural error. (J) For each human performance related...

Missile airframe simulation testbed: MANPADS (MAST-M) for test and evaluation of aircraft survivability equipment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clements, Jim; Robinson, Richard; Bunt, Leslie; Robinson, Joe

2011-06-01

A number of techniques have been utilized to evaluate the performance of Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) against threat Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS). These techniques include flying actual threat MANPADS against stationary ASE with simulated aircraft signatures, testing installed ASE systems against simulated threat signatures, and laboratory hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) testing with simulated aircraft and simulated missile signatures. All of these tests lack the realism of evaluating installed ASE against in-flight MANPADS on a terminal homing intercept path toward the actual ASE equipped aircraft. This limitation is due primarily to the current inability to perform non-destructive MANPADS/Aircraft flight testing. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research and Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) is working to overcome this limitation with the development of a recoverable surrogate MANPADS missile system capable of engaging aircraft equipped with ASE while guaranteeing collision avoidance with the test aircraft. Under its Missile Airframe Simulation Testbed - MANPADS (MAST-M) program, the AMRDEC is developing a surrogate missile system which will utilize actual threat MANPADS seeker/guidance sections to control the flight of a surrogate missile which will perform a collision avoidance and recovery maneuver prior to intercept to insure non-destructive test and evaluation of the ASE and reuse of the MANPADS seeker/guidance section. The remainder of this paper provides an overview of this development program and intended use.

A digital computer simulation and study of a direct-energy-transfer power-conditioning system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burns, W. W., III; Owen, H. A., Jr.; Wilson, T. G.; Rodriguez, G. E.; Paulkovich, J.

1974-01-01

A digital computer simulation technique, which can be used to study such composite power-conditioning systems, was applied to a spacecraft direct-energy-transfer power-processing system. The results obtained duplicate actual system performance with considerable accuracy. The validity of the approach and its usefulness in studying various aspects of system performance such as steady-state characteristics and transient responses to severely varying operating conditions are demonstrated experimentally.

The Hospice Information System and its association with the congruence between the preferred and actual place of death.

PubMed

Lin, Huang-Ren; Wang, Jen-Hung; Hsieh, Jyh-Gang; Wang, Ying-Wei; Kao, Sheng-Lun

2017-01-01

A Hospice Information System (HIS) developed in eastern Taiwan in 2012 aimed to improve the quality of hospice care through an integrated system that provided telemetry-based vital sign records, online 24/7 consultations, online video interviews, and online health educations. The purpose of this study was to explore the congruence between the preferred and actual place of death (POD) among patients who received HIS services. A retrospective study was performed from January 2012 to August 2016. Data from patients enrolled in the HIS who died during this period were included. Data on basic characteristics and the actual and preferred POD were obtained from the HIS database. The primary outcome was the congruence between the preferred and actual POD. Secondary outcomes were comparisons between patients who did and did not achieve their preferred POD. Further comparisons between patients who did and did not achieve home death were also performed. In total, we enrolled 481 patients who received HIS services and died. Of them, 444 (92.3%) died at their preferred POD. Patients who preferred an inpatient hospice as their POD had higher achievement rate than those who wanted a home death. High-intensity HIS utilization was associated with a higher likelihood of home death than low-intensity HIS utilization. Patients living in areas distant from the medical center had lower achievement of home death than those living in local areas. This study suggested that patients enrolled in the HIS had high congruence between the actual and preferred POD.

Design and performance of a no-single-failure control system for the mini-Brayton power conversion system. [for spacecraft power supplies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brichenough, A. G.

1975-01-01

The control system consists of the ac-dc conversion, voltage regulation, speed regulation through parasitic load control, and overload control. A no-single-failure configuration was developed to attain the required reliability for a 10-year design life of unattended operation. The design principles, complete schematics, and performance are reported. Testing was performed on an alternator simulator pending construction of the actual Mini-Brayton alternator.

A parametric investigation on a solar dish-Stirling system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gholamalizadeh, Ehsan; Chung, Jae Dong

2018-06-01

The aim of this study is to analyze the performance of a solar dish-Stirling system. A mathematical model for the overall thermal efficiency of the solar-powered high-temperature-differential dish-Stirling engine is described. This model takes into account pressure losses due to fluid friction which is internal to the engine, mechanical friction between the moving parts, actual heat transfer includes the effects of both internal and external irreversibilities of the cycle and finite regeneration processes time. Validation was done through comparison with the actual power output of the "EuroDish" system. Moreover, the effects of dish diameter and working fluid on the performance of the system were studied. An increase of about 7.2% was observed for the power output using hydrogen as the working fluid rather than helium. Also, the focal distance for any diameter of dish was calculated.

The MPC&A Questionnaire

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Powell, Danny H; Elwood Jr, Robert H

The questionnaire is the instrument used for recording performance data on the nuclear material protection, control, and accountability (MPC&A) system at a nuclear facility. The performance information provides a basis for evaluating the effectiveness of the MPC&A system. The goal for the questionnaire is to provide an accurate representation of the performance of the MPC&A system as it currently exists in the facility. Performance grades for all basic MPC&A functions should realistically reflect the actual level of performance at the time the survey is conducted. The questionnaire was developed after testing and benchmarking the material control and accountability (MC&A) systemmore » effectiveness tool (MSET) in the United States. The benchmarking exercise at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) proved extremely valuable for improving the content and quality of the early versions of the questionnaire. Members of the INL benchmark team identified many areas of the questionnaire where questions should be clarified and areas where additional questions should be incorporated. The questionnaire addresses all elements of the MC&A system. Specific parts pertain to the foundation for the facility's overall MPC&A system, and other parts pertain to the specific functions of the operational MPC&A system. The questionnaire includes performance metrics for each of the basic functions or tasks performed in the operational MPC&A system. All of those basic functions or tasks are represented as basic events in the MPC&A fault tree. Performance metrics are to be used during completion of the questionnaire to report what is actually being done in relation to what should be done in the performance of MPC&A functions.« less

Microcomputer Applications for Library Instruction: Automation of Test and Assignment Scoring, and Student Record Keeping.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sugranes, Maria R.; Snider, Larry C.

1985-01-01

Describes the development of an automated library instruction records management system using microcomputer technology. Development described includes assessment of need, exploration of options, system design, and operational development. System products are identified and operational results are reported based on actual system performance.…

Apparatus for sensor failure detection and correction in a gas turbine engine control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spang, H. A., III; Wanger, R. P. (Inventor)

1981-01-01

A gas turbine engine control system maintains a selected level of engine performance despite the failure or abnormal operation of one or more engine parameter sensors. The control system employs a continuously updated engine model which simulates engine performance and generates signals representing real time estimates of the engine parameter sensor signals. The estimate signals are transmitted to a control computational unit which utilizes them in lieu of the actual engine parameter sensor signals to control the operation of the engine. The estimate signals are also compared with the corresponding actual engine parameter sensor signals and the resulting difference signals are utilized to update the engine model. If a particular difference signal exceeds specific tolerance limits, the difference signal is inhibited from updating the model and a sensor failure indication is provided to the engine operator.

Simulation of a master-slave event set processor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Comfort, J.C.

1984-03-01

Event set manipulation may consume a considerable amount of the computation time spent in performing a discrete-event simulation. One way of minimizing this time is to allow event set processing to proceed in parallel with the remainder of the simulation computation. The paper describes a multiprocessor simulation computer, in which all non-event set processing is performed by the principal processor (called the host). Event set processing is coordinated by a front end processor (the master) and actually performed by several other functionally identical processors (the slaves). A trace-driven simulation program modeling this system was constructed, and was run with tracemore » output taken from two different simulation programs. Output from this simulation suggests that a significant reduction in run time may be realized by this approach. Sensitivity analysis was performed on the significant parameters to the system (number of slave processors, relative processor speeds, and interprocessor communication times). A comparison between actual and simulation run times for a one-processor system was used to assist in the validation of the simulation. 7 references.« less

Performance analysis of different database in new internet mapping system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Xing; Su, Wei; Gao, Shuai

2017-03-01

In the Mapping System of New Internet, Massive mapping entries between AID and RID need to be stored, added, updated, and deleted. In order to better deal with the problem when facing a large number of mapping entries update and query request, the Mapping System of New Internet must use high-performance database. In this paper, we focus on the performance of Redis, SQLite, and MySQL these three typical databases, and the results show that the Mapping System based on different databases can adapt to different needs according to the actual situation.

Comparisons of pilot performance in simulated and actual flight. [effects of ingested barbiturates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Billings, C. E.; Gerke, R. J.; Wick, R. L., Jr.

1975-01-01

Five highly experienced professional pilots performed instrument landing system approaches under simulated instrument flight conditions in a Cessna 172 airplane and in a Link-Singer GAT-1 simulator while under the influence of orally administered secobarbital (0, 100, and 200 mg). Tracking performance in two axes and airspeed control were evaluated continuously during each approach. Error and RMS variability were about half as large in the simulator as in the airplane. The observed data were more strongly associated with the drug level in the simulator than in the airplane. Further, the drug-related effects were more consistent in the simulator. Improvement in performance suggestive of learning effects were seen in the simulator, but not in actual flight.

General airplane performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rockfeller, W C

1939-01-01

Equations have been developed for the analysis of the performance of the ideal airplane, leading to an approximate physical interpretation of the performance problem. The basic sea-level airplane parameters have been generalized to altitude parameters and a new parameter has been introduced and physically interpreted. The performance analysis for actual airplanes has been obtained in terms of the equivalent ideal airplane in order that the charts developed for use in practical calculations will for the most part apply to any type of engine-propeller combination and system of control, the only additional material required consisting of the actual engine and propeller curves for propulsion unit. Finally, a more exact method for the calculation of the climb characteristics for the constant-speed controllable propeller is presented in the appendix.

Electronic health record usage behaviors in primary care medical practices: A survey of family physicians in Canada.

PubMed

Paré, Guy; Raymond, Louis; Guinea, Ana Ortiz de; Poba-Nzaou, Placide; Trudel, Marie-Claude; Marsan, Josianne; Micheneau, Thomas

2015-10-01

The importance and potential value of office-based electronic health record (EHR) systems is being recognized internationally. We thus sought to better understand how EHRs are actually being used by family physicians and what they perceive to be the main performance outcomes for themselves and their medical practices. We conducted a survey of family physicians practicing in medical practices in Quebec, Canada (n =331). Bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were conducted to characterize EHR usage behaviors and assess the perceived performance outcomes of these systems. EHR systems "as-used" vary substantively from one family physician to another in terms of the capabilities that are actually mobilized by them. Significant differences between "basic" and "advanced" users were observed in terms of the EHR system's characteristics and perceived performance outcomes. Physicians were also clustered under three profiles that could be clearly distinguished from one another, in terms of the extent to which their performance and their practice's performance was impacted by their EHR usage. Physicians that are "highly impacted" by their EHR system are those who have the longest usage experience and make the most extended use of their system's capabilities. Our study indicates that only a minority of family physicians in our sample use most of the features available in their EHR system. Consequently, few physicians perceive gaining significant performance improvements from such systems. Future research must identify the factors that motivate primary care physicians to assimilate EHR systems in a more extensive manner. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Thermal Performance Testing of Cryogenic Insulation Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fesmire, James E.; Augustynowicz, Stan D.; Scholtens, Brekke E.

2007-01-01

Efficient methods for characterizing thermal performance of materials under cryogenic and vacuum conditions have been developed. These methods provide thermal conductivity data on materials under actual-use conditions and are complementary to established methods. The actual-use environment of full temperature difference in combination with vacuum-pressure is essential for understanding insulation system performance. Test articles include solids, foams, powders, layered blankets, composite panels, and other materials. Test methodology and apparatus design for several insulation test cryostats are discussed. The measurement principle is liquid nitrogen boil-off calorimetry. Heat flux capability ranges from approximately 0.5 to 500 watts per square meter; corresponding apparent thermal conductivity values range from below 0.01 up to about 60 mW/m- K. Example data for different insulation materials are also presented. Upon further standardization work, these patented insulation test cryostats can be available to industry for a wide range of practical applications.

Identifying the neural substrates of intrinsic motivation during task performance.

PubMed

Lee, Woogul; Reeve, Johnmarshall

2017-10-01

Intrinsic motivation is the inherent tendency to seek out novelty and challenge, to explore and investigate, and to stretch and extend one's capacities. When people imagine performing intrinsically motivating tasks, they show heightened anterior insular cortex (AIC) activity. To fully explain the neural system of intrinsic motivation, however, requires assessing neural activity while people actually perform intrinsically motivating tasks (i.e., while answering curiosity-inducing questions or solving competence-enabling anagrams). Using event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging, we found that the neural system of intrinsic motivation involves not only AIC activity, but also striatum activity and, further, AIC-striatum functional interactions. These findings suggest that subjective feelings of intrinsic satisfaction (associated with AIC activations), reward processing (associated with striatum activations), and their interactions underlie the actual experience of intrinsic motivation. These neural findings are consistent with the conceptualization of intrinsic motivation as the pursuit and satisfaction of subjective feelings (interest and enjoyment) as intrinsic rewards.

Solar-energy-system performance evaluation, October 1980-August 1981

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wetzel, P.E.

The solar site is an Animal Quarantine Center in Upton, New York, using 2484 ft/sup 2/ of flat-plate collectors and 5300 gallons of solar hot water storage located outside and above ground. The system was designed to provide 20% of the annual heating load and 100% of the annual domestic hot water load. The solar system actually provided 5% of the total system load. Many control and mechanical malfunctions contributed to the poor performance. (MHR)

Methodology on Investigating the Influences of Automated Material Handling System in Automotive Assembly Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saffar, Seha; Azni Jafar, Fairul; Jamaludin, Zamberi

2016-02-01

A case study was selected as a method to collect data in actual industry situation. The study aimed to assess the influences of automated material handling system in automotive industry by proposing a new design of integration system through simulation, and analyze the significant effect and influence of the system. The method approach tool will be CAD Software (Delmia & Quest). The process of preliminary data gathering in phase 1 will collect all data related from actual industry situation. It is expected to produce a guideline and limitation in designing a new integration system later. In phase 2, an idea or concept of design will be done by using 10 principles of design consideration for manufacturing. A full factorial design will be used as design of experiment in order to analyze the performance measured of the integration system with the current system in case study. From the result of the experiment, an ANOVA analysis will be done to study the performance measured. Thus, it is expected that influences can be seen from the improvement made in the system.

Autonomic nervous system activity during actual and mentally simulated preparation for movement.

PubMed

Bolliet, O; Collet, C; Dittmar, A

2005-03-01

The aim of this study was to compare actual versus mentally simulated preparation for a complex motor skill. Two behavioral periods are observed during weightlifting: (i) an initial phase in which the subject standing behind the bar is thought to focus his attention on forthcoming execution and (ii) a second phase between hands/bar contact and execution during which the subject is thought to increase activation. Such mental processes accompanying behavioral sequences are correlated with autonomic nervous system activity, phasic responses corresponding to allocation of attentional resources, and tonic variations related to increasing general activation. To study mental processes during preparation for action, 12 subjects performed actual and imagined preparation phases of execution. Six autonomic variables were measured continuously. Skin potential (chi2 = 0.16), skin temperature amplitude (Z = -0.66) and duration (Z = -1.78), skin blood flow amplitude (Z = -0.56) and duration (Z = -1.51), respiratory frequency amplitude (Z = -0.14) and duration (Z = -0.13), and duration of heart rate response (Z = -1.25) were shown to be comparable (p > .05), whatever the modality of preparation. However, during mentally simulated preparation, skin resistance response was shorter than in actual preparation (Z = -2.12, p < .05), thus attesting to a weaker load, whereas lower decrease in heart rate was elicited (Z = -1.96, p < .05). This may be explained by this particular experimental condition because mental preparation would not lead to actual action. Such autonomic variables could be used as feedback to improve performance.

Brake control system modification, augmentor Wing Jet STOL Research Airplane (AWJSRA)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Amberg, R. L.; Arline, J. A.; Jenny, R. W.

1974-01-01

The braking system for a short takeoff aircraft is discussed and the deficiencies are described. The installation of a Boeing 727 aircraft brake system was made to correct the deficiencies. Tests of the modified system were conducted using an analog computer/hardware simulator. Actual performance tests were conducted and the characteristics of the system were satisfactory.

A control method for bilateral teleoperating systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strassberg, Yesayahu

1992-01-01

The thesis focuses on control of bilateral master-slave teleoperators. The bilateral control issue of teleoperators is studied and a new scheme that overcomes basic unsolved problems is proposed. A performance measure, based on the multiport modeling method, is introduced in order to evaluate and understand the limitations of earlier published bilateral control laws. Based on the study evaluating the different methods, the objective of the thesis is stated. The proposed control law is then introduced, its ideal performance is demonstrated, and conditions for stability and robustness are derived. It is shown that stability, desired performance, and robustness can be obtained under the assumption that the deviation of the model from the actual system satisfies certain norm inequalities and the measurement uncertainties are bounded. The proposed scheme is validated by numerical simulation. The simulated system is based on the configuration of the RAL (Robotics and Automation Laboratory) telerobot. From the simulation results it is shown that good tracking performance can be obtained. In order to verify the performance of the proposed scheme when applied to a real hardware system, an experimental setup of a three degree of freedom master-slave teleoperator (i.e. three degree of freedom master and three degree of freedom slave robot) was built. Three basic experiments were conducted to verify the performance of the proposed control scheme. The first experiment verified the master control law and its contribution to the robustness and performance of the entire system. The second experiment demonstrated the actual performance of the system while performing a free motion teleoperating task. From the experimental results, it is shown that the control law has good performance and is robust to uncertainties in the models of the master and slave.

Benchmarking MARS (accident management software) with the Browns Ferry fire

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dawson, S.M.; Liu, L.Y.; Raines, J.C.

1992-01-01

The MAAP Accident Response System (MARS) is a userfriendly computer software developed to provide management and engineering staff with the most needed insights, during actual or simulated accidents, of the current and future conditions of the plant based on current plant data and its trends. To demonstrate the reliability of the MARS code in simulatng a plant transient, MARS is being benchmarked with the available reactor pressure vessel (RPV) pressure and level data from the Browns Ferry fire. The MRS software uses the Modular Accident Analysis Program (MAAP) code as its basis to calculate plant response under accident conditions. MARSmore » uses a limited set of plant data to initialize and track the accidnt progression. To perform this benchmark, a simulated set of plant data was constructed based on actual report data containing the information necessary to initialize MARS and keep track of plant system status throughout the accident progression. The initial Browns Ferry fire data were produced by performing a MAAP run to simulate the accident. The remaining accident simulation used actual plant data.« less

Aptitude and Trait Predictors of Manned and Unmanned Aircraft Pilot Job Performance

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-22

actually fly RPAs. To address this gap, the present study evaluated pre-accession trait (Big Five personality domains) and aptitude (spatial...knowledge, and personality traits that predict successful job performance for manned aircraft pilots also predict successful job performance for RPA...aptitude and personality traits , job performance, remotely-piloted aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17

Development of a precision, wide-dynamic-range actuator for use in active optical systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lorell, K. R.; Aubrun, J-N.; Zacharie, D. F.; Perez, E. O.

1989-01-01

The design, operation, and performance of a wide-dynamic-range optical-quality actuator are discussed. The actuator uses a closed-loop control system to maintain accurate positioning and has an rms noise performance of 20 nm. A unique force offloading mechanism allows the actuator coil to dissipate less than 3 mW under quiescent conditions. The operation of an experimental segmented optical system that uses 18 of the actuators is examined to show how they are integrated into an actual system.

Evaluation of Rankine cycle air conditioning system hardware by computer simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Healey, H. M.; Clark, D.

1978-01-01

A computer program for simulating the performance of a variety of solar powered Rankine cycle air conditioning system components (RCACS) has been developed. The computer program models actual equipment by developing performance maps from manufacturers data and is capable of simulating off-design operation of the RCACS components. The program designed to be a subroutine of the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Solar Energy System Analysis Computer Program 'SOLRAD', is a complete package suitable for use by an occasional computer user in developing performance maps of heating, ventilation and air conditioning components.

Engineering Safety- and Security-Related Requirements for Software-Intensive Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-27

Requirements Negative (shall not) Requirements Hardware Requirements equ remen s System / Documentation Requirements eve oper Requirements Operational ...Validation Actual / Proposed Defensibility C li Operational Vulnerability Analysis VulnerabilityVulnerability Safety Vulnerability performs System ...including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson

Control technology development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaechter, D. B.

1982-03-01

The main objectives of the control technology development task are given in the slide below. The first is to develop control design techniques based on flexible structural models, rather than simple rigid-body models. Since large space structures are distributed parameter systems, a new degree of freedom, that of sensor/actuator placement, may be exercised for improving control system performance. Another characteristic of large space structures is numerous oscillatory modes within the control bandwidth. Reduced-order controller design models must be developed which produce stable closed-loop systems when combined with the full-order system. Since the date of an actual large-space-structure flight is rapidly approaching, it is vitally important that theoretical developments are tested in actual hardware. Experimental verification is a vital counterpart of all current theoretical developments.

Analytic and Heuristic Processing Influences on Adolescent Reasoning and Decision-Making.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klaczynski, Paul A.

2001-01-01

Examined the relationship between age and the normative/descriptive gap--the discrepancy between actual reasoning and traditional standards for reasoning. Found that middle adolescents performed closer to normative ideals than early adolescents. Factor analyses suggested that performance was based on two processing systems, analytic and heuristic…

Integrated analysis of large space systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, J. P.

1980-01-01

Based on the belief that actual flight hardware development of large space systems will necessitate a formalized method of integrating the various engineering discipline analyses, an efficient highly user oriented software system capable of performing interdisciplinary design analyses with tolerable solution turnaround time is planned Specific analysis capability goals were set forth with initial emphasis given to sequential and quasi-static thermal/structural analysis and fully coupled structural/control system analysis. Subsequently, the IAC would be expanded to include a fully coupled thermal/structural/control system, electromagnetic radiation, and optical performance analyses.

An Analysis of Performance Measurements Systems in the Air Force Logistics Command’s Aircraft Repair Depots

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-01-01

aircraft it repairs, LA tracks negotiated flow versus actual flow by tail number and the number of days delivered early or late. This directorate, as...elements are defined as follows: Performance criterion: The relative element used to evaluate macro, micro, long -term, short-term, flow, static, functional...constraint is defined as "anything that limits the system from achieving higher performance versus its goal" (Goldratt, 1989, p. 1). The following

Actual versus predicted performance of an active solar heating system - A comparison using FCHART 4.0

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wetzel, P. E.

1981-11-01

The performance of an active solar heating system added to a house in Denver, CO was compared with predictions made by the FCHART 4.0 computer program. The house featured 43.23 sq m of collectors with an ethylene-glycol/water heat transfer fluid, and a 3.23 cu m storage tank. The house hot water was preheated in the storage tank, and home space heat was furnished whenever the storage water was above 32 C. Actual meteorological and heating demand data were used for the comparison, rather than long-term averages. Although monthly predictions by the FCHART program were found to diverge from measured data, the annual demand and supply predictions provided a good fit, i.e. within 9%, and were within 1% of the measured solar energy contributed to storage.

Getting Classroom Observations Right

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Whitehurst, Grover; Chingos, Matthew M.; Lindquist, Katharine

2015-01-01

This article contributes to the body of knowledge on teacher evaluation systems by examining the actual design and performance of new teacher-evaluation systems in four school districts that are at the forefront of the effort to evaluate teachers meaningfully. The authors find first that the ratings assigned teachers by the districts'…

A science-based executive for autonomous planetary vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peters, S.

2001-01-01

If requests for scientific observations, rather than specific plans, are uplinked to an autonomous execution system on the vehicle, it would be able to adjust its execution based upon actual performance. Such a science-based executive control system had been developed and demonstrated for the Rocky7 research rover.

Using a Two-Stage System Evaluation Approach to Explore the New Adoption of an Information System in the Mobile Era

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Ruey-Shin; Liu, I-Fan

2017-01-01

Currently, e-learning systems are being widely used in all stages of education. However, it is difficult for school administrators to accurately assess the actual usage performance of a new system, especially when an organization wishes to update the system for users from different backgrounds using new devices such as smartphones. To allow school…

Bounding filter - A simple solution to lack of exact a priori statistics.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nahi, N. E.; Weiss, I. M.

1972-01-01

Wiener and Kalman-Bucy estimation problems assume that models describing the signal and noise stochastic processes are exactly known. When this modeling information, i.e., the signal and noise spectral densities for Wiener filter and the signal and noise dynamic system and disturbing noise representations for Kalman-Bucy filtering, is inexactly known, then the filter's performance is suboptimal and may even exhibit apparent divergence. In this paper a system is designed whereby the actual estimation error covariance is bounded by the covariance calculated by the estimator. Therefore, the estimator obtains a bound on the actual error covariance which is not available, and also prevents its apparent divergence.

Microbial Biotreatment of Actual Textile Wastewater in a Continuous Sequential Rice Husk Biofilter and the Microbial Community Involved

PubMed Central

Lindh, Markus V.; Pinhassi, Jarone; Welander, Ulrika

2017-01-01

Textile dying processes often pollute wastewater with recalcitrant azo and anthraquinone dyes. Yet, there is little development of effective and affordable degradation systems for textile wastewater applicable in countries where water technologies remain poor. We determined biodegradation of actual textile wastewater in biofilters containing rice husks by spectrophotometry and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. The indigenous microflora from the rice husks consistently performed >90% decolorization at a hydraulic retention time of 67 h. Analysis of microbial community composition of bacterial 16S rRNA genes and fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene fragments in the biofilters revealed a bacterial consortium known to carry azoreductase genes, such as Dysgonomonas, and Pseudomonas and the presence of fungal phylotypes such as Gibberella and Fusarium. Our findings emphasize that rice husk biofilters support a microbial community of both bacteria and fungi with key features for biodegradation of actual textile wastewater. These results suggest that microbial processes can substantially contribute to efficient and reliable degradation of actual textile wastewater. Thus, development of biodegradation systems holds promise for application of affordable wastewater treatment in polluted environments. PMID:28114377

Development of a multi-modal Monte-Carlo radiation treatment planning system combined with PHITS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kumada, Hiroaki; Nakamura, Takemi; Komeda, Masao

A new multi-modal Monte-Carlo radiation treatment planning system is under development at Japan Atomic Energy Agency. This system (developing code: JCDS-FX) builds on fundamental technologies of JCDS. JCDS was developed by JAEA to perform treatment planning of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) which is being conducted at JRR-4 in JAEA. JCDS has many advantages based on practical accomplishments for actual clinical trials of BNCT at JRR-4, the advantages have been taken over to JCDS-FX. One of the features of JCDS-FX is that PHITS has been applied to particle transport calculation. PHITS is a multipurpose particle Monte-Carlo transport code, thus applicationmore » of PHITS enables to evaluate doses for not only BNCT but also several radiotherapies like proton therapy. To verify calculation accuracy of JCDS-FX with PHITS for BNCT, treatment planning of an actual BNCT conducted at JRR-4 was performed retrospectively. The verification results demonstrated the new system was applicable to BNCT clinical trials in practical use. In framework of R and D for laser-driven proton therapy, we begin study for application of JCDS-FX combined with PHITS to proton therapy in addition to BNCT. Several features and performances of the new multimodal Monte-Carlo radiotherapy planning system are presented.« less

Enhanced TCAS 2/CDTI traffic Sensor digital simulation model and program description

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goka, T.

1984-01-01

Digital simulation models of enhanced TCAS 2/CDTI traffic sensors are developed, based on actual or projected operational and performance characteristics. Two enhanced Traffic (or Threat) Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems are considered. A digital simulation program is developed in FORTRAN. The program contains an executive with a semireal time batch processing capability. The simulation program can be interfaced with other modules with a minimum requirement. Both the traffic sensor and CAS logic modules are validated by means of extensive simulation runs. Selected validation cases are discussed in detail, and capabilities and limitations of the actual and simulated systems are noted. The TCAS systems are not specifically intended for Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) applications. These systems are sufficiently general to allow implementation of CDTI functions within the real systems' constraints.

Role of post-mapping computed tomography in virtual-assisted lung mapping.

PubMed

Sato, Masaaki; Nagayama, Kazuhiro; Kuwano, Hideki; Nitadori, Jun-Ichi; Anraku, Masaki; Nakajima, Jun

2017-02-01

Background Virtual-assisted lung mapping is a novel bronchoscopic preoperative lung marking technique in which virtual bronchoscopy is used to predict the locations of multiple dye markings. Post-mapping computed tomography is performed to confirm the locations of the actual markings. This study aimed to examine the accuracy of marking locations predicted by virtual bronchoscopy and elucidate the role of post-mapping computed tomography. Methods Automated and manual virtual bronchoscopy was used to predict marking locations. After bronchoscopic dye marking under local anesthesia, computed tomography was performed to confirm the actual marking locations before surgery. Discrepancies between marking locations predicted by the different methods and the actual markings were examined on computed tomography images. Forty-three markings in 11 patients were analyzed. Results The average difference between the predicted and actual marking locations was 30 mm. There was no significant difference between the latest version of the automated virtual bronchoscopy system (30.7 ± 17.2 mm) and manual virtual bronchoscopy (29.8 ± 19.1 mm). The difference was significantly greater in the upper vs. lower lobes (37.1 ± 20.1 vs. 23.0 ± 6.8 mm, for automated virtual bronchoscopy; p < 0.01). Despite this discrepancy, all targeted lesions were successfully resected using 3-dimensional image guidance based on post-mapping computed tomography reflecting the actual marking locations. Conclusions Markings predicted by virtual bronchoscopy were dislocated from the actual markings by an average of 3 cm. However, surgery was accurately performed using post-mapping computed tomography guidance, demonstrating the indispensable role of post-mapping computed tomography in virtual-assisted lung mapping.

Thermal performance assessment of a large aperture concentrating collector in an industrial application in Chile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murray, Clare; Pino, Alan; Cardemil, José Miguel; Escobar, Rodrigo

2017-06-01

The application of solar thermal energy to meet the heat demands of the food and beverage processing industry in Chile has huge potential. This paper presents an assessment of the first large aperture trough collector installed in Latin America. The collector preheats water for a boiler in a juice-concentrating factory, 100 km north of Santiago. An analysis of the system for a day in November indicates the system was not able to utilize the heat generated, resulting in rapid de- and refocusing of the collector and problems with sensor calibration. An analysis of a day in March indicates the tracking algorithm has not correctly aligned the collector with the sun's position. An investigation into the design document reveals that the meteorological data underestimates the actual irradiation values by 40%, resulting in an oversized system given the actual conditions. To increase the energy gain in the system it is proposed to increase the working pressure from the current value of 1.5bar to up to 5bar, which could increase the system utilization from 41% to 65% and reduce the dumped energy to near zero. The simulation results with actual weather data and a fixed inlet temperature indicate the annual solar fraction could increase from the design value of 8.1% to 31.8% with a working pressure of 5 bar. The plant presents multiple opportunities for improvement not only to the performance of the plant but also in the design and installation of solar thermal systems in Chile in the future.

System identification of jet engines

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sugiyama, N.

2000-01-01

System identification plays an important role in advanced control systems for jet engines, in which controls are performed adaptively using data from the actual engine and the identified engine. An identification technique for jet engine using the Constant Gain Extended Kalman Filter (CGEKF) is described. The filter is constructed for a two-spool turbofan engine. The CGEKF filter developed here can recognize parameter change in engine components and estimate unmeasurable variables over whole flight conditions. These capabilities are useful for an advanced Full Authority Digital Electric Control (FADEC). Effects of measurement noise and bias, effects of operating point and unpredicted performancemore » change are discussed. Some experimental results using the actual engine are shown to evaluate the effectiveness of CGEKF filter.« less

Does order and timing in performance of imagined and actual movements affect the motor imagery process? The duration of walking and writing task.

PubMed

Papaxanthis, Charalambos; Pozzo, Thierry; Skoura, Xanthi; Schieppati, Marco

2002-08-21

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects on the duration of imagined movements of changes in timing and order of performance of actual and imagined movement. Two groups of subjects had to actually execute and imagine a walking and a writing task. The first group first executed 10 trials of the actual movements (block A) and then imagined the same movements at different intervals: immediately after actual movements (block I-1) and after 25 min (I-2), 50 min (I-3) and 75 min (I-4) interval. The second group first imagined and then actually executed the tasks. The duration of actual and imagined movements, recorded by means of an electronic stopwatch operated by the subjects, was analysed. The duration of imagined movements was very similar to those of actual movements, for both tasks, regardless of either the interval elapsed from the actual movements (first group) or the order of performance (second group). However, the variability of imagined movement duration was significantly increased compared to variability of the actual movements, for both motor tasks and groups. The findings give evidence of similar cognitive processes underlying both imagination and actual performance of movement. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science B.V.

Phobos lander coding system: Software and analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheung, K.-M.; Pollara, F.

1988-01-01

The software developed for the decoding system used in the telemetry link of the Phobos Lander mission is described. Encoders and decoders are provided to cover the three possible telemetry configurations. The software can be used to decode actual data or to simulate the performance of the telemetry system. The theoretical properties of the codes chosen for this mission are analyzed and discussed.

PSSA Released Reading Items, 2000-2001. The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pennsylvania State Dept. of Education, Harrisburg. Bureau of Curriculum and Academic Services.

This document contains materials directly related to the actual reading test of the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), including the reading rubric, released passages, selected-response questions with answer keys, performance tasks, and scored samples of students' responses to the tasks. All of these items may be duplicated to…

Evaluation of the MEDLARS Demand Search Service.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lancaster, F.W.

A detailed analysis was made by the National Library of Medicine of the performance of the Medical Literature and Analysis System (MEDLARS) in relation to 300 actual "demand search" requests made to the systems in 1966 and 1967. The objectives of the study were : (1) to study the demand search requirements of MEDLARS users, (2) to…

Laboratory evaluation of the pointing stability of the ASPS Vernier System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

The annular suspension and pointing system (ASPS) is an end-mount experiment pointing system designed for use in the space shuttle. The results of the ASPS Vernier System (AVS) pointing stability tests conducted in a laboratory environment are documented. A simulated zero-G suspension was used to support the test payload in the laboratory. The AVS and the suspension were modelled and incorporated into a simulation of the laboratory test. Error sources were identified and pointing stability sensitivities were determined via simulation. Statistical predictions of laboratory test performance were derived and compared to actual laboratory test results. The predicted mean pointing stability during simulated shuttle disturbances was 1.22 arc seconds; the actual mean laboratory test pointing stability was 1.36 arc seconds. The successful prediction of laboratory test results provides increased confidence in the analytical understanding of the AVS magnetic bearing technology and allows confident prediction of in-flight performance. Computer simulations of ASPS, operating in the shuttle disturbance environment, predict in-flight pointing stability errors less than 0.01 arc seconds.

Assessing actual evapotranspiration via surface energy balance aiming to optimize water and energy consumption in large scale pressurized irrigation systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Awada, H.; Ciraolo, G.; Maltese, A.; Moreno Hidalgo, M. A.; Provenzano, G.; Còrcoles, J. I.

2017-10-01

Satellite imagery provides a dependable basis for computational models that aimed to determine actual evapotranspiration (ET) by surface energy balance. Satellite-based models enables quantifying ET over large areas for a wide range of applications, such as monitoring water distribution, managing irrigation and assessing irrigation systems' performance. With the aim to evaluate the energy and water consumption of a large scale on-turn pressurized irrigation system in the district of Aguas Nuevas, Albacete, Spain, the satellite-based image-processing model SEBAL was used for calculating actual ET. The model has been applied to quantify instantaneous, daily, and seasonal actual ET over high- resolution Landsat images for the peak water demand season (May to September) and for the years 2006 - 2008. The model provided a direct estimation of the distribution of main energy fluxes, at the instant when the satellite overpassed over each field of the district. The image acquisition day Evapotranspiration (ET24) was obtained from instantaneous values by assuming a constant evaporative fraction (Λ) for the entire day of acquisition; then, monthly and seasonal ET were estimated from the daily evapotranspiration (ETdaily) assuming that ET24 varies in proportion to reference ET (ETr) at the meteorological station, thus accounting for day to day variation in meteorological forcing. The comparison between the hydrants water consumption and the actual evapotranspiration, considering an irrigation efficiency of 85%, showed that a considerable amount of water and energy can be saved at district level.

Thread mapping using system-level model for shared memory multicores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitra, Reshmi

Exploring thread-to-core mapping options for a parallel application on a multicore architecture is computationally very expensive. For the same algorithm, the mapping strategy (MS) with the best response time may change with data size and thread counts. The primary challenge is to design a fast, accurate and automatic framework for exploring these MSs for large data-intensive applications. This is to ensure that the users can explore the design space within reasonable machine hours, without thorough understanding on how the code interacts with the platform. Response time is related to the cycles per instructions retired (CPI), taking into account both active and sleep states of the pipeline. This work establishes a hybrid approach, based on Markov Chain Model (MCM) and Model Tree (MT) for system-level steady state CPI prediction. It is designed for shared memory multicore processors with coarse-grained multithreading. The thread status is represented by the MCM states. The program characteristics are modeled as the transition probabilities, representing the system moving between active and suspended thread states. The MT model extrapolates these probabilities for the actual application size (AS) from the smaller AS performance. This aspect of the framework, along with, the use of mathematical expressions for the actual AS performance information, results in a tremendous reduction in the CPI prediction time. The framework is validated using an electromagnetics application. The average performance prediction error for steady state CPI results with 12 different MSs is less than 1%. The total run time of model is of the order of minutes, whereas the actual application execution time is in terms of days.

Spatial 3D infrastructure: display-independent software framework, high-speed rendering electronics, and several new displays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chun, Won-Suk; Napoli, Joshua; Cossairt, Oliver S.; Dorval, Rick K.; Hall, Deirdre M.; Purtell, Thomas J., II; Schooler, James F.; Banker, Yigal; Favalora, Gregg E.

2005-03-01

We present a software and hardware foundation to enable the rapid adoption of 3-D displays. Different 3-D displays - such as multiplanar, multiview, and electroholographic displays - naturally require different rendering methods. The adoption of these displays in the marketplace will be accelerated by a common software framework. The authors designed the SpatialGL API, a new rendering framework that unifies these display methods under one interface. SpatialGL enables complementary visualization assets to coexist through a uniform infrastructure. Also, SpatialGL supports legacy interfaces such as the OpenGL API. The authors" first implementation of SpatialGL uses multiview and multislice rendering algorithms to exploit the performance of modern graphics processing units (GPUs) to enable real-time visualization of 3-D graphics from medical imaging, oil & gas exploration, and homeland security. At the time of writing, SpatialGL runs on COTS workstations (both Windows and Linux) and on Actuality"s high-performance embedded computational engine that couples an NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra GPU, an AMD Athlon 64 processor, and a proprietary, high-speed, programmable volumetric frame buffer that interfaces to a 1024 x 768 x 3 digital projector. Progress is illustrated using an off-the-shelf multiview display, Actuality"s multiplanar Perspecta Spatial 3D System, and an experimental multiview display. The experimental display is a quasi-holographic view-sequential system that generates aerial imagery measuring 30 mm x 25 mm x 25 mm, providing 198 horizontal views.

Performance Analysis of Stirling Engine-Driven Vapor Compression Heat Pump System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kagawa, Noboru

Stirling engine-driven vapor compression systems have many unique advantages including higher thermal efficiencies, preferable exhaust gas characteristics, multi-fuel usage, and low noise and vibration which can play an important role in alleviating environmental and energy problems. This paper introduces a design method for the systems based on reliable mathematical methods for Stirling and Rankin cycles using reliable thermophysical information for refrigerants. The model deals with a combination of a kinematic Stirling engine and a scroll compressor. Some experimental coefficients are used to formulate the model. The obtained results show the performance behavior in detail. The measured performance of the actual system coincides with the calculated results. Furthermore, the calculated results clarify the performance using alternative refrigerants for R-22.

Assessment of non-destructive testing technologies for quality control/quality assurance of asphalt mixtures : [tech transfer summary].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-02-01

Evaluation of the actual performance (quality) of pavements requires : in situ nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques that can accurately : measure the most critical, objective, and sensitive properties of : pavement systems.

Stability Properties and Cross Coupling Performance of the Control Allocation Scheme CAPIO

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yildiz, Yildiray; Kolmanovsky, Ilya V.

2010-01-01

This paper presents a stability analysis and an application of a recently developed Control Allocator for recovery from Pilot Induced Oscillations (CAPIO). When actuators are rate-saturated due to either aggressive pilot commands, high gain ight control systems or some anomaly in the system, the effective delay in the control loop may increase. This effective delay increase manifests itself as a phase shift between the commanded and actual system signals and can instigate Pilot induced Oscillations (PIO). CAPIO reduces the e ective time delay by minimizing the phase shift between the commanded and the actual attitude accelerations. We present a stability analysis of CAPIO for a scalar system. In addition, we present simulation results for aircraft with cross-coupling which demonstrates the potential of CAPIO serving as an effective PIO handler in adverse conditions.

Two-D results on human operator perception

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Siapkara, A. A.; Sheridan, T. B.

1981-01-01

The application of multidimensional scaling methodology in human factors engineering is presented. The nonorthogonality of internally perceived task variables is exhibited for first and second order plants with both dependent and independent task variables. Directions of operator preference are shown for actual performance, pilot opinion rating, and subjective measures of fatigue, adaptability, and system recognition. Improvement of performance in second order systems is exhibited by the use of bang-bang feedback information. Dissimilarity measures for system comparison are suggested in order to account for human operator rotations and subjective sense of time.

Analysis and methodology for aeronautical systems technology program planning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

White, M. J.; Gershkoff, I.; Lamkin, S.

1983-01-01

A structured methodology was developed that allows the generation, analysis, and rank-ordering of system concepts by their benefits and costs, indicating the preferred order of implementation. The methodology is supported by a base of data on civil transport aircraft fleet growth projections and data on aircraft performance relating the contribution of each element of the aircraft to overall performance. The performance data are used to assess the benefits of proposed concepts. The methodology includes a computer program for performing the calculations needed to rank-order the concepts and compute their cumulative benefit-to-cost ratio. The use of the methodology and supporting data is illustrated through the analysis of actual system concepts from various sources.

Parametric study of helicopter aircraft systems costs and weights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beltramo, M. N.

1980-01-01

Weight estimating relationships (WERs) and recurring production cost estimating relationships (CERs) were developed for helicopters at the system level. The WERs estimate system level weight based on performance or design characteristics which are available during concept formulation or the preliminary design phase. The CER (or CERs in some cases) for each system utilize weight (either actual or estimated using the appropriate WER) and production quantity as the key parameters.

Final system instrumentation design package for Decade 80 solar house

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

The final configuration of the Decade 80 solar house to monitor and collect system performance data is presented. A review demonstrated by actual operation that the system and the data acquisition subsystem operated satisfactorily and installation of instrumentation was in accordance with the design. This design package is made up of (1) site and system description, (2) operating and control modes, and (3) instrumentation program (including sensor schematic).

Decision support for operations and maintenance (DSOM) system

DOEpatents

Jarrell, Donald B [Kennewick, WA; Meador, Richard J [Richland, WA; Sisk, Daniel R [Richland, WA; Hatley, Darrel D [Kennewick, WA; Brown, Daryl R [Richland, WA; Keibel, Gary R [Richland, WA; Gowri, Krishnan [Richland, WA; Reyes-Spindola, Jorge F [Richland, WA; Adams, Kevin J [San Bruno, CA; Yates, Kenneth R [Lake Oswego, OR; Eschbach, Elizabeth J [Fort Collins, CO; Stratton, Rex C [Richland, WA

2006-03-21

A method for minimizing the life cycle cost of processes such as heating a building. The method utilizes sensors to monitor various pieces of equipment used in the process, for example, boilers, turbines, and the like. The method then performs the steps of identifying a set optimal operating conditions for the process, identifying and measuring parameters necessary to characterize the actual operating condition of the process, validating data generated by measuring those parameters, characterizing the actual condition of the process, identifying an optimal condition corresponding to the actual condition, comparing said optimal condition with the actual condition and identifying variances between the two, and drawing from a set of pre-defined algorithms created using best engineering practices, an explanation of at least one likely source and at least one recommended remedial action for selected variances, and providing said explanation as an output to at least one user.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Low-Cost Evaluation of Energy Savings at the Community Scale - Fresno, California

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

2014-10-01

In this project, IBACOS partnered with builder Wathen-Castanos Hybrid Homes to develop a simple and low-cost methodology by which community-scale energy savings can be evaluated based on results at the occupied test house level.Research focused on the builder and trade implementation of a whole-house systems integrated measures package and the actual utility usage in the houses at the community scale of production. Five occupants participated in this community-scale research by providing utility bills and information on occupancy and miscellaneous gas and electric appliance use for their houses. IBACOS used these utility data and background information to analyze the actual energymore » performance of the houses. Verification with measured data is an important component in predictive energy modeling. The actual utility bill readings were compared to projected energy consumption using BEopt with actual weather and thermostat set points for normalization.« less

Testing and Evaluating C3I Systems That Employ AI. Volume 4. Published Articles

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-01-31

development performance in an naming, design and actions The system ’ s & Sophisticated system organizational setting) evaluated in a classroom setting by...observing designed as an intelligent the system in use and administering training aid in r questionnaires . Observers videotape and tave classroom setting...notes to assess how both students and instructors use the system in an actual classroom setting. Questionnaires are administered to both students and

Study on the system-level test method of digital metering in smart substation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiang; Yang, Min; Hu, Juan; Li, Fuchao; Luo, Ruixi; Li, Jinsong; Ai, Bing

2017-03-01

Nowadays, the test methods of digital metering system in smart substation are used to test and evaluate the performance of a single device, but these methods can only effectively guarantee the accuracy and reliability of the measurement results of a digital metering device in a single run, it does not completely reflect the performance when each device constitutes a complete system. This paper introduced the shortages of the existing test methods. A system-level test method of digital metering in smart substation was proposed, and the feasibility of the method was proved by the actual test.

Integrated, automated revenue management for managed care contracts.

PubMed

Burckhart, Kent

2002-04-01

Faced with increasing managed care penetration and declining net revenue in recent years, healthcare providers increasingly are emphasizing revenue management. To streamline processes and reduce costs in this area, many healthcare providers have implemented or are considering automated contract management systems. When selecting such a system, healthcare financial managers should make certain that the system can interface with both patient-accounting and decision-support systems of the organization. This integration enhances a healthcare provider's financial viability by providing integrated revenue-management capabilities to analyze projected performance of proposed managed care contracts and actual performance of existing contracts.

[Cooperation with the electronic medical record and accounting system of an actual dose of drug given by a radiology information system].

PubMed

Yamamoto, Hideo; Yoneda, Tarou; Satou, Shuji; Ishikawa, Toru; Hara, Misako

2009-12-20

By input of the actual dose of a drug given into a radiology information system, the system converting with an accounting system into a cost of the drug from the actual dose in the electronic medical record was built. In the drug master, the first unit was set as the cost of the drug, and we set the second unit as the actual dose. The second unit in the radiology information system was received by the accounting system through electronic medical record. In the accounting system, the actual dose was changed into the cost of the drug using the dose of conversion to the first unit. The actual dose was recorded on a radiology information system and electronic medical record. The actual dose was indicated on the accounting system, and the cost for the drug was calculated. About the actual dose of drug, cooperation of the information in a radiology information system and electronic medical record were completed. It was possible to decide the volume of drug from the correct dose of drug at the previous inspection. If it is necessary for the patient to have another treatment of medicine, it is important to know the actual dose of drug given. Moreover, authenticity of electronic medical record based on a statute has also improved.

Performance evaluation of BPM system in SSRF using PCA method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhi-Chu; Leng, Yong-Bin; Yan, Ying-Bing; Yuan, Ren-Xian; Lai, Long-Wei

2014-07-01

The beam position monitor (BPM) system is of most importance in a light source. The capability of the BPM depends on the resolution of the system. The traditional standard deviation on the raw data method merely gives the upper limit of the resolution. Principal component analysis (PCA) had been introduced in the accelerator physics and it could be used to get rid of the actual signals. Beam related information was extracted before the evaluation of the BPM performance. A series of studies had been made in the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (SSRF) and PCA was proved to be an effective and robust method in the performance evaluations of our BPM system.

On the estimation algorithm used in adaptive performance optimization of turbofan engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Espana, Martin D.; Gilyard, Glenn B.

1993-01-01

The performance seeking control algorithm is designed to continuously optimize the performance of propulsion systems. The performance seeking control algorithm uses a nominal model of the propulsion system and estimates, in flight, the engine deviation parameters characterizing the engine deviations with respect to nominal conditions. In practice, because of measurement biases and/or model uncertainties, the estimated engine deviation parameters may not reflect the engine's actual off-nominal condition. This factor has a necessary impact on the overall performance seeking control scheme exacerbated by the open-loop character of the algorithm. The effects produced by unknown measurement biases over the estimation algorithm are evaluated. This evaluation allows for identification of the most critical measurements for application of the performance seeking control algorithm to an F100 engine. An equivalence relation between the biases and engine deviation parameters stems from an observability study; therefore, it is undecided whether the estimated engine deviation parameters represent the actual engine deviation or whether they simply reflect the measurement biases. A new algorithm, based on the engine's (steady-state) optimization model, is proposed and tested with flight data. When compared with previous Kalman filter schemes, based on local engine dynamic models, the new algorithm is easier to design and tune and it reduces the computational burden of the onboard computer.

Marijuana and actual driving performance

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1993-11-01

This report concerns the effects of marijuana smoking on actual driving performance. It presents the results of one pilot and three actual driving studies. The pilot study's major purpose was to establish the THC dose current marijuana users smoke to...

Closed loop performance of a brushless dc motor powered electromechanical actuator for flight control applications. [computerized simulation for Shuttle Orbiter applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Demerdash, N. A.; Nehl, T. W.

1980-01-01

A comprehensive digital model for the analysis and possible optimization of the closed loop dynamic (instantaneous) performance of a power conditioner fed, brushless dc motor powered, electromechanical actuator system (EMA) is presented. This model was developed for the simulation of the dynamic performance of an actual prototype EMA built for NASA-JSC as a possible alternative to hydraulic actuators for consideration in Space Shuttle Orbiter applications. Excellent correlation was achieved between numerical model simulation and experimental test results obtained from the actual hardware. These results include: various current and voltage waveforms in the machine-power conditioner (MPC) unit, flap position as well as other control loop variables in response to step commands of change of flap position. These results with consequent conclusions are detailed in the paper.

Optimum Edging and Trimming of Hardwood Lumber

Treesearch

Carmen Regalado; D. Earl Kline; Philip A. Araman

1992-01-01

Before the adoption of an automated system for optimizing edging and trimming in hardwood mills, the performance of present manual systems must be evaluated to provide a basis for comparison. a study was made in which lumber values recovered in actual hardwood operations were compared to the output of a computer-based procedure for edging and trimming optimization. The...

10 CFR 55.4 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... means testing conducted to verify a simulation facility's performance as compared to actual or predicted... which a simulation facility's control room configuration, system control arrangement, and design data... of a facility and to direct the licensed activities of licensed operators. Simulation facility means...

10 CFR 55.4 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... means testing conducted to verify a simulation facility's performance as compared to actual or predicted... which a simulation facility's control room configuration, system control arrangement, and design data... of a facility and to direct the licensed activities of licensed operators. Simulation facility means...

10 CFR 55.4 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... means testing conducted to verify a simulation facility's performance as compared to actual or predicted... which a simulation facility's control room configuration, system control arrangement, and design data... of a facility and to direct the licensed activities of licensed operators. Simulation facility means...

Analysis of economic and environmental benefits of a new heat pump air conditioning system with a heat recovery device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, lingxue

2017-08-01

The paper designs a new wind-water cooling and heating water conditioner system, connects cooling tower with heat recovery device, which uses cooling water to completely remove the heat that does not need heat recollection, in order to ensure that the system can work efficiently with higher performance coefficient. After the test actual engineering operation, the system’s maximum cooling coefficient of performance can reach 3.5. Its maximum comprehensive coefficient of performance can reach 6.5. After the analysis of its economic and environmental, we conclude that the new system can save 89822 kw per year. It reflects energy-saving and environmental benefits of the cold and hot water air conditioning system.

Wind Energy Management System Integration Project Incorporating Wind Generation and Load Forecast Uncertainties into Power Grid Operations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Makarov, Yuri V.; Huang, Zhenyu; Etingov, Pavel V.

2010-09-01

The power system balancing process, which includes the scheduling, real time dispatch (load following) and regulation processes, is traditionally based on deterministic models. Since the conventional generation needs time to be committed and dispatched to a desired megawatt level, the scheduling and load following processes use load and wind power production forecasts to achieve future balance between the conventional generation and energy storage on the one side, and system load, intermittent resources (such as wind and solar generation) and scheduled interchange on the other side. Although in real life the forecasting procedures imply some uncertainty around the load and windmore » forecasts (caused by forecast errors), only their mean values are actually used in the generation dispatch and commitment procedures. Since the actual load and intermittent generation can deviate from their forecasts, it becomes increasingly unclear (especially, with the increasing penetration of renewable resources) whether the system would be actually able to meet the conventional generation requirements within the look-ahead horizon, what the additional balancing efforts would be needed as we get closer to the real time, and what additional costs would be incurred by those needs. In order to improve the system control performance characteristics, maintain system reliability, and minimize expenses related to the system balancing functions, it becomes necessary to incorporate the predicted uncertainty ranges into the scheduling, load following, and, in some extent, into the regulation processes. It is also important to address the uncertainty problem comprehensively, by including all sources of uncertainty (load, intermittent generation, generators’ forced outages, etc.) into consideration. All aspects of uncertainty such as the imbalance size (which is the same as capacity needed to mitigate the imbalance) and generation ramping requirement must be taken into account. The latter unique features make this work a significant step forward toward the objective of incorporating of wind, solar, load, and other uncertainties into power system operations. In this report, a new methodology to predict the uncertainty ranges for the required balancing capacity, ramping capability and ramp duration is presented. Uncertainties created by system load forecast errors, wind and solar forecast errors, generation forced outages are taken into account. The uncertainty ranges are evaluated for different confidence levels of having the actual generation requirements within the corresponding limits. The methodology helps to identify system balancing reserve requirement based on a desired system performance levels, identify system “breaking points”, where the generation system becomes unable to follow the generation requirement curve with the user-specified probability level, and determine the time remaining to these potential events. The approach includes three stages: statistical and actual data acquisition, statistical analysis of retrospective information, and prediction of future grid balancing requirements for specified time horizons and confidence intervals. Assessment of the capacity and ramping requirements is performed using a specially developed probabilistic algorithm based on a histogram analysis incorporating all sources of uncertainty and parameters of a continuous (wind forecast and load forecast errors) and discrete (forced generator outages and failures to start up) nature. Preliminary simulations using California Independent System Operator (California ISO) real life data have shown the effectiveness of the proposed approach. A tool developed based on the new methodology described in this report will be integrated with the California ISO systems. Contractual work is currently in place to integrate the tool with the AREVA EMS system.« less

Verification of an analytic modeler for capillary pump loop thermal control systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schweickart, R. B.; Neiswanger, L.; Ku, J.

1987-01-01

A number of computer programs have been written to model two-phase heat transfer systems for space use. These programs support the design of thermal control systems and provide a method of predicting their performance in the wide range of thermal environments of space. Predicting the performance of one such system known as the capillary pump loop (CPL) is the intent of the CPL Modeler. By modeling two developed CPL systems and comparing the results with actual test data, the CPL Modeler has proven useful in simulating CPL operation. Results of the modeling effort are discussed, together with plans for refinements to the modeler.

Identification and control of plasma vertical position using neural network in Damavand tokamak.

PubMed

Rasouli, H; Rasouli, C; Koohi, A

2013-02-01

In this work, a nonlinear model is introduced to determine the vertical position of the plasma column in Damavand tokamak. Using this model as a simulator, a nonlinear neural network controller has been designed. In the first stage, the electronic drive and sensory circuits of Damavand tokamak are modified. These circuits can control the vertical position of the plasma column inside the vacuum vessel. Since the vertical position of plasma is an unstable parameter, a direct closed loop system identification algorithm is performed. In the second stage, a nonlinear model is identified for plasma vertical position, based on the multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network (NN) structure. Estimation of simulator parameters has been performed by back-propagation error algorithm using Levenberg-Marquardt gradient descent optimization technique. The model is verified through simulation of the whole closed loop system using both simulator and actual plant in similar conditions. As the final stage, a MLP neural network controller is designed for simulator model. In the last step, online training is performed to tune the controller parameters. Simulation results justify using of the NN controller for the actual plant.

An inexpensive modification of the laboratory computer display changes emergency physicians' work habits and perceptions.

PubMed

Marinakis, Harry A; Zwemer, Frank L

2003-02-01

Little is known about how the availability of laboratory data affects emergency physicians' practice habits and satisfaction. We modified our clinical information system to display laboratory test status with continuous updates, similar to an airport arrival display. The objective of this study was to determine whether the laboratory test status display altered emergency physicians' work habits and increased satisfaction compared with the time period before implementation of laboratory test status. A retrospective analysis was performed of emergency physicians' actual use of the clinical information system before and after implementation of the laboratory test status display. Emergency physicians were retrospectively surveyed regarding the effect of laboratory test status display on their practice habits and clinical information system use. Survey responses were matched with actual use of the clinical information system. Data were analyzed by using dependent t tests and Pearson correlation coefficients. The study was conducted at a university hospital. Clinical information system use by 46 emergency physicians was analyzed. Twenty-five surveys were returned (71.4% of available emergency physicians). All emergency physicians perceived fewer clinical information system log ons per day after laboratory test status display. The actual average decrease was 19%. Emergency physicians who reported the greatest decrease in log ons per day tended to have the greatest actual decrease (r =-0.36). There was no significant correlation between actual and perceived total time logged on (r =0.08). In regard to effect on emergency physicians' practice habits, 95% reported increased efficiency, 80% reported improved satisfaction with data access, and 65% reported improved communication with patients. An inexpensive computer modification, laboratory test status display, significantly increased subjective efficiency, changed work habits, and improved satisfaction regarding data access and patient communication among emergency physicians. Knowledge of the test queue changed emergency physician behavior and improved satisfaction.

Multi-Fidelity Simulation of a Turbofan Engine With Results Zoomed Into Mini-Maps for a Zero-D Cycle Simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Turner, Mark G.; Reed, John A.; Ryder, Robert; Veres, Joseph P.

2004-01-01

A Zero-D cycle simulation of the GE90-94B high bypass turbofan engine has been achieved utilizing mini-maps generated from a high-fidelity simulation. The simulation utilizes the Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS) thermodynamic cycle modeling system coupled to a high-fidelity full-engine model represented by a set of coupled 3D computational fluid dynamic (CFD) component models. Boundary conditions from the balanced, steady state cycle model are used to define component boundary conditions in the full-engine model. Operating characteristics of the 3D component models are integrated into the cycle model via partial performance maps generated from the CFD flow solutions using one-dimensional mean line turbomachinery programs. This paper highlights the generation of the high-pressure compressor, booster, and fan partial performance maps, as well as turbine maps for the high pressure and low pressure turbine. These are actually "mini-maps" in the sense that they are developed only for a narrow operating range of the component. Results are compared between actual cycle data at a take-off condition and the comparable condition utilizing these mini-maps. The mini-maps are also presented with comparison to actual component data where possible.

Loudspeakers: Modeling and control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Ali, Khalid Mohammad

This thesis documented a comprehensive study of loudspeaker modeling and control. A lumped-parameter model for a voice-coil loudspeaker in a vented enclosure was presented that derived from a consideration of physical principles. In addition, a low-frequency (20 Hz to 100 Hz), feedback control method designed to improve the nonlinear performance of the loudspeaker and a suitable performance measure for use in design and evaluation were proposed. Data from experiments performed on a variety of actual loudspeakers confirmed the practicality of the theory developed in this work. The lumped-parameter loudspeaker model, although simple, captured much of the nonlinear behavior of the loudspeaker. In addition, the model formulation allowed a straightforward application of modern control system methods and lent itself well to modern parametric identification techniques. The nonlinear performance of the loudspeaker system was evaluated using a suitable distortion measure that was proposed and compared with other distortion measures currently used in practice. Furthermore, the linearizing effect of feedback using a linear controller (both static and dynamic) was studied on a class of nonlinear systems. The results illustrated that the distortion reduction was potentially significant and a useful upper bound on the closed-loop distortion was found based on the sensitivity function of the system's linearization. A feedback scheme based on robust control theory was chosen for application to the loudspeaker system. Using the pressure output of the loudspeaker system for feedback, the technique offered significant advantages over those previously attempted. Illustrative examples were presented that proved the applicability of the theory developed in this dissertation to a variety of loudspeaker systems. The examples included a vented loudspeaker model and actual loudspeakers enclosed in both vented and sealed configurations. In each example, predictable and measurable distortion reduction at the output of the closed-loop system was recorded.

Five-city economics of a solar hot-water-system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

Report projects energy savings and system costs for five sites using analysis of actual solar energy installation performance in Togus, Maine. Maine system supplies 75 percent of hot water needed for single-family residence; economic payback period is 19 years. Benefits for all sites depend on maintenance or decrease of initial investment required and continuing increase in cost of conventional energy. Report includes analysis weighing potential changes in variables used to evaluate system profitability.

Personality and physiological correlates of performance decrement on a monotonous task requiring sustained attention.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1973-12-01

The reductions in task load resulting from the increasing automation of air traffic control may actually increase the requirement for controllers to maintain high levels of sustained attention in order to detect infrequent system malfunctions. A prev...

Photovoltaic performance models: an evaluation with actual field data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

TamizhMani, Govindasamy; Ishioye, John-Paul; Voropayev, Arseniy; Kang, Yi

2008-08-01

Prediction of energy production is crucial to the design and installation of the building integrated photovoltaic systems. This prediction should be attainable based on the commonly available parameters such as system size, orientation and tilt angle. Several commercially available as well as free downloadable software tools exist to predict energy production. Six software models have been evaluated in this study and they are: PV Watts, PVsyst, MAUI, Clean Power Estimator, Solar Advisor Model (SAM) and RETScreen. This evaluation has been done by comparing the monthly, seasonaly and annually predicted data with the actual, field data obtained over a year period on a large number of residential PV systems ranging between 2 and 3 kWdc. All the systems are located in Arizona, within the Phoenix metropolitan area which lies at latitude 33° North, and longitude 112 West, and are all connected to the electrical grid.

Cryogenic Insulation Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Augustynowicz, S. D.; Fesmire, J. E.; Wikstrom, J. P.

1999-01-01

The results of a comparative study of cryogenic insulation systems performed are presented. The key aspects of thermal insulation relative to cryogenic system design, testing, manufacturing, and maintenance are discussed. An overview of insulation development from an energy conservation perspective is given. Conventional insulation materials for cryogenic applications provide three levels of thermal conductivity. Actual thermal performance of standard multilayer insulation (MLI) is several times less than laboratory performance and often 10 times worse than ideal performance. The cost-effectiveness of the insulation system depends on thermal performance; flexibility and durability; ease of use in handling, installation, and maintenance; and overall cost including operations, maintenance, and life cycle. Results of comprehensive testing of both conventional and novel materials such as aerogel composites using cryostat boil-off methods are given. The development of efficient, robust cryogenic insulation systems that operate at a soft vacuum level is the primary focus of this paper.

Performance evaluation of a mobile satellite system modem using an ALE method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ohsawa, Tomoki; Iwasaki, Motoya

1990-01-01

Experimental performance of a newly designed demodulation concept is presented. This concept applies an Adaptive Line Enhancer (ALE) to a carrier recovery circuit, which makes pull-in time significantly shorter in noisy and large carrier offset conditions. This new demodulation concept was actually developed as an INMARSAT standard-C modem, and was evaluated. On a performance evaluation, 50 symbol pull-in time is confirmed under 4 dB Eb/No condition.

Relationships between actual and desired workplace characteristics and job satisfaction for community health workers in China: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Li, Li; Zhang, Zhong; Sun, Zhinan; Zhou, Hao; Liu, Xinyan; Li, Heng; Fan, Lihua; Coyte, Peter C

2014-11-18

Community health workers are the main providers of community health services in China and have been important in the process of health system reform that has been in place since 2009. Therefore, it is critical that healthcare managers and policy decision makers motivate current staff and improve their job satisfaction. This study examined workplace characteristics and their contribution to job satisfaction in community health workers in Heilongjiang Province, China. A cross-sectional survey of 448 community health workers, from three cities in Heilongjiang province, was conducted between October 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. Multistage sampling procedures were used to measure socioeconomic and demographic status, job satisfaction, and both actual and desired workplace characteristics. Factor analysis was conducted to determine the main factors contributing to workplace characteristics, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the key determinants of job satisfaction. Eight groups of factors were identified as the most important workplace characteristics. These comprised system and policy; fringe benefits; work itself; work relationships; professional development; recognition; work environment; and remuneration. In all cases, all desired workplace characteristics were higher than the associated actual workplace characteristics. The main determinants of job satisfaction were occupation, years worked in health service institution, and five subscales representing the gap between desired and actual workplace characteristics, which were system and policy; fringe benefits; working relationship; professional development; and remuneration. These findings suggested that managers wishing to enhance job satisfaction should assess workplace characteristics comprehensively and design mechanisms that reduce the gap between actual and desired workplace characteristics.

29 CFR 783.33 - Employment “as a seaman” depends on the work actually performed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 29 Labor 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Employment âas a seamanâ depends on the work actually... § 783.33 Employment “as a seaman” depends on the work actually performed. Whether an employee is “employed as a seaman”, within the meaning of the Act, depends upon the character of the work he actually...

Approach to intraoperative electromagnetic navigation in orthognathic surgery: A phantom skull based trial.

PubMed

Berger, Moritz; Kallus, Sebastian; Nova, Igor; Ristow, Oliver; Eisenmann, Urs; Dickhaus, Hartmut; Kuhle, Reinald; Hoffmann, Jürgen; Seeberger, Robin

2015-11-01

Intraoperative guidance using electromagnetic navigation is an upcoming method in maxillofacial surgery. However, due to their unwieldy structures, especially the line-of-sight problem, optical navigation devices are not used for daily orthognathic surgery. Therefore, orthognathic surgery was simulated on study phantom skulls, evaluating the accuracy and handling of a new electromagnetic tracking system. Le-Fort I osteotomies were performed on 10 plastic skulls. Orthognathic surgical planning was done in the conventional way using plaster models. Accuracy of the gold standard, splint-based model surgery versus an electromagnetic tracking system was evaluated by measuring the actual maxillary deviation using bimaxillary splints and preoperative and postoperative cone beam computer tomography imaging. The distance of five anatomical marker points were compared pre- and postoperatively. The electromagnetic tracking system was significantly more accurate in all measured parameters compared with the gold standard using bimaxillary splints (p < 0.01). The data shows a discrepancy between the model surgical plans and the actual correction of the upper jaw of 0.8 mm. Using the electromagnetic tracking, we could reduce the discrepancy of the maxillary transposition between the planned and actual orthognathic surgery to 0.3 mm on average. The data of this preliminary study shows a high level of accuracy in surgical orthognathic performance using electromagnetic navigation, and may offer greater precision than the conventional plaster model surgery with bimaxillary splints. This preliminary work shows great potential for the establishment of an intraoperative electromagnetic navigation system for maxillofacial surgery. Copyright © 2015 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Results of heating mode performance tests of a solar-assisted heat pump

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, C. B.; Smetana, F. O.

1979-01-01

The performance of a heat pump, utilizing 8.16 square meters of low-cost solar collectors as the evaporator in a Freon-114 refrigeration cycle, was determined under actual insolation conditions during the summer and fall of 1976. C.O.P.'s (coefficient of performance) greater than 3 were obtained with condensing temperatures around 78 C and evaporating temperatures around 27 C. Ambient temperatures were about 3 C above evaporating temperatures. Similar performance levels were obtained at other insolation and temperature conditions. Experience with the system has identified some component and system changes which should increase the obtainable C.O.P. to about 4.0. These are described along with the system's design rationale. The accumulated data are presented as an appendix.

An intelligent tutoring system for the investigation of high performance skill acquisition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fink, Pamela K.; Herren, L. Tandy; Regian, J. Wesley

1991-01-01

The issue of training high performance skills is of increasing concern. These skills include tasks such as driving a car, playing the piano, and flying an aircraft. Traditionally, the training of high performance skills has been accomplished through the use of expensive, high-fidelity, 3-D simulators, and/or on-the-job training using the actual equipment. Such an approach to training is quite expensive. The design, implementation, and deployment of an intelligent tutoring system developed for the purpose of studying the effectiveness of skill acquisition using lower-cost, lower-physical-fidelity, 2-D simulation. Preliminary experimental results are quite encouraging, indicating that intelligent tutoring systems are a cost-effective means of training high performance skills.

Pilot study on the effects of a computer-based medical image system.

PubMed Central

Wu, S. C.; Smith, J. W.; Swan, J. E.

1996-01-01

Current medical imaging systems are developed for the purpose of data management. Evaluations of these systems are usually done by assessing users' subjective appreciation rather than objectively gauging performance influence. The present report discusses the evaluation of a medical image presentation system prototype utilizing a cognitive approach. Experimental results showed hypothesized performance improvement attributed to advanced presentation techniques. However, this improvement was almost inadvertently masked by users' previous strategies and interactions with new technology. Overall these data demonstrate the potential benefit of implementing such a system in actual practice as well as provide an example of applying the cognitive approach in evaluating the usability of medical systems. Images Figure 1 PMID:8947750

Portable refrigerant charge meter and method for determining the actual refrigerant charge in HVAC systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gao, Zhiming; Abdelaziz, Omar; LaClair, Tim L.

A refrigerant charge meter and a method for determining the actual refrigerant charge in HVAC systems are described. The meter includes means for determining an optimum refrigerant charge from system subcooling and system component parameters. The meter also includes means for determining the ratio of the actual refrigerant charge to the optimum refrigerant charge. Finally, the meter includes means for determining the actual refrigerant charge from the optimum refrigerant charge and the ratio of the actual refrigerant charge to the optimum refrigerant charge.

The Comparison of Personalization Recommendation for E-Commerce

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ya, Luo

Personalization recommendation is the key technology in E-commerce, which affects the performance of E-commerce system. This paper mainly introduces personalization recommendation system and its role, and several widely used recommendation technology. Through comparing and analyzing on the strengths and weaknesses of recommendation technology, it concludes that the combined application for a variety of techniques should satisfy the actual needs better.

Electrical characteristics of spark generators for automotive ignition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brode, R B; Randolph, D W; Silsbee, F B

1927-01-01

This paper reports the results of an extensive program of measurements on 11 ignition systems differing widely in type. The results serve primarily to give representative data on the electric and magnetic constants of such systems, and on the secondary voltage produced by them under various conditions of speed, timing, shunting resistance, etc. They also serve to confirm certain of the theoretical formulas which have been proposed to connect the performance of such systems with their electrical constants, and to indicate the extent to which certain simplified model circuits duplicate the performance of the actual apparatus.

Multi-model blending

DOEpatents

Hamann, Hendrik F.; Hwang, Youngdeok; van Kessel, Theodore G.; Khabibrakhmanov, Ildar K.; Muralidhar, Ramachandran

2016-10-18

A method and a system to perform multi-model blending are described. The method includes obtaining one or more sets of predictions of historical conditions, the historical conditions corresponding with a time T that is historical in reference to current time, and the one or more sets of predictions of the historical conditions being output by one or more models. The method also includes obtaining actual historical conditions, the actual historical conditions being measured conditions at the time T, assembling a training data set including designating the two or more set of predictions of historical conditions as predictor variables and the actual historical conditions as response variables, and training a machine learning algorithm based on the training data set. The method further includes obtaining a blended model based on the machine learning algorithm.

Training and Farmers' Organizations' Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miiro, Richard F.; Matsiko, Frank B.; Mazur, Robert E.

2014-01-01

Purpose: This study sought to determine the influence of training transfer factors and actual application of training on organization level outcomes among farmer owned produce marketing organizations in Uganda. Design/methodology/approach: Interviews based on the Learning Transfer Systems Inventory (LTSI) were conducted with 120 PMO leaders…

Performance Evaluation of a High Bandwidth Liquid Fuel Modulation Valve for Active Combustion Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saus, Joseph R.; DeLaat, John C.; Chang, Clarence T.; Vrnak, Daniel R.

2012-01-01

At the NASA Glenn Research Center, a characterization rig was designed and constructed for the purpose of evaluating high bandwidth liquid fuel modulation devices to determine their suitability for active combustion control research. Incorporated into the rig s design are features that approximate conditions similar to those that would be encountered by a candidate device if it were installed on an actual combustion research rig. The characterized dynamic performance measures obtained through testing in the rig are planned to be accurate indicators of expected performance in an actual combustion testing environment. To evaluate how well the characterization rig predicts fuel modulator dynamic performance, characterization rig data was compared with performance data for a fuel modulator candidate when the candidate was in operation during combustion testing. Specifically, the nominal and off-nominal performance data for a magnetostrictive-actuated proportional fuel modulation valve is described. Valve performance data were collected with the characterization rig configured to emulate two different combustion rig fuel feed systems. Fuel mass flows and pressures, fuel feed line lengths, and fuel injector orifice size was approximated in the characterization rig. Valve performance data were also collected with the valve modulating the fuel into the two combustor rigs. Comparison of the predicted and actual valve performance data show that when the valve is operated near its design condition the characterization rig can appropriately predict the installed performance of the valve. Improvements to the characterization rig and accompanying modeling activities are underway to more accurately predict performance, especially for the devices under development to modulate fuel into the much smaller fuel injectors anticipated in future lean-burning low-emissions aircraft engine combustors.

Identification of human operator performance models utilizing time series analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holden, F. M.; Shinners, S. M.

1973-01-01

The results of an effort performed by Sperry Systems Management Division for AMRL in applying time series analysis as a tool for modeling the human operator are presented. This technique is utilized for determining the variation of the human transfer function under various levels of stress. The human operator's model is determined based on actual input and output data from a tracking experiment.

MACHETE: Environment for Space Networking Evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jennings, Esther H.; Segui, John S.; Woo, Simon

2010-01-01

Space Exploration missions requires the design and implementation of space networking that differs from terrestrial networks. In a space networking architecture, interplanetary communication protocols need to be designed, validated and evaluated carefully to support different mission requirements. As actual systems are expensive to build, it is essential to have a low cost method to validate and verify mission/system designs and operations. This can be accomplished through simulation. Simulation can aid design decisions where alternative solutions are being considered, support trade-studies and enable fast study of what-if scenarios. It can be used to identify risks, verify system performance against requirements, and as an initial test environment as one moves towards emulation and actual hardware implementation of the systems. We describe the development of Multi-mission Advanced Communications Hybrid Environment for Test and Evaluation (MACHETE) and its use cases in supporting architecture trade studies, protocol performance and its role in hybrid simulation/emulation. The MACHETE environment contains various tools and interfaces such that users may select the set of tools tailored for the specific simulation end goal. The use cases illustrate tool combinations for simulating space networking in different mission scenarios. This simulation environment is useful in supporting space networking design for planned and future missions as well as evaluating performance of existing networks where non-determinism exist in data traffic and/or link conditions.

Advanced application flight experiments precision attitude determination system. Volume 2: System tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

The performance capability of each of two precision attitude determination systems (PADS), one using a strapdown star tracker, and the other using a single-axis gimbal star tracker was measured in the laboratory under simulated orbit conditions. The primary focus of the evaluation was on the contribution to the total system accuracy by the star trackers, and the effectiveness of the software algorithms in functioning with actual sensor signals. A brief description of PADS, the laboratory test configuration and the test facility, is given along with a discussion of the data handling and display, laboratory computer programs, PADS performance evaluation programs, and the strapdown and gimbal system tests. Results are presented and discussed.

The CLASSY clustering algorithm: Description, evaluation, and comparison with the iterative self-organizing clustering system (ISOCLS). [used for LACIE data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lennington, R. K.; Malek, H.

1978-01-01

A clustering method, CLASSY, was developed, which alternates maximum likelihood iteration with a procedure for splitting, combining, and eliminating the resulting statistics. The method maximizes the fit of a mixture of normal distributions to the observed first through fourth central moments of the data and produces an estimate of the proportions, means, and covariances in this mixture. The mathematical model which is the basic for CLASSY and the actual operation of the algorithm is described. Data comparing the performances of CLASSY and ISOCLS on simulated and actual LACIE data are presented.

Study on the application of NASA energy management techniques for control of a terrestrial solar water heating system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Swanson, T. D.; Ollendorf, S.

1979-01-01

This paper addresses the potential for enhanced solar system performance through sophisticated control of the collector loop flow rate. Computer simulations utilizing the TRNSYS solar energy program were performed to study the relative effect on system performance of eight specific control algorithms. Six of these control algorithms are of the proportional type: two are concave exponentials, two are simple linear functions, and two are convex exponentials. These six functions are typical of what might be expected from future, more advanced, controllers. The other two algorithms are of the on/off type and are thus typical of existing control devices. Results of extensive computer simulations utilizing actual weather data indicate that proportional control does not significantly improve system performance. However, it is shown that thermal stratification in the liquid storage tank may significantly improve performance.

Sensor Systems for Prognostics and Health Management

PubMed Central

Cheng, Shunfeng; Azarian, Michael H.; Pecht, Michael G.

2010-01-01

Prognostics and health management (PHM) is an enabling discipline consisting of technologies and methods to assess the reliability of a product in its actual life cycle conditions to determine the advent of failure and mitigate system risk. Sensor systems are needed for PHM to monitor environmental, operational, and performance-related characteristics. The gathered data can be analyzed to assess product health and predict remaining life. In this paper, the considerations for sensor system selection for PHM applications, including the parameters to be measured, the performance needs, the electrical and physical attributes, reliability, and cost of the sensor system, are discussed. The state-of-the-art sensor systems for PHM and the emerging trends in technologies of sensor systems for PHM are presented. PMID:22219686

Sensor systems for prognostics and health management.

PubMed

Cheng, Shunfeng; Azarian, Michael H; Pecht, Michael G

2010-01-01

Prognostics and health management (PHM) is an enabling discipline consisting of technologies and methods to assess the reliability of a product in its actual life cycle conditions to determine the advent of failure and mitigate system risk. Sensor systems are needed for PHM to monitor environmental, operational, and performance-related characteristics. The gathered data can be analyzed to assess product health and predict remaining life. In this paper, the considerations for sensor system selection for PHM applications, including the parameters to be measured, the performance needs, the electrical and physical attributes, reliability, and cost of the sensor system, are discussed. The state-of-the-art sensor systems for PHM and the emerging trends in technologies of sensor systems for PHM are presented.

Semi Automated Ferrous Material Scouring System (SAFMSS)

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-14

represent real world conditions with various shrubs or grasses entangled with the debris preventing easy removal. Our second tests were performed at...would expect on a range. Soil types, compaction, shrubs , grasses and roots as well as ferrous content vs item weight all have an effect on actual

Designing Rural School Improvement Networks: Aspirations and Actualities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hargreaves, Andy; Parsley, Danette; Cox, Elizabeth K.

2015-01-01

Rural school educators are often isolated and have few opportunities to learn from neighboring schools or colleagues. This is an especially daunting challenge for low-performing rural schools faced with implementing significant reform efforts (e.g., turnaround approaches, educator effectiveness systems, college- and career-ready standards and…

The DGPS based navigation and positioning system of the Helsinki University of Technology Short SC7 Skyvan research aircraft

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tauriainen, S.; Ahola, P.; Hallikainen, M.

1996-10-01

The typical airborne remote sensing measurements conducted by the Helsinki University of Technology laboratory of space technology require very precise navigation over the selected measurement sites. This means that both system performance as far as positioning is concerned and the actual flight track of the aircraft has to be within 10 meters. To meet these requirements, a custom made navigation system was designed and installed in the SHORT SC7 Skyvan research aircraft of the Helsinki University of Technology. The system is based on the Finnish national Differential GPS network providing positioning accuracy within a few meters within Finland. For pilotmore » guidance, a graphical user interface with mission specific software is used to give the pilots an overview of the relative position and orientation to the measurement target. In addition, the system is used to synchronize the scientific instruments and record the actual flight track. 2 refs., 2 figs.« less

Apparatus for detecting at least one predetermined condition and providing an informational signal in response thereto in a medication infusion system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fischell, Robert E. (Inventor)

1986-01-01

A medication infusion system provides redundant safety and includes condition detecting and informational alarm signal generating apparatus for indicating if (1) a fluid leak occurs in different portions of the system; (2) a programmable input from a patient or physician would result in exceeding a safe dosage limit; (3) the reservoir containing medication has been filled; (4) the intended medication pumping does not correlate with the pumping actually effected; (5) battery voltage is low; (6) the medication reserve is low; and (7) the system has been switched off. The apparatus may provide subcutaneous electrical, thermal, or audible stimulation to the patient and also provides a signal which a physician may monitor. The stimulation may be coded to separately identify each above-listed deviation in nominal system performance. In addition, the number of medication requests are correlated with actual medication dispensing to assure proper operation. An identification scheme is provided which matches the patient with his or her corresponding medication.

Development of a 3D ultrasound system to investigate post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus in pre-term neonates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kishimoto, J.; Lee, D.; St. Lawrence, K.; Romano, W.; Fenster, A.; de Ribaupierre, S.

2013-03-01

Clinical intracranial ultrasound (US) is performed as a standard of care on neonates at risk of intraventricular hemorrhaging (IVH) and is also used after a diagnosis to monitor for potential ventricular dilation. However, it is difficult to estimate the volume of ventricles with 2D US due to their irregular shape. We developed a 3D US system to be used as an adjunct to a clinical system to investigate volumetric changes in the ventricles of neonates with IVH. Our system has been found have an error of within 1% of actual distance measurements in all three directions and volume measurements of manually segmented volumes from phantoms were not statistically significantly different from the actual values (p>0.3). Interobserver volume measurements of the lateral ventricles in a patient with grade III IVH found no significant differences between measurements. There is the potential to use this system in IVH patients to monitor the progression of ventriculomegaly over time.

Performance analysis and technical assessment of coherent lidar systems for airborne wind shear detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huffaker, R. Milton; Targ, Russell

1988-01-01

Detailed computer simulations of the lidar wind-measuring process have been conducted to evaluate the use of pulsed coherent lidar for airborne windshear monitoring. NASA data fields for an actual microburst event were used in the simulation. Both CO2 and Ho:YAG laser lidar systems performed well in the microburst test case, and were able to measure wind shear in the severe weather of this wet microburst to ranges in excess of 1.4 km. The consequent warning time gained was about 15 sec.

A look at profiler performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kessler, E.; Eilts, M.; Thomas, K.

1986-01-01

Since about 1974, Doppler radars operating in UHF and VHF ranges have been used increasingly to study atmospheric winds. Historically, large systems capable of obtaining data from high altitudes have focused attention on the mesosphere and stratosphere, rather than on the troposphere wherein abides most of the weather considered by most meteorologists. Research address some questions the meteorologist must logically ask first, viz., what is the actual performance capability of these systems, how accurate is the wind data of interest to meteorologists, and from what altitudes in the troposphere are the data reliably obtained.

Control of large flexible structures - An experiment on the NASA Mini-Mast facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hsieh, Chen; Kim, Jae H.; Liu, Ketao; Zhu, Guoming; Skelton, Robert E.

1991-01-01

The output variance constraint controller design procedure is integrated with model reduction by modal cost analysis. A procedure is given for tuning MIMO controller designs to find the maximal rms performance of the actual system. Controller designs based on a finite-element model of the system are compared with controller designs based on an identified model (obtained using the Q-Markov Cover algorithm). The identified model and the finite-element model led to similar closed-loop performance, when tested in the Mini-Mast facility at NASA Langley.

In-Flight Performance of the Soft X-Ray Spectrometer Detector System on ASTRO-H

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Porter, Frederick S.; Boyce, Kevin R.; Chiao, Meng P.; Eckart, Megan E.; Fujimoto, Ryuichi; Ishisaki, Yoshitaka; Kelley, Richard L.; Kilbourne, Carolina A.; Leutenegger, Maurice A.; McCammon, Dan;

In-flight performance of the soft x-ray spectrometer detector system on Astro-H

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Porter, Frederick S.; Boyce, Kevin R.; Chiao, Meng P.; Eckart, Megan E.; Fujimoto, Ryuichi; Ishisaki, Yoshitaka; Kilbourne, Caroline Anne; Leutenegger, Maurice A.; McCammon, Daniel; Mitsuda, Kazuhisa; Sato, Kosuke; Seta, Hiromi; Sawada, Makoto; Sneiderman, Gary A.; Szymkowiak, Andrew E.; Takei, Yoh; Tashiro, Makoto S.; Tsujimoto, Masahiro; Watanabe, Tomomi; Yamada, Shinya

2018-01-01

The soft x-ray spectrometer (SXS) instrument was launched aboard the Astro-H (Hitomi) observatory on February 17, 2016. The SXS is based on a high-sensitivity x-ray calorimeter detector system that has been successfully deployed in many ground and suborbital spectrometers. The instrument was to provide essential diagnostics for nearly every class of x-ray emitting objects from the atmosphere of Jupiter to the outskirts of galaxy clusters, without degradation for spatially extended objects. The SXS detector system consisted of a 36-pixel cryogenic microcalorimeter array operated at a heat sink temperature of 50 mK. In preflight testing, the detector system demonstrated a resolving power of better than 1300 at 6 keV with a simultaneous bandpass from below 0.3 keV to above 12 keV with a timing precision better than 100 μs. In addition, a solid-state anticoincidence detector was placed directly behind the detector array for background suppression. The detector error budget included the measured interference from the SXS cooling system and the spacecraft. Additional margin for on-orbit gain stability and on-orbit spacecraft interference were also included predicting an on-orbit performance that meets or exceeds the 7-eV FWHM at 6-keV requirement. The actual on-orbit spectral resolution was better than 5 eV FWHM at 6 keV, easily satisfying the instrument requirement. Here, we discuss the actual on-orbit performance of the SXS detector system and compare this to performance in preflight testing and the on-orbit predictions. We will also discuss the on-orbit gain stability, additional on-orbit interference, and measurements of the on-orbit background.

Is talk "cheap"? An initial investigation of the equivalence of alcohol purchase task performance for hypothetical and actual rewards.

PubMed

Amlung, Michael T; Acker, John; Stojek, Monika K; Murphy, James G; MacKillop, James

2012-04-01

Behavioral economic alcohol purchase tasks (APTs) are self-report measures of alcohol demand that assess estimated consumption at escalating levels of price. However, the relationship between estimated performance for hypothetical outcomes and choices for actual outcomes has not been determined. The present study examined both the correspondence between choices for hypothetical and actual outcomes, and the correspondence between estimated alcohol consumption and actual drinking behavior. A collateral goal of the study was to examine the effects of alcohol cues on APT performance. Forty-one heavy-drinking adults (56% men) participated in a human laboratory protocol comprising APTs for hypothetical and actual alcohol and money, an alcohol cue reactivity paradigm, an alcohol self-administration period, and a recovery period. Pearson correlations revealed very high correspondence between APT performance for hypothetical and actual alcohol (ps < 0.001). Estimated consumption on the APT was similarly strongly associated with actual consumption during the self-administration period (r = 0.87, p < 0.001). Exposure to alcohol cues significantly increased subjective craving and arousal and had a trend-level effect on intensity of demand, in spite of notable ceiling effects. Associations among motivational indices were highly variable, suggesting multidimensionality. These results suggest there may be close correspondence both between value preferences for hypothetical alcohol and actual alcohol, and between estimated consumption and actual consumption. Methodological considerations and priorities for future studies are discussed. Copyright © 2011 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

ADMS Evaluation Platform

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

2018-01-23

Deploying an ADMS or looking to optimize its value? NREL offers a low-cost, low-risk evaluation platform for assessing ADMS performance. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed a vendor-neutral advanced distribution management system (ADMS) evaluation platform and is expanding its capabilities. The platform uses actual grid-scale hardware, large-scale distribution system models, and advanced visualization to simulate realworld conditions for the most accurate ADMS evaluation and experimentation.

Validating the Use of pPerformance Risk Indices for System-Level Risk and Maturity Assessments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holloman, Sherrica S.

With pressure on the U.S. Defense Acquisition System (DAS) to reduce cost overruns and schedule delays, system engineers' performance is only as good as their tools. Recent literature details a need for 1) objective, analytical risk quantification methodologies over traditional subjective qualitative methods -- such as, expert judgment, and 2) mathematically rigorous system-level maturity assessments. The Mahafza, Componation, and Tippett (2005) Technology Performance Risk Index (TPRI) ties the assessment of technical performance to the quantification of risk of unmet performance; however, it is structured for component- level data as input. This study's aim is to establish a modified TPRI with systems-level data as model input, and then validate the modified index with actual system-level data from the Department of Defense's (DoD) Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs). This work's contribution is the establishment and validation of the System-level Performance Risk Index (SPRI). With the introduction of the SPRI, system-level metrics are better aligned, allowing for better assessment, tradeoff and balance of time, performance and cost constraints. This will allow system engineers and program managers to ultimately make better-informed system-level technical decisions throughout the development phase.

14 CFR 25.123 - En route flight paths.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... must represent the actual climb performance diminished by a gradient of climb of 1.1 percent for two... degradation of the gradient of climb is greater than one-half of the applicable actual-to-net flight path...-inoperative net flight path data must represent the actual climb performance diminished by a gradient of climb...

Program Aids Design Of Fluid-Circulating Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bacskay, Allen; Dalee, Robert

1992-01-01

Computer Aided Systems Engineering and Analysis (CASE/A) program is interactive software tool for trade study and analysis, designed to increase productivity during all phases of systems engineering. Graphics-based command-driven software package provides user-friendly computing environment in which engineer analyzes performance and interface characteristics of ECLS/ATC system. Useful during all phases of spacecraft-design program, from initial conceptual design trade studies to actual flight, including pre-flight prediction and in-flight analysis of anomalies. Written in FORTRAN 77.

Development of a new multi-modal Monte-Carlo radiotherapy planning system.

PubMed

Kumada, H; Nakamura, T; Komeda, M; Matsumura, A

2009-07-01

A new multi-modal Monte-Carlo radiotherapy planning system (developing code: JCDS-FX) is under development at Japan Atomic Energy Agency. This system builds on fundamental technologies of JCDS applied to actual boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) trials in JRR-4. One of features of the JCDS-FX is that PHITS has been applied to particle transport calculation. PHITS is a multi-purpose particle Monte-Carlo transport code. Hence application of PHITS enables to evaluate total doses given to a patient by a combined modality therapy. Moreover, JCDS-FX with PHITS can be used for the study of accelerator based BNCT. To verify calculation accuracy of the JCDS-FX, dose evaluations for neutron irradiation of a cylindrical water phantom and for an actual clinical trial were performed, then the results were compared with calculations by JCDS with MCNP. The verification results demonstrated that JCDS-FX is applicable to BNCT treatment planning in practical use.

Disuse of the musculo-skeletal system in space and on earth.

PubMed

Narici, M V; de Boer, M D

2011-03-01

Muscle mass and strength are well known to decline in response to actual and simulated microgravity exposure. However, despite the considerable knowledge gained on the physiological changes induced by spaceflight, the mechanisms of muscle atrophy and the effectiveness of in-flight countermeasures still need to be fully elucidated. The present review examines the effects and mechanisms of actual and simulated microgravity on single fibre and whole muscle structural and functional properties, protein metabolism, tendon mechanical properties, neural drive and reflex excitability. The effects of inflight countermeasures are also discussed in the light of recent advances in resistive loading techniques, in combined physical, pharmacological and nutritional interventions as well as in the development of artificial gravity systems. Emphasis has been given to the pioneering work of Pietro Enrico di Prampero in the development of artificial gravity systems and in the progress of knowledge on the limits of human muscular performance in space.

Evaluation of stereoscopic video cameras synchronized with the movement of an operator's head on the teleoperation of the actual backhoe shovel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minamoto, Masahiko; Matsunaga, Katsuya

1999-05-01

Operator performance while using a remote controlled backhoe shovel is described for three different stereoscopic viewing conditions: direct view, fixed stereoscopic cameras connected to a helmet mounted display (HMD), and rotating stereo camera connected and slaved to the head orientation of a free moving stereo HMD. Results showed that the head- slaved system provided the best performance.

Model based design of electronic throttle control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cherian, Fenin; Ranjan, Ashish; Bhowmick, Pathikrit; Rammohan, A.

2017-11-01

With the advent of torque based Engine Management Systems, the precise control and robust performance of the throttle body becomes a key factor in the overall performance of the vehicle. Electronic Throttle Control provides benefits such as improved air-fuel ratio for improving the vehicle performance and lower exhausts emissions to meet the stringent emission norms. Modern vehicles facilitate various features such as Cruise Control, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Program and Pre-crash systems. These systems require control over engine power without driver intervention, which is not possible with conventional mechanical throttle system. Thus these systems are integrated to function with the electronic throttle control. However, due to inherent non-linearities in the throttle body, the control becomes a difficult task. In order to eliminate the influence of this hysteresis at the initial operation of the butterfly valve, a control to compensate the shortage must be added to the duty required for starting throttle operation when the initial operation is detected. Therefore, a lot of work is being done in this field to incorporate the various nonlinearities to achieve robust control. In our present work, the ETB was tested to verify the working of the system. Calibration of the TPS sensors was carried out in order to acquire accurate throttle opening angle. The response of the calibrated system was then plotted against a step input signal. A linear model of the ETB was prepared using Simulink and its response was compared with the experimental data to find out the initial deviation of the model from the actual system. To reduce this deviation, non-linearities from existing literature were introduced to the system and a response analysis was performed to check the deviation from the actual system. Based on this investigation, an introduction of a new nonlinearity parameter can be used in future to reduce the deviation further making the control of the ETB more precise and accurate.

Measured for Measured

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hurley, Angela

2015-01-01

In this article, Angela Hurley ponders a question centered on how well P-12 schooling experiences and the current accompanying education discourse on the importance of attending college actually match with traditional notions of the purposes of academic life held by college faculty. Does the current, performance data-driven system of P-12…

Enfranchising the Profession through Evaluation: A Story from Australia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clinton, Janet; Dawson, Georgia

2018-01-01

Educational reform in Australia recognizes the need for an effective teacher evaluation system but has fallen short of actually prescribing one. Current practice does not align to policy intent, with teacher evaluation largely an exercise in compliance around performance management as opposed to a process that promotes evaluative thinking,…

NCLB--Year for Change

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Odland, Jerry

2007-01-01

Much debate continues about whether the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) has actually improved the academic achievement level of poorly performing students or only created yet another layer of government oversight to an already heavily burdened public school system. Drafted in 2001 and signed into law in January 2002, NCLB provided the…

Evidence for Motor Simulation in Imagined Locomotion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kunz, Benjamin R.; Creem-Regehr, Sarah H.; Thompson, William B.

2009-01-01

A series of experiments examined the role of the motor system in imagined movement, finding a strong relationship between imagined walking performance and the biomechanical information available during actual walking. Experiments 1 through 4 established the finding that real and imagined locomotion differ in absolute walking time. We then tested…

Accuracy of Novel Computed Tomography-Guided Frameless Stereotactic Drilling and Catheter System in Human Cadavers.

PubMed

Sankey, Eric W; Butler, Eric; Sampson, John H

2017-10-01

To evaluate accuracy of a computed tomography (CT)-guided frameless stereotactic drilling and catheter system. A prospective, single-arm study was performed using human cadaver heads to evaluate placement accuracy of a novel, flexible intracranial catheter and stabilizing bone anchor system and drill kit. There were 20 catheter placements included in the analysis. The primary endpoint was accuracy of catheter tip location on intraoperative CT. Secondary endpoints included target registration error and entry and target point error before and after drilling. Measurements are reported as mean ± SD (median, range). Target registration error was 0.46 mm ± 0.26 (0.50 mm, -1.00 to 1.00 mm). Two (10%) target point trajectories were negatively impacted by drilling. Intracranial catheter depth was 59.8 mm ± 9.4 (60.5 mm, 38.0-80.0 mm). Drilling angle was 22° ± 9 (21°, 7°-45°). Deviation between planned and actual entry point on CT was 1.04 mm ± 0.38 (1.00 mm, 0.40-2.00 mm). Deviation between planned and actual target point on CT was 1.60 mm ± 0.98 (1.40 mm, 0.40-4.00 mm). No correlation was observed between intracranial catheter depth and target point deviation (accuracy) (Pearson coefficient 0.018) or between technician experience and accuracy (Pearson coefficient 0.020). There was no significant difference in accuracy with trajectories performed for different cadaver heads (P = 0.362). Highly accurate catheter placement is achievable using this novel flexible catheter and bone anchor system placed via frameless stereotaxy, with an average deviation between planned and actual target point of 1.60 mm ± 0.98 (1.40 mm, 0.40-4.00 mm). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Manifold absolute pressure estimation using neural network with hybrid training algorithm

PubMed Central

Selamat, Hazlina; Alimin, Ahmad Jais; Haniff, Mohamad Fadzli

2017-01-01

In a modern small gasoline engine fuel injection system, the load of the engine is estimated based on the measurement of the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor, which took place in the intake manifold. This paper present a more economical approach on estimating the MAP by using only the measurements of the throttle position and engine speed, resulting in lower implementation cost. The estimation was done via two-stage multilayer feed-forward neural network by combining Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm, Bayesian Regularization (BR) algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. Based on the results found in 20 runs, the second variant of the hybrid algorithm yields a better network performance than the first variant of hybrid algorithm, LM, LM with BR and PSO by estimating the MAP closely to the simulated MAP values. By using a valid experimental training data, the estimator network that trained with the second variant of the hybrid algorithm showed the best performance among other algorithms when used in an actual retrofit fuel injection system (RFIS). The performance of the estimator was also validated in steady-state and transient condition by showing a closer MAP estimation to the actual value. PMID:29190779

Multisensor Parallel Largest Ellipsoid Distributed Data Fusion with Unknown Cross-Covariances

PubMed Central

Liu, Baoyu; Zhan, Xingqun; Zhu, Zheng H.

2017-01-01

As the largest ellipsoid (LE) data fusion algorithm can only be applied to two-sensor system, in this contribution, parallel fusion structure is proposed to introduce the LE algorithm into a multisensor system with unknown cross-covariances, and three parallel fusion structures based on different estimate pairing methods are presented and analyzed. In order to assess the influence of fusion structure on fusion performance, two fusion performance assessment parameters are defined as Fusion Distance and Fusion Index. Moreover, the formula for calculating the upper bounds of actual fused error covariances of the presented multisensor LE fusers is also provided. Demonstrated with simulation examples, the Fusion Index indicates fuser’s actual fused accuracy and its sensitivity to the sensor orders, as well as its robustness to the accuracy of newly added sensors. Compared to the LE fuser with sequential structure, the LE fusers with proposed parallel structures not only significantly improve their properties in these aspects, but also embrace better performances in consistency and computation efficiency. The presented multisensor LE fusers generally have better accuracies than covariance intersection (CI) fusion algorithm and are consistent when the local estimates are weakly correlated. PMID:28661442

Performance evaluation of an evaporative pad greenhouse system for utilization of power plant reject heat

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Olszewski, M.; Trezek, G.J.

1976-01-01

The overall performance of an evaporative pad greenhouse is considered in terms of the pad heat and mass transfer, the energy budget of the vegetation, and the performance of the power plant. An analytical predictive model for the pad performance was developed utilizing the Merkel total heat approximation. Data obtained from actual greenhouse performance provides an experimental verification of the pad model. Energy balance considerations on the vegetation provide a means of viewing optimal plant growth in terms of the power plant energy dissipation. In general, the results indicate that when an evaporative pad greenhouse system is used for wastemore » heat dispersal, the vegetation can be maintained within its thermal requirement zone, crop irrigation requirements are significantly reduced, and the power plant performance is comparable with conventional closed loop heat rejection systems.« less

Mass Properties for Space Systems Standards Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beech, Geoffrey

2013-01-01

Current Verbiage in S-120 Applies to Dry Mass. Mass Margin is difference between Required Mass and Predicted Mass. Performance Margin is difference between Predicted Performance and Required Performance. Performance estimates and corresponding margin should be based on Predicted Mass (and other inputs). Contractor Mass Margin reserved from Performance Margin. Remaining performance margin allocated according to mass partials. Compliance can be evaluated effectively by comparison of three areas (preferably on a single sheet). Basic and Predicted Mass (including historical trend). Aggregate potential changes (threats and opportunities) which gives Mass Forecast. Mass Maturity by category (Estimated/Calculated/Actual).

Multispectral scanner data applications evaluation. Volume 1: User applications study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomson, F. J.; Erickson, J. D.; Nalepka, R. F.; Weber, J. D.

1974-01-01

A six-month systems study of earth resource surveys from satellites was conducted and is reported. SKYLAB S-192 multispectral scanner (MSS) data were used as a baseline to aid in evaluating the characteristics of future systems using satellite MSS sensors. The study took the viewpoint that overall system (sensor and processing) characteristics and parameter values should be determined largely by user requirements for automatic information extraction performance in quasi-operational earth resources surveys, the other major factor being hardware limitations imposed by state-of-the-art technology and cost. The objective was to use actual aircraft and spacecraft MSS data to outline parametrically the trade-offs between user performance requirements and hardware performance and limitations so as to allow subsequent evaluation of compromises which must be made in deciding what system(s) to build.

Underground coal mine instrumentation and test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burchill, R. F.; Waldron, W. D.

1976-01-01

The need to evaluate mechanical performance of mine tools and to obtain test performance data from candidate systems dictate that an engineering data recording system be built. Because of the wide range of test parameters which would be evaluated, a general purpose data gathering system was designed and assembled to permit maximum versatility. A primary objective of this program was to provide a specific operating evaluation of a longwall mining machine vibration response under normal operating conditions. A number of mines were visited and a candidate for test evaluation was selected, based upon management cooperation, machine suitability, and mine conditions. Actual mine testing took place in a West Virginia mine.

The Impact of Contextual Factors on the Security of Code

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-30

in which a system is resourced, overseen, managed and assured will have a lot to do with how successfully it performs in actual practice. Software is...ensure proper and adequate system assurance . Because of the high degree of skill and specialization required, details about software and systems are...whole has to be carefully coordinated in order to assure against the types of faults that are the basis for most of the exploits listed in the Common

Development and application of an acceptance testing model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pendley, Rex D.; Noonan, Caroline H.; Hall, Kenneth R.

1992-01-01

The process of acceptance testing large software systems for NASA has been analyzed, and an empirical planning model of the process constructed. This model gives managers accurate predictions of the staffing needed, the productivity of a test team, and the rate at which the system will pass. Applying the model to a new system shows a high level of agreement between the model and actual performance. The model also gives managers an objective measure of process improvement.

The utilization of cranial models created using rapid prototyping techniques in the development of models for navigation training.

PubMed

Waran, V; Pancharatnam, Devaraj; Thambinayagam, Hari Chandran; Raman, Rajagopal; Rathinam, Alwin Kumar; Balakrishnan, Yuwaraj Kumar; Tung, Tan Su; Rahman, Z A

2014-01-01

Navigation in neurosurgery has expanded rapidly; however, suitable models to train end users to use the myriad software and hardware that come with these systems are lacking. Utilizing three-dimensional (3D) industrial rapid prototyping processes, we have been able to create models using actual computed tomography (CT) data from patients with pathology and use these models to simulate a variety of commonly performed neurosurgical procedures with navigation systems. To assess the possibility of utilizing models created from CT scan dataset obtained from patients with cranial pathology to simulate common neurosurgical procedures using navigation systems. Three patients with pathology were selected (hydrocephalus, right frontal cortical lesion, and midline clival meningioma). CT scan data following an image-guidance surgery protocol in DIACOM format and a Rapid Prototyping Machine were taken to create the necessary printed model with the corresponding pathology embedded. The ability in registration, planning, and navigation of two navigation systems using a variety of software and hardware provided by these platforms was assessed. We were able to register all models accurately using both navigation systems and perform the necessary simulations as planned. Models with pathology utilizing 3D rapid prototyping techniques accurately reflect data of actual patients and can be used in the simulation of neurosurgical operations using navigation systems. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

An Evaluation Method for PV Systems by using Limited Data Item

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oozeki, Takashi; Izawa, Toshiyasu; Otani, Kenji; Tsuzuku, Ken; Koike, Hisafumi; Kurokawa, Kosuke

Beside photovoltaic (PV) systems are recently expected to introduce around Japan, almost all of them have not been taken care after established since PV systems are called maintenance free. In fact, there are few troubles about PV operations behind owners of PV systems because characteristics of them cannot be identified completely such as the ideal output energy. Therefore, it is very important to evaluate the characteristics of them. For evaluating them, equipments of measuring are required, and they, especially Pyrheliometer, are expensive as much as owners of the PV system cannot equip usually. Consequently, An evaluation method which can reveal the performance of operation such as the performance ratio with a very few kinds of data is necessary. In this paper, proposed method can evaluate performance ratio, shading losses, inverter efficiency losses by using only system output data items. The adequacies of the method are indicated by comparing with actual data and field survey results. As a result, the method is intended to be checking tool of PV system performance.

Techniques and Tools for Performance Tuning of Parallel and Distributed Scientific Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sarukkai, Sekhar R.; VanderWijngaart, Rob F.; Castagnera, Karen (Technical Monitor)

1994-01-01

Performance degradation in scientific computing on parallel and distributed computer systems can be caused by numerous factors. In this half-day tutorial we explain what are the important methodological issues involved in obtaining codes that have good performance potential. Then we discuss what are the possible obstacles in realizing that potential on contemporary hardware platforms, and give an overview of the software tools currently available for identifying the performance bottlenecks. Finally, some realistic examples are used to illustrate the actual use and utility of such tools.

Performance measurement for information systems: Industry perspectives

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bishop, Peter C.; Yoes, Cissy; Hamilton, Kay

1992-01-01

Performance measurement has become a focal topic for information systems (IS) organizations. Historically, IS performance measures have dealt with the efficiency of the data processing function. Today, the function of most IS organizations goes beyond simple data processing. To understand how IS organizations have developed meaningful performance measures that reflect their objectives and activities, industry perspectives on IS performance measurement was studied. The objectives of the study were to understand the state of the practice in IS performance techniques for IS performance measurement; to gather approaches and measures of actual performance measures used in industry; and to report patterns, trends, and lessons learned about performance measurement to NASA/JSC. Examples of how some of the most forward looking companies are shaping their IS processes through measurement is provided. Thoughts on the presence of a life-cycle to performance measures development and a suggested taxonomy for performance measurements are included in the appendices.

Integrated orbit and attitude hardware-in-the-loop simulations for autonomous satellite formation flying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Han-Earl; Park, Sang-Young; Kim, Sung-Woo; Park, Chandeok

2013-12-01

Development and experiment of an integrated orbit and attitude hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulator for autonomous satellite formation flying are presented. The integrated simulator system consists of an orbit HIL simulator for orbit determination and control, and an attitude HIL simulator for attitude determination and control. The integrated simulator involves four processes (orbit determination, orbit control, attitude determination, and attitude control), which interact with each other in the same way as actual flight processes do. Orbit determination is conducted by a relative navigation algorithm using double-difference GPS measurements based on the extended Kalman filter (EKF). Orbit control is performed by a state-dependent Riccati equation (SDRE) technique that is utilized as a nonlinear controller for the formation control problem. Attitude is determined from an attitude heading reference system (AHRS) sensor, and a proportional-derivative (PD) feedback controller is used to control the attitude HIL simulator using three momentum wheel assemblies. Integrated orbit and attitude simulations are performed for a formation reconfiguration scenario. By performing the four processes adequately, the desired formation reconfiguration from a baseline of 500-1000 m was achieved with meter-level position error and millimeter-level relative position navigation. This HIL simulation demonstrates the performance of the integrated HIL simulator and the feasibility of the applied algorithms in a real-time environment. Furthermore, the integrated HIL simulator system developed in the current study can be used as a ground-based testing environment to reproduce possible actual satellite formation operations.

A forward model-based validation of cardiovascular system identification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mukkamala, R.; Cohen, R. J.

2001-01-01

We present a theoretical evaluation of a cardiovascular system identification method that we previously developed for the analysis of beat-to-beat fluctuations in noninvasively measured heart rate, arterial blood pressure, and instantaneous lung volume. The method provides a dynamical characterization of the important autonomic and mechanical mechanisms responsible for coupling the fluctuations (inverse modeling). To carry out the evaluation, we developed a computational model of the cardiovascular system capable of generating realistic beat-to-beat variability (forward modeling). We applied the method to data generated from the forward model and compared the resulting estimated dynamics with the actual dynamics of the forward model, which were either precisely known or easily determined. We found that the estimated dynamics corresponded to the actual dynamics and that this correspondence was robust to forward model uncertainty. We also demonstrated the sensitivity of the method in detecting small changes in parameters characterizing autonomic function in the forward model. These results provide confidence in the performance of the cardiovascular system identification method when applied to experimental data.

New Project Incubator

DTIC Science & Technology

2018-04-30

quality assurance, parts, materials, processes, and domain-specific considerations such as radiation effects in space missions which are all part of MA...Bulletin, 138(2), p.211. Katz, R. and Allen, T.J. (1982). Investigating the Not Invented Here (NIH) syndrome : A look at the performance, tenure, and...actual modularity of a cyber-physical system is particularly acute . As Lee [2008] points out, cyber-physical systems have always been held to a higher

Comparative performance of HgCdTe photodiodes for heterodyne application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kowitz, H. R.

1980-01-01

The use of photodiodes as optical photomixers in laser heterodyne spectroscopy systems is discussed. The quantum efficiency of the photodiodes is reported with the emphasis on its effect on the system's signal to noise ratio. The measurement techniques used to determine photodiode dc and heterodyne quantum efficiencies are described. The theory behind the measurements as well as actual measurements data for two HgCdTe photodiodes are presented.

Modeling of unit operating considerations in generating-capacity reliability evaluation. Volume 1. Mathematical models, computing methods, and results. Final report. [GENESIS, OPCON and OPPLAN

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Patton, A.D.; Ayoub, A.K.; Singh, C.

1982-07-01

Existing methods for generating capacity reliability evaluation do not explicitly recognize a number of operating considerations which may have important effects in system reliability performance. Thus, current methods may yield estimates of system reliability which differ appreciably from actual observed reliability. Further, current methods offer no means of accurately studying or evaluating alternatives which may differ in one or more operating considerations. Operating considerations which are considered to be important in generating capacity reliability evaluation include: unit duty cycles as influenced by load cycle shape, reliability performance of other units, unit commitment policy, and operating reserve policy; unit start-up failuresmore » distinct from unit running failures; unit start-up times; and unit outage postponability and the management of postponable outages. A detailed Monte Carlo simulation computer model called GENESIS and two analytical models called OPCON and OPPLAN have been developed which are capable of incorporating the effects of many operating considerations including those noted above. These computer models have been used to study a variety of actual and synthetic systems and are available from EPRI. The new models are shown to produce system reliability indices which differ appreciably from index values computed using traditional models which do not recognize operating considerations.« less

Neural network controller development for a magnetically suspended flywheel energy storage system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fittro, Roger L.; Pang, Da-Chen; Anand, Davinder K.

1994-01-01

A neural network controller has been developed to accommodate disturbances and nonlinearities and improve the robustness of a magnetically suspended flywheel energy storage system. The controller is trained using the back propagation-through-time technique incorporated with a time-averaging scheme. The resulting nonlinear neural network controller improves system performance by adapting flywheel stiffness and damping based on operating speed. In addition, a hybrid multi-layered neural network controller is developed off-line which is capable of improving system performance even further. All of the research presented in this paper was implemented via a magnetic bearing computer simulation. However, careful attention was paid to developing a practical methodology which will make future application to the actual bearing system fairly straightforward.

Real-time operating system for selected Intel processors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pool, W. R.

1980-01-01

The rationale for system development is given along with reasons for not using vendor supplied operating systems. Although many system design and performance goals were dictated by problems with vendor supplied systems, other goals surfaced as a result of a design for a custom system able to span multiple projects. System development and management problems and areas that required redesign or major code changes for system implementation are examined as well as the relative successes of the initial projects. A generic description of the actual project is provided and the ongoing support requirements and future plans are discussed.

Approaches to Improve the Performances of the Sea Launch System Performances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tatarevs'kyy, K.

2002-01-01

The paper dwells on the outlines of the techniques of on-line pre-launch analysis on possibility of safe and reliable LV launch off floating launch system, when actual launch conditions (weather, launcher motion parameters) are beyond design limitations. The technique guarantees to follow the take-off LV trajectory limitations (the shock-free launch) and allows the improvement of the operat- ing characteristics of the floating launch systems at the expense of possibility to authorize the launch even if a number of weather and launcher motion parameters restrictions are exceeded. This paper ideas are applied for LV of Zenit-type launches off tilting launch platform, operative within Sea Launch. The importance, novelty and urgency of the approach under consideration is explained by the fact that the application during floating launch systems operation allows the bringing down of the num- ber of weather-conditioned launch abort cases. And this, in its part, increases the trustworthiness of the mission fulfillment on specific spacecraft injection, since, in the long run, the launch abort may cause the crossing of allowable wait threshold and accordingly the mission abort. All previous launch kinds for these LV did not require the development of the special technique of pre-launch analysis on launch possibility, since weather limitations for stationary launcher condi- tions are basically reduced to the wind velocity limitations. This parameter is reliably monitored and is sure to influence the launch dynamics. So the measured wind velocity allows the thorough picture on the possibility of the launch off the ground-based launcher. Since the floating launch systems commit complex and continuous movements under the exposure of the wind and the waves, the number of parameters is increased and, combined differently, they do not always make the issue on shockless launch critical. The proposed technique of the pre-launch analysis of the forthcoming launch dynamics with the consideration of the launch conditions (weather, launcher motion parameters, actual LV and carried SC performance) allow the evaluation of the actual combination of launch environment influence on the possibility of shockless launch. On the basis of the analysis the launch permissibility deci- sion is taken, even if some separate parameters are beyond the design range.

Confirmation of the sterilization effect using a high concentration of ozone gas for the bio-clean room.

PubMed

Iwamura, Takuji; Nagano, Katsunori; Nogami, Toshihiro; Matsuki, Noritomo; Kosaka, Noriyoshi; Shintani, Hideharu; Katoh, Miyoshi

2013-01-01

A high-level aseptic environment must be maintained in bio-cleanrooms used for the manufacture of sterile products. In the past, formaldehyde gas was most commonly used to sterilize bio-cleanrooms, but due to strict residual limitations there has been a need to develop a less toxic alternative choice. The authors have developed a revolutionary new sterilization system using a high concentration of ozone gas and used this system to sterilize an actual bio-cleanroom. This system integrates the ozone gas generator with the air conditioning system by proper control. The design specifications for the system included an ozone gas concentration of 200 ppm or more, relative humidity of 80% or more, and a sterilizing time of 120 min. Blow vents and suction ports were placed to ensure a uniform airflow which would extend through the entire room during ozone gas sterilization. Tests regarding long-term material exposure to ozone gas were conducted when the system was introduced to distinguish usable and unusable materials. In an actually constructed cleanroom, simulations were used to predict the evenness of the diffusion of ozone gas concentration and relative humidity during ozone gas sterilization, and measurements of the actual indoor ozone gas concentration, temperature and relative humidity during sterilization revealed that the ozone concentration and relative humidity needed for sterilization had been achieved generally throughout the entire environment. In addition, the CT value (mg/m(3) (=ppm) × min) , derived by multiplying the ozone gas concentration during ozone gas sterilization by the sterilization time, was equal to or greater than the target value of 24 × 10(3) (ppm·min) . When the results of sterilization in a cleanroom were confirmed using a biological indicator (BI) , negative results were obtained at all measurement points, demonstrating that sterilization was being performed effectively in the actual factory at which the ozone gas sterilization system had been introduced.

Comparison of Commercial Aircraft Fuel Requirements in Regards to FAR, Flight Profile Simulation, and Flight Operational Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heitzman, Nicholas

There are significant fuel consumption consequences for non-optimal flight operations. This study is intended to analyze and highlight areas of interest that affect fuel consumption in typical flight operations. By gathering information from actual flight operators (pilots, dispatch, performance engineers, and air traffic controllers), real performance issues can be addressed and analyzed. A series of interviews were performed with various individuals in the industry and organizations. The wide range of insight directed this study to focus on FAA regulations, airline policy, the ATC system, weather, and flight planning. The goal is to highlight where operational performance differs from design intent in order to better connect optimization with actual flight operations. After further investigation and consensus from the experienced participants, the FAA regulations do not need any serious attention until newer technologies and capabilities are implemented. The ATC system is severely out of date and is one of the largest limiting factors in current flight operations. Although participants are pessimistic about its timely implementation, the FAA's NextGen program for a future National Airspace System should help improve the efficiency of flight operations. This includes situational awareness, weather monitoring, communication, information management, optimized routing, and cleaner flight profiles like Required Navigation Performance (RNP) and Continuous Descent Approach (CDA). Working off the interview results, trade-studies were performed using an in-house flight profile simulation of a Boeing 737-300, integrating NASA legacy codes EDET and NPSS with a custom written mission performance and point-performance "Skymap" calculator. From these trade-studies, it was found that certain flight conditions affect flight operations more than others. With weather, traffic, and unforeseeable risks, flight planning is still limited by its high level of precaution. From this study, it is recommended that air carriers increase focus on defining policies like load scheduling, CG management, reduction in zero fuel weight, inclusion of performance measurement systems, and adapting to the regulations to best optimize the spirit of the requirement.. As well, air carriers should create a larger drive to implement the FAA's NextGen system and move the industry into the future.

Cryogenic Eyesafer Laser Optimization for Use Without Liquid Nitrogen

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-02-01

liquid cryogens. This calls for optimal performance around 125–150 K—high enough for reasonably efficient operation of a Stirling cooler. We...state laser system with an optimum operating temperature somewhat higher—ideally 125–150 K—can be identified, then a Stirling cooler can be used to...needed to optimize laser performance in the desired temperature range. This did not include actual use of Stirling coolers, but rather involved both

Estimating patient dose from CT exams that use automatic exposure control: Development and validation of methods to accurately estimate tube current values.

PubMed

McMillan, Kyle; Bostani, Maryam; Cagnon, Christopher H; Yu, Lifeng; Leng, Shuai; McCollough, Cynthia H; McNitt-Gray, Michael F

2017-08-01

The vast majority of body CT exams are performed with automatic exposure control (AEC), which adapts the mean tube current to the patient size and modulates the tube current either angularly, longitudinally or both. However, most radiation dose estimation tools are based on fixed tube current scans. Accurate estimates of patient dose from AEC scans require knowledge of the tube current values, which is usually unavailable. The purpose of this work was to develop and validate methods to accurately estimate the tube current values prescribed by one manufacturer's AEC system to enable accurate estimates of patient dose. Methods were developed that took into account available patient attenuation information, user selected image quality reference parameters and x-ray system limits to estimate tube current values for patient scans. Methods consistent with AAPM Report 220 were developed that used patient attenuation data that were: (a) supplied by the manufacturer in the CT localizer radiograph and (b) based on a simulated CT localizer radiograph derived from image data. For comparison, actual tube current values were extracted from the projection data of each patient. Validation of each approach was based on data collected from 40 pediatric and adult patients who received clinically indicated chest (n = 20) and abdomen/pelvis (n = 20) scans on a 64 slice multidetector row CT (Sensation 64, Siemens Healthcare, Forchheim, Germany). For each patient dataset, the following were collected with Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval: (a) projection data containing actual tube current values at each projection view, (b) CT localizer radiograph (topogram) and (c) reconstructed image data. Tube current values were estimated based on the actual topogram (actual-topo) as well as the simulated topogram based on image data (sim-topo). Each of these was compared to the actual tube current values from the patient scan. In addition, to assess the accuracy of each method in estimating patient organ doses, Monte Carlo simulations were performed by creating voxelized models of each patient, identifying key organs and incorporating tube current values into the simulations to estimate dose to the lungs and breasts (females only) for chest scans and the liver, kidney, and spleen for abdomen/pelvis scans. Organ doses from simulations using the actual tube current values were compared to those using each of the estimated tube current values (actual-topo and sim-topo). When compared to the actual tube current values, the average error for tube current values estimated from the actual topogram (actual-topo) and simulated topogram (sim-topo) was 3.9% and 5.8% respectively. For Monte Carlo simulations of chest CT exams using the actual tube current values and estimated tube current values (based on the actual-topo and sim-topo methods), the average differences for lung and breast doses ranged from 3.4% to 6.6%. For abdomen/pelvis exams, the average differences for liver, kidney, and spleen doses ranged from 4.2% to 5.3%. Strong agreement between organ doses estimated using actual and estimated tube current values provides validation of both methods for estimating tube current values based on data provided in the topogram or simulated from image data. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Performance measurement: A tool for program control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abell, Nancy

1994-01-01

Performance measurement is a management tool for planning, monitoring, and controlling as aspects of program and project management--cost, schedule, and technical requirements. It is a means (concept and approach) to a desired end (effective program planning and control). To reach the desired end, however, performance measurement must be applied and used appropriately, with full knowledge and recognition of its power and of its limitations--what it can and cannot do for the project manager. What is the potential of this management tool? What does performance measurement do that a traditional plan vs. actual technique cannot do? Performance measurement provides an improvement over the customary comparison of how much money was spent (actual cost) vs. how much was planned to be spent based on a schedule of activities (work planned). This commonly used plan vs. actual comparison does not allow one to know from the numerical data if the actual cost incurred was for work intended to be done.

Reliability and performance of a system-on-a-chip by predictive wear-out based activation of functional components

DOEpatents

Cher, Chen-Yong; Coteus, Paul W; Gara, Alan; Kursun, Eren; Paulsen, David P; Schuelke, Brian A; Sheets, II, John E; Tian, Shurong

2013-10-01

A processor-implemented method for determining aging of a processing unit in a processor the method comprising: calculating an effective aging profile for the processing unit wherein the effective aging profile quantifies the effects of aging on the processing unit; combining the effective aging profile with process variation data, actual workload data and operating conditions data for the processing unit; and determining aging through an aging sensor of the processing unit using the effective aging profile, the process variation data, the actual workload data, architectural characteristics and redundancy data, and the operating conditions data for the processing unit.

A system performance throughput model applicable to advanced manned telescience systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haines, Richard F.

1990-01-01

As automated space systems become more complex, autonomous, and opaque to the flight crew, it becomes increasingly difficult to determine whether the total system is performing as it should. Some of the complex and interrelated human performance measurement issues are addressed that are related to total system validation. An evaluative throughput model is presented which can be used to generate a human operator-related benchmark or figure of merit for a given system which involves humans at the input and output ends as well as other automated intelligent agents. The concept of sustained and accurate command/control data information transfer is introduced. The first two input parameters of the model involve nominal and off-nominal predicted events. The first of these calls for a detailed task analysis while the second is for a contingency event assessment. The last two required input parameters involving actual (measured) events, namely human performance and continuous semi-automated system performance. An expression combining these four parameters was found using digital simulations and identical, representative, random data to yield the smallest variance.

Evaluation of MEMS-Based Wireless Accelerometer Sensors in Detecting Gear Tooth Faults in Helicopter Transmissions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewicki, David George; Lambert, Nicholas A.; Wagoner, Robert S.

2015-01-01

The diagnostics capability of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based rotating accelerometer sensors in detecting gear tooth crack failures in helicopter main-rotor transmissions was evaluated. MEMS sensors were installed on a pre-notched OH-58C spiral-bevel pinion gear. Endurance tests were performed and the gear was run to tooth fracture failure. Results from the MEMS sensor were compared to conventional accelerometers mounted on the transmission housing. Most of the four stationary accelerometers mounted on the gear box housing and most of the CI's used gave indications of failure at the end of the test. The MEMS system performed well and lasted the entire test. All MEMS accelerometers gave an indication of failure at the end of the test. The MEMS systems performed as well, if not better, than the stationary accelerometers mounted on the gear box housing with regards to gear tooth fault detection. For both the MEMS sensors and stationary sensors, the fault detection time was not much sooner than the actual tooth fracture time. The MEMS sensor spectrum data showed large first order shaft frequency sidebands due to the measurement rotating frame of reference. The method of constructing a pseudo tach signal from periodic characteristics of the vibration data was successful in deriving a TSA signal without an actual tach and proved as an effective way to improve fault detection for the MEMS.

A CLIPS-based expert system for the evaluation and selection of robots

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nour, Mohamed A.; Offodile, Felix O.; Madey, Gregory R.

1994-01-01

This paper describes the development of a prototype expert system for intelligent selection of robots for manufacturing operations. The paper first develops a comprehensive, three-stage process to model the robot selection problem. The decisions involved in this model easily lend themselves to an expert system application. A rule-based system, based on the selection model, is developed using the CLIPS expert system shell. Data about actual robots is used to test the performance of the prototype system. Further extensions to the rule-based system for data handling and interfacing capabilities are suggested.

Flocking and self-defense: experiments and simulations of avian mobbing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kane, Suzanne Amador

2011-03-01

We have performed motion capture studies in the field of avian mobbing, in which flocks of prey birds harass predatory birds. Our empirical studies cover both field observations of mobbing occurring in mid-air, where both predator and prey are in flight, and an experimental system using actual prey birds and simulated predator ``perch and wait'' strategies. To model our results and establish the effectiveness of mobbing flight paths at minimizing risk of capture while optimizing predator harassment, we have performed computer simulations using the actual measured trajectories of mobbing prey birds combined with model predator trajectories. To accurately simulate predator motion, we also measured raptor acceleration and flight dynamics, well as prey-pursuit strategies. These experiments and theoretical studies were all performed with undergraduate research assistants in a liberal arts college setting. This work illustrates how biological physics provides undergraduate research projects well-suited to the abilities of physics majors with interdisciplinary science interests and diverse backgrounds.

Concurrent design of an RTP chamber and advanced control system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Spence, P.; Schaper, C.; Kermani, A.

1995-12-31

A concurrent-engineering approach is applied to the development of an axisymmetric rapid-thermal-processing (RTP) reactor and its associated temperature controller. Using a detailed finite-element thermal model as a surrogate for actual hardware, the authors have developed and tested a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) controller. Closed-loop simulations are performed by linking the control algorithm with the finite-element code. Simulations show that good temperature uniformity is maintained on the wafer during both steady and transient conditions. A numerical study shows the effect of ramp rate, feedback gain, sensor placement, and wafer-emissivity patterns on system performance.

40 CFR 86.1330-90 - Test sequence; general requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... fuel and the point at which it is measured shall be specified by the manufacturer. (g) Pre-test engine...-fueled or methanol-fueled diesel engine fuel flows, etc.), pre-test engine performance checks (e.g., verification of actual rated rpm, etc.) and pre-test system calibrations (e.g., inlet and exhaust restrictions...

40 CFR 86.1330-90 - Test sequence; general requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... fuel and the point at which it is measured shall be specified by the manufacturer. (g) Pre-test engine...-fueled or methanol-fueled diesel engine fuel flows, etc.), pre-test engine performance checks (e.g., verification of actual rated rpm, etc.) and pre-test system calibrations (e.g., inlet and exhaust restrictions...

40 CFR 86.1330-90 - Test sequence; general requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... fuel and the point at which it is measured shall be specified by the manufacturer. (g) Pre-test engine...-fueled or methanol-fueled diesel engine fuel flows, etc.), pre-test engine performance checks (e.g., verification of actual rated rpm, etc.) and pre-test system calibrations (e.g., inlet and exhaust restrictions...

40 CFR 86.1330-90 - Test sequence; general requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... fuel and the point at which it is measured shall be specified by the manufacturer. (g) Pre-test engine...-fueled or methanol-fueled diesel engine fuel flows, etc.), pre-test engine performance checks (e.g., verification of actual rated rpm, etc.) and pre-test system calibrations (e.g., inlet and exhaust restrictions...

Proficiency Verification Systems (PVS): Skills Indices for Language Arts. Technical Note.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Humes, Ann

The procedures undertaken in developing and organizing skills indexes for use in coding elementary school language arts textbooks to determine what is actually taught are presented in this paper. The outlined procedures included performing a preliminary analysis on four language arts textbooks to compile an extensive list of skills and performance…

Research and application of measuring system for disconnector for surge arresters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ziyu; Luo, Xiaoyong

2017-10-01

This paper analyzes the current situation of the use of the disconnector for the arrester, and introduces the common faults and their causes. Based on the Labview programming environment, a low cost and convenient measurement system is developed to solve the problem of test trigger and waveform acquisition, which is aimed at the lack of electrical detection methods for small manufacturing enterprises in China. Finally, the system is applied to the actual production, and the performance of product are improved.

Using Prosopagnosia to Test and Modify Visual Recognition Theory.

PubMed

O'Brien, Alexander M

2018-02-01

Biederman's contemporary theory of basic visual object recognition (Recognition-by-Components) is based on structural descriptions of objects and presumes 36 visual primitives (geons) people can discriminate, but there has been no empirical test of the actual use of these 36 geons to visually distinguish objects. In this study, we tested for the actual use of these geons in basic visual discrimination by comparing object discrimination performance patterns (when distinguishing varied stimuli) of an acquired prosopagnosia patient (LB) and healthy control participants. LB's prosopagnosia left her heavily reliant on structural descriptions or categorical object differences in visual discrimination tasks versus the control participants' additional ability to use face recognition or coordinate systems (Coordinate Relations Hypothesis). Thus, when LB performed comparably to control participants with a given stimulus, her restricted reliance on basic or categorical discriminations meant that the stimuli must be distinguishable on the basis of a geon feature. By varying stimuli in eight separate experiments and presenting all 36 geons, we discerned that LB coded only 12 (vs. 36) distinct visual primitives (geons), apparently reflective of human visual systems generally.

Performance-based financing in low-income and middle-income countries: isn’t it time for a rethink?

PubMed Central

Albert, Lucien; Bisala, Badibanga N’Sambuka; Bodson, Oriane; Bonnet, Emmanuel; Bossyns, Paul; Colombo, Sandro; De Brouwere, Vincent; Dumont, Alexandre; Eclou, Dieudonné Sèdjro; Gyselinck, Karel; Hane, Fatoumata; Marchal, Bruno; Meloni, Remo; Noirhomme, Mathieu; Noterman, Jean-Pierre; Samb, Oumar Mallé; Ssengooba, Freddie; Touré, Laurence; Turcotte-Tremblay, Anne-Marie; Van Belle, Sara; Vinard, Philippe

2018-01-01

This paper questions the view that performance-based financing (PBF) in the health sector is an effective, efficient and equitable approach to improving the performance of health systems in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). PBF was conceived as an open approach adapted to specific country needs, having the potential to foster system-wide reforms. However, as with many strategies and tools, there is a gap between what was planned and what is actually implemented. This paper argues that PBF as it is currently implemented in many contexts does not satisfy the promises. First, since the start of PBF implementation in LMICs, concerns have been raised on the basis of empirical evidence from different settings and disciplines that indicated the risks, cost and perverse effects. However, PBF implementation was rushed despite insufficient evidence of its effectiveness. Second, there is a lack of domestic ownership of PBF. Considering the amounts of time and money it now absorbs, and the lack of evidence of effectiveness and efficiency, PBF can be characterised as a donor fad. Third, by presenting itself as a comprehensive approach that makes it possible to address all aspects of the health system in any context, PBF monopolises attention and focuses policy dialogue on the short-term results of PBF programmes while diverting attention and resources from broader processes of change and necessary reforms. Too little care is given to system-wide and long-term effects, so that PBF can actually damage health services and systems. This paper ends by proposing entry points for alternative approaches. PMID:29564163

Influence of generic reference pricing on medicine cost in Slovenia: a retrospective study

PubMed Central

Marđetko, Nika; Kos, Mitja

2018-01-01

Aim To assess the impact of the generic reference pricing (GRP) system on the prices and cost of medicines in Slovenia approximately 8 years after its introduction in 2003 and before the implementation of the therapeutic reference pricing system. Methods A retrospective study of all medicines (N = 789) included in the GRP system on January 31, 2012 was performed. Medicine prices and cost were analyzed between January 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013 after every update (N = 11) of the maximum reimbursable price (MRP) and were compared to the price and cost on January 31, 2012 (index date). Time trends of different types of medicine prices (maximum allowed price, MRP, and actual wholesale price) were graphically analyzed, and actual wholesale price adjustments to the MRP changes and the budget impact of the GRP were assessed. Results In the 2-year study period, the long-term performance of the GRP system was associated with an approximate 45% decrease in the average MRP or an approximate 20% cost reduction. For each MRP update period, the GRP reduced the cost based on the maximum allowed price for approximately 30%. The wholesale price adjustments were mostly made for medicines priced above the MRP and reduced patients’ out-of-pocket cost. Conclusions In the long term, the GRP system effectively reduced medicine prices and the cost of reimbursed products. PMID:29740992

Computational Models of Neuron-Astrocyte Interactions Lead to Improved Efficacy in the Performance of Neural Networks

PubMed Central

Alvarellos-González, Alberto; Pazos, Alejandro; Porto-Pazos, Ana B.

2012-01-01

The importance of astrocytes, one part of the glial system, for information processing in the brain has recently been demonstrated. Regarding information processing in multilayer connectionist systems, it has been shown that systems which include artificial neurons and astrocytes (Artificial Neuron-Glia Networks) have well-known advantages over identical systems including only artificial neurons. Since the actual impact of astrocytes in neural network function is unknown, we have investigated, using computational models, different astrocyte-neuron interactions for information processing; different neuron-glia algorithms have been implemented for training and validation of multilayer Artificial Neuron-Glia Networks oriented toward classification problem resolution. The results of the tests performed suggest that all the algorithms modelling astrocyte-induced synaptic potentiation improved artificial neural network performance, but their efficacy depended on the complexity of the problem. PMID:22649480

Computational models of neuron-astrocyte interactions lead to improved efficacy in the performance of neural networks.

PubMed

Alvarellos-González, Alberto; Pazos, Alejandro; Porto-Pazos, Ana B

2012-01-01

The importance of astrocytes, one part of the glial system, for information processing in the brain has recently been demonstrated. Regarding information processing in multilayer connectionist systems, it has been shown that systems which include artificial neurons and astrocytes (Artificial Neuron-Glia Networks) have well-known advantages over identical systems including only artificial neurons. Since the actual impact of astrocytes in neural network function is unknown, we have investigated, using computational models, different astrocyte-neuron interactions for information processing; different neuron-glia algorithms have been implemented for training and validation of multilayer Artificial Neuron-Glia Networks oriented toward classification problem resolution. The results of the tests performed suggest that all the algorithms modelling astrocyte-induced synaptic potentiation improved artificial neural network performance, but their efficacy depended on the complexity of the problem.

78 FR 45536 - Solera Holdings, Inc.; Analysis of Proposed Agreement Containing Consent Order To Aid Public Comment

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-29

... anticompetitive effects of its consummated acquisition of Actual Systems of America, Inc. (``Actual Systems... Hollander, Inc. (``Hollander''), and Actual Systems both provide YMS to the automotive recycling industry... which to analyze the competitive effects of the acquisition is YMS. The relevant [[Page 45538...

Migration of medical image data archived using mini-PACS to full-PACS.

PubMed

Jung, Haijo; Kim, Hee-Joung; Kang, Won-Suk; Lee, Sang-Ho; Kim, Sae-Rome; Ji, Chang Lyong; Kim, Jung-Han; Yoo, Sun Kook; Kim, Ki-Hwang

2004-06-01

This study evaluated the migration to full-PACS of medical image data archived using mini-PACS at two hospitals of the Yonsei University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. A major concern in the migration of medical data is to match the image data from the mini-PACS with the hospital OCS (Ordered Communication System). Prior to carrying out the actual migration process, the principles, methods, and anticipated results for the migration with respect to both cost and effectiveness were evaluated. Migration gateway workstations were established and a migration software tool was developed. The actual migration process was performed based on the results of several migration simulations. Our conclusions were that a migration plan should be carefully prepared and tailored to the individual hospital environment because the server system, archive media, network, OCS, and policy for data management may be unique.

Test operation of a real-time tsunami inundation forecast system using actual data observed by S-net

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, W.; Yamamoto, N.; Miyoshi, T.; Aoi, S.

2017-12-01

If the tsunami inundation information can be rapidly and stably forecast before the large tsunami attacks, the information would have effectively people realize the impeding danger and necessity of evacuation. Toward that goal, we have developed a prototype system to perform the real-time tsunami inundation forecast for Chiba prefecture, eastern Japan, using off-shore ocean bottom pressure data observed by the seafloor observation network for earthquakes and tsunamis along the Japan Trench (S-net) (Aoi et al., 2015, AGU). Because tsunami inundation simulation requires a large computation cost, we employ a database approach searching the pre-calculated tsunami scenarios that reasonably explain the observed S-net pressure data based on the multi-index method (Yamamoto et al., 2016, EPS). The scenario search is regularly repeated, not triggered by the occurrence of the tsunami event, and the forecast information is generated from the selected scenarios that meet the criterion. Test operation of the prototype system using the actual observation data started in April, 2017 and the performance and behavior of the system during non-tsunami event periods have been examined. It is found that the treatment of the noises affecting the observed data is the main issue to be solved toward the improvement of the system. Even if the observed pressure data are filtered to extract the tsunami signals, the noises in ordinary times or unusually large noises like high ocean waves due to storm affect the comparison between the observed and scenario data. Due to the noises, the tsunami scenarios are selected and the tsunami is forecast although any tsunami event does not actually occur. In most cases, the selected scenarios due to the noises have the fault models in the region along the Kurile or Izu-Bonin Trenches, far from the S-net region, or the fault models below the land. Based on the parallel operation of the forecast system with a different scenario search condition and examination of the fault models, we improve the stability and performance of the forecast system.This work was supported by Council for Science, Technology and Innovation(CSTI), Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP), "Enhancement of societal resiliency against natural disasters"(Funding agency: JST).

Predictive Models of Duration of Ground Delay Programs in New York Area Airports

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kulkarni, Deepak

2011-01-01

Initially planned GDP duration often turns out to be an underestimate or an overestimate of the actual GDP duration. This, in turn, results in avoidable airborne or ground delays in the system. Therefore, better models of actual duration have the potential of reducing delays in the system. The overall objective of this study is to develop such models based on logs of GDPs. In a previous report, we described descriptive models of Ground Delay Programs. These models were defined in terms of initial planned duration and in terms of categorical variables. These descriptive models are good at characterizing the historical errors in planned GDP durations. This paper focuses on developing predictive models of GDP duration. Traffic Management Initiatives (TMI) are logged by Air Traffic Control facilities with The National Traffic Management Log (NTML) which is a single system for automated recoding, coordination, and distribution of relevant information about TMIs throughout the National Airspace System. (Brickman, 2004 Yuditsky, 2007) We use 2008-2009 GDP data from the NTML database for the study reported in this paper. NTML information about a GDP includes the initial specification, possibly one or more revisions, and the cancellation. In the next section, we describe general characteristics of Ground Delay Programs. In the third section, we develop models of actual duration. In the fourth section, we compare predictive performance of these models. The final section is a conclusion.

Nonlinear analysis of switched semi-active controlled systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eslaminasab, Nima; Vahid A., Orang; Golnaraghi, Farid

2011-02-01

Semi-active systems improve suspension performance of the vehicles more effectively than conventional passive systems by simultaneously improving ride comfort and road handling. Also, because of size, weight, price and performance advantages, they have gained more interest over the active as well as passive systems. Probably the most neglected aspect of the semi-active on-off control systems and strategies is the effects of the added nonlinearities of those systems, which are introduced and analysed in this paper. To do so, numerical techniques, analytical method of averaging and experimental analysis are deployed. In this paper, a new method to analyse, calculate and compare the performances of the semi-active controlled systems is proposed; further, a new controller based on the observations of actual test data is proposed to eliminate the adverse effects of added nonlinearities. The significance of the proposed new system is the simplicity of the algorithm and ease of implementation. In fact, this new semi-active control strategy could be easily adopted and used with most of the existing semi-active control systems.

MTF measurements on real time for performance analysis of electro-optical systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stuchi, Jose Augusto; Signoreto Barbarini, Elisa; Vieira, Flavio Pascoal; dos Santos, Daniel, Jr.; Stefani, Mário Antonio; Yasuoka, Fatima Maria Mitsue; Castro Neto, Jarbas C.; Linhari Rodrigues, Evandro Luis

2012-06-01

The need of methods and tools that assist in determining the performance of optical systems is actually increasing. One of the most used methods to perform analysis of optical systems is to measure the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF). The MTF represents a direct and quantitative verification of the image quality. This paper presents the implementation of the software, in order to calculate the MTF of electro-optical systems. The software was used for calculating the MTF of Digital Fundus Camera, Thermal Imager and Ophthalmologic Surgery Microscope. The MTF information aids the analysis of alignment and measurement of optical quality, and also defines the limit resolution of optical systems. The results obtained with the Fundus Camera and Thermal Imager was compared with the theoretical values. For the Microscope, the results were compared with MTF measured of Microscope Zeiss model, which is the quality standard of ophthalmological microscope.

Combining a clinical ladder and performance appraisal system as a reward strategy: the EXCEL clinical ladder program.

PubMed

Moe, J K; Lonowski, L R; Yancer, D A

1994-09-01

In response to the dramatic changes occurring in health care today and a desire to reward professional nurses for clinical behaviors that would be valued in the future, Bergan Mercy Medical Center (BMMC) has developed an innovative clinical ladder/performance appraisal system. The BMMC EXCEL Clinical Ladder program, which is based on the developmental model of Patricia Benner, is a competency-based system that uniquely combines a clinical ladder and performance appraisal system. The program is clinically focused and contains optional components in which registered nurses (RNs) can receive additional credit for participation in professional growth and leadership activities. Nurses document examples of their practice through nursing narratives that describe actual clinical situations. The development and implementation processes, challenges encountered, and recommendations for alternative approaches to the implementation of such a unique system are discussed.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ahrens, J.S.

For over fifteen years Sandia National Laboratories has been involved in laboratory testing of biometric identification devices. The key concept of biometric identification devices is the ability for the system to identify some unique aspect of the individual rather than some object a person may be carrying or some password they are required to know. Tests were conducted to verify manufacturer`s performance claims, to determine strengths/weaknesses of devices, and to determine devices that meet the US Department of energy`s needs. However, during recent field installation, significantly different performance was observed than was predicted by laboratory tests. Although most people usingmore » the device believed it operated adequately, the performance observed was over an order of magnitude worse than predicted. The search for reasons behind this gap between the predicted and the actual performance has revealed many possible contributing factors. As engineers, the most valuable lesson to be learned from this experience is the value of scientists and engineers with (1) common sense, (2) knowledge of human behavior, (3) the ability to observe the real world, and (4) the capability to realize the significant differences between controlled experiments and actual installations.« less

Mathematical modeling of the process of determining the standards for process losses in the transfer of thermal energy of the coolant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akhmetova, I. G.; Chichirova, N. D.

2017-11-01

Currently the actual problem is a precise definition of the normative and actual heat loss. Existing methods - experimental, on metering devices, on the basis of mathematical modeling methods are not without drawbacks. Heat losses establishing during the heat carrier transport has an impact on the tariff structure of heat supply organizations. This quantity determination also promotes proper choice of main and auxiliary equipment power, temperature chart of heat supply networks, as well as the heating system structure choice with the decentralization. Calculation of actual heat loss and their comparison with standard values justifies the performance of works on improvement of the heat networks with the replacement of piping or its insulation. To determine the cause of discrepancies between normative and actual heat losses thermal tests on the magnitude of the actual heat losses in the 124 sections of heat networks in Kazan. As were carried out the result mathematical model of the regulatory definition of heat losses is developed and tested. This model differ from differs the existing according the piping insulation type. The application of this factor will bring the value of calculative normative losses heat energy to their actual value. It is of great importance for enterprises operating distribution networks and because of the conditions of their configuration and extensions do not have the technical ability to produce thermal testing.

Effects of a psychophysiological system for adaptive automation on performance, workload, and the event-related potential P300 component

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prinzel, Lawrence J 3rd; Freeman, Frederick G.; Scerbo, Mark W.; Mikulka, Peter J.; Pope, Alan T.

2003-01-01

The present study examined the effects of an electroencephalographic- (EEG-) based system for adaptive automation on tracking performance and workload. In addition, event-related potentials (ERPs) to a secondary task were derived to determine whether they would provide an additional degree of workload specificity. Participants were run in an adaptive automation condition, in which the system switched between manual and automatic task modes based on the value of each individual's own EEG engagement index; a yoked control condition; or another control group, in which task mode switches followed a random pattern. Adaptive automation improved performance and resulted in lower levels of workload. Further, the P300 component of the ERP paralleled the sensitivity to task demands of the performance and subjective measures across conditions. These results indicate that it is possible to improve performance with a psychophysiological adaptive automation system and that ERPs may provide an alternative means for distinguishing among levels of cognitive task demand in such systems. Actual or potential applications of this research include improved methods for assessing operator workload and performance.

Performance improvement of coherent free-space optical communication with quadrature phase-shift keying modulation using digital phase estimation.

PubMed

Li, Xueliang; Geng, Tianwen; Ma, Shuang; Li, Yatian; Gao, Shijie; Wu, Zhiyong

2017-06-01

The performance of coherent free-space optical (CFSO) communication with phase modulation is limited by both phase fluctuations and intensity scintillations induced by atmospheric turbulence. To improve the system performance, one effective way is to use digital phase estimation. In this paper, a CFSO communication system with quadrature phase-shift keying modulation is studied. With consideration of the effects of log-normal amplitude fluctuations and Gauss phase fluctuations, a two-stage Mth power carrier phase estimation (CPE) scheme is proposed. The simulation results show that the phase noise can be suppressed greatly by this scheme, and the system symbol error rate performance with the two-stage Mth power CPE can be three orders lower than that of the single-stage Mth power CPE. Therefore, the two-stage CPE we proposed can contribute to the performance improvements of the CFSO communication system and has determinate guidance sense to its actual application.

Test set readings predict clinical performance to a limited extent: preliminary findings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soh, BaoLin P.; Lee, Warwick M.; Kench, Peter L.; Reed, Warren M.; McEntee, Mark F.; Brennan, Patrick C.

2013-03-01

Aim: To investigate the level of agreement between test sets and actual clinical reading Background: The performance of screen readers in detecting breast cancer is being assessed in some countries by using mammographic test sets. However, previous studies have provided little evidence that performance assessed by test sets strongly correlate to performance in clinical reading. Methods: Five clinicians from BreastScreen New South Wales participated in this study. Each clinician was asked to read 200 de-identified mammographic examinations gathered from their own case history within the BreastScreen NSW Digital Imaging Library. All test sets were designed with specific proportions of true positive, true negative, false positive and false negative examinations from the previous actual clinical reads of each reader. A prior mammogram examination for comparison (when available) was also provided for each case. Results: Preliminary analyses have shown that there is a moderate level of agreement (Kappa 0.42-0.56, p < 0.001) between laboratory test sets and actual clinical reading. In addition, a mean increase of 38% in sensitivity in the laboratory test sets as compared to their actual clinical readings was demonstrated. Specificity is similar between the laboratory test sets and actual clinical reading. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a moderate level of agreement between actual clinical reading and test set reading, which suggests that test sets have a role in reflecting clinical performance.

Enhancement of tracking performance in electro-optical system based on servo control algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, WooJin; Kim, SungSu; Jung, DaeYoon; Seo, HyoungKyu

2017-10-01

Modern electro-optical surveillance and reconnaissance systems require tracking capability to get exact images of target or to accurately direct the line of sight to target which is moving or still. This leads to the tracking system composed of image based tracking algorithm and servo control algorithm. In this study, we focus on the servo control function to minimize the overshoot in the tracking motion and do not miss the target. The scheme is to limit acceleration and velocity parameters in the tracking controller, depending on the target state information in the image. We implement the proposed techniques by creating a system model of DIRCM and simulate the same environment, validate the performance on the actual equipment.

A decision-support system for the analysis of clinical practice patterns.

PubMed

Balas, E A; Li, Z R; Mitchell, J A; Spencer, D C; Brent, E; Ewigman, B G

1994-01-01

Several studies documented substantial variation in medical practice patterns, but physicians often do not have adequate information on the cumulative clinical and financial effects of their decisions. The purpose of developing an expert system for the analysis of clinical practice patterns was to assist providers in analyzing and improving the process and outcome of patient care. The developed QFES (Quality Feedback Expert System) helps users in the definition and evaluation of measurable quality improvement objectives. Based on objectives and actual clinical data, several measures can be calculated (utilization of procedures, annualized cost effect of using a particular procedure, and expected utilization based on peer-comparison and case-mix adjustment). The quality management rules help to detect important discrepancies among members of the selected provider group and compare performance with objectives. The system incorporates a variety of data and knowledge bases: (i) clinical data on actual practice patterns, (ii) frames of quality parameters derived from clinical practice guidelines, and (iii) rules of quality management for data analysis. An analysis of practice patterns of 12 family physicians in the management of urinary tract infections illustrates the use of the system.

High level intelligent control of telerobotics systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mckee, James

1988-01-01

A high level robot command language is proposed for the autonomous mode of an advanced telerobotics system and a predictive display mechanism for the teleoperational model. It is believed that any such system will involve some mixture of these two modes, since, although artificial intelligence can facilitate significant autonomy, a system that can resort to teleoperation will always have the advantage. The high level command language will allow humans to give the robot instructions in a very natural manner. The robot will then analyze these instructions to infer meaning so that is can translate the task into lower level executable primitives. If, however, the robot is unable to perform the task autonomously, it will switch to the teleoperational mode. The time delay between control movement and actual robot movement has always been a problem in teleoperations. The remote operator may not actually see (via a monitor) the results of high actions for several seconds. A computer generated predictive display system is proposed whereby the operator can see a real-time model of the robot's environment and the delayed video picture on the monitor at the same time.

Continuous whole-system monitoring toward rapid understanding of production HPC applications and systems

DOE PAGES

Agelastos, Anthony; Allan, Benjamin; Brandt, Jim; ...

2016-05-18

A detailed understanding of HPC applications’ resource needs and their complex interactions with each other and HPC platform resources are critical to achieving scalability and performance. Such understanding has been difficult to achieve because typical application profiling tools do not capture the behaviors of codes under the potentially wide spectrum of actual production conditions and because typical monitoring tools do not capture system resource usage information with high enough fidelity to gain sufficient insight into application performance and demands. In this paper we present both system and application profiling results based on data obtained through synchronized system wide monitoring onmore » a production HPC cluster at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). We demonstrate analytic and visualization techniques that we are using to characterize application and system resource usage under production conditions for better understanding of application resource needs. Furthermore, our goals are to improve application performance (through understanding application-to-resource mapping and system throughput) and to ensure that future system capabilities match their intended workloads.« less

National Training Center Performance Trends for the Maneuver Operating System: Relationship to Training Doctrine

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-04-01

Action Reviews (AAR) after each exercise . This information is synthesized in the THP, as is a sumary of Performance Trends for the entire fourteen...most frequently to least frequently commented upon across THPs. The actual number of times an issue was commented upon, either postively or...positions". "Dispersion of the positions" was some- times inadequate and units "failed to reinforce their positions with obstacles". "Utilization of

The 2003 Goddard Rocket Replica Project: A Reconstruction of the World's First Functional Liquid Rocket System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farr, R. A.; Elam, S. K.; Hicks, G. D.; Sanders, T. M.; London, J. R.; Mayne, A. W.; Christensen, D. L.

2003-01-01

As a part of NASA s 2003 Centennial of Flight celebration, engineers and technicians at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), Huntsville, Alabama, in cooperation with the Alabama-Mississippi AIAA Section, have reconstructed historically accurate, functional replicas of Dr. Robert H. Goddard s 1926 first liquid- fuel rocket. The purposes of this project were to clearly understand, recreate, and document the mechanisms and workings of the 1926 rocket for exhibit and educational use, creating a vital resource for researchers studying the evolution of liquid rocketry for years to come. The MSFC team s reverse engineering activity has created detailed engineering-quality drawings and specifications describing the original rocket and how it was built, tested, and operated. Static hot-fire tests, as well as flight demonstrations, have further defined and quantified the actual performance and engineering actual performance and engineering challenges of this major segment in early aerospace history.

Optimization of CCGT power plant and performance analysis using MATLAB/Simulink with actual operational data.

PubMed

Hasan, Naimul; Rai, Jitendra Nath; Arora, Bharat Bhushan

2014-01-01

In the Modern scenario, the naturally available resources for power generation are being depleted at an alarming rate; firstly due to wastage of power at consumer end, secondly due to inefficiency of various power system components. A Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) integrates two cycles- Brayton cycle (Gas Turbine) and Rankine cycle (Steam Turbine) with the objective of increasing overall plant efficiency. This is accomplished by utilising the exhaust of Gas Turbine through a waste-heat recovery boiler to run a Steam Turbine. The efficiency of a gas turbine which ranges from 28% to 33% can hence be raised to about 60% by recovering some of the low grade thermal energy from the exhaust gas for steam turbine process. This paper is a study for the modelling of CCGT and comparing it with actual operational data. The performance model for CCGT plant was developed in MATLAB/Simulink.

NASA Instep/mdmsc Jitter Suppression Experiment (JITTER)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

White, Edward V.

1992-01-01

The objectives are the following: (1) to develop and demonstrate in-space performance of both passive and active damping systems for suppression of micro-amplitude vibration on an actual application structure and operate despite uncertain dynamics and uncertain disturbance characteristics; and (2) to correlate ground and in-space performance - the performance metric is vibration attenuation. The goals are to achieve vibration suppression equivalent to 5 percent passive damping in selected models and 15 percent active damping in selected modes. Various aspects of this experiment are presented in viewgraph form.

Marijuana, alcohol and actual driving performance

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-07-01

The purpose of this study was to empirically determine the separate and combined effects of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and alcohol on actual driving performance. This was the first study ever in which the drugs' combined effects were measured...

Detection Thresholds for Rotation and Translation Gains in 360° Video-Based Telepresence Systems.

PubMed

Zhang, Jingxin; Langbehn, Eike; Krupke, Dennis; Katzakis, Nicholas; Steinicke, Frank

2018-04-01

Telepresence systems have the potential to overcome limits and distance constraints of the real-world by enabling people to remotely visit and interact with each other. However, current telepresence systems usually lack natural ways of supporting interaction and exploration of remote environments (REs). In particular, single webcams for capturing the RE provide only a limited illusion of spatial presence, and movement control of mobile platforms in today's telepresence systems are often restricted to simple interaction devices. One of the main challenges of telepresence systems is to allow users to explore a RE in an immersive, intuitive and natural way, e.g., by real walking in the user's local environment (LE), and thus controlling motions of the robot platform in the RE. However, the LE in which the user's motions are tracked usually provides a much smaller interaction space than the RE. In this context, redirected walking (RDW) is a very suitable approach to solve this problem. However, so far there is no previous work, which explored if and how RDW can be used in video-based 360° telepresence systems. In this article, we conducted two psychophysical experiments in which we have quantified how much humans can be unknowingly redirected on virtual paths in the RE, which are different from the physical paths that they actually walk in the LE. Experiment 1 introduces a discrimination task between local and remote translations, and in Experiment 2 we analyzed the discrimination between local and remote rotations. In Experiment 1 participants performed straightforward translations in the LE that were mapped to straightforward translations in the RE shown as 360° videos, which were manipulated by different gains. Then, participants had to estimate if the remotely perceived translation was faster or slower than the actual physically performed translation. Similarly, in Experiment 2 participants performed rotations in the LE that were mapped to the virtual rotations in a 360° video-based RE to which we applied different gains. Again, participants had to estimate whether the remotely perceived rotation was smaller or larger than the actual physically performed rotation. Our results show that participants are not able to reliably discriminate the difference between physical motion in the LE and the virtual motion from the 360° video RE when virtual translations are down-scaled by 5.8% and up-scaled by 9.7%, and virtual rotations are about 12.3% less or 9.2% more than the corresponding physical rotations in the LE.

Perceptions of inpatient rehabilitation changes after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service 2010 regulatory updates contrasted with actual performance.

PubMed

Riggs, Richard V; Roberts, Pamela S; DiVita, Margaret A; Niewczyk, Paulette; Granger, Carl V

2014-01-01

To compare and contrast subjective perceptions with objective compliance of the impact of the 2010 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service updates of the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual. Cross-sectional survey. An electronic survey was sent by the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation to all enrolled inpatient rehabilitation facility subscribers (n = 817). The survey was sent April 15, 2011, and responses were tabulated if they were received by May 15, 2011. Comparing and contrasting of the subjective perception to objective evaluation and/or compliance with the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual on case mix index, length of stay, admissions by diagnostic category as well as perception of preadmission screening, postadmission evaluation, plan of care, and interdisciplinary conferencing. Twenty-five percent of the 817 facilities responded, for a total of 209 responses. Complete data were present in 148 of the respondents. For most diagnostic categories, perception of change did not mirror reality of change; neither did the perception between change in case mix index and length of stay. Perception did match reality in stroke and multiple trauma cases; respondents perceived an increase in admissions for the 2 impairments, and there was an overall increase in reality. Comparison with actual data identified that gaps exist between diagnostic category perceptions and actual diagnostic category admission performance. Regulations such as the 75%-60% rule and audit focus on non-neurologic conditions as well as actual inpatient rehabilitation facility program payment reports may have influenced respondents perceptions to change associated with the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual modifications. This disparity between perception and actual data may have implications for programmatic planning, forecasting, and resource allocation. Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A quantitative measure for degree of automation and its relation to system performance and mental load.

PubMed

Wei, Z G; Macwan, A P; Wieringa, P A

1998-06-01

In this paper we quantitatively model degree of automation (DofA) in supervisory control as a function of the number and nature of tasks to be performed by the operator and automation. This model uses a task weighting scheme in which weighting factors are obtained from task demand load, task mental load, and task effect on system performance. The computation of DofA is demonstrated using an experimental system. Based on controlled experiments using operators, analyses of the task effect on system performance, the prediction and assessment of task demand load, and the prediction of mental load were performed. Each experiment had a different DofA. The effect of a change in DofA on system performance and mental load was investigated. It was found that system performance became less sensitive to changes in DofA at higher levels of DofA. The experimental data showed that when the operator controlled a partly automated system, perceived mental load could be predicted from the task mental load for each task component, as calculated by analyzing a situation in which all tasks were manually controlled. Actual or potential applications of this research include a methodology to balance and optimize the automation of complex industrial systems.

Ventana{trade mark, serif} power train features and performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohedano, R.; Benitez, P.; Zamora, P.; Miñano, J. C.; Mendes, J.; Cvetkovic, A.; Vilaplana, J.; Hernandez, M.; Chaves, J.; Biot, G.

2013-09-01

Most CPV systems are based on Fresnel lenses. Among these, LPI-patented Fresnel-Köhler (FK) concentrator outstands owing to performance and practical reasons. The Ventana{trade mark, serif} power train is the first off-the-shelf commercial product based on the FK and comprises both the primary (POE) lenses (a 36-units 1×1 m2 acrylic panel) and glass (or silica glass) secondary optics (SOE). This high concentration optical train (Cg=1,024×, ˜250mm optical depth) fits with 5×5 mm2 (at least) solar cells. The optical train is the fruit of a 1-year development that has included design, modeling, prototyping and characterization, and through the process we had the opportunity to find out how well the actual performance correlates with models, but also learned practical aspects of a CPV system of this kind, some of which have very positive impact on system performance and reliability.

Pilot Non-Conformance to Alerting System Commands

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pritchett, Amy R.; Hansman, R. John

1997-01-01

Instances of pilot non-conformance to alerting system commands have been identified in previous studies. Pilot non-conformance changes the final behavior of the system, and therefore may reduce actual performance from that anticipated. A simulator study has examined pilot non-conformance, using the task of collision avoidance during closely spaced parallel approaches as a case study. Consonance between the display and the alerting system was found to significantly improve subject agreement with automatic alerts. Based on these results, a more general discussion of the factors involved in pilot conformance is given, and design guidelines for alerting systems are given.

Pointing system for the balloon-borne astronomical payloads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nirmal, Kaipacheri; Sreejith, Aickara Gopinathan; Mathew, Joice; Sarpotdar, Mayuresh; Ambily, Suresh; Prakash, Ajin; Safonova, Margarita; Murthy, Jayant

2016-10-01

We describe the development and implementation of a light-weight, fully autonomous 2-axis pointing and stabilization system designed for balloon-borne astronomical payloads. The system is developed using off-the-shelf components such as Arduino Uno controller, HMC 5883L magnetometer, MPU-9150 inertial measurement unit, and iWave GPS receiver unit. It is a compact and rugged system which can also be used to take images/video in a moving vehicle or in real photography. The system performance is evaluated from the ground, as well as in conditions simulated to imitate the actual flight by using a tethered launch.

Safety characteristics of the lithium SO2 system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, T.

1978-01-01

Extensive tests were conducted to quantitatively define the safety characteristics of high-rate SO2 multicell batteries under various discharge and temperature profiles, which closely simulated actual field-use conditions. The resulting behavior patters of the multicell batteries and the corrective action which can be implemented to minimize or prevent hazardous battery performance are briefly summarized.

77 FR 3477 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-24

... collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3... submitted to CMS through the 372 web-based form. The report is used by CMS to compare actual data in the... provided is compared to that in the Medicaid Statistical Information System (CMS-R-284, OCN 0938-0345...

Grinding the Antitesting Ax: More Bias than Evidence behind NRC Panel's Conclusions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hanushek, Eric A.

2012-01-01

In all the acrimonious discussion surrounding No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), surprisingly little attention has been given to the actual impact of that legislation and other accountability systems on student performance. Now a reputable body, a committee set up by the National Research Council (NRC), the research arm of the National…

Wind Energy Management System EMS Integration Project: Incorporating Wind Generation and Load Forecast Uncertainties into Power Grid Operations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Makarov, Yuri V.; Huang, Zhenyu; Etingov, Pavel V.

2010-01-01

The power system balancing process, which includes the scheduling, real time dispatch (load following) and regulation processes, is traditionally based on deterministic models. Since the conventional generation needs time to be committed and dispatched to a desired megawatt level, the scheduling and load following processes use load and wind and solar power production forecasts to achieve future balance between the conventional generation and energy storage on the one side, and system load, intermittent resources (such as wind and solar generation), and scheduled interchange on the other side. Although in real life the forecasting procedures imply some uncertainty around the loadmore » and wind/solar forecasts (caused by forecast errors), only their mean values are actually used in the generation dispatch and commitment procedures. Since the actual load and intermittent generation can deviate from their forecasts, it becomes increasingly unclear (especially, with the increasing penetration of renewable resources) whether the system would be actually able to meet the conventional generation requirements within the look-ahead horizon, what the additional balancing efforts would be needed as we get closer to the real time, and what additional costs would be incurred by those needs. To improve the system control performance characteristics, maintain system reliability, and minimize expenses related to the system balancing functions, it becomes necessary to incorporate the predicted uncertainty ranges into the scheduling, load following, and, in some extent, into the regulation processes. It is also important to address the uncertainty problem comprehensively by including all sources of uncertainty (load, intermittent generation, generators’ forced outages, etc.) into consideration. All aspects of uncertainty such as the imbalance size (which is the same as capacity needed to mitigate the imbalance) and generation ramping requirement must be taken into account. The latter unique features make this work a significant step forward toward the objective of incorporating of wind, solar, load, and other uncertainties into power system operations. Currently, uncertainties associated with wind and load forecasts, as well as uncertainties associated with random generator outages and unexpected disconnection of supply lines, are not taken into account in power grid operation. Thus, operators have little means to weigh the likelihood and magnitude of upcoming events of power imbalance. In this project, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), a framework has been developed for incorporating uncertainties associated with wind and load forecast errors, unpredicted ramps, and forced generation disconnections into the energy management system (EMS) as well as generation dispatch and commitment applications. A new approach to evaluate the uncertainty ranges for the required generation performance envelope including balancing capacity, ramping capability, and ramp duration has been proposed. The approach includes three stages: forecast and actual data acquisition, statistical analysis of retrospective information, and prediction of future grid balancing requirements for specified time horizons and confidence levels. Assessment of the capacity and ramping requirements is performed using a specially developed probabilistic algorithm based on a histogram analysis, incorporating all sources of uncertainties of both continuous (wind and load forecast errors) and discrete (forced generator outages and start-up failures) nature. A new method called the “flying brick” technique has been developed to evaluate the look-ahead required generation performance envelope for the worst case scenario within a user-specified confidence level. A self-validation algorithm has been developed to validate the accuracy of the confidence intervals.« less

Interactive chemistry management system (ICMS); Field demonstration results at United Illuminating

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Noto, F.A.; Farrell, D.M.; Lombard, E.V.

1988-01-01

The authors report on a field demonstration of the interactive chemistry management system (ICMS) performed in the late summer of 1987 at the New Haven Harbor Station of United Illuminating Co. This demonstration was the first installation of the ICMS at an actual plant site. The ICMS is a computer-based system designed to monitor, diagnose, and provide optional automatic control of water and steam chemistry throughout the steam generator cycle. It is one of the diagnostic modules that comprises CE-TOPS (combustion engineering total on-line performance system), which continuously monitors operating conditions and suggests priority actions to increase operation efficiency, extendmore » the performance life of boiler components and reduce maintenance costs. By reducing the number of forced outages through early identification of potentially detrimental conditions, diagnosis of possible causes, and execution of corrective actions, improvements in unit availability and reliability will result.« less

Development and optimization of an energy-regenerative suspension system under stochastic road excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Bo; Hsieh, Chen-Yu; Golnaraghi, Farid; Moallem, Mehrdad

2015-11-01

In this paper a vehicle suspension system with energy harvesting capability is developed, and an analytical methodology for the optimal design of the system is proposed. The optimization technique provides design guidelines for determining the stiffness and damping coefficients aimed at the optimal performance in terms of ride comfort and energy regeneration. The corresponding performance metrics are selected as root-mean-square (RMS) of sprung mass acceleration and expectation of generated power. The actual road roughness is considered as the stochastic excitation defined by ISO 8608:1995 standard road profiles and used in deriving the optimization method. An electronic circuit is proposed to provide variable damping in the real-time based on the optimization rule. A test-bed is utilized and the experiments under different driving conditions are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The test results suggest that the analytical approach is credible in determining the optimality of system performance.

Thermoelectric Outer Planets Spacecraft (TOPS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

The research and advanced development work is reported on a ballistic-mode, outer planet spacecraft using radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) power. The Thermoelectric Outer Planet Spacecraft (TOPS) project was established to provide the advanced systems technology that would allow the realistic estimates of performance, cost, reliability, and scheduling that are required for an actual flight mission. A system design of the complete RTG-powered outer planet spacecraft was made; major technical innovations of certain hardware elements were designed, developed, and tested; and reliability and quality assurance concepts were developed for long-life requirements. At the conclusion of its active phase, the TOPS Project reached its principal objectives: a development and experience base was established for project definition, and for estimating cost, performance, and reliability; an understanding of system and subsystem capabilities for successful outer planets missions was achieved. The system design answered long-life requirements with massive redundancy, controlled by on-board analysis of spacecraft performance data.

Energy Evaluation of a New Construction Pilot Community: Fresno, California

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Burdick, A.; Poerschke, A.; Rapport, A.

2014-06-01

A new construction pilot community was constructed by builder-partner Wathen-Castanos Hybrid Homes (WCHH) based on a single occupied test house that was designed to achieve greater than 30% energy savings with respect to the House Simulation Protocols (Hendron, Robert; Engebrecht, Cheryn (2010). Building America House Simulation Protocols. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory). Builders face several key problems when implementing a whole-house systems integrated measures package (SIMP) from a single test house into multiple houses. Although a technical solution already may have been evaluated and validated in an individual test house, the potential exists for constructability failures at the communitymore » scale. This report addresses factors of implementation and scalability at the community scale and proposes methodologies by which community-scale energy evaluations can be performed based on results at the occupied test house level. Research focused on the builder and trade implementation of a SIMP and the actual utility usage in the houses at the community scale of production. Five occupants participated in this community-scale research by providing utility bills and information on occupancy and miscellaneous gas and electric appliance use for their houses. IBACOS used these utility data and background information to analyze the actual energy performance of the houses. Verification with measured data is an important component in predictive energy modeling. The actual utility bill readings were compared to projected energy consumption using BEopt with actual weather and thermostat set points for normalization.« less

Building America Case Study: Low-Cost Evaluation of Energy Savings at the Community Scale, Fresno, California (Fact Sheet)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

2014-10-01

A new construction pilot community was constructed by builder-partner Wathen-Castanos Hybrid Homes (WCHH) based on a single occupied test house that was designed to achieve greater than 30% energy savings with respect to the House Simulation Protocols (Hendron, Robert; Engebrecht, Cheryn (2010). Building America House Simulation Protocols. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory.). Builders face several key problems when implementing a whole-house systems integrated measures package (SIMP) from a single test house into multiple houses. Although a technical solution already may have been evaluated and validated in an individual test house, the potential exists for constructability failures at the communitymore » scale. This report addresses factors of implementation and scalability at the community scale and proposes methodologies by which community-scale energy evaluations can be performed based on results at the occupied test house level. Research focused on the builder and trade implementation of a SIMP and the actual utility usage in the houses at the community scale of production. Five occupants participated in this community-scale research by providing utility bills and information on occupancy and miscellaneous gas and electric appliance use for their houses. IBACOS used these utility data and background information to analyze the actual energy performance of the houses. Verification with measured data is an important component in predictive energy modeling. The actual utility bill readings were compared to projected energy consumption using BEopt with actual weather and thermostat set points for normalization.« less

Comparison of iterative inverse coarse-graining methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosenberger, David; Hanke, Martin; van der Vegt, Nico F. A.

2016-10-01

Deriving potentials for coarse-grained Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations is frequently done by solving an inverse problem. Methods like Iterative Boltzmann Inversion (IBI) or Inverse Monte Carlo (IMC) have been widely used to solve this problem. The solution obtained by application of these methods guarantees a match in the radial distribution function (RDF) between the underlying fine-grained system and the derived coarse-grained system. However, these methods often fail in reproducing thermodynamic properties. To overcome this deficiency, additional thermodynamic constraints such as pressure or Kirkwood-Buff integrals (KBI) may be added to these methods. In this communication we test the ability of these methods to converge to a known solution of the inverse problem. With this goal in mind we have studied a binary mixture of two simple Lennard-Jones (LJ) fluids, in which no actual coarse-graining is performed. We further discuss whether full convergence is actually needed to achieve thermodynamic representability.

Comparison of Kalman filter and optimal smoother estimates of spacecraft attitude

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sedlak, J.

1994-01-01

Given a valid system model and adequate observability, a Kalman filter will converge toward the true system state with error statistics given by the estimated error covariance matrix. The errors generally do not continue to decrease. Rather, a balance is reached between the gain of information from new measurements and the loss of information during propagation. The errors can be further reduced, however, by a second pass through the data with an optimal smoother. This algorithm obtains the optimally weighted average of forward and backward propagating Kalman filters. It roughly halves the error covariance by including future as well as past measurements in each estimate. This paper investigates whether such benefits actually accrue in the application of an optimal smoother to spacecraft attitude determination. Tests are performed both with actual spacecraft data from the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE) and with simulated data for which the true state vector and noise statistics are exactly known.

A design framework for teleoperators with kinesthetic feedback

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hannaford, Blake

1989-01-01

The application of a hybrid two-port model to teleoperators with force and velocity sensing at the master and slave is presented. The interfaces between human operator and master, and between environment and slave, are ports through which the teleoperator is designed to exchange energy between the operator and the environment. By computing or measuring the input-output properties of this two-port network, the hybrid two-port model of an actual or simulated teleoperator system can be obtained. It is shown that the hybrid model (as opposed to other two-port forms) leads to an intuitive representation of ideal teleoperator performace and applies to several teleoperator architectures. Thus measured values of the h matrix or values computed from a simulation can be used to compare performance with th ideal. The frequency-dependent h matrix is computed from a detailed SPICE model of an actual system, and the method is applied to a proposed architecture.

Curvature sensor for ocular wavefront measurement.

PubMed

Díaz-Doutón, Fernando; Pujol, Jaume; Arjona, Montserrat; Luque, Sergio O

2006-08-01

We describe a new wavefront sensor for ocular aberration determination, based on the curvature sensing principle, which adapts the classical system used in astronomy for the living eye's measurements. The actual experimental setup is presented and designed following a process guided by computer simulations to adjust the design parameters for optimal performance. We present results for artificial and real young eyes, compared with the Hartmann-Shack estimations. Both methods show a similar performance for these cases. This system will allow for the measurement of higher order aberrations than the currently used wavefront sensors in situations in which they are supposed to be significant, such as postsurgery eyes.

Application of System Identification Methods for Decoding Imagined Single-Joint Movements in an Individual with High Tetraplegia

PubMed Central

Ajiboye, A. Bolu; Hochberg, Leigh R.; Donoghue, John P.; Kirsch, Robert F.

2013-01-01

This study investigated the decoding of imagined arm movements from M1 in an individual with high level tetraplegia. The participant was instructed to imagine herself performing a series of single-joint arm movements, aided by the visual cue of an animate character performing these movements. System identification was used offline to predict the trajectories of the imagined movements and compare these predictions to the trajectories of the actual movements. We report rates of 25 – 50% for predicting completely imagined arm movements in the absence of a priori movements to aid in decoder building. PMID:21096197

Vertical transportation systems embedded on shuffled frog leaping algorithm for manufacturing optimisation problems in industries.

PubMed

Aungkulanon, Pasura; Luangpaiboon, Pongchanun

2016-01-01

Response surface methods via the first or second order models are important in manufacturing processes. This study, however, proposes different structured mechanisms of the vertical transportation systems or VTS embedded on a shuffled frog leaping-based approach. There are three VTS scenarios, a motion reaching a normal operating velocity, and both reaching and not reaching transitional motion. These variants were performed to simultaneously inspect multiple responses affected by machining parameters in multi-pass turning processes. The numerical results of two machining optimisation problems demonstrated the high performance measures of the proposed methods, when compared to other optimisation algorithms for an actual deep cut design.

Robot-operated quality control station based on the UTT method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burghardt, Andrzej; Kurc, Krzysztof; Szybicki, Dariusz; Muszyńska, Magdalena; Nawrocki, Jacek

2017-03-01

This paper presents a robotic test stand for the ultrasonic transmission tomography (UTT) inspection of stator vane thickness. The article presents the method of the test stand design in Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional 2013 software suite. The performance of the designed test stand solution was simulated in the RobotStudio software suite. The operating principle of the test stand measurement system is presented with a specific focus on the measurement strategy. The results of actual wall thickness measurements performed on stator vanes are presented.

Proceedings of the Symposium on Psychology in the Department of Defense (13th) Held in Colorado Springs, Colorado on 15-17 April 1992

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-04-17

decreased to roughly the level of the control group. This reduction holds for the remainder of the training program. Also important in these data was...the actual world results being modeled . Benefits of Applying the Conant-Ashby Theorem The primary problem associated with system (process) control is...rating of performance, and a rating of others’ performance, on ten-point Likert scales. 62 Results The data were analyzed at three levels :

A Study of Waste-Heat-Boiler Size and Performance of a Conceptual Marine COGAS System.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-02-01

The addition of a waste-heat boiler which extracts heat from the gas turbine exhaust gas to operate a bottoming Rankine cycle is one way to improve the...do not change significantly. Higher saturation pressure actually results in a somewhat lower boiler heat transfer, but the Rankine - cycle performance...of heat transferred in the waste-heat boiler and (2) the conversion efficiency of the Rankine cycle . In sizing the waste-heat boiler, attention was

Comparing performance in discrete and continuous comparison tasks.

PubMed

Leibovich, Tali; Henik, Avishai

2014-05-01

The approximate number system (ANS) theory suggests that all magnitudes, discrete (i.e., number of items) or continuous (i.e., size, density, etc.), are processed by a shared system and comply with Weber's law. The current study reexamined this notion by comparing performance in discrete (comparing numerosities of dot arrays) and continuous (comparisons of area of squares) tasks. We found that: (a) threshold of discrimination was higher for continuous than for discrete comparisons; (b) while performance in the discrete task complied with Weber's law, performance in the continuous task violated it; and (c) performance in the discrete task was influenced by continuous properties (e.g., dot density, dot cumulative area) of the dot array that were not predictive of numerosities or task relevant. Therefore, we propose that the magnitude processing system (MPS) is actually divided into separate (yet interactive) systems for discrete and continuous magnitude processing. Further subdivisions are discussed. We argue that cooperation between these systems results in a holistic comparison of magnitudes, one that takes into account continuous properties in addition to numerosities. Considering the MPS as two systems opens the door to new and important questions that shed light on both normal and impaired development of the numerical system.

Requirements analysis notebook for the flight data systems definition in the Real-Time Systems Engineering Laboratory (RSEL)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wray, Richard B.

1991-12-01

A hybrid requirements analysis methodology was developed, based on the practices actually used in developing a Space Generic Open Avionics Architecture. During the development of this avionics architecture, a method of analysis able to effectively define the requirements for this space avionics architecture was developed. In this methodology, external interfaces and relationships are defined, a static analysis resulting in a static avionics model was developed, operating concepts for simulating the requirements were put together, and a dynamic analysis of the execution needs for the dynamic model operation was planned. The systems engineering approach was used to perform a top down modified structured analysis of a generic space avionics system and to convert actual program results into generic requirements. CASE tools were used to model the analyzed system and automatically generate specifications describing the model's requirements. Lessons learned in the use of CASE tools, the architecture, and the design of the Space Generic Avionics model were established, and a methodology notebook was prepared for NASA. The weaknesses of standard real-time methodologies for practicing systems engineering, such as Structured Analysis and Object Oriented Analysis, were identified.

Requirements analysis notebook for the flight data systems definition in the Real-Time Systems Engineering Laboratory (RSEL)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wray, Richard B.

1991-01-01

A hybrid requirements analysis methodology was developed, based on the practices actually used in developing a Space Generic Open Avionics Architecture. During the development of this avionics architecture, a method of analysis able to effectively define the requirements for this space avionics architecture was developed. In this methodology, external interfaces and relationships are defined, a static analysis resulting in a static avionics model was developed, operating concepts for simulating the requirements were put together, and a dynamic analysis of the execution needs for the dynamic model operation was planned. The systems engineering approach was used to perform a top down modified structured analysis of a generic space avionics system and to convert actual program results into generic requirements. CASE tools were used to model the analyzed system and automatically generate specifications describing the model's requirements. Lessons learned in the use of CASE tools, the architecture, and the design of the Space Generic Avionics model were established, and a methodology notebook was prepared for NASA. The weaknesses of standard real-time methodologies for practicing systems engineering, such as Structured Analysis and Object Oriented Analysis, were identified.

In-line and Real-time Monitoring of Resonant Acoustic Mixing by Near-infrared Spectroscopy Combined with Chemometric Technology for Process Analytical Technology Applications in Pharmaceutical Powder Blending Systems.

PubMed

Tanaka, Ryoma; Takahashi, Naoyuki; Nakamura, Yasuaki; Hattori, Yusuke; Ashizawa, Kazuhide; Otsuka, Makoto

2017-01-01

Resonant acoustic ® mixing (RAM) technology is a system that performs high-speed mixing by vibration through the control of acceleration and frequency. In recent years, real-time process monitoring and prediction has become of increasing interest, and process analytical technology (PAT) systems will be increasingly introduced into actual manufacturing processes. This study examined the application of PAT with the combination of RAM, near-infrared spectroscopy, and chemometric technology as a set of PAT tools for introduction into actual pharmaceutical powder blending processes. Content uniformity was based on a robust partial least squares regression (PLSR) model constructed to manage the RAM configuration parameters and the changing concentration of the components. As a result, real-time monitoring may be possible and could be successfully demonstrated for in-line real-time prediction of active pharmaceutical ingredients and other additives using chemometric technology. This system is expected to be applicable to the RAM method for the risk management of quality.

Photovoltaic performance and reliability workshop

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kroposki, B

1996-10-01

This proceedings is the compilation of papers presented at the ninth PV Performance and Reliability Workshop held at the Sheraton Denver West Hotel on September 4--6, 1996. This years workshop included presentations from 25 speakers and had over 100 attendees. All of the presentations that were given are included in this proceedings. Topics of the papers included: defining service lifetime and developing models for PV module lifetime; examining and determining failure and degradation mechanisms in PV modules; combining IEEE/IEC/UL testing procedures; AC module performance and reliability testing; inverter reliability/qualification testing; standardization of utility interconnect requirements for PV systems; need activitiesmore » to separate variables by testing individual components of PV systems (e.g. cells, modules, batteries, inverters,charge controllers) for individual reliability and then test them in actual system configurations; more results reported from field experience on modules, inverters, batteries, and charge controllers from field deployed PV systems; and system certification and standardized testing for stand-alone and grid-tied systems.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Agelastos, Anthony; Allan, Benjamin; Brandt, Jim

A detailed understanding of HPC applications’ resource needs and their complex interactions with each other and HPC platform resources are critical to achieving scalability and performance. Such understanding has been difficult to achieve because typical application profiling tools do not capture the behaviors of codes under the potentially wide spectrum of actual production conditions and because typical monitoring tools do not capture system resource usage information with high enough fidelity to gain sufficient insight into application performance and demands. In this paper we present both system and application profiling results based on data obtained through synchronized system wide monitoring onmore » a production HPC cluster at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). We demonstrate analytic and visualization techniques that we are using to characterize application and system resource usage under production conditions for better understanding of application resource needs. Furthermore, our goals are to improve application performance (through understanding application-to-resource mapping and system throughput) and to ensure that future system capabilities match their intended workloads.« less

Model-Based IN SITU Parameter Estimation of Ultrasonic Guided Waves in AN Isotropic Plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall, James S.; Michaels, Jennifer E.

2010-02-01

Most ultrasonic systems employing guided waves for flaw detection require information such as dispersion curves, transducer locations, and expected propagation loss. Degraded system performance may result if assumed parameter values do not accurately reflect the actual environment. By characterizing the propagating environment in situ at the time of test, potentially erroneous a priori estimates are avoided and performance of ultrasonic guided wave systems can be improved. A four-part model-based algorithm is described in the context of previous work that estimates model parameters whereby an assumed propagation model is used to describe the received signals. This approach builds upon previous work by demonstrating the ability to estimate parameters for the case of single mode propagation. Performance is demonstrated on signals obtained from theoretical dispersion curves, finite element modeling, and experimental data.

Closed Loop System Identification with Genetic Algorithms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whorton, Mark S.

2004-01-01

High performance control design for a flexible space structure is challenging since high fidelity plant models are di.cult to obtain a priori. Uncertainty in the control design models typically require a very robust, low performance control design which must be tuned on-orbit to achieve the required performance. Closed loop system identi.cation is often required to obtain a multivariable open loop plant model based on closed-loop response data. In order to provide an accurate initial plant model to guarantee convergence for standard local optimization methods, this paper presents a global parameter optimization method using genetic algorithms. A minimal representation of the state space dynamics is employed to mitigate the non-uniqueness and over-parameterization of general state space realizations. This control-relevant system identi.cation procedure stresses the joint nature of the system identi.cation and control design problem by seeking to obtain a model that minimizes the di.erence between the predicted and actual closed-loop performance.

Modelling and control system of multi motor conveyor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovalchuk, M. S.; Baburin, S. V.

2018-03-01

The paper deals with the actual problem of developing the mathematical model of electromechanical system: conveyor – multimotor electric drive with a frequency converter, with the implementation in Simulink/MatLab, which allows one to perform studies of conveyor operation modes, taking into account the specifics of the mechanism with different electric drives control algorithms. The authors designed the mathematical models of the conveyor and its control system that provides increased uniformity of load distribution between drive motors and restriction of dynamic loads on the belt (over-regulation until 15%).

Applications of thermal energy storage to waste heat recovery in the food processing industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wojnar, F.; Lunberg, W. L.

1980-03-01

A study to assess the potential for waste heat recovery in the food industry and to evaluate prospective waste heat recovery system concepts employing thermal energy storage was conducted. The study found that the recovery of waste heat in canning facilities can be performed in significant quantities using systems involving thermal energy storage that are both practical and economical. A demonstration project is proposed to determine actual waste heat recovery costs and benefits and to encourage system implementation by the food industry.

Applications of thermal energy storage to waste heat recovery in the food processing industry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wojnar, F.; Lunberg, W. L.

1980-01-01

A study to assess the potential for waste heat recovery in the food industry and to evaluate prospective waste heat recovery system concepts employing thermal energy storage was conducted. The study found that the recovery of waste heat in canning facilities can be performed in significant quantities using systems involving thermal energy storage that are both practical and economical. A demonstration project is proposed to determine actual waste heat recovery costs and benefits and to encourage system implementation by the food industry.

GOCE gravity field simulation based on actual mission scenario

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pail, R.; Goiginger, H.; Mayrhofer, R.; Höck, E.; Schuh, W.-D.; Brockmann, J. M.; Krasbutter, I.; Fecher, T.; Gruber, T.

2009-04-01

In the framework of the ESA-funded project "GOCE High-level Processing Facility", an operational hardware and software system for the scientific processing (Level 1B to Level 2) of GOCE data has been set up by the European GOCE Gravity Consortium EGG-C. One key component of this software system is the processing of a spherical harmonic Earth's gravity field model and the corresponding full variance-covariance matrix from the precise GOCE orbit and calibrated and corrected satellite gravity gradiometry (SGG) data. In the framework of the time-wise approach a combination of several processing strategies for the optimum exploitation of the information content of the GOCE data has been set up: The Quick-Look Gravity Field Analysis is applied to derive a fast diagnosis of the GOCE system performance and to monitor the quality of the input data. In the Core Solver processing a rigorous high-precision solution of the very large normal equation systems is derived by applying parallel processing techniques on a PC cluster. Before the availability of real GOCE data, by means of a realistic numerical case study, which is based on the actual GOCE orbit and mission scenario and simulation data stemming from the most recent ESA end-to-end simulation, the expected GOCE gravity field performance is evaluated. Results from this simulation as well as recently developed features of the software system are presented. Additionally some aspects on data combination with complementary data sources are addressed.

Test Facilities in Support of High Power Electric Propulsion Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

VanDyke, Melissa; Houts, Mike; Godfroy, Thomas; Dickens, Ricky; Martin, James J.; Salvail, Patrick; Carter, Robert

2002-01-01

Successful development of space fission systems requires an extensive program of affordable and realistic testing. In addition to tests related to design/development of the fission system, realistic testing of the actual flight unit must also be performed. If the system is designed to operate within established radiation damage and fuel burn up limits while simultaneously being designed to allow close simulation of heat from fission using resistance heaters, high confidence in fission system performance and lifetime can be attained through non-nuclear testing. Through demonstration of systems concepts (designed by DOE National Laboratories) in relevant environments, this philosophy has been demonstrated through hardware testing in the High Power Propulsion Thermal Simulator (HPPTS). The HPPTS is designed to enable very realistic non-nuclear testing of space fission systems. Ongoing research at the HPPTS is geared towards facilitating research, development, system integration, and system utilization via cooperative efforts with DOE labs, industry, universities, and other NASA centers. Through hardware based design and testing, the HPPTS investigates High Power Electric Propulsion (HPEP) component, subsystem, and integrated system design and performance.

Solar San Diego: The Impact of Binomial Rate Structures on Real PV Systems; Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

VanGeet, O.; Brown, E.; Blair, T.

2008-05-01

There is confusion in the marketplace regarding the impact of solar photovoltaics (PV) on the user's actual electricity bill under California Net Energy Metering, particularly with binomial tariffs (those that include both demand and energy charges) and time-of-use (TOU) rate structures. The City of San Diego has extensive real-time electrical metering on most of its buildings and PV systems, with interval data for overall consumption and PV electrical production available for multiple years. This paper uses 2007 PV-system data from two city facilities to illustrate the impacts of binomial rate designs. The analysis will determine the energy and demand savingsmore » that the PV systems are achieving relative to the absence of systems. A financial analysis of PV-system performance under various rate structures is presented. The data revealed that actual demand and energy use benefits of binomial tariffs increase in summer months, when solar resources allow for maximized electricity production. In a binomial tariff system, varying on- and semi-peak times can result in approximately $1,100 change in demand charges per month over not having a PV system in place, an approximate 30% cost savings. The PV systems are also shown to have a 30%-50% reduction in facility energy charges in 2007.« less

Solar energy system performance evaluation: Seasonal report for IBM System 1B, Carlsbad, New Mexico

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

A hot solar heating and hot water system's operational performance from April 1979 through March 1980 is evaluated. The space heating and hot water loads were near expected values for the year. Solar energy provided 43 percent of the space heating and 53 percent of the hot water energy. The system did not meet the total system solar fraction design value of 69 percent because of a combination of higher estimated space heating load than was actually encountered and the apportioning of solar energy between the space heating and the domestic hot water loads. System losses and high building temperatures also contributed to this deviation. Total net savings were 23.072 million BTUs. Most of the energy savings came during the winter months, but hot water savings were sufficient to justify running the system during the summer months.

Management accounting for advanced technological environments.

PubMed

Kaplan, R S

1989-08-25

Management accounting systems designed decades ago no longer provide timely, relevant information for companies in today's highly competitive environment. New operational control and performance measurement systems are recognizing the importance of direct measurement of quality, manufacturing lead times, flexibility, and customer responsiveness, as well as more accurate measures of the actual costs of consumed resources. Activity-based cost systems can assign the costs of indirect and support resources to the specific products and activities that benefit from these resources. Both operational control and activity-based systems represent new opportunities for improved managerial information in complex, technologically advanced environments.

Metering Best Practices Applied in the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Research Support Facility: A Primer to the 2011 Measured and Modeled Energy Consumption Datasets

DOE Data Explorer

Sheppy, Michael; Beach, A.; Pless, Shanti

2016-08-09

Modern buildings are complex energy systems that must be controlled for energy efficiency. The Research Support Facility (RSF) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has hundreds of controllers -- computers that communicate with the building's various control systems -- to control the building based on tens of thousands of variables and sensor points. These control strategies were designed for the RSF's systems to efficiently support research activities. Many events that affect energy use cannot be reliably predicted, but certain decisions (such as control strategies) must be made ahead of time. NREL researchers modeled the RSF systems to predict how they might perform. They then monitor these systems to understand how they are actually performing and reacting to the dynamic conditions of weather, occupancy, and maintenance.

On reliable control system designs. Ph.D. Thesis; [actuators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Birdwell, J. D.

1978-01-01

A mathematical model for use in the design of reliable multivariable control systems is discussed with special emphasis on actuator failures and necessary actuator redundancy levels. The model consists of a linear time invariant discrete time dynamical system. Configuration changes in the system dynamics are governed by a Markov chain that includes transition probabilities from one configuration state to another. The performance index is a standard quadratic cost functional, over an infinite time interval. The actual system configuration can be deduced with a one step delay. The calculation of the optimal control law requires the solution of a set of highly coupled Riccati-like matrix difference equations. Results can be used for off-line studies relating the open loop dynamics, required performance, actuator mean time to failure, and functional or identical actuator redundancy, with and without feedback gain reconfiguration strategies.

A Note on Rocket Performance Comparison Through Impulse and Thrust Coefficients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, N. V.

Comparison of rocket motor systems is important when generating data to be used in making design decisions. In order to present meaningful comparisons, non-dimensional numbers related to performance are beneficial, as they remove effects of scale. Traditionally thrust coefficients and C* have been used to quantify the aerodynamic and chemical performance of a system respectively. However, it is argued here that in fact the thrust coefficient does not fully account for aerodynamic performance, as the impact of non-uniform flow at the throat is not accounted for. This discharge coefficient is usually allocated to the chemical efficiency through a correction to C*. However, this causes a coupling between chemical and aerodynamic efficiencies which may lead to poor design decisions. Through the use of a specific impulse coefficient, this risk is avoided, and furthermore comparison of unconventional nozzles becomes more straightforward. It is admitted, however, that this has no actual impact on real motor performance, being more in the way of a tidier `accounting' system.

Simulation of digital mammography images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Workman, Adam

2005-04-01

A number of different technologies are available for digital mammography. However, it is not clear how differences in the physical performance aspects of the different imaging technologies affect clinical performance. Randomised controlled trials provide a means of gaining information on clinical performance however do not provide direct comparison of the different digital imaging technologies. This work describes a method of simulating the performance of different digital mammography systems. The method involves modifying the imaging performance parameters of images from a small field of view (SFDM), high resolution digital imaging system used for spot imaging. Under normal operating conditions this system produces images with higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) over a wide spatial frequency range than current full field digital mammography (FFDM) systems. The SFDM images can be 'degraded" by computer processing to simulate the characteristics of a FFDM system. Initial work characterised the physical performance (MTF, NPS) of the SFDM detector and developed a model and method for simulating signal transfer and noise properties of a FFDM system. It was found that the SNR properties of the simulated FFDM images were very similar to those measured from an actual FFDM system verifying the methodology used. The application of this technique to clinical images from the small field system will allow the clinical performance of different FFDM systems to be simulated and directly compared using the same clinical image datasets.

47 CFR 27.1202 - Cable/BRS cross-ownership.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... portion of the franchise area actually served by the cable operator's cable system and the cable operator... franchise area actually served by the cable operator's cable system the cable operator will use the BRS... that no portion of the GSA of the BRS station is within the portion of the franchise area actually...

47 CFR 27.1202 - Cable/BRS cross-ownership.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... portion of the franchise area actually served by the cable operator's cable system and the cable operator... franchise area actually served by the cable operator's cable system the cable operator will use the BRS... that no portion of the GSA of the BRS station is within the portion of the franchise area actually...

47 CFR 27.1202 - Cable/BRS cross-ownership.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... portion of the franchise area actually served by the cable operator's cable system and the cable operator... franchise area actually served by the cable operator's cable system the cable operator will use the BRS... that no portion of the GSA of the BRS station is within the portion of the franchise area actually...

47 CFR 27.1202 - Cable/BRS cross-ownership.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... portion of the franchise area actually served by the cable operator's cable system and the cable operator... franchise area actually served by the cable operator's cable system the cable operator will use the BRS... that no portion of the GSA of the BRS station is within the portion of the franchise area actually...

Scientific Reputation and "The Golden Standards": Quality Management System Impact and the Teaching-Research Nexus

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moraru, Luminita

2012-01-01

In the academic environment the reputation is linked to research performance. However, the questions "what reputation actually is, how it is formed and which are the best ways to measure it?" still remain and they raise tension and confusion between academics. The evaluation methods tend to over emphasise research and fail to address the…

The Effects of Concept Map-Oriented Gesture-Based Teaching System on Learners' Learning Performance and Cognitive Load in Earth Science Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hsieh, Sheng-Wen; Ho, Shu-Chun; Wu, Min-ping; Ni, Ci-Yuan

2016-01-01

Gesture-based learning have particularities, because learners interact in the learning process through the actual way, just like they interact in the nondigital world. It also can support kinesthetic pedagogical practices to benefit learners with strong bodily-kinesthetic intelligence. But without proper assistance or guidance, learners' learning…

Evaluation of advanced displays for engine monitoring and control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Summers, L. G.

1993-01-01

The relative effectiveness of two advanced display concepts for monitoring engine performance for commercial transport aircraft was studied. The concepts were the Engine Monitoring and Control System (EMACS) display developed by NASA Langley and a display by exception design. Both of these concepts were based on the philosophy of providing information that is directly related to the pilot's task. Both concepts used a normalized thrust display. In addition, EMACS used column deviation indicators; i.e., the difference between the actual parameter value and the value predicted by an engine model, for engine health monitoring; while the Display by Exception displayed the engine parameters if the automated system detected a difference between the actual and the predicted values. The results showed that the advanced display concepts had shorter detection and response times. There were no differences in any of the results between manual and auto throttles. There were no effects upon perceived workload or performance on the primary flight task. The majority of pilots preferred the advanced displays and thought they were operationally acceptable. Certification of these concepts depends on the validation of the engine model. Recommendations are made to improve both the EMACS and the display by exception display formats.

Pilot-Scale Hydrolysis-Aerobic Treatment for Actual Municipal Wastewater: Performance and Microbial Community Analysis

PubMed Central

Bian, Xiao; Wang, Kaijun

2018-01-01

Low-energy cost wastewater treatment is required to change its current energy-intensive status. Although promising, the direct anaerobic digestion of municipal wastewater treatment faces challenges such as low organic content and low temperature, which require further development. The hydrolysis-aerobic system investigated in this study utilized the two well-proven processes of hydrolysis and aerobic oxidation. These have the advantages of efficient COD removal and biodegradability improvement with limited energy cost due to their avoidance of aeration. A pilot-scale hydrolysis-aerobic system was built for performance evaluation with actual municipal wastewater as feed. Results indicated that as high as 39–47% COD removal was achieved with a maximum COD load of 1.10 kg/m3·d. The dominant bacteria phyla included Proteobacteria (36.0%), Planctomycetes (15.4%), Chloroflexi (9.7%), Bacteroidetes (7.7%), Firmicutes (4.4%), Acidobacteria (2.5%), Actinobacteria (1.8%) and Synergistetes (1.3%), while the dominant genera included Thauera (3.42%) and Dechloromonas (3.04%). The absence of methanogens indicates that the microbial community was perfectly retained in the hydrolysis stage instead of in the methane-producing stage. PMID:29522450

Effects of modeling errors on trajectory predictions in air traffic control automation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jackson, Michael R. C.; Zhao, Yiyuan; Slattery, Rhonda

1996-01-01

Air traffic control automation synthesizes aircraft trajectories for the generation of advisories. Trajectory computation employs models of aircraft performances and weather conditions. In contrast, actual trajectories are flown in real aircraft under actual conditions. Since synthetic trajectories are used in landing scheduling and conflict probing, it is very important to understand the differences between computed trajectories and actual trajectories. This paper examines the effects of aircraft modeling errors on the accuracy of trajectory predictions in air traffic control automation. Three-dimensional point-mass aircraft equations of motion are assumed to be able to generate actual aircraft flight paths. Modeling errors are described as uncertain parameters or uncertain input functions. Pilot or autopilot feedback actions are expressed as equality constraints to satisfy control objectives. A typical trajectory is defined by a series of flight segments with different control objectives for each flight segment and conditions that define segment transitions. A constrained linearization approach is used to analyze trajectory differences caused by various modeling errors by developing a linear time varying system that describes the trajectory errors, with expressions to transfer the trajectory errors across moving segment transitions. A numerical example is presented for a complete commercial aircraft descent trajectory consisting of several flight segments.

Experimental study of low-cost fiber optic distributed temperature sensor system performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dashkov, Michael V.; Zharkov, Alexander D.

2016-03-01

The distributed control of temperature is an actual task for various application such as oil & gas fields, high-voltage power lines, fire alarm systems etc. The most perspective are optical fiber distributed temperature sensors (DTS). They have advantages on accuracy, resolution and range, but have a high cost. Nevertheless, for some application the accuracy of measurement and localization aren't so important as cost. The results of an experimental study of low-cost Raman based DTS based on standard OTDR are represented.

Magnitude error bounds for sampled-data frequency response obtained from the truncation of an infinite series, and compensator improvement program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mitchell, J. R.

1972-01-01

The frequency response method of analyzing control system performance is discussed, and the difficulty of obtaining the sampled frequency response of the continuous system is considered. An upper bound magnitude error equation is obtained which yields reasonable estimates of the actual error. Finalization of the compensator improvement program is also reported, and the program was used to design compensators for Saturn 5/S1-C dry workshop and Saturn 5/S1-C Skylab.

Is vertical integration adding value to health systems?

PubMed

Weil, T P

2000-04-01

Vertical integration is a concept used by health systems when attempting to achieve economies of scale, greater coordination of services, and improved market penetration. This article focuses on the actual outcomes of utilizing vertical integration in the health field and then compares these findings with those reported in other industries. This analysis concludes that this organizational model does not work particularly well in the health industry, as illustrated by health alliances' poor fiscal performance when they acquire physician practices or when they start their own HMO plans.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Reuse of Naval Station Puget Sound, Sand Point, Seattle, Washington. Volume 2. (Appendixes A through M)

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-11-01

have to be performed on the pavement in order to determine actual longevity and pavement thickness for future use. The road system must provide...Sand Point with firm service by late 1995, if this would prove cost- effective in the long run. Reuse Plan Eventually, individual heating systems ...development was built there was some initial concern, but it did not last long nor did it effect rent or property values. LAMB HANSON LAMB APPRAISAL

Environmental and Economic Performance of Commercial-scale Solar Photovoltaic Systems: A Field Study of Complex Energy Systems at the Desert Research Institute (DRI)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, X.

2014-12-01

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are being aggressively deployed at residential, commercial, and utility scales to complement power generation from conventional sources. This is motivated both by the desire to reduce carbon footprints and by policy-driven financial incentives. Although several life cycle analyses (LCA) have investigated environmental impacts and energy payback times of solar PV systems, most results are based on hypothetical systems rather than actual, deployed systems that can provide measured performance data. Over the past five years, Desert Research Institute (DRI) in Nevada has installed eight solar PV systems of scales from 3 to 1000 kW, the sum of which supply approximately 40% of the total power use at DRI's Reno and Las Vegas campuses. The goal of this work is to explore greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts and examine the economic performance of DRI's PV systems by developing and applying a comprehensive LCA and techno-economic (TEA) model. This model is built using data appropriate for each type of panel used in the DRI systems. Power output is modeled using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) model PVWatts. The performance of PVWatts is verified by the actual measurements from DRI's PV systems. Several environmental and economic metrics are quantified for the DRI systems, including life cycle GHG emissions and energy return. GHG results are compared with Nevada grid-based electricity. Initial results indicate that DRI's solar-derived electricity offers clear GHG benefits compared to conventional grid electricity. DRI's eight systems have GHG intensity values of 29-56 gCO2e/kWh, as compared to the GHG intensity of 212 gCO2e/kWh of national average grid power. The major source of impacts (82-92% of the total) is the upstream life cycle burden of manufacturing PV panels, which are made of either mono-crystalline or multi-crystalline silicon. Given the same type of PV panel, GHG intensity decreases as the scale of the system increases. Energy payback times of DRI's solar PV systems range from 0.5 to 1.5 years. The cost payback time for the DRI PV systems and the cost per ton of CO2 avoided by replacing Nevada-specific electrical power will be determined. The sensitivity of these environmental and economic impacts with respect to specific model parameters is being investigated.

Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) and performance of everyday life tasks: Actual Reality.

PubMed

Goverover, Yael; Chiaravalloti, Nancy; DeLuca, John

2016-04-01

Recently, a brief cognitive assessment (Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis: BICAMS) has been recommended for use with patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) to screen for cognitive impairments. However, the relationship between the BICAMS and everyday life activity has not been examined. The aim of this study was to examine whether the BICAMS can predict performance of activities of daily living using Actual Reality(TM) (AR) in persons with MS. A between-subjects design was utilized to compare 41 individuals with MS and 32 healthy controls (HC) performing BICAMS and an AR task. Participants were asked to access the internet to purchase a flight ticket or cookies, and were administered the BICAMS and questionnaires to assess quality of life (QOL), affect symptomatology, and prior internet experience. Participants with MS performed significantly worse than HC on the BICAMS and the AR. Additionally, better BICAMS performance was associated with more independent AR performance. Self-reports of QOL were not correlated with AR or BICAMS performance. Individuals with MS have greater problems with actual everyday life tasks as compared to HC. The BICAMS is a promising cognitive screening tool to predict actual functional performance in participants with MS. © The Author(s), 2015.

The quest for better quality-of-life - learning from large-scale shaking table tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakashima, M.; Sato, E.; Nagae, T.; Kunio, F.; Takahito, I.

2010-12-01

Earthquake engineering has its origins in the practice of “learning from actual earthquakes and earthquake damages.” That is, we recognize serious problems by witnessing the actual damage to our structures, and then we develop and apply engineering solutions to solve these problems. This tradition in earthquake engineering, i.e., “learning from actual damage,” was an obvious engineering response to earthquakes and arose naturally as a practice in a civil and building engineering discipline that traditionally places more emphasis on experience than do other engineering disciplines. But with the rapid progress of urbanization, as society becomes denser, and as the many components that form our society interact with increasing complexity, the potential damage with which earthquakes threaten the society also increases. In such an era, the approach of ”learning from actual earthquake damages” becomes unacceptably dangerous and expensive. Among the practical alternatives to the old practice is to “learn from quasi-actual earthquake damages.” One tool for experiencing earthquake damages without attendant catastrophe is the large shaking table. E-Defense, the largest one we have, was developed in Japan after the 1995 Hyogoken-Nanbu (Kobe) earthquake. Since its inauguration in 2005, E-Defense has conducted over forty full-scale or large-scale shaking table tests, applied to a variety of structural systems. The tests supply detailed data on actual behavior and collapse of the tested structures, offering the earthquake engineering community opportunities to experience and assess the actual seismic performance of the structures, and to help society prepare for earthquakes. Notably, the data were obtained without having to wait for the aftermaths of actual earthquakes. Earthquake engineering has always been about life safety, but in recent years maintaining the quality of life has also become a critical issue. Quality-of-life concerns include nonstructural damage, business continuity, public health, quickness of damage assessment, infrastructure, data and communication networks, and other issues, and not enough useful empirical data have emerged about these issues from the experiences of actual earthquakes. To provide quantitative data that can be used to reduce earthquake risk to our quality of life, E-Defense recently has been implementing two comprehensive research projects in which a base-isolated hospital and a steel high-rise building were tested using the E-Defense shaking table and their seismic performance were examined particularly in terms of the nonstructural damage, damage to building contents and furniture, and operability, functionality, and business-continuity capability. The paper presents the overview of the two projects, together with major findings obtained from the projects.

Evaluating supplier quality performance using analytical hierarchy process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalimuthu Rajoo, Shanmugam Sundram; Kasim, Maznah Mat; Ahmad, Nazihah

2013-09-01

This paper elaborates the importance of evaluating supplier quality performance to an organization. Supplier quality performance evaluation reflects the actual performance of the supplier exhibited at customer's end. It is critical in enabling the organization to determine the area of improvement and thereafter works with supplier to close the gaps. Success of the customer partly depends on supplier's quality performance. Key criteria as quality, cost, delivery, technology support and customer service are categorized as main factors in contributing to supplier's quality performance. 18 suppliers' who were manufacturing automotive application parts evaluated in year 2010 using weight point system. There were few suppliers with common rating which led to common ranking observed by few suppliers'. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), a user friendly decision making tool for complex and multi criteria problems was used to evaluate the supplier's quality performance challenging the weight point system that was used for 18 suppliers'. The consistency ratio was checked for criteria and sub-criteria. Final results of AHP obtained with no overlap ratings, therefore yielded a better decision making methodology as compared to weight point rating system.

Cryogenic Thermal Performance Testing of Bulk-Fill and Aerogel Insulation Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scholtens, B. E.; Fesmire, J. E.; Sass, J. P.; Augustynowicz, S. D.; Heckle, K. W.

2007-01-01

The research testing and demonstration of new bulk-fill materials for cryogenic thermal insulation systems was performed by the Cryogenics Test Laboratory at NASA Kennedy Space Center. Thermal conductivity testing under actual-use cryogenic conditions is a key to understanding the total system performance encompassing engineering, economics, and materials factors. A number of bulk fill insulation materials, including aerogel beads, glass bubbles, and perlite powder, were tested using a new cylindrical cryostat. Boundary temperatures for the liquid nitrogen boil-off method were 293 K and 78 K. Tests were performed as a function of cold vacuum pressure from high vacuum to no vacuum conditions. Results are compared with other complementary test methods in the range of 300 K to 20 K. Various testing techniques are shown to be required to obtain a complete understanding of the operating performance of a material and to provide data for answers to design engineering questions.

Noise Source Visualization Using a Digital Voice Recorder and Low-Cost Sensors

PubMed Central

Cho, Yong Thung

2018-01-01

Accurate sound visualization of noise sources is required for optimal noise control. Typically, noise measurement systems require microphones, an analog-digital converter, cables, a data acquisition system, etc., which may not be affordable for potential users. Also, many such systems are not highly portable and may not be convenient for travel. Handheld personal electronic devices such as smartphones and digital voice recorders with relatively lower costs and higher performance have become widely available recently. Even though such devices are highly portable, directly implementing them for noise measurement may lead to erroneous results since such equipment was originally designed for voice recording. In this study, external microphones were connected to a digital voice recorder to conduct measurements and the input received was processed for noise visualization. In this way, a low cost, compact sound visualization system was designed and introduced to visualize two actual noise sources for verification with different characteristics: an enclosed loud speaker and a small air compressor. Reasonable accuracy of noise visualization for these two sources was shown over a relatively wide frequency range. This very affordable and compact sound visualization system can be used for many actual noise visualization applications in addition to educational purposes. PMID:29614038

Development of ECT/UT inspection system for bottom mounted instrumentation nozzle of PWR reactor vessels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tanaka, H.; Fukui, S.; Iwahashi, Y.

1994-12-31

The development of inspection technique and tool for Bottom Mounted Instrument (BMI) nozzle of PWR plant was performed for countermeasure of leakage accident at incore instrument nozzle of Hamaoka-1 (BWR). MHI achieved the following development, of which object was PWR Plant R/V: (1) development of ECT/UT Multi-sensored Probe; (2) development of Inspection System (3) development of Data Processing System. The Inspection System had been functionally tested using full scale mock-up. As the result of the functional test, this system was confirmed to be very effective, and assumed to be hopeful for the actual application on site.

A Design Heritage-Based Forecasting Methodology for Risk Informed Management of Advanced Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maggio, Gaspare; Fragola, Joseph R.

1999-01-01

The development of next generation systems often carries with it the promise of improved performance, greater reliability, and reduced operational costs. These expectations arise from the use of novel designs, new materials, advanced integration and production technologies intended for functionality replacing the previous generation. However, the novelty of these nascent technologies is accompanied by lack of operational experience and, in many cases, no actual testing as well. Therefore some of the enthusiasm surrounding most new technologies may be due to inflated aspirations from lack of knowledge rather than actual future expectations. This paper proposes a design heritage approach for improved reliability forecasting of advanced system components. The basis of the design heritage approach is to relate advanced system components to similar designs currently in operation. The demonstrated performance of these components could then be used to forecast the expected performance and reliability of comparable advanced technology components. In this approach the greater the divergence of the advanced component designs from the current systems the higher the uncertainty that accompanies the associated failure estimates. Designers of advanced systems are faced with many difficult decisions. One of the most common and more difficult types of these decisions are those related to the choice between design alternatives. In the past decision-makers have found these decisions to be extremely difficult to make because they often involve the trade-off between a known performing fielded design and a promising paper design. When it comes to expected reliability performance the paper design always looks better because it is on paper and it addresses all the know failure modes of the fielded design. On the other hand there is a long, and sometimes very difficult road, between the promise of a paper design and its fulfillment; with the possibility that sometimes the reliability promise is not fulfilled at all. Decision makers in advanced technology areas have always known to discount the performance claims of a design to a degree in proportion to its stage of development, and at times have preferred the more mature design over the one of lesser maturity even with the latter promising substantially better performance once fielded. As with the broader measures of performance this has also been true for projected reliability performance. Paper estimates of potential advances in design reliability are to a degree uncertain in proportion to the maturity of the features being proposed to secure those advances. This is especially true when performance-enhancing features in other areas are also planned to be part of the development program.

Analytical performance evaluation of SAR ATR with inaccurate or estimated models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DeVore, Michael D.

2004-09-01

Hypothesis testing algorithms for automatic target recognition (ATR) are often formulated in terms of some assumed distribution family. The parameter values corresponding to a particular target class together with the distribution family constitute a model for the target's signature. In practice such models exhibit inaccuracy because of incorrect assumptions about the distribution family and/or because of errors in the assumed parameter values, which are often determined experimentally. Model inaccuracy can have a significant impact on performance predictions for target recognition systems. Such inaccuracy often causes model-based predictions that ignore the difference between assumed and actual distributions to be overly optimistic. This paper reports on research to quantify the effect of inaccurate models on performance prediction and to estimate the effect using only trained parameters. We demonstrate that for large observation vectors the class-conditional probabilities of error can be expressed as a simple function of the difference between two relative entropies. These relative entropies quantify the discrepancies between the actual and assumed distributions and can be used to express the difference between actual and predicted error rates. Focusing on the problem of ATR from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery, we present estimators of the probabilities of error in both ideal and plug-in tests expressed in terms of the trained model parameters. These estimators are defined in terms of unbiased estimates for the first two moments of the sample statistic. We present an analytical treatment of these results and include demonstrations from simulated radar data.

Transformer Efficiency Assessment - Okinawa, Japan

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thomas L. Baldwin; Robert J. Turk; Kurt S. Myers

The US Army Engineering & Support Center, Huntsville (USAESCH), and the US Marine Corps Base (MCB), Okinawa, Japan retained Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to conduct a Transformer Efficiency Assessment of “key” transformers located at multiple military bases in Okinawa, Japan. The purpose of this assessment is to support the Marine Corps Base, Okinawa in evaluating medium voltage distribution transformers for potential efficiency upgrades. The original scope of work included the MCB providing actual transformer nameplate data, manufacturer’s factory test sheets, electrical system data (kWh), demand data (kWd), power factor data, and electricity cost data. Unfortunately, the MCB’s actual data ismore » not available and therefore making it necessary to de-scope the original assessment. Note: Any similar nameplate data, photos of similar transformer nameplates, and basic electrical details from one-line drawings (provided by MCB) are not a replacement for actual load loss test data. It is recommended that load measurements are performed on the high and low sides of transformers to better quantify actual load losses, demand data, and power factor data. We also recommend that actual data, when available, be inserted by MCB Okinawa where assumptions have been made and then the LCC analysis updated. This report covers a generalized assessment of modern U.S. transformers in a three level efficiency category, Low-Level efficiency, Medium-Level efficiency, and High-Level efficiency.« less

Transformer Efficiency Assessment - Okinawa, Japan

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thomas L. Baldwin; Robert J. Turk; Kurt S. Myers

2012-05-01

The US Army Engineering & Support Center, Huntsville (USAESCH), and the US Marine Corps Base (MCB), Okinawa, Japan retained Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to conduct a Transformer Efficiency Assessment of “key” transformers located at multiple military bases in Okinawa, Japan. The purpose of this assessment is to support the Marine Corps Base, Okinawa in evaluating medium voltage distribution transformers for potential efficiency upgrades. The original scope of work included the MCB providing actual transformer nameplate data, manufacturer’s factory test sheets, electrical system data (kWh), demand data (kWd), power factor data, and electricity cost data. Unfortunately, the MCB’s actual data ismore » not available and therefore making it necessary to de-scope the original assessment. Note: Any similar nameplate data, photos of similar transformer nameplates, and basic electrical details from one-line drawings (provided by MCB) are not a replacement for actual load loss test data. It is recommended that load measurements are performed on the high and low sides of transformers to better quantify actual load losses, demand data, and power factor data. We also recommend that actual data, when available, be inserted by MCB Okinawa where assumptions have been made and then the LCC analysis updated. This report covers a generalized assessment of modern U.S. transformers in a three level efficiency category, Low-Level efficiency, Medium-Level efficiency, and High-Level efficiency.« less

Enhanced Component Performance Study. Emergency Diesel Generators 1998–2013

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schroeder, John Alton

2014-11-01

This report presents an enhanced performance evaluation of emergency diesel generators (EDGs) at U.S. commercial nuclear power plants. This report evaluates component performance over time using Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) Consolidated Events Database (ICES) data from 1998 through 2013 and maintenance unavailability (UA) performance data using Mitigating Systems Performance Index (MSPI) Basis Document data from 2002 through 2013. The objective is to present an analysis of factors that could influence the system and component trends in addition to annual performance trends of failure rates and probabilities. The factors analyzed for the EDG component are the differences in failuresmore » between all demands and actual unplanned engineered safety feature (ESF) demands, differences among manufacturers, and differences among EDG ratings. Statistical analyses of these differences are performed and results showing whether pooling is acceptable across these factors. In addition, engineering analyses were performed with respect to time period and failure mode. The factors analyzed are: sub-component, failure cause, detection method, recovery, manufacturer, and EDG rating.« less

Quality assurance for online adapted treatment plans: benchmarking and delivery monitoring simulation.

PubMed

Li, Taoran; Wu, Qiuwen; Yang, Yun; Rodrigues, Anna; Yin, Fang-Fang; Jackie Wu, Q

2015-01-01

An important challenge facing online adaptive radiation therapy is the development of feasible and efficient quality assurance (QA). This project aimed to validate the deliverability of online adapted plans and develop a proof-of-concept online delivery monitoring system for online adaptive radiation therapy QA. The first part of this project benchmarked automatically online adapted prostate treatment plans using traditional portal dosimetry IMRT QA. The portal dosimetry QA results of online adapted plans were compared to original (unadapted) plans as well as randomly selected prostate IMRT plans from our clinic. In the second part, an online delivery monitoring system was designed and validated via a simulated treatment with intentional multileaf collimator (MLC) errors. This system was based on inputs from the dynamic machine information (DMI), which continuously reports actual MLC positions and machine monitor units (MUs) at intervals of 50 ms or less during delivery. Based on the DMI, the system performed two levels of monitoring/verification during the delivery: (1) dynamic monitoring of cumulative fluence errors resulting from leaf position deviations and visualization using fluence error maps (FEMs); and (2) verification of MLC positions against the treatment plan for potential errors in MLC motion and data transfer at each control point. Validation of the online delivery monitoring system was performed by introducing intentional systematic MLC errors (ranging from 0.5 to 2 mm) to the DMI files for both leaf banks. These DMI files were analyzed by the proposed system to evaluate the system's performance in quantifying errors and revealing the source of errors, as well as to understand patterns in the FEMs. In addition, FEMs from 210 actual prostate IMRT beams were analyzed using the proposed system to further validate its ability to catch and identify errors, as well as establish error magnitude baselines for prostate IMRT delivery. Online adapted plans were found to have similar delivery accuracy in comparison to clinical IMRT plans when validated with portal dosimetry IMRT QA. FEMs for the simulated deliveries with intentional MLC errors exhibited distinct patterns for different MLC error magnitudes and directions, indicating that the proposed delivery monitoring system is highly specific in detecting the source of errors. Implementing the proposed QA system for online adapted plans revealed excellent delivery accuracy: over 99% of leaf position differences were within 0.5 mm, and >99% of pixels in the FEMs had fluence errors within 0.5 MU. Patterns present in the FEMs and MLC control point analysis for actual patient cases agreed with the error pattern analysis results, further validating the system's ability to reveal and differentiate MLC deviations. Calculation of the fluence map based on the DMI was performed within 2 ms after receiving each DMI input. The proposed online delivery monitoring system requires minimal additional resources and time commitment to the current clinical workflow while still maintaining high sensitivity to leaf position errors and specificity to error types. The presented online delivery monitoring system therefore represents a promising QA system candidate for online adaptive radiation therapy.

Slot angle detecting method for fiber fixed chip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jiaquan; Wang, Jiliang; Zhou, Chaochao

2018-04-01

The slot angle of fiber fixed chip has a significant impact on performance of photoelectric devices. In order to solve the actual engineering problem, this paper put forward a detecting method based on imaging processing. Because the images have very low contrast that is hardly segmented, so this paper proposes imaging segment methods based on edge character. Then get fixed chip edge line slope k2 and calculate the fiber fixed slot line slope k1, which can be used calculating the slot angle. Lastly, test the repeatability and accuracy of system, which show that this method has very fast operation speed and good robustness. Clearly, it is also satisfied to the actual demand of fiber fixed chip slot angle detection.

Status of the DOE/NASA critical gas turbine research and technology project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, J. S.

1980-01-01

Activities performed in order to provide an R&T data base for utility gas turbine systems burning coal-derived fuels are described. Experiments were run to determine the corrosivity effects of trace metal contaminants (and potential fuel additives) on gas turbine materials and these results were correlated in a corrosion-life prediction model. Actual fuels were burned in a burner rig hot corrosion test to verify the model. A deposition prediction model was assembled and compared with results of actual coal-derived fuel deposition tests. Thermal barrier coatings were tested to determine their potential for protecting gas turbine hardware from the corrosive contaminants. Several coatings were identified with significantly improved spallation-resistance (and, hence, corrosion resistance).

Grasp Assist Device with Automatic Mode Control Logic

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Laske, Evan (Inventor); Davis, Donald R. (Inventor); Ihrke, Chris A. (Inventor)

2018-01-01

A system includes a glove, sensors, actuator assemblies, and controller. The sensors include load sensors which measure an actual grasping force and attitude sensors which determine a glove attitude. The actuator assembly provides a grasp assist force to the glove. Respective locations of work cells in the work environment and permitted work tasks for each work cell are programmed into the controller. The controller detects the glove location and attitude. A work task is selected by the controller for the location. The controller calculates a required grasp assist force using measured actual grasping forces from the load sensors. The required grasp assist force is applied via the glove using the actuator assembly to thereby assist the operator in performing the identified work task.

Determining robot actions for tasks requiring sensor interaction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Budenske, John; Gini, Maria

1989-01-01

The performance of non-trivial tasks by a mobile robot has been a long term objective of robotic research. One of the major stumbling blocks to this goal is the conversion of the high-level planning goals and commands into the actuator and sensor processing controls. In order for a mobile robot to accomplish a non-trivial task, the task must be described in terms of primitive actions of the robot's actuators. Most non-trivial tasks require the robot to interact with its environment; thus necessitating coordination of sensor processing and actuator control to accomplish the task. The main contention is that the transformation from the high level description of the task to the primitive actions should be performed primarily at execution time, when knowledge about the environment can be obtained through sensors. It is proposed to produce the detailed plan of primitive actions by using a collection of low-level planning components that contain domain specific knowledge and knowledge about the available sensors, actuators, and sensor/actuator processing. This collection will perform signal and control processing as well as serve as a control interface between an actual mobile robot and a high-level planning system. Previous research has shown the usefulness of high-level planning systems to plan the coordination of activities such to achieve a goal, but none have been fully applied to actual mobile robots due to the complexity of interacting with sensors and actuators. This control interface is currently being implemented on a LABMATE mobile robot connected to a SUN workstation and will be developed such to enable the LABMATE to perform non-trivial, sensor-intensive tasks as specified by a planning system.

Cellular Automata-Based Application for Driver Assistance in Indoor Parking Areas.

PubMed

Caballero-Gil, Cándido; Caballero-Gil, Pino; Molina-Gil, Jezabel

2016-11-15

This work proposes an adaptive recommendation mechanism for smart parking that takes advantage of the popularity of smartphones and the rise of the Internet of Things. The proposal includes a centralized system to forecast available indoor parking spaces, and a low-cost mobile application to obtain data of actual and predicted parking occupancy. The described scheme uses data from both sources bidirectionally so that the centralized forecast system is fed with data obtained with the distributed system based on smartphones, and vice versa. The mobile application uses different wireless technologies to provide the forecast system with actual parking data and receive from the system useful recommendations about where to park. Thus, the proposal can be used by any driver to easily find available parking spaces in indoor facilities. The client software developed for smartphones is a lightweight Android application that supplies precise indoor positioning systems based on Quick Response codes or Near Field Communication tags, and semi-precise indoor positioning systems based on Bluetooth Low Energy beacons. The performance of the proposed approach has been evaluated by conducting computer simulations and real experimentation with a preliminary implementation. The results have shown the strengths of the proposal in the reduction of the time and energy costs to find available parking spaces.

Cellular Automata-Based Application for Driver Assistance in Indoor Parking Areas †

PubMed Central

Caballero-Gil, Cándido; Caballero-Gil, Pino; Molina-Gil, Jezabel

2016-01-01

This work proposes an adaptive recommendation mechanism for smart parking that takes advantage of the popularity of smartphones and the rise of the Internet of Things. The proposal includes a centralized system to forecast available indoor parking spaces, and a low-cost mobile application to obtain data of actual and predicted parking occupancy. The described scheme uses data from both sources bidirectionally so that the centralized forecast system is fed with data obtained with the distributed system based on smartphones, and vice versa. The mobile application uses different wireless technologies to provide the forecast system with actual parking data and receive from the system useful recommendations about where to park. Thus, the proposal can be used by any driver to easily find available parking spaces in indoor facilities. The client software developed for smartphones is a lightweight Android application that supplies precise indoor positioning systems based on Quick Response codes or Near Field Communication tags, and semi-precise indoor positioning systems based on Bluetooth Low Energy beacons. The performance of the proposed approach has been evaluated by conducting computer simulations and real experimentation with a preliminary implementation. The results have shown the strengths of the proposal in the reduction of the time and energy costs to find available parking spaces. PMID:27854282

Welfare and Generational Equity in Sustainable Unfunded Pension Systems

PubMed Central

Auerbach, Alan J.; Lee, Ronald

2011-01-01

Using stochastic simulations we analyze how public pension structures spread the risks arising from demographic and economic shocks across generations. We consider several actual and hypothetical sustainable PAYGO pension structures, including: (1) versions of the US Social Security system with annual adjustments of taxes or benefits to maintain fiscal balance; (2) Sweden’s Notional Defined Contribution system and several variants developed to improve fiscal stability; and (3) the German system, which also includes annual adjustments to maintain fiscal balance. For each system, we present descriptive measures of uncertainty in representative outcomes for a typical generation and across generations. We then estimate expected utility for generations based on simplifying assumptions and incorporate these expected utility calculations in an overall social welfare measure. Using a horizontal equity index, we also compare the different systems’ performance in terms of how neighboring generations are treated. While the actual Swedish system smoothes stochastic fluctuations more than any other and produces the highest degree of horizontal equity, it does so by accumulating a buffer stock of assets that alleviates the need for frequent adjustments. In terms of social welfare, this accumulation of assets leads to a lower average rate of return that more than offsets the benefits of risk reduction, leaving systems with more frequent adjustments that spread risks broadly among generations as those most preferred. PMID:21818166

Dissipation factor as a predictor of anodic coating performance

DOEpatents

Panitz, Janda K. G.

1995-01-01

A dissipation factor measurement is used to predict as-anodized fixture performance prior to actual use of the fixture in an etching environment. A dissipation factor measurement of the anodic coating determines its dielectric characteristics and correlates to the performance of the anodic coating in actual use. The ability to predict the performance of the fixture and its anodized coating permits the fixture to be repaired or replaced prior to complete failure.

Hierarchical control and performance evaluation of multi-vehicle autonomous systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balakirsky, Stephen; Scrapper, Chris; Messina, Elena

2005-05-01

This paper will describe how the Mobility Open Architecture Tools and Simulation (MOAST) framework can facilitate performance evaluations of RCS compliant multi-vehicle autonomous systems. This framework provides an environment that allows for simulated and real architectural components to function seamlessly together. By providing repeatable environmental conditions, this framework allows for the development of individual components as well as component performance metrics. MOAST is composed of high-fidelity and low-fidelity simulation systems, a detailed model of real-world terrain, actual hardware components, a central knowledge repository, and architectural glue to tie all of the components together. This paper will describe the framework"s components in detail and provide an example that illustrates how the framework can be utilized to develop and evaluate a single architectural component through the use of repeatable trials and experimentation that includes both virtual and real components functioning together

Effects of a computerized cardiac teletriage decision support system on nurse performance: results of a controlled human factors experiment using a mid-fidelity prototype.

PubMed

Somoza, Kirsten Carroll; Momtahan, Kathryn; Lindgaard, Gitte

2007-01-01

A gap exists in cardiac care between known best practices and the actual level of care administered. To help bridge this gap, a proof of concept interface for a PDA-based decision support system (DSS) was designed for cardiac care nurses engaged in teletriage. This interface was developed through a user-centered design process. Quality of assessment, quality of recommendations, and number of questions asked were measured. Cardiac floor nurses' assessment quality performance, but not their recommendation quality performance, improved with the DSS. Nurses asked more questions with the DSS than without it, and these additional questions were predominantly classifiable as essential or beneficial to a good assessment. The average participant satisfaction score with the DSS was above neutral.

22 CFR 201.24 - Progress and advance payments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... are payments to a supplier prior to, and in anticipation of, performance under a procurement contract. They are not based on actual performance or actual costs incurred. (b) Progress payments—(1) Conditions... predelivery costs that may have a material impact on a suppliers's working capital; (iii) The total FAS...

48 CFR 252.225-7006 - Quarterly reporting of actual contract performance outside the United States.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Director of Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy (Contract Policy and International Contracting... actual contract performance outside the United States. 252.225-7006 Section 252.225-7006 Federal... SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES Text of Provisions And Clauses 252.225-7006 Quarterly reporting of...

48 CFR 252.225-7006 - Quarterly reporting of actual contract performance outside the United States.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Director of Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy (Contract Policy and International Contracting... actual contract performance outside the United States. 252.225-7006 Section 252.225-7006 Federal... SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES Text of Provisions And Clauses 252.225-7006 Quarterly reporting of...

The vibration compensation system for ARGOS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peter, D.; Gaessler, W.; Borelli, J.; Kulas, M.

2011-09-01

For every adaptive optics system telescope vibrations can strongly reduce the performance. This is true for the receiver part of the system i.e. the telescope and wave front sensor part as well as for the transmitter part in the case of a laser guide star system. Especially observations in deep fields observed with a laser guide star system without any tip-tilt star will be greatly spoiled by telescope vibrations. The ARGOS GLAO system actually being built for the LBT aims to implement this kind of mode where wave front correction will rely purely on signals from the laser beacons. To remove the vibrations from the uplink path a vibration compensation system will be installed. This system uses accelerometers to measure the vibrations and corrects their effect with a small fast tip-tilt mirror. The controller of the system is built based on the assumption that the vibrations take place at a few distinct frequencies. Here I present a lab set-up of this system and show first results of the performance.

Development of a unified guidance system for geocentric transfer. [for solar electric propulsion spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cake, J. E.; Regetz, J. D., Jr.

1975-01-01

A method is presented for open loop guidance of a solar electric propulsion spacecraft to geosynchronous orbit. The method consists of determining the thrust vector profiles on the ground with an optimization computer program, and performing updates based on the difference between the actual trajectory and that predicted with a precision simulation computer program. The motivation for performing the guidance analysis during the mission planning phase is discussed, and a spacecraft design option that employs attitude orientation constraints is presented. The improvements required in both the optimization program and simulation program are set forth, together with the efforts to integrate the programs into the ground support software for the guidance system.

Development of a unified guidance system for geocentric transfer. [solar electric propulsion spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cake, J. E.; Regetz, J. D., Jr.

1975-01-01

A method is presented for open loop guidance of a solar electric propulsion spacecraft to geosynchronsus orbit. The method consists of determining the thrust vector profiles on the ground with an optimization computer program, and performing updates based on the difference between the actual trajectory and that predicted with a precision simulation computer program. The motivation for performing the guidance analysis during the mission planning phase is discussed, and a spacecraft design option that employs attitude orientation constraints is presented. The improvements required in both the optimization program and simulation program are set forth, together with the efforts to integrate the programs into the ground support software for the guidance system.

Beyond singular values and loop shapes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stein, G.

1985-01-01

The status of singular value loop-shaping as a design paradigm for multivariable feedback systems is reviewed. It shows that this paradigm is an effective design tool whenever the problem specifications are spacially round. The tool can be arbitrarily conservative, however, when they are not. This happens because singular value conditions for robust performance are not tight (necessary and sufficient) and can severely overstate actual requirements. An alternate paradign is discussed which overcomes these limitations. The alternative includes a more general problem formulation, a new matrix function mu, and tight conditions for both robust stability and robust performance. The state of the art currently permits analysis of feedback systems within this new paradigm. Synthesis remains a subject of research.

Novel Software for Performing Leksell Stereotactic Surgery without the Use of Printing Films: Technical Note.

PubMed

Hashizume, Akira; Akimitsu, Tomohide; Iida, Koji; Kagawa, Kota; Katagiri, Masaya; Hanaya, Ryosuke; Arita, Kazunori; Kurisu, Kaoru

2016-01-01

Hospitals in Japan have recently begun to employ the DICOM viewer system on desktop or laptop monitors. However, conventional embedding surgery for deep-brain stimulation with the Leksell stereotactic system (LSS) requires printed X-ray films for defining the coordination, coregistration of actual surgical films with the reference coordinates, and validation of the needle trajectories. While just performing these procedures on desktop or laptop monitors, the authors were able to develop novel software to facilitate complete digital manipulation with the Leksell frame without printing films. In this study, we validated the practical use of LSS, and benefit of this software in the Takanobashi Central Hospital and Kagoshima University Hospital.

Asynchronous decision making in a memorized paddle pressing task

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dankert, James R.; Olson, Byron; Si, Jennie

2008-12-01

This paper presents a method for asynchronous decision making using recorded neural data in a binary decision task. This is a demonstration of a technique for developing motor cortical neural prosthetics that do not rely on external cued timing information. The system presented in this paper uses support vector machines and leaky integrate-and-fire elements to predict directional paddle presses. In addition to the traditional metrics of accuracy, asynchronous systems must also optimize the time needed to make a decision. The system presented is able to predict paddle presses with a median accuracy of 88% and all decisions are made before the time of the actual paddle press. An alternative bit rate measure of performance is defined to show that the system proposed here is able to perform the task with the same efficiency as the rats.

Controlled impact demonstration on-board (interior) photographic system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

May, C. J.

1986-01-01

Langley Research Center (LaRC) was responsible for the design, manufacture, and integration of all hardware required for the photographic system used to film the interior of the controlled impact demonstration (CID) B-720 aircraft during actual crash conditions. Four independent power supplies were constructed to operate the ten high-speed 16 mm cameras and twenty-four floodlights. An up-link command system, furnished by Ames Dryden Flight Research Facility (ADFRF), was necessary to activate the power supplies and start the cameras. These events were accomplished by initiation of relays located on each of the photo power pallets. The photographic system performed beyond expectations. All four power distribution pallets with their 20 year old Minuteman batteries performed flawlessly. All 24 lamps worked. All ten on-board high speed (400 fps) 16 mm cameras containing good resolution film data were recovered.

Measuring Road Network Vulnerability with Sensitivity Analysis

PubMed Central

Jun-qiang, Leng; Long-hai, Yang; Liu, Wei-yi; Zhao, Lin

2017-01-01

This paper focuses on the development of a method for road network vulnerability analysis, from the perspective of capacity degradation, which seeks to identify the critical infrastructures in the road network and the operational performance of the whole traffic system. This research involves defining the traffic utility index and modeling vulnerability of road segment, route, OD (Origin Destination) pair and road network. Meanwhile, sensitivity analysis method is utilized to calculate the change of traffic utility index due to capacity degradation. This method, compared to traditional traffic assignment, can improve calculation efficiency and make the application of vulnerability analysis to large actual road network possible. Finally, all the above models and calculation method is applied to actual road network evaluation to verify its efficiency and utility. This approach can be used as a decision-supporting tool for evaluating the performance of road network and identifying critical infrastructures in transportation planning and management, especially in the resource allocation for mitigation and recovery. PMID:28125706

Acceleration Noise Considerations for Drag-free Satellite Geodesy Missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, S. H.; Conklin, J. W.

2016-12-01

The GRACE mission, which launched in 2002, opened a new era of satellite geodesy by providing monthly mass variation solutions with spatial resolution of less than 200 km. GRACE proved the usefulness of a low-low satellite-to-satellite tracking formation. Analysis of the GRACE data showed that the K-Band ranging system, which is used to measure the range between the two satellites, is the limiting factor for the precision of the solution. Consequently, the GRACE-FO mission, schedule for launch in 2017, will continue the work of GRACE, but will also test a new, higher precision laser ranging interferometer compared with the K-Band ranging system. Beyond GRACE-FO, drag-free systems are being considered for satellite geodesy missions. GOCE tested a drag-free attitude control system with a gravity gradiometer and showed improvements in the acceleration noise compensation compared to the electrostatic accelerometers used in GRACE. However, a full drag-free control system with a gravitational reference sensor has not yet been applied to satellite geodesy missions. More recently, this type of drag-free system was used in LISA Pathfinder, launched in 2016, with an acceleration noise performance two orders of magnitude better than that of GOCE. We explore the effects of drag-free performance in satellite geodesy missions similar to GRACE-FO by applying three different residual acceleration noises from actual space missions: GRACE, GOCE and LISA Pathfinder. Our solutions are limited to degree 60 spherical harmonic coefficients with biweekly time resolution. Our analysis shows that a drag-free system with acceleration noise performance comparable to GOCE and LISA-Pathfinder would greatly improve the accuracy of gravity solutions. In addition to these results, we also present the covariance shaping process used in the estimation. In the future, we plan to use actual acceleration noise data measured using the UF torsion pendulum. This apparatus is a ground facility at University of Florida used to test the performance of precision inertial sensors. We also plan to evaluate the importance of acceleration noise when a second inclined pair of satellites is included in the analysis, following the work of Weise in 2012, which showed that two satellite pairs decreased aliasing errors.

DETERMINING THE VOCATIONAL NEEDS IN AGRICULTURE OF BEGINNING AND PROSPECTIVE FARMERS IN NEWLY DEVELOPED AREAS IN ISRAEL.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

KATZ, GIDEON

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY WERE TO (1) IDENTIFY PRINCIPAL FARM JOBS IN PRODUCTION ENTERPRISES, (2) DETERMINE THE ACTUAL PERFORMER OF THESE JOBS ON MOSHAV FARMS, (3) ASCERTAIN THE IDEAL PERFORMER OF THESE JOBS, (4) CLASSIFY JOBS IN TERMS OF ACTUAL AND IDEAL PERFORMERS, AND (5) DRAW IMPLICATIONS FOR CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT. LISTS OF FARM JOBS WERE…

Advanced Life Support System Value Metric

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Harry W.; Arnold, James O. (Technical Monitor)

1999-01-01

The NASA Advanced Life Support (ALS) Program is required to provide a performance metric to measure its progress in system development. Extensive discussions within the ALS program have reached a consensus. The Equivalent System Mass (ESM) metric has been traditionally used and provides a good summary of the weight, size, and power cost factors of space life support equipment. But ESM assumes that all the systems being traded off exactly meet a fixed performance requirement, so that the value and benefit (readiness, performance, safety, etc.) of all the different systems designs are exactly equal. This is too simplistic. Actual system design concepts are selected using many cost and benefit factors and the system specification is then set accordingly. The ALS program needs a multi-parameter metric including both the ESM and a System Value Metric (SVM). The SVM would include safety, maintainability, reliability, performance, use of cross cutting technology, and commercialization potential. Another major factor in system selection is technology readiness level (TRL), a familiar metric in ALS. The overall ALS system metric that is suggested is a benefit/cost ratio, [SVM + TRL]/ESM, with appropriate weighting and scaling. The total value is the sum of SVM and TRL. Cost is represented by ESM. The paper provides a detailed description and example application of the suggested System Value Metric.

Cumulative Delivery Rate after Providing Full Reimbursement In Vitro Fertilization Programme: A 6-Years Survey

PubMed Central

Vrtacnik, Urban; Vrtacnik Bokal, Eda

2014-01-01

Since 1983, Slovenia has been offering well-established, successful, and fully reimbursed IVF programme to infertile couples. On the grounds of data gathered at the Slovenian IVF units we aimed to determine whether the fully accessible IVF treatment system can provide notable success considering cumulative delivery rate (cDR). Longitudinal analysis of getting cDR was performed in 810 IVF cycles of 395 couples who for the first time attended the IVF programme in year 2006 and were followed until year 2012. We calculated the actual and the optimistic cDR. In women aged <38 years the actual cDR was 54% and optimistic DR was 83%, respectively. In women aged ≥38 years the actual cDR was 24 % and optimistic cDR was 27%. These results enable us to report that prospects of the treatment for the women aged <38 years, if they undergo all 6 available IVF cycles, are very positive and quite comparable to the chances of spontaneous conception. Even in older patients it is beneficial to repeat the IVF procedures. Therefore we consider the existing infertility treatment system in Slovenia as an example of good medical practice with high level of beneficence offered to the patients. PMID:24734248

Information Systems: How They Affect and Are Affected by Organization Structure

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-03-01

perceived managerial benefits of telecommuting were increased productivity, increased employee satisfaction, and decreased labor costs. Over 76 percent of...acceptable behavior, and provides fair treatment of employees. One drawback of this tool is that worker performance may actually decrease to the levels...of interpersonal relationships * Selection for employment and promotion based on technical competence. This style attempts to minimize human factors

DOCUMENTATION OF STEPS TO ESTABLISH A TECHNICAL COLLEGE, AND THE EVALUATION OF "PERT" AS A PLANNING TOOL FOR EDUCATORS, PHASE I.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

MCKEE, ROBERT L.; RIDLEY, KATHRYN J.

TO ESTABLISH A COLLEGE IN 100 DAYS PRESENTED AN OPPORTUNITY TO TEST THE VALUE OF PROGRAMED ORGANIZATIONAL PROCEDURES USING PROGRAM PERFORMANCE EVALUATION AND REVIEW TECHNIQUE (PERT) UNDER ACTUAL OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS, NOT IN A SIMULATED THEORETICAL SITUATION. THROUGH THE AID OF THE PERT PLANNING SYSTEM, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WERE NINE…

An Experiment for Improving Students Performance in Secondary and Tertiary Education by Means of M-Learning Auto-Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de-Marcos, Luis; Hilera, Jose Ramon; Barchino, Roberto; Jimenez, Lourdes; Martinez, Jose Javier; Gutierrez, Jose Antonio; Gutierrez, Jose Maria; Oton, Salvador

2010-01-01

Mobile learning is considered an evolution of e-learning that embraces the ubiquitous nature of current computational systems in order to improve teaching and learning. Within this context it is possible to develop mobile applications oriented to learning, but it is also important to assess to what extent such applications actually work. In this…

Virtual Reality Simulator Systems in Robotic Surgical Training.

PubMed

Mangano, Alberto; Gheza, Federico; Giulianotti, Pier Cristoforo

2018-06-01

The number of robotic surgical procedures has been increasing worldwide. It is important to maximize the cost-effectiveness of robotic surgical training and safely reduce the time needed for trainees to reach proficiency. The use of preliminary lab training in robotic skills is a good strategy for the rapid acquisition of further, standardized robotic skills. Such training can be done either by using a simulator or by exercises in a dry or wet lab. While the use of an actual robotic surgical system for training may be problematic (high cost, lack of availability), virtual reality (VR) simulators can overcome many of these obstacles. However, there is still a lack of standardization. Although VR training systems have improved, they cannot yet replace experience in a wet lab. In particular, simulated scenarios are not yet close enough to a real operative experience. Indeed, there is a difference between technical skills (i.e., mechanical ability to perform a simulated task) and surgical competence (i.e., ability to perform a real surgical operation). Thus, while a VR simulator can replace a dry lab, it cannot yet replace training in a wet lab or operative training in actual patients. However, in the near future, it is expected that VR surgical simulators will be able to provide total reality simulation and replace training in a wet lab. More research is needed to produce more wide-ranging, trans-specialty robotic curricula.

Creating Resilient IT: How the Sign-Out Sheet Shows Clinicians Make Healthcare Work

PubMed Central

Nemeth, Christopher; Nunnally, Mark; O’Connor, Michael; Cook, Richard

2006-01-01

Information technology (IT) systems have been described as brittle and prone to automation surprises. Recent report of information system failure, particularly computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems, shows the result of IT failure in actual practice. Such mismatches with healthcare work requirements necessitate improvement to IT research and development. Efforts to develop successful IT systems for healthcare’s sharp end must incorporate properties that reflect workers’ initiative in respose to domain constraints. Resilience is the feature of some systems that makes it possible for them to respond to sudden, unanticipated demands for performance and return to normal operation quickly, with minimum decrement in performance. Workers create resilience at healthcare’s sharp end by daily confronting constraints and obstacles that need to be surmounted in order to accomplish results. The sign-out sheet is an example of resilience that can be used to guide IT development. PMID:17238408

Modulation transfer function cascade model for a sampled IR imaging system.

PubMed

de Luca, L; Cardone, G

1991-05-01

The performance of the infrared scanning radiometer (IRSR) is strongly stressed in convective heat transfer applications where high spatial frequencies in the signal that describes the thermal image are present. The need to characterize more deeply the system spatial resolution has led to the formulation of a cascade model for the evaluation of the actual modulation transfer function of a sampled IR imaging system. The model can yield both the aliasing band and the averaged modulation response for a general sampling subsystem. For a line scan imaging system, which is the case of a typical IRSR, a rule of thumb that states whether the combined sampling-imaging system is either imaging-dependent or sampling-dependent is proposed. The model is tested by comparing it with other noncascade models as well as by ad hoc measurements performed on a commercial digitized IRSR.

Learning-based position control of a closed-kinematic chain robot end-effector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nguyen, Charles C.; Zhou, Zhen-Lei

1990-01-01

A trajectory control scheme whose design is based on learning theory, for a six-degree-of-freedom (DOF) robot end-effector built to study robotic assembly of NASA hardwares in space is presented. The control scheme consists of two control systems: the feedback control system and the learning control system. The feedback control system is designed using the concept of linearization about a selected operating point, and the method of pole placement so that the closed-loop linearized system is stabilized. The learning control scheme consisting of PD-type learning controllers, provides additional inputs to improve the end-effector performance after each trial. Experimental studies performed on a 2 DOF end-effector built at CUA, for three tracking cases show that actual trajectories approach desired trajectories as the number of trials increases. The tracking errors are substantially reduced after only five trials.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bailey, David H.

In a previous humorous note entitled 'Twelve Ways to Fool the Masses,' I outlined twelve common ways in which performance figures for technical computer systems can be distorted. In this paper and accompanying conference talk, I give a reprise of these twelve 'methods' and give some actual examples that have appeared in peer-reviewed literature in years past. I then propose guidelines for reporting performance, the adoption of which would raise the level of professionalism and reduce the level of confusion, not only in the world of device simulation but also in the larger arena of technical computing.

Aerodynamic design guidelines and computer program for estimation of subsonic wind tunnel performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eckert, W. T.; Mort, K. W.; Jope, J.

1976-01-01

General guidelines are given for the design of diffusers, contractions, corners, and the inlets and exits of non-return tunnels. A system of equations, reflecting the current technology, has been compiled and assembled into a computer program (a user's manual for this program is included) for determining the total pressure losses. The formulation presented is applicable to compressible flow through most closed- or open-throat, single-, double-, or non-return wind tunnels. A comparison of estimated performance with that actually achieved by several existing facilities produced generally good agreement.

Comprehensive evaluation of garment assembly line with simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Y.; Thomassey, S.; Chen, Y.; Zeng, X.

2017-10-01

In this paper, a comprehensive evaluation system is established to assess the garment production performance. It is based on performance indicators and supported with the corresponding results obtained by manual calculation or computer simulation. The assembly lines of a typical men’s shirt are taken as the study objects. With the comprehensive evaluation results, garments production arrangement scenarios are better analysed and then the appropriate one is supposed to be put into actual production. This will be a guidance given to companies on quick decision-making and multi-objective optimization of garment production.

The Case of Nuclear Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koroteev, Anatoly S.; Ponomarev-Stepnoi, Nicolai N.; Smetannikov, Vladimir P.; Gafarov, Albert A.; Houts, Mike; VanDyke, Melissa; Godfroy, Tom; Martin, James; Bragg-Sitton, Shannon; Dickens, Ricky

2003-01-01

Fission technology can enable rapid, affordable access to any point in the solar system. If fission propulsion systems are to be developed to their full potential; however, near-term customers must be identified and initial fission systems successfully developed, launched, and utilized. Successful utilization will simultaneously develop the infrastructure and experience necessary for developing even higher power and performance systems. To be successful, development programs must devise strategies for rapidly converting paper reactor concepts into actual flight hardware. One approach to accomplishing this is to design highly testable systems, and to structure the program to contain frequent, significant hardware milestones. This paper discusses ongoing efforts in Russia and the United States aimed at enabling near-term utilization of space fission systems.

How to pass a sensor acceptance test: using the gap between acceptance criteria and operational performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bijl, Piet

2016-10-01

When acquiring a new imaging system and operational task performance is a critical factor for success, it is necessary to specify minimum acceptance requirements that need to be met using a sensor performance model and/or performance tests. Currently, there exist a variety of models and test from different origin (defense, security, road safety, optometry) and they all do different predictions. This study reviews a number of frequently used methods and shows the effects that small changes in procedure or threshold criteria can have on the outcome of a test. For example, a system may meet the acceptance requirements but not satisfy the needs for the operational task, or the choice of test may determine the rank order of candidate sensors. The goal of the paper is to make people aware of the pitfalls associated with the acquisition process, by i) illustrating potential tricks to have a system accepted that is actually not suited for the operational task, and ii) providing tips to avoid this unwanted situation.

Design criteria for the light duty utility arm system end effectors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pardini, A.F.; Kiebel, G.R.

1995-12-01

The purpose of this document is to provide criteria for the design of end effectors that will be used as part of the Light Duty Utility Arm (LDUA) System. Actual component design, fabrication, testing, and inspection will be performed by various DOE laboratories, industry, and academia. This document augments WHC-SD-TD-FRD-003, `Functions and Requirements for the Light Duty Utility Arm Integrated System` (F). All requirements dictated in the F shall also be applicable in this document. Whenever conflicts arise between this document and the F, this document shall take precedence.

Optical solver of combinatorial problems: nanotechnological approach.

PubMed

Cohen, Eyal; Dolev, Shlomi; Frenkel, Sergey; Kryzhanovsky, Boris; Palagushkin, Alexandr; Rosenblit, Michael; Zakharov, Victor

2013-09-01

We present an optical computing system to solve NP-hard problems. As nano-optical computing is a promising venue for the next generation of computers performing parallel computations, we investigate the application of submicron, or even subwavelength, computing device designs. The system utilizes a setup of exponential sized masks with exponential space complexity produced in polynomial time preprocessing. The masks are later used to solve the problem in polynomial time. The size of the masks is reduced to nanoscaled density. Simulations were done to choose a proper design, and actual implementations show the feasibility of such a system.

Test and theory for piezoelectric actuator-active vibration control of rotating machinery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palazzolo, A. B.; Lin, R. R.; Alexander, R. M.; Kascak, A. F.; Montague, J.

1989-01-01

The application of piezoelectric actuators for active vibration control (AVC) of rotating machinery is examined. Theory is derived and the resulting predictions are shown to agree closely with results of tests performed on an air turbine driven-overhung rotor. The test results show significant reduction in unbalance, transient and sub-synchronous responses. Results from a 30-hour endurance test support the AVD system reliability. Various aspects of the electro-mechanical stability of the control system are also discussed and illustrated. Finally, application of the AVC system to an actual jet engine is discussed.

Flight performance of Skylab attitude and pointing control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chubb, W. B.; Kennel, H. F.; Rupp, C. C.; Seltzer, S. M.

1975-01-01

The Skylab attitude and pointing control system (APCS) requirements are briefly reviewed and the way in which they became altered during the prelaunch phase of development is noted. The actual flight mission (including mission alterations during flight) is described. The serious hardware failures that occurred, beginning during ascent through the atmosphere, also are described. The APCS's ability to overcome these failures and meet mission changes are presented. The large around-the-clock support effort on the ground is discussed. Salient design points and software flexibility that should afford pertinent experience for future spacecraft attitude and pointing control system designs are included.

Quality assurance for online adapted treatment plans: Benchmarking and delivery monitoring simulation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Taoran, E-mail: taoran.li.duke@gmail.com; Wu, Qiuwen; Yang, Yun

Purpose: An important challenge facing online adaptive radiation therapy is the development of feasible and efficient quality assurance (QA). This project aimed to validate the deliverability of online adapted plans and develop a proof-of-concept online delivery monitoring system for online adaptive radiation therapy QA. Methods: The first part of this project benchmarked automatically online adapted prostate treatment plans using traditional portal dosimetry IMRT QA. The portal dosimetry QA results of online adapted plans were compared to original (unadapted) plans as well as randomly selected prostate IMRT plans from our clinic. In the second part, an online delivery monitoring system wasmore » designed and validated via a simulated treatment with intentional multileaf collimator (MLC) errors. This system was based on inputs from the dynamic machine information (DMI), which continuously reports actual MLC positions and machine monitor units (MUs) at intervals of 50 ms or less during delivery. Based on the DMI, the system performed two levels of monitoring/verification during the delivery: (1) dynamic monitoring of cumulative fluence errors resulting from leaf position deviations and visualization using fluence error maps (FEMs); and (2) verification of MLC positions against the treatment plan for potential errors in MLC motion and data transfer at each control point. Validation of the online delivery monitoring system was performed by introducing intentional systematic MLC errors (ranging from 0.5 to 2 mm) to the DMI files for both leaf banks. These DMI files were analyzed by the proposed system to evaluate the system’s performance in quantifying errors and revealing the source of errors, as well as to understand patterns in the FEMs. In addition, FEMs from 210 actual prostate IMRT beams were analyzed using the proposed system to further validate its ability to catch and identify errors, as well as establish error magnitude baselines for prostate IMRT delivery. Results: Online adapted plans were found to have similar delivery accuracy in comparison to clinical IMRT plans when validated with portal dosimetry IMRT QA. FEMs for the simulated deliveries with intentional MLC errors exhibited distinct patterns for different MLC error magnitudes and directions, indicating that the proposed delivery monitoring system is highly specific in detecting the source of errors. Implementing the proposed QA system for online adapted plans revealed excellent delivery accuracy: over 99% of leaf position differences were within 0.5 mm, and >99% of pixels in the FEMs had fluence errors within 0.5 MU. Patterns present in the FEMs and MLC control point analysis for actual patient cases agreed with the error pattern analysis results, further validating the system’s ability to reveal and differentiate MLC deviations. Calculation of the fluence map based on the DMI was performed within 2 ms after receiving each DMI input. Conclusions: The proposed online delivery monitoring system requires minimal additional resources and time commitment to the current clinical workflow while still maintaining high sensitivity to leaf position errors and specificity to error types. The presented online delivery monitoring system therefore represents a promising QA system candidate for online adaptive radiation therapy.« less

Inductive System Monitors Tasks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

The Inductive Monitoring System (IMS) software developed at Ames Research Center uses artificial intelligence and data mining techniques to build system-monitoring knowledge bases from archived or simulated sensor data. This information is then used to detect unusual or anomalous behavior that may indicate an impending system failure. Currently helping analyze data from systems that help fly and maintain the space shuttle and the International Space Station (ISS), the IMS has also been employed by data classes are then used to build a monitoring knowledge base. In real time, IMS performs monitoring functions: determining and displaying the degree of deviation from nominal performance. IMS trend analyses can detect conditions that may indicate a failure or required system maintenance. The development of IMS was motivated by the difficulty of producing detailed diagnostic models of some system components due to complexity or unavailability of design information. Successful applications have ranged from real-time monitoring of aircraft engine and control systems to anomaly detection in space shuttle and ISS data. IMS was used on shuttle missions STS-121, STS-115, and STS-116 to search the Wing Leading Edge Impact Detection System (WLEIDS) data for signs of possible damaging impacts during launch. It independently verified findings of the WLEIDS Mission Evaluation Room (MER) analysts and indicated additional points of interest that were subsequently investigated by the MER team. In support of the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, IMS is being deployed as an anomaly detection tool on ISS mission control consoles in the Johnson Space Center Mission Operations Directorate. IMS has been trained to detect faults in the ISS Control Moment Gyroscope (CMG) systems. In laboratory tests, it has already detected several minor anomalies in real-time CMG data. When tested on archived data, IMS was able to detect precursors of the CMG1 failure nearly 15 hours in advance of the actual failure event. In the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, IMS successfully performed real-time engine health analysis. IMS was able to detect simulated failures and actual engine anomalies in an F/A-18 aircraft during the course of 25 test flights. IMS is also being used in colla

Apollo experience report: Electronic systems test program accomplishments and results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ohnesorge, T. E.

1972-01-01

A chronological record is presented of the Electronic Systems Test Program from its conception in May 1963 to December 1969. The original concept of the program, which was primarily a spacecraft/Manned Space Flight Network communications system compatibility and performance evaluation, is described. The evolution of these concepts to include various levels of test detail, as well as systems level design verification testing, is discussed. Actual implementation of these concepts is presented, and the facility to support the program is described. Test results are given, and significant contributions to the lunar landing mission are underlined. Plans for modifying the facility and the concepts, based on Apollo experience, are proposed.

A development of two-dimensional birefringence distribution measurement system with a sampling rate of 1.3 MHz

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onuma, Takashi; Otani, Yukitoshi

2014-03-01

A two-dimensional birefringence distribution measurement system with a sampling rate of 1.3 MHz is proposed. A polarization image sensor is developed as core device of the system. It is composed of a pixelated polarizer array made from photonic crystal and a parallel read out circuit with a multi-channel analog to digital converter specialized for two-dimensional polarization detection. By applying phase shifting algorism with circularly-polarized incident light, birefringence phase difference and azimuthal angle can be measured. The performance of the system is demonstrated experimentally by measuring actual birefringence distribution and polarization device such as Babinet-Soleil compensator.

Use of created cattail ( Typha) wetlands in mitigation strategies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dobberteen, Ross A.; Nickerson, Norton H.

1991-11-01

In order to balance pressures for land-use development with protection of wetland resources, artificial wetlands have been constructed in an effort to replace lost ecosystems. Despite its regulatory appeal and prominent role in current mitigation strategies, it is unclear whether or not created systems actually compensate for lost wetland resources. Mitigation predictions that rely on artificial wetlands must be analyzed critically in terms of their efficacy. Destruction of wetlands due to burial by coal fly ash at a municipal landfill in Danvers, Massachusetts, USA, provided an opportunity to compare resulting growth of created cattail ( Typha) marshes with natural wetland areas. Once the appropriate cattail species was identified for growth under disturbed landfill conditions, two types of artificial wetlands were constructed. The two systems differed in their hydrologic attributes: while one had a surface water flow characteristic of most cattail wetlands, the second system mimicked soil and water conditions found in naturally occurring floating cattail marshes. Comparison of plant growth measurements for two years from the artificial systems with published values for natural cattail marshes revealed similar structure and growth patterns. Experiments are now in progress to investigate the ability of created cattail marshes to remove and accumulate heavy metals from polluted landfill leachate. Research of the type reported here must be pursued aggressively in order to document the performance of artificial wetlands in terms of plant structure and wetland functions. Such research should allow us to start to evaluate whether artificial systems actually compensate for lost wetlands by performing similar functions and providing the concomitant public benefits.

Auto-Detection of Partial Discharges in Power Cables by Descrete Wavelet Transform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasuda, Yoh; Hara, Takehisa; Urano, Koji; Chen, Min

One of the serious problems that may happen in power XLPE cables is destruction of insulator. The best and conventional way to prevent such a crucial accident is generally supposed to ascertain partial corona discharges occurring at small void in organic insulator. However, there are some difficulties to detect those partial discharges because of existence of external noises in detected data, whose patterns are hardly identified at a glance. By the reason of the problem, there have been a number of researches on the way of development to accomplish detecting partial discharges by employing neural network (NN) system, which is widely known as the system for pattern recognition. We have been developing the NN system of the auto-detection for partial discharges, which we actually input numerical data of waveform itself into and obtained appropriate performance from. In this paper, we employed Descrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) to acquire more detailed transformed data in order to put them into the NN system. Employing DWT, we became able to express the waveform data in time-frequency space, and achieved effective detectiton of partial discharges by NN system. We present here the results using DWT analysis for partial discharges and noise signals which we obtained actually. Moreover, we present results out of the NN system which were dealt with those transformed data.

LANDSAT-4 MSS Geometric Correction: Methods and Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brooks, J.; Kimmer, E.; Su, J.

1984-01-01

An automated image registration system such as that developed for LANDSAT-4 can produce all of the information needed to verify and calibrate the software and to evaluate system performance. The on-line MSS archive generation process which upgrades systematic correction data to geodetic correction data is described as well as the control point library build subsystem which generates control point chips and support data for on-line upgrade of correction data. The system performance was evaluated for both temporal and geodetic registration. For temporal registration, 90% errors were computed to be .36 IFOV (instantaneous field of view) = 82.7 meters) cross track, and .29 IFOV along track. Also, for actual production runs monitored, the 90% errors were .29 IFOV cross track and .25 IFOV along track. The system specification is .3 IFOV, 90% of the time, both cross and along track. For geodetic registration performance, the model bias was measured by designating control points in the geodetically corrected imagery.

Sludge batch 9 follow-on actual-waste testing for the nitric-glycolic flowsheet

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Martino, C. J.; Newell, J. D.; Crawford, C. L.

An actual-waste Sludge Batch 9 qualification run with the nitric-glycolic flowsheet (SC-18) was performed in FY16. In order to supplement the knowledge base for the nitric-glycolic flowsheet, additional testing was performed on the product slurries, condensates, and intermediate samples from run SC-18.

Energy Absorbing Seat System for an Agricultural Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kellas, Sotiris; Jones, Lisa E. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

A task was initiated to improve the energy absorption capability of an existing aircraft seat through cost-effective retrofitting, while keeping seat-weight increase to a minimum. This task was undertaken as an extension of NASA ongoing safety research and commitment to general aviation customer needs. Only vertical crash scenarios have been considered in this task which required the energy absorbing system to protect the seat occupant in a range of crash speeds up to 31 ft/sec. It was anticipated that, the forward and/or side crash accelerations could be attenuated with the aid of airbags, the technology of which is currently available in automobiles and military helicopters. Steps which were followed include, preliminary crush load determination, conceptual design of cost effective energy absorbers, fabrication and testing (static and dynamic) of energy absorbers, system analysis, design and fabrication of dummy seat/rail assembly, dynamic testing of dummy seat/rail assembly, and finally, testing of actual modified seat system with a dummy occupant. A total of ten full scale tests have been performed including three of the actual aircraft seat. Results from full-scale tests indicated that occupant loads were attenuated successfully to survivable levels.

Impact detection and analysis/health monitoring system for composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Child, James E.; Kumar, Amrita; Beard, Shawn; Qing, Peter; Paslay, Don G.

2006-05-01

This manuscript includes information from test evaluations and development of a smart event detection system for use in monitoring composite rocket motor cases for damaging impacts. The primary purpose of the system as a sentry for case impact event logging is accomplished through; implementation of a passive network of miniaturized piezoelectric sensors, logger with pre-determined force threshold levels, and analysis software. Empirical approaches to structural characterizations and network calibrations along with implementation techniques were successfully evaluated, testing was performed on both unloaded (less propellants) as well as loaded rocket motors with the cylindrical areas being of primary focus. The logged test impact data with known physical network parameters provided for impact location as well as force determination, typically within 3 inches of actual impact location using a 4 foot network grid and force accuracy within 25%of an actual impact force. The simplistic empirical characterization approach along with the robust / flexible sensor grids and battery operated portable logger show promise of a system that can increase confidence in composite integrity for both new assets progressing through manufacturing processes as well as existing assets that may be in storage or transportation.

Performance evaluation of a modular detector unit for X-ray computed tomography.

PubMed

Guo, Zhe; Tang, Zhiwei; Wang, Xinzeng; Deng, Mingliang; Hu, Guangshu; Zhang, Hui

2013-04-18

A research prototype CT scanner is currently under development in our lab. One of the key components in this project is the CT detector. This paper describes the design and performance evaluation of the modular CT detector unit for our proposed scanner. It consists of a Photodiode Array Assembly which captures irradiating X-ray photons and converts the energy into electrical current, and a mini Data Acquisition System which performs current integration and converts the analog signal into digital samples. The detector unit can be easily tiled together to form a CT detector. Experiments were conducted to characterize the detector performance both at the single unit level and system level. The noise level, linearity and uniformity of the proposed detector unit were reported and initial imaging studies were also presented which demonstrated the potential application of the proposed detector unit in actual CT scanners.

Simulation of Non-Acoustic Combustion Instability in a Hybrid Rocket Motor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rocker, Marvin

1999-01-01

A transient model of a hybrid motor was formulated to study the cause and elimination of non-acoustic combustion instability. The transient model was used to simulate four key tests out of a series of seventeen hybrid motor tests conducted by Thiokol, Rocketdyne and Martin Marietta at NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (NASAIMSFC). These tests were performed under the Hybrid Propulsion Technology for Launch Vehicle Boosters (HPTLVB) program. The first test resulted in stable combustion. The second test resulted in large-amplitude, 6.5 Hz chamber pressure oscillations that gradually damped away by the end of the test. The third test resulted in large-amplitude, 7.5 Hz chamber pressure oscillations that were sustained throughout the test. The seventh test resulted in the elimination of combustion instability with the installation of an orifice immediately upstream of the injector. The formulation and implementation of the model are the scope of this presentation. The current model is an independent continuation of modeling presented previously by joint Thiokol-Rocketdyne collaborators Boardman, Hawkins, Wassom, and Claflin. The previous model simulated an unstable IR&D hybrid motor test performed by Thiokol. There was very good agreement between the model and the test data. Like the previous model, the current model was developed using Matrix-x simulation software. However, the tests performed at NASA/MSFC under the HPTLVB program were actually simulated. In the current model, the hybrid motor consisting of the liquid oxygen (LOX) injector, the multi-port solid fuel grain and the nozzle was simulated. Also, simulated in the model was the LOX feed system consisting of the tank, venturi, valve and feed lines. All components of the hybrid motor and LOX feed system are treated by a lumped-parameter approach. Agreement between the results of the transient model and the actual test data was very good. This agreement between simulated and actual test data indicated that the combustion instability in the hybrid motor was due to two causes. The first cause was a LOX feed system of insufficient stiffness. The second cause was a LOX injector with an impedance or pressure drop that was too low to provide damping against the feed system oscillations. Also, it was discovered that testing with a new grain of solid fuel sustained the combustion instability. However, testing with a used grain of solid fuel caused the combustion instability to gradually decay.

Simulation of Non-Acoustic Combustion Instability in a Hybrid Rocket Motor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rocker, Marvin

1999-01-01

A transient model of a hybrid motor was formulated to study the cause and elimination of non-acoustic combustion instability. The transient model was used to simulate four key tests out of a series of seventeen hybrid motor tests conducted by Thiokol, Rocketdyne and Martin Marietta at NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (NASA/MSFC). These tests were performed under the Hybrid Propulsion Technology for Launch Vehicle Boosters (HPTLVB) program. The first test resulted in stable combustion. The second test resulted in large-amplitude, 6.5 Hz chamber pressure oscillations that gradually damped away by the end of the test. The third test resulted in large-amplitude, 7.5 Hz chamber pressure oscillations that were sustained throughout the test. The seventh test resulted in the elimination of combustion instability with the installation of an orifice immediately upstream of the injector. The formulation and implementation of the model are the scope of this presentation. The current model is an independent continuation of modeling presented previously by joint Thiokol-Rocketdyne collaborators Boardman, Hawkins, Wassom, and Claflin. The previous model simulated an unstable IR&D hybrid motor test performed by Thiokol. There was very good agreement between the model and the test data. Like the previous model, the current model was developed using Matrix-x simulation software. However, the tests performed at NASA/MSFC under the HPTLVB program were actually simulated. In the current model, the hybrid motor consisting of the liquid oxygen (LOX) injector, the multi-port solid fuel grain and the nozzle was simulated. Also, simulated in the model was the LOX feed system consisting of the tank, venturi, valve and feed lines. All components of the hybrid motor and LOX feed system are treated by a lumped-parameter approach. Agreement between the results of the transient model and the actual test data was very good. This agreement between simulated and actual test data indicated that the combustion instability in the hybrid motor was due to two causes. The first cause was a LOX feed system of insufficient stiffness. The second cause was a LOX injector with an impedance or pressure drop that was too low to provide damping against the feed system oscillations. Also, it was discovered that testing with a new grain of solid fuel sustained the combustion instability. However, testing with a used grain of solid fuel caused the combustion instability to gradually decay.

Energy extraction from a large-scale microbial fuel cell system treating municipal wastewater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Zheng; Wu, Liao; Zhang, Fei; He, Zhen

2015-11-01

Development of microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology must address the challenges associated with energy extraction from large-scale MFC systems consisting of multiple modules. Herein, energy extraction is investigated with a 200-L MFC system (effective volume of 100 L for this study) treating actual municipal wastewater. A commercially available energy harvesting device (BQ 25504) is used successfully to convert 0.8-2.4 V from the MFCs to 5 V for charging ultracapacitors and running a DC motor. Four different types of serial connection containing different numbers of MFC modules are examined for energy extraction and conversion efficiency. The connection containing three rows of the MFCs has exhibited the best performance with the highest power output of ∼114 mW and the conversion efficiency of ∼80%. The weak performance of one-row MFCs negatively affects the overall performance of the connected MFCs in terms of both energy production and conversion. Those results indicate that an MFC system with balanced performance among individual modules will be critical to energy extraction. Future work will focus on application of the extracted energy to support MFC operation.

Economic impact of a Medicaid population health management program.

PubMed

Rust, George; Strothers, Harry; Miller, William Johnson; McLaren, Susan; Moore, Barbara; Sambamoorthi, Usha

2011-10-01

A population health management program was implemented to assess growth in health care expenditures for the disabled segment of Georgia's Medicaid population before and during the first year of a population health outcomes management program, and to compare those expenditures with projected costs based on various cost inflation trend assumptions. A retrospective, nonexperimental approach was used to analyze claims data from Georgia Medicaid claims files for all program-eligible persons for each relevant time period (intent-to-treat basis). These included all non-Medicare, noninstitutionalized Medicaid aged-blind-disabled adults older than 18 years of age. Comparisons of health care expenditures and utilization were made between base year (2003-2004) and performance year one (2006-2007), and of the difference between actual expenditures incurred in the performance year vs. projected expenditures based on various cost inflation assumptions. Demographic characteristics and clinical complexity of the population (as measured by the Chronic Illness and Disability Payment System risk score) actually increased from baseline to implementation. Actual expenditures were less than projected expenditures using any relevant medical inflation assumption. Actual expenditures were less than projected expenditures by $9.82 million when using a conservative US general medical inflation rate, by $43.6 million using national Medicaid cost trends, and by $106 million using Georgia Medicaid's own cost projections for the non-dually eligible disabled segment of Medicaid enrollees. Quadratic growth curve modeling also demonstrated a lower rate of increase in total expenditures. The rate of increase in expenditures was lower over the first year of program implementation compared with baseline. Weighted utilization rates were also lower in high-cost categories, such as inpatient days, despite increases in the risk profile of the population. Varying levels of cost avoidance could be inferred from differences between actual and projected expenditures using each of the health-related inflation assumptions.

Economic Impact of a Medicaid Population Health Management Program

PubMed Central

Strothers, Harry; Miller, William Johnson; McLaren, Susan; Moore, Barbara; Sambamoorthi, Usha

2011-01-01

Abstract A population health management program was implemented to assess growth in health care expenditures for the disabled segment of Georgia's Medicaid population before and during the first year of a population health outcomes management program, and to compare those expenditures with projected costs based on various cost inflation trend assumptions. A retrospective, nonexperimental approach was used to analyze claims data from Georgia Medicaid claims files for all program-eligible persons for each relevant time period (intent-to-treat basis). These included all non-Medicare, noninstitutionalized Medicaid aged-blind-disabled adults older than 18 years of age. Comparisons of health care expenditures and utilization were made between base year (2003–2004) and performance year one (2006–2007), and of the difference between actual expenditures incurred in the performance year vs. projected expenditures based on various cost inflation assumptions. Demographic characteristics and clinical complexity of the population (as measured by the Chronic Illness and Disability Payment System risk score) actually increased from baseline to implementation. Actual expenditures were less than projected expenditures using any relevant medical inflation assumption. Actual expenditures were less than projected expenditures by $9.82 million when using a conservative US general medical inflation rate, by $43.6 million using national Medicaid cost trends, and by $106 million using Georgia Medicaid's own cost projections for the non-dually eligible disabled segment of Medicaid enrollees. Quadratic growth curve modeling also demonstrated a lower rate of increase in total expenditures. The rate of increase in expenditures was lower over the first year of program implementation compared with baseline. Weighted utilization rates were also lower in high-cost categories, such as inpatient days, despite increases in the risk profile of the population. Varying levels of cost avoidance could be inferred from differences between actual and projected expenditures using each of the health-related inflation assumptions. (Population Health Management 2011;14:215–222) PMID:21506728

Nanotube Reinforcement of Adhesively Bonded Joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, W. S.; Saltysiak, Bethany

2002-01-01

Over the past five years there has been much excitement about the development of nanotubes and nanofibers and the potential that these materials may offer in enhancing electrical and mechanical properties of systems. The purpose of this paper is to present research into improving the mechanical performance of polymers by using nanofibers as a reinforcement to make high performance composite materials. This paper will present theoretical predictions of the composite modulus and then present the actual performance of the composite. Fabrication details will be given along with photos of the microstructure. The matrix material is polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and the nanofibers are vapor-grown carbon nanofibers produced by Pyrograph Products, Inc.

Nanotube Reinforcement of Adhesively Bonded Joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, W. S.; Saltysiak, Bethany

2003-01-01

Over the past five years there has been much excitement about the development of nanotubes and nanofibers and the potential that these materials may offer in enhancing electrical and mechanical properties of systems. The purpose of this paper is to present research into improving the mechanical performance of polymers by using nanofibers as a reinforcement to make high performance composite materials. This paper will present theoretical predictions of the composite modulus and then present the actual performance of the composite. Fabrication details will be given along with photos of the microstructure. The matrix material is polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and the nanofibers are vapor-grown carbon nanofibers produced by Pyrograph Products, Inc.

Numerical Modeling of Pulse Detonation Rocket Engine Gasdynamics and Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, C. I.

2003-01-01

Pulse detonation engines (PDB) have generated considerable research interest in recent years as a chemical propulsion system potentially offering improved performance and reduced complexity compared to conventional gas turbines and rocket engines. The detonative mode of combustion employed by these devices offers a theoretical thermodynamic advantage over the constant-pressure deflagrative combustion mode used in conventional engines. However, the unsteady blowdown process intrinsic to all pulse detonation devices has made realistic estimates of the actual propulsive performance of PDES problematic. The recent review article by Kailasanath highlights some of the progress that has been made in comparing the available experimental measurements with analytical and numerical models.

Ames Research Center life sciences payload

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Callahan, P. X.; Tremor, J. W.

1982-01-01

In response to a recognized need for an in-flight animal housing facility to support Spacelab life sciences investigators, a rack and system compatible Research Animal Holding Facility (RAHF) has been developed. A series of ground tests is planned to insure its satisfactory performance under certain simulated conditions of flight exposure and use. However, even under the best conditions of simulation, confidence gained in ground testing will not approach that resulting from actual spaceflight operation. The Spacelab Mission 3 provides an opportunity to perform an inflight Verification Test (VT) of the RAHF. Lessons learned from the RAHF-VT and baseline performance data will be invaluable in preparation for subsequent dedicated life sciences missions.

Determination of shuttle orbiter center of gravity from flight measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hinson, E. W.; Nicholson, J. Y.; Blanchard, R. C.

1991-01-01

Flight measurements of pitch, yaw, and roll rates and the resultant rotationally induced linear accelerations during three orbital maneuvers on Shuttle mission space transportation system (STS) 61-C were used to calculate the actual orbiter center-of-gravity location. The calculation technique reduces error due to lack of absolute calibration of the accelerometer measurements and compensates for accelerometer temperature bias and for the effects of gravity gradient. Accuracy of the technique was found to be limited by the nonrandom and asymmetrical distribution of orbiter structural vibration at the accelerometer mounting location. Fourier analysis of the vibration was performed to obtain the power spectral density profiles which show magnitudes in excess of 10(exp 4) ug (sup 2)/Hz for the actual vibration and over 500 ug (sup 2)/Hz for the filtered accelerometer measurements. The data from this analysis provide a characterization of the Shuttle acceleration environment which may be useful in future studies related to accelerometer system application and zero-g investigations or processes.

Case Study for the ARRA-funded GSHP Demonstration at University at Albany

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Xiaobing; Malhotra, Mini; Xiong, Zeyu

High initial costs and lack of public awareness of ground-source heat pump (GSHP) technology are the two major barriers preventing rapid deployment of this energy-saving technology in the United States. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), 26 GSHP projects have been competitively selected and carried out to demonstrate the benefits of GSHP systems and innovative technologies for cost reduction and/or performance improvement. This report highlights the findings of a case study of one of the ARRA-funded GSHP demonstration projects—a distributed GSHP system at a new 500-bed apartment-style student residence hall at the University at Albany. This case studymore » is based on the analysis of detailed design documents, measured performance data, published catalog data of heat pump equipment, and actual construction costs. Simulations with a calibrated computer model are performed for both the demonstrated GSHP system and a baseline heating, ventilation, and airconditioning (HVAC) system to determine the energy savings and other related benefits achieved by the GSHP system. The evaluated performance metrics include the energy efficiency of the heat pump equipment and the overall GSHP system, as well as the pumping performance, energy savings, carbon emission reductions, and cost-effectiveness of the demonstrated GSHP system compared with the baseline HVAC system. This case study also identifies opportunities for improving the operational efficiency of the demonstrated GSHP system.« less

Measuring complete quantum states with a single observable

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Peng Xinhua; Suter, Dieter; Du Jiangfeng

2007-10-15

Experimental determination of an unknown quantum state usually requires several incompatible measurements. However, it is also possible to determine the full quantum state from a single, repeated measurement. For this purpose, the quantum system whose state is to be determined is first coupled to a second quantum system (the 'assistant') in such a way that part of the information in the quantum state is transferred to the assistant. The actual measurement is then performed on the enlarged system including the original system and the assistant. We discuss in detail the requirements of this procedure and experimentally implement it on amore » simple quantum system consisting of nuclear spins.« less

A performance evaluation of various coatings, substrate materials, and solar collector systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dolan, F. J.

1976-01-01

An experimental apparatus was constructed and utilized in conjunction with both a solar simulator and actual sunlight to test and evaluate various solar panel coatings, panel designs, and scaled-down collector subsystems. Data were taken by an automatic digital data acquisition system and reduced and printed by a computer system. The solar collector test setup, data acquisition system, and data reduction and printout systems were considered to have operated very satisfactorily. Test data indicated that there is a practical or useful limit in scaling down beyond which scaled-down testing cannot produce results comparable to results of larger scale tests. Test data are presented as are schematics and pictures of test equipment and test hardware.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Poivey, C.; Notebaert, O.; Garnier, P.

The ARIANE5 On Board Computer (OBC) and Inertial Reference System (SRI) are based on Motorola MC68020 processor and MC68882 coprocessor. The SRI data acquisition board also uses the DSP TMS320C25 from Texas Instruments. These devices were characterized to proton induced SEUs. But representativeness of SEU test results on processors was questioned during ARIANE5 studies. Protons test of these devices were also performed in the actual equipments with flight (or representative of) softwares. The results show that the On Board Computer and the Inertial Reference System can satisfy the requirements of the ARIANE5 missions.

Aviation and programmatic analyses; Volume 1, Task 1: Aviation data base development and application. [for NASA OAST programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

A method was developed for using the NASA aviation data base and computer programs in conjunction with the GE management analysis and projection service to perform simple and complex economic analysis for planning, forecasting, and evaluating OAST programs. Capabilities of the system are discussed along with procedures for making basic data tabulations, updates and entries. The system is applied in an agricultural aviation study in order to assess its value for actual utility in the OAST working environment.

Field evaluation of ventilation system performance in enclosed parking garages

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ayari, A.M.; Grot, D.A.; Krarti, M.

2000-07-01

This paper summarizes the results of a field study to determine the ventilation requirements and the contaminant levels in existing enclosed parking garages. The testing was conducted in seven parking garages with different sizes, traffic flow patterns, vehicle types, and locations. In particular, the study compares the actual ventilation rates measured using the tracer gas technique with the ventilation requirements of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62-1989. In addition, the field test evaluated the effectiveness of the existing ventilation systems in maintaining acceptable contaminant levels within enclosed parking garages.

A Pilot/Vehicle Model Analysis of the Effects of Motion Cues on Harrier Control Tasks.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-09-01

7 D- R136 291 A PILOT/VEHILE MODEL ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF MOTION i/i LS 91 CUES ON HARRIER C..(U) BOLT BERANEK AND NEWMAN INC CAMBRIDGE MA S...provided by well-designed platform motion systems , the actual rovement of performance or training effectiveness that results from incorporating these...for the Harrier AV-8B. The effects of providing motion cues via an idealized platform motion system or a g-seat device are predicted with the model, and

Expert System for Analysis of Spectra in Nuclear Metrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrović, Ivan; Petrović, V.; Krstić, D.; Nikezić, D.; Bočvarski, V.

In this paper is described an expert system (ES) developed in order to enable the analysis of emission spectra, which are obtained by measurements of activities of radioactive elements, i.e., isotopes, actually cesium. In the structure of those spectra exists two parts: first on lower energies, which originates from the Compton effect, and second on higher energies, which contains the photopeak. The aforementioned ES is made to perform analysis of spectra in whole range of energies. Analysis of those spectra is very interesting because of the problem of environmental contamination by radio nuclides.

Discrepancies Between Planned and Actual Operating Room Turnaround Times at a Large Rural Hospital in Germany

PubMed Central

Morgenegg, Regula; Heinze, Franziska; Wieferich, Katharina; Schiffer, Ralf; Stueber, Frank; Luedi, Markus M.; Doll, Dietrich

2017-01-01

Objectives While several factors have been shown to influence operating room (OR) turnaround times, few comparisons of planned and actual OR turnaround times have been performed. This study aimed to compare planned and actual OR turnaround times at a large rural hospital in Northern Germany. Methods This retrospective study examined the OR turnaround data of 875 elective surgery cases scheduled at the Marienhospital, Vechta, Germany, between July and October 2014. The frequency distributions of planned and actual OR turnaround times were compared and correlations between turnaround times and various factors were established, including the time of day of the procedure, patient age and the planned duration of the surgery. Results There was a significant difference between mean planned and actual OR turnaround times (0.32 versus 0.64 hours; P <0.001). In addition, significant correlations were noted between actual OR turnaround times and the time of day of the surgery, patient age, actual duration of the procedure and staffing changes affecting the surgeon or the medical specialty of the surgery (P <0.001 each). The quotient of actual/planned OR turnaround times ranged from 1.733–3.000. Conclusion Significant discrepancies between planned and actual OR turnaround times were noted during the study period. Such findings may be potentially used in future studies to establish a tool to improve OR planning, measure OR management performance and enable benchmarking. PMID:29372083

Performance Basis for Airborne Separation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wing, David J.

2008-01-01

Emerging applications of Airborne Separation Assistance System (ASAS) technologies make possible new and powerful methods in Air Traffic Management (ATM) that may significantly improve the system-level performance of operations in the future ATM system. These applications typically involve the aircraft managing certain components of its Four Dimensional (4D) trajectory within the degrees of freedom defined by a set of operational constraints negotiated with the Air Navigation Service Provider. It is hypothesized that reliable individual performance by many aircraft will translate into higher total system-level performance. To actually realize this improvement, the new capabilities must be attracted to high demand and complexity regions where high ATM performance is critical. Operational approval for use in such environments will require participating aircraft to be certified to rigorous and appropriate performance standards. Currently, no formal basis exists for defining these standards. This paper provides a context for defining the performance basis for 4D-ASAS operations. The trajectory constraints to be met by the aircraft are defined, categorized, and assessed for performance requirements. A proposed extension of the existing Required Navigation Performance (RNP) construct into a dynamic standard (Dynamic RNP) is outlined. Sample data is presented from an ongoing high-fidelity batch simulation series that is characterizing the performance of an advanced 4D-ASAS application. Data of this type will contribute to the evaluation and validation of the proposed performance basis.

Coordinated joint motion control system with position error correction

DOEpatents

Danko, George [Reno, NV

2011-11-22

Disclosed are an articulated hydraulic machine supporting, control system and control method for same. The articulated hydraulic machine has an end effector for performing useful work. The control system is capable of controlling the end effector for automated movement along a preselected trajectory. The control system has a position error correction system to correct discrepancies between an actual end effector trajectory and a desired end effector trajectory. The correction system can employ one or more absolute position signals provided by one or more acceleration sensors supported by one or more movable machine elements. Good trajectory positioning and repeatability can be obtained. A two-joystick controller system is enabled, which can in some cases facilitate the operator's task and enhance their work quality and productivity.

Coordinated joint motion control system with position error correction

DOEpatents

Danko, George L.

2016-04-05

Disclosed are an articulated hydraulic machine supporting, control system and control method for same. The articulated hydraulic machine has an end effector for performing useful work. The control system is capable of controlling the end effector for automated movement along a preselected trajectory. The control system has a position error correction system to correct discrepancies between an actual end effector trajectory and a desired end effector trajectory. The correction system can employ one or more absolute position signals provided by one or more acceleration sensors supported by one or more movable machine elements. Good trajectory positioning and repeatability can be obtained. A two joystick controller system is enabled, which can in some cases facilitate the operator's task and enhance their work quality and productivity.

Data base management system analysis and performance testing with respect to NASA requirements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, E. A.; Sylto, R. V.; Gough, T. L.; Huston, H. A.; Morone, J. J.

1981-01-01

Several candidate Data Base Management Systems (DBM's) that could support the NASA End-to-End Data System's Integrated Data Base Management System (IDBMS) Project, later rescoped and renamed the Packet Management System (PMS) were evaluated. The candidate DBMS systems which had to run on the Digital Equipment Corporation VAX 11/780 computer system were ORACLE, SEED and RIM. Oracle and RIM are both based on the relational data base model while SEED employs a CODASYL network approach. A single data base application which managed stratospheric temperature profiles was studied. The primary reasons for using this application were an insufficient volume of available PMS-like data, a mandate to use actual rather than simulated data, and the abundance of available temperature profile data.

Harmonization of clinical laboratories in Africa: a multidisciplinary approach to identify innovative and sustainable technical solutions.

PubMed

Putoto, Giovanni; Cortese, Antonella; Pecorari, Ilaria; Musi, Roberto; Nunziata, Enrico

2015-06-01

In an effective and efficient health system, laboratory medicine should play a critical role. This is not the case in Africa, where there is a lack of demand for diagnostic exams due to mistrust of health laboratory performance. Doctors with Africa CUAMM (Collegio Universitario Aspiranti Medici Missionari) is a non-profit organization, working mainly in sub-Saharan Africa (Angola, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda) to help and sustain local health systems. Doctors with Africa CUAMM has advocated the need for a harmonized model for health laboratories to assess and evaluate the performance of the facilities in which they operate. In order to develop a harmonized model for African health laboratories, previous attempts at strengthening them through standardization were taken into consideration and reviewed. A survey with four Italian clinicians experienced in the field was then performed to try and understand the actual needs of health facilities. Finally a market survey was conducted to find new technologies able to update the resulting model. Comparison of actual laboratories with the developed standard - which represents the best setting any African health laboratory could aim for - allowed shortcomings in expected services to be identified and interventions subsequently prioritized. The most appropriate equipment was proposed to perform the envisaged techniques. The suitability of appliances was evaluated in consideration of recognized international recommendations, reported experiences in the field, and the availability of innovative solutions that can be performed on site in rural areas, but require minimal sample preparation and little technical expertise. The present work has developed a new, up-to-date, harmonized model for African health laboratories. The authors suggest lists of procedures to challenge the major African health problems - HIV/AIDS, malaria, tubercolosis (TB) - at each level of pyramidal health system. This model will hopefully support the non-governmental organization (NGO) Doctors with Africa CUAMM in its activities in sub-Saharan hospitals, providing them with a guideline to programme future interventions.

Harpoon Pyrotechnic Shock Study

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-09-01

Air Systems Command, was performed from July 1973 to July 1979. In the Interest of economy and timeliness in presenting the information, the report is...Both actual test data and predicted shock levey are presented. .L{U’Shock spectra environment predictions are made for several types of explosive ...mounting structure 5 to 10 inches (127 to 254 mm) from the explosive device. Attenuation across the component mounting interface is the only loss

Unstable Resonator Retrofitted Handheld Laser Designator

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-06-01

retrofitted with a negative-branch unstable resona- tor laser and hybrid pump cavity in place of the conventional plane-mirror/ porro prism resonator and...directed by prism B to an expanding telescope, shared with the viewing system of the designator. The actual, unfolded resonator length is approxi...was performed based on using a plane- parallel cavity consisting of a 47% reflectivity output coupler, porro - prism reflector, and the same LiNb03

Development of polyvinylether refrigeration oil for hydrofluorocarbon air-conditioning systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tozaki, Toshinori; Konishi, Tsuneo; Nagamatsu, Noritoshi

1998-10-01

Polyolestor (POE) poses capillary tube blockage problems when it is used as an air-conditioner refrigeration oil. A polyvinylether (PVE) oil has been developed to settle such problems. The causes of blockage were determined by analyzing capillary tubes after testing them with PVE and POE in the laboratory and in actual equipment. PVE was confirmed to have superior performance over POE with respect to resistance of capillary tube blockage.

Extracting Dynamic Evidence Networks

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-12-01

on the performance of the three models as a function of training set size, and on experiments showing the viability of using active learning techniques...potential relation instances, which include 28K actual relations. 2.3.2 Active Learning We also ran a set of experiments designed to explore the...viability of using active learning techniques to maximize the usefulness of the training data annotated for use by the system. The idea is to

A Study to Determine the Optimal Frequency for Conducting Periodic Dental Examinations (OFDEX)

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-06-01

as the major vehicle by which patients enter into the incremental care system . Unpublished data from studies performed by the Health Care Studies...product-moment correlation was used to measure the strength of the relationship between two variables. Significance tests for correlation coefficients...expected if no relationship existed between variables at given row and column totals. These expected frequencies are then compared to the actual values

Prosthesis use in adult acquired major upper-limb amputees: patterns of wear, prosthetic skills and the actual use of prostheses in activities of daily life.

PubMed

Østlie, Kristin; Lesjø, Ingrid Marie; Franklin, Rosemary Joy; Garfelt, Beate; Skjeldal, Ola Hunsbeth; Magnus, Per

2012-11-01

To describe patterns of prosthesis wear and perceived prosthetic usefulness in adult acquired upper-limb amputees (ULAs). To describe prosthetic skills in activities of daily life (ADL) and the actual use of prostheses in the performance of ADL tasks. To estimate the influence of prosthetic skills on actual prosthesis use and the influence of background factors on prosthetic skills and actual prosthesis use. Cross-sectional study analysing population-based questionnaire data (n = 224) and data from interviews and clinical testing in a referred/convenience sample of prosthesis-wearing ULAs (n = 50). Effects were analysed using linear regression. 80.8% wore prostheses. 90.3% reported their most worn prosthesis as useful. Prosthetic usefulness profiles varied with prosthetic type. Despite demonstrating good prosthetic skills, the amputees reported actual prosthesis use in only about half of the ADL tasks performed in everyday life. In unilateral amputees, increased actual use was associated with sufficient prosthetic training and with the use of myoelectric vs cosmetic prostheses, regardless of amputation level. Prosthetic skills did not affect actual prosthesis use. No background factors showed significant effect on prosthetic skills. Most major ULAs wear prostheses. Individualised prosthetic training and fitting of myoelectric rather than passive prostheses may increase actual prosthesis use in ADL.

Testing two temporal upscaling schemes for the estimation of the time variability of the actual evapotranspiration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maltese, A.; Capodici, F.; Ciraolo, G.; La Loggia, G.

2015-10-01

Temporal availability of grapes actual evapotranspiration is an emerging issue since vineyards farms are more and more converted from rainfed to irrigated agricultural systems. The manuscript aims to verify the accuracy of the actual evapotranspiration retrieval coupling a single source energy balance approach and two different temporal upscaling schemes. The first scheme tests the temporal upscaling of the main input variables, namely the NDVI, albedo and LST; the second scheme tests the temporal upscaling of the energy balance output, the actual evapotranspiration. The temporal upscaling schemes were implemented on: i) airborne remote sensing data acquired monthly during a whole irrigation season over a Sicilian vineyard; ii) low resolution MODIS products released daily or weekly; iii) meteorological data acquired by standard gauge stations. Daily MODIS LST products (MOD11A1) were disaggregated using the DisTrad model, 8-days black and white sky albedo products (MCD43A) allowed modeling the total albedo, and 8-days NDVI products (MOD13Q1) were modeled using the Fisher approach. Results were validated both in time and space. The temporal validation was carried out using the actual evapotranspiration measured in situ using data collected by a flux tower through the eddy covariance technique. The spatial validation involved airborne images acquired at different times from June to September 2008. Results aim to test whether the upscaling of the energy balance input or output data performed better.

Evidence of erosive burning in shuttle solid rocket motor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, C. L.

1983-01-01

Known models of Shuttle Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) performance have failed to produce pressure-time traces which accurately matched actual motor performance, especially during the first 5 seconds after ignition and during the last quarter of web burn time. Efforts to compensate for these differences in model reconstruction and actual performance resulted in resorting to the use of a Burning Anomaly Rate Function (BARF). It was suspected that propellant erosive burning was primarily responsible for the variation of model from actual results. The three dimensional Hercules Grain Design and Internal Ballistics Evaluation Program was made operational and slightly modified and an extensive trial and error effort was begun to test the hypothesis of erosive burning as an explanation of the burning anomaly. It was found that introduction of erosive burning (using Green's erosive burning equation) over portions of the aft segment grain and above a threshold gas Mach number did, in fact, give excellent agreement with the actual motor trace.

A cycling workstation to facilitate physical activity in office settings.

PubMed

Elmer, Steven J; Martin, James C

2014-07-01

Facilitating physical activity during the workday may help desk-bound workers reduce risks associated with sedentary behavior. We 1) evaluated the efficacy of a cycling workstation to increase energy expenditure while performing a typing task and 2) fabricated a power measurement system to determine the accuracy and reliability of an exercise cycle. Ten individuals performed 10 min trials of sitting while typing (SIT type) and pedaling while typing (PED type). Expired gases were recorded and typing performance was assessed. Metabolic cost during PED type was ∼ 2.5 × greater compared to SIT type (255 ± 14 vs. 100 ± 11 kcal h(-1), P < 0.01). Typing time and number of typing errors did not differ between PED type and SIT type (7.7 ± 1.5 vs. 7.6 ± 1.6 min, P = 0.51, 3.3 ± 4.6 vs. 3.8 ± 2.7 errors, P = 0.80). The exercise cycle overestimated power by 14-138% compared to actual power but actual power was reliable (r = 0.998, P < 0.01). A cycling workstation can facilitate physical activity without compromising typing performance. The exercise cycle's inaccuracy could be misleading to users. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and The Ergonomics Society. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Alptekin, Gokhan

The overall objective of the proposed research is to develop a low cost, high capacity CO{sub 2} sorbent and demonstrate its technical and economic viability for pre-combustion CO{sub 2} capture. The specific objectives supporting our research plan were to optimize the chemical structure and physical properties of the sorbent, scale-up its production using high throughput manufacturing equipment and bulk raw materials and then evaluate its performance, first in bench-scale experiments and then in slipstream tests using actual coal-derived synthesis gas. One of the objectives of the laboratory-scale evaluations was to demonstrate the life and durability of the sorbent for overmore » 10,000 cycles and to assess the impact of contaminants (such as sulfur) on its performance. In the field tests, our objective was to demonstrate the operation of the sorbent using actual coal-derived synthesis gas streams generated by air-blown and oxygen-blown commercial and pilot-scale coal gasifiers (the CO{sub 2} partial pressure in these gas streams is significantly different, which directly impacts the operating conditions hence the performance of the sorbent). To support the field demonstration work, TDA collaborated with Phillips 66 and Southern Company to carry out two separate field tests using actual coal-derived synthesis gas at the Wabash River IGCC Power Plant in Terre Haute, IN and the National Carbon Capture Center (NCCC) in Wilsonville, AL. In collaboration with the University of California, Irvine (UCI), a detailed engineering and economic analysis for the new CO{sub 2} capture system was also proposed to be carried out using Aspen PlusTM simulation software, and estimate its effect on the plant efficiency.« less

A Further Assessment of Momentary Time-Sampling across Extended Interval Lengths

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alvero, Alicia M.; Rappaport, Eva; Taylor, Matthew A.

2011-01-01

The current study compared the estimation of momentary time-sampling (MTS) to actual safety performance of three ergonomic responses: back, shoulder, and feet. Actual safety performance was established for the five participants by measuring the target responses with a continuous procedure. MTS 90, 105, 120, 135, 150, 165, 180, 195, 210, 240, and…

Mechanical strength of an ITER coil insulation system under static and dynamic load after reactor irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bittner-Rohrhofer, K.; Humer, K.; Weber, H. W.; Hamada, K.; Sugimoto, M.; Okuno, K.

2002-12-01

The insulation system proposed by the Japanese Home Team for the ITER Toroidal Field coil (TF coil) is a T-glass-fiber/Kapton reinforced epoxy prepreg system. In order to assess the material performance under the actual operating conditions of the coils, the insulation system was irradiated in the TRIGA reactor (Vienna) to a fast neutron fluence of 2×10 22 m -2 ( E>0.1 MeV). After measurements of swelling, all mechanical tests were carried out at 77 K. Tensile and short-beam-shear (SBS) tests were performed under static loading conditions. In addition, tension-tension fatigue experiments up to about 10 6 cycles were made. The laminate swells in the through-thickness direction by 0.86% at the highest dose level. The fatigue tests as well as the static tests do not show significant influences of the irradiation on the mechanical behavior of this composite.

Software design of a remote real-time ECG monitoring system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Chengbo; Tao, Hongyan

2005-12-01

Heart disease is one of the main diseases that threaten the health and lives of human beings. At present, the normal remote ECG monitoring system has the disadvantages of a short testing distance and limitation of monitoring lines. Because of accident and paroxysmal disease, ECG monitoring has extended from the hospital to the family. Therefore, remote ECG monitoring through the Internet has the actual value and significance. The principle and design method of software of the remote dynamic ECG monitor was presented and discussed. The monitoring software is programmed with Delphi software based on client-sever interactive mode. The application program of the system, which makes use of multithreading technology, is shown to perform in an excellent manner. The program includes remote link users and ECG processing, i.e. ECG data's receiving, real-time displaying, recording and replaying. The system can connect many clients simultaneously and perform real-time monitoring to patients.

Assessment of learning powered mobility use--applying grounded theory to occupational performance.

PubMed

Nilsson, Lisbeth; Durkin, Josephine

2014-01-01

Collaboration by two grounded theory researchers, who each had developed a learning continuum instrument, led to the emergence of a new tool for assessment of learning powered mobility use. We undertook a rigorous process of comparative reanalysis that included merging, modifying, and expanding our previous research findings. A new instrument together with its facilitating strategies emerged in the course of revisits to our existing rich account of data taken from real environment powered mobility practice over an extensive time period. Instrument descriptors, categories, phases, and stages allow a facilitator to assess actual phase and plot actual occupational performance and provide a learner with the just right challenge through the learning process. Facilitating strategies are described for each of the phases and provide directions for involvement during learner performance. The learning approach is led by a belief system that the intervention is user-led, working in partnership and empowering the learner. The new assessment tool is inclusive of every potential powered mobility user because it focuses on the whole continuum of the learning process of powered mobility use from novice to expert. The new tool was appraised by clinicians and has been used successfully in clinical practice in the United Kingdom and Sweden.

Airplane takeoff and landing performance monitoring system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Middleton, David B. (Inventor); Srivatsan, Raghavachari (Inventor); Person, Lee H. (Inventor)

1989-01-01

The invention is a real-time takeoff and landing performance monitoring system which provides the pilot with graphic and metric information to assist in decisions related to achieving rotation speed (V sub R) within the safe zone of the runway or stopping the aircraft on the runway after landing or take off abort. The system processes information in two segments: a pretakeoff segment and a real-time segment. One-time inputs of ambient conditions and airplane configuration information are used in the pretakeoff segment to generate scheduled performance data. The real-time segment uses the scheduled performance data, runway length data and transducer measured parameters to monitor the performance of the airplane throughout the takeoff roll. An important feature of this segment is that it updates the estimated runway rolling friction coefficient. Airplane performance predictions also reflect changes in headwind occurring as the takeoff roll progresses. The system displays the position of the airplane on the runway, indicating runway used and runway available, summarizes the critical information into a situation advisory flag, flags engine failures and off-nominal acceleration performance, and indicates where on the runway particular events such as decision speed (V sub 1), rotation speed (V sub R) and expected stop points will occur based on actual or predicted performance. The display also indicates airspeed, wind vector, engine pressure ratios, second segment climb speed, and balanced field length (BFL). The system detects performance deficiencies by comparing the airplane's present performance with a predicted nominal performance based upon the given conditions.

Inter-Regional Performance of the Public Health System in a High-Inequality Country

PubMed Central

Gramani, Maria Cristina

2014-01-01

Previous cross-country studies have revealed a relationship between health and socio-economic factors. However, multinational studies that use aggregate figures could obfuscate the actual situation in each individual region, or even in each individual federal unit, mainly in a developing country that spans a continent and has large socioeconomic inequalities. We conducted a within-country study, in Brazil, of health system performance that examined data in the four perspectives that most strongly affect the performance of public health systems: financial, customer, internal processes and learning&growth. After estimating the interregional health system performance from each perspective, we identified the determinants of inefficiency (i.e., the factors that have the greatest potential for improvement in each region). The results showed that the major determinants of inefficiency in the less efficient regions (N and NE) are concentrated in the perspective of learning&growth (the number of health professionals and the number of graduates with a health-related undergraduate degree) and, in the regions with the best performance (S and SE) the major determinants of inefficiency are concentrated in the financial perspective (spending on health care and the amount paid for hospitalization). PMID:24466201

Development of a 3D parallel mechanism robot arm with three vertical-axial pneumatic actuators combined with a stereo vision system.

PubMed

Chiang, Mao-Hsiung; Lin, Hao-Ting

2011-01-01

This study aimed to develop a novel 3D parallel mechanism robot driven by three vertical-axial pneumatic actuators with a stereo vision system for path tracking control. The mechanical system and the control system are the primary novel parts for developing a 3D parallel mechanism robot. In the mechanical system, a 3D parallel mechanism robot contains three serial chains, a fixed base, a movable platform and a pneumatic servo system. The parallel mechanism are designed and analyzed first for realizing a 3D motion in the X-Y-Z coordinate system of the robot's end-effector. The inverse kinematics and the forward kinematics of the parallel mechanism robot are investigated by using the Denavit-Hartenberg notation (D-H notation) coordinate system. The pneumatic actuators in the three vertical motion axes are modeled. In the control system, the Fourier series-based adaptive sliding-mode controller with H(∞) tracking performance is used to design the path tracking controllers of the three vertical servo pneumatic actuators for realizing 3D path tracking control of the end-effector. Three optical linear scales are used to measure the position of the three pneumatic actuators. The 3D position of the end-effector is then calculated from the measuring position of the three pneumatic actuators by means of the kinematics. However, the calculated 3D position of the end-effector cannot consider the manufacturing and assembly tolerance of the joints and the parallel mechanism so that errors between the actual position and the calculated 3D position of the end-effector exist. In order to improve this situation, sensor collaboration is developed in this paper. A stereo vision system is used to collaborate with the three position sensors of the pneumatic actuators. The stereo vision system combining two CCD serves to measure the actual 3D position of the end-effector and calibrate the error between the actual and the calculated 3D position of the end-effector. Furthermore, to verify the feasibility of the proposed parallel mechanism robot driven by three vertical pneumatic servo actuators, a full-scale test rig of the proposed parallel mechanism pneumatic robot is set up. Thus, simulations and experiments for different complex 3D motion profiles of the robot end-effector can be successfully achieved. The desired, the actual and the calculated 3D position of the end-effector can be compared in the complex 3D motion control.

Development of a 3D Parallel Mechanism Robot Arm with Three Vertical-Axial Pneumatic Actuators Combined with a Stereo Vision System

PubMed Central

Chiang, Mao-Hsiung; Lin, Hao-Ting

2011-01-01

This study aimed to develop a novel 3D parallel mechanism robot driven by three vertical-axial pneumatic actuators with a stereo vision system for path tracking control. The mechanical system and the control system are the primary novel parts for developing a 3D parallel mechanism robot. In the mechanical system, a 3D parallel mechanism robot contains three serial chains, a fixed base, a movable platform and a pneumatic servo system. The parallel mechanism are designed and analyzed first for realizing a 3D motion in the X-Y-Z coordinate system of the robot’s end-effector. The inverse kinematics and the forward kinematics of the parallel mechanism robot are investigated by using the Denavit-Hartenberg notation (D-H notation) coordinate system. The pneumatic actuators in the three vertical motion axes are modeled. In the control system, the Fourier series-based adaptive sliding-mode controller with H∞ tracking performance is used to design the path tracking controllers of the three vertical servo pneumatic actuators for realizing 3D path tracking control of the end-effector. Three optical linear scales are used to measure the position of the three pneumatic actuators. The 3D position of the end-effector is then calculated from the measuring position of the three pneumatic actuators by means of the kinematics. However, the calculated 3D position of the end-effector cannot consider the manufacturing and assembly tolerance of the joints and the parallel mechanism so that errors between the actual position and the calculated 3D position of the end-effector exist. In order to improve this situation, sensor collaboration is developed in this paper. A stereo vision system is used to collaborate with the three position sensors of the pneumatic actuators. The stereo vision system combining two CCD serves to measure the actual 3D position of the end-effector and calibrate the error between the actual and the calculated 3D position of the end-effector. Furthermore, to verify the feasibility of the proposed parallel mechanism robot driven by three vertical pneumatic servo actuators, a full-scale test rig of the proposed parallel mechanism pneumatic robot is set up. Thus, simulations and experiments for different complex 3D motion profiles of the robot end-effector can be successfully achieved. The desired, the actual and the calculated 3D position of the end-effector can be compared in the complex 3D motion control. PMID:22247676

Behavioural changes, sharing behaviour and psychological responses after receiving direct-to-consumer genetic test results: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Stewart, Kelly F J; Wesselius, Anke; Schreurs, Maartje A C; Schols, Annemie M W J; Zeegers, Maurice P

2018-01-01

It has been hypothesised that direct-to-consumer genetic tests (DTC-GTs) could stimulate health behaviour change. However, genetic testing may also lead to anxiety and distress or unnecessarily burden the health care system. The aim is to review and meta-analyse the effects of DTC-GT on (1) behaviour change, (2) psychological response and (3) medical consumption. A systematic literature search was performed in three databases, using "direct-to-consumer genetic testing" as a key search term. Random effects meta-analyses were performed when at least two comparable outcomes were available. After selection, 19 articles were included involving 11 unique studies. Seven studies involved actual consumers who paid the retail price, whereas four included participants who received free genetic testing as part of a research trial (non-actual consumers). In meta-analysis, 23% had a positive lifestyle change. More specifically, improved dietary and exercise practices were both reported by 12%, whereas 19% quit smoking. Seven percent of participants had subsequent preventive checks. Thirty-three percent shared their results with any health care professional and 50% with family and/or friends. Sub-analyses show that behaviour change was more prevalent among non-actual consumers, whereas sharing was more prevalent among actual consumers. Results on psychological responses showed that anxiety, distress and worry were low or absent and that the effect faded with time. DTC-GT has potential to be effective as a health intervention, but the right audience needs to be addressed with tailored follow-up. Research is needed to identify consumers who do and do not change behaviour or experience adverse psychological responses.

An Analysis of the Actual Processes of Physicists' Research and the Implications for Teaching Scientific Inquiry in School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Park, Jongwon; Jang, Kyoung-Ae; Kim, Ikgyun

2009-01-01

Investigation of scientists' actual processes of conducting research can provide us with more realistic aspects of scientific inquiry. This study was performed to identify three aspects of scientists' actual research: their motivations for scientific inquiry, the scientific inquiry skills they used, and the main types of results obtained from…

A Case Study of a Low Powervapour Compression Refrigeration System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abinav, R.; Nambiar, G. K.; Sahu, Debjyoti

2016-09-01

Reported in this paper is a case study on a normal vapor compression refrigeration system which is expected to be run by photovoltaic panels to utilize minimum grid power. A small 120 W refrigerator is fabricated out of commercially available components and run by an inverter and battery connected to solar photovoltaic panel as well as grid. Temperature at several points was measured and the performance was evaluated. The Coefficient of performance (COP) to run such refrigerator is estimated after numerical simulation of major components namely, evaporator, condenser and a capillary tube. The simulation was done to obtain an effective cooling temperature and the results were compared with measured temperatures. Calculation proves to be in conformity with the actual model.

High stability design for new centrifugal compressor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kanki, H.; Katayama, K.; Morii, S.; Mouri, Y.; Umemura, S.; Ozawa, U.; Oda, T.

1989-01-01

It is essential that high-performance centrifugal compressors be free of subsynchronous vibrations. A new high-performance centrifugal compressor has been developed by applying the latest rotordynamics knowledge and design techniques: (1) To improve the system damping, a specially designed oil film seal was developed. This seal attained a damping ratio three times that of the conventional design. The oil film seal contains a special damper ring in the seal cartridge. (2) To reduce the destabilizing effect of the labyrinth seal, a special swirl canceler (anti-swirl nozzle) was applied to the balance piston seal. (3) To confirm the system damping margin, the dynamic simulation rotor model test and the full load test applied the vibration exciting test in actual load conditions.

Study of advanced fuel system concepts for commercial aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coffinberry, G. A.

1985-01-01

An analytical study was performed in order to assess relative performance and economic factors involved with alternative advanced fuel systems for future commercial aircraft operating with broadened property fuels. The DC-10-30 wide-body tri-jet aircraft and the CF6-8OX engine were used as a baseline design for the study. Three advanced systems were considered and were specifically aimed at addressing freezing point, thermal stability and lubricity fuel properties. Actual DC-10-30 routes and flight profiles were simulated by computer modeling and resulted in prediction of aircraft and engine fuel system temperatures during a nominal flight and during statistical one-day-per-year cold and hot flights. Emergency conditions were also evaluated. Fuel consumption and weight and power extraction results were obtained. An economic analysis was performed for new aircraft and systems. Advanced system means for fuel tank heating included fuel recirculation loops using engine lube heat and generator heat. Environmental control system bleed air heat was used for tank heating in a water recirculation loop. The results showed that fundamentally all of the three advanced systems are feasible but vary in their degree of compatibility with broadened-property fuel.

Advanced Life Support System Value Metric

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Harry W.; Rasky, Daniel J. (Technical Monitor)

1999-01-01

The NASA Advanced Life Support (ALS) Program is required to provide a performance metric to measure its progress in system development. Extensive discussions within the ALS program have led to the following approach. The Equivalent System Mass (ESM) metric has been traditionally used and provides a good summary of the weight, size, and power cost factors of space life support equipment. But ESM assumes that all the systems being traded off exactly meet a fixed performance requirement, so that the value and benefit (readiness, performance, safety, etc.) of all the different systems designs are considered to be exactly equal. This is too simplistic. Actual system design concepts are selected using many cost and benefit factors and the system specification is defined after many trade-offs. The ALS program needs a multi-parameter metric including both the ESM and a System Value Metric (SVM). The SVM would include safety, maintainability, reliability, performance, use of cross cutting technology, and commercialization potential. Another major factor in system selection is technology readiness level (TRL), a familiar metric in ALS. The overall ALS system metric that is suggested is a benefit/cost ratio, SVM/[ESM + function (TRL)], with appropriate weighting and scaling. The total value is given by SVM. Cost is represented by higher ESM and lower TRL. The paper provides a detailed description and example application of a suggested System Value Metric and an overall ALS system metric.

Forecasting the ocean optical environment in support of Navy mine warfare operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ladner, S. D.; Arnone, R.; Jolliff, J.; Casey, B.; Matulewski, K.

2012-06-01

A 3D ocean optical forecast system called TODS (Tactical Ocean Data System) has been developed to determine the performance of underwater LIDAR detection/identification systems. TODS fuses optical measurements from gliders, surface satellite optical properties, and 3D ocean forecast circulation models to extend the 2-dimensional surface satellite optics into a 3-dimensional optical volume including subsurface optical layers of beam attenuation coefficient (c) and diver visibility. Optical 3D nowcast and forecasts are combined with electro-optical identification (EOID) models to determine the underwater LIDAR imaging performance field used to identify subsurface mine threats in rapidly changing coastal regions. TODS was validated during a recent mine warfare exercise with Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM-14). Results include the uncertainties in the optical forecast and lidar performance and sensor tow height predictions that are based on visual detection and identification metrics using actual mine target images from the EOID system. TODS is a new capability of coupling the 3D optical environment and EOID system performance and is proving important for the MIW community as both a tactical decision aid and for use in operational planning, improving timeliness and efficiency in clearance operations.

Performance of Subsurface Tube Drainage System in Saline Soils: A Case Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pali, A. K.

2015-06-01

In order to improve the saline and water logged soils caused due to groundwater table rise, installation of subsurface drainage system is considered as one of the best remedies. However, the design of the drainage system has to be accurate so that the field performance results conform to the designed results. In this investigation, the field performance of subsurface tube drainage system installed at the study area was evaluated. The performance was evaluated on the basis of comparison of the designed value of water table drop as 30 cm after 2 days of drainage and predicted and field measured hydraulic heads for a consecutive drainage period of 14 days. The investigation revealed that the actual drop of water table after 2 days of drainage was 25 cm, about 17 % less than the designed value of 30 cm after 2 days of drainage. The comparison of hydraulic heads predicted by Van Schilfgaarde equation of unsteady drainage with the field-measured hydraulic heads showed that the deviation of predicted hydraulic heads varied within a range of ±8 % indicating high acceptability of Van Schlifgaarde equation for designing subsurface drainage system in saline and water logged soils resembling to that of the study area.

A Management Analysis and Systems Model of Department of Defense Acquisition Structure and Policy

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-01-01

Production Cost 253 0 104. Structure for Capacity Utilized Effect on Production Cost 254 105. Actual vs Model GNP (1960-1985) 265 106. Actual vs Model Social...Spending (1960-1985) 266 107. Actual vs Model Defense Spending (1960-1985) 267 108. Actual vs Model Soviet Defense Expenditures 268 109. Comparison of...Actual GNP a. 800 z 0 600 400 " I I 50 60 70 80 90 Year Figure 105. Actual vs Model GNP (1960-1985) fact that the model did not generate real

Optical communication with semiconductor laser diodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davidson, F.

1988-01-01

Slot timing recovery in a direct detection optical PPM communication system can be achieved by processing the photodetector waveform with a nonlinear device whose output forms the input to a phase lock group. The choice of a simple transition detector as the nonlinearity is shown to give satisfactory synchronization performance. The rms phase error of the recovered slot clock and the effect of slot timing jitter on the bit error probability were directly measured. The experimental system consisted of an AlGaAs laser diode (lambda = 834 nm) and a silicon avalanche photodiode (APD) photodetector and used Q=4 PPM signaling operated at a source data rate of 25 megabits/second. The mathematical model developed to characterize system performance is shown to be in good agreement with actual performance measurements. The use of the recovered slot clock in the receiver resulted in no degradation in receiver sensitivity compared to a system with perfect slot timing. The system achieved a bit error probability of 10 to the minus 6 power at received signal energies corresponding to an average of less than 60 detected photons per information bit.

Predictive accuracy of a model of volatile anesthetic uptake.

PubMed

Kennedy, R Ross; French, Richard A; Spencer, Christopher

2002-12-01

A computer program that models anesthetic uptake and distribution has been in use in our department for 20 yr as a teaching tool. New anesthesia machines that electronically measure fresh gas flow rates and vaporizer settings allowed us to assess the performance of this model during clinical anesthesia. Gas flow, vaporizer settings, and end-tidal concentrations were collected from the anesthesia machine (Datex S/5 ADU) at 10-s intervals during 30 elective anesthetics. These were entered into the uptake model. Expired anesthetic vapor concentrations were calculated and compared with actual values as measured by the patient monitor (Datex AS/3). Sevoflurane was used in 16 patients and isoflurane in 14 patients. For all patients, the median performance error was -0.24%, the median absolute performance error was 13.7%, divergence was 2.3%/h, and wobble was 3.1%. There was no significant difference between sevoflurane and isoflurane. This model predicted expired concentrations well in these patients. These results are similar to those seen when comparing calculated and actual propofol concentrations in propofol infusion systems and meet published guidelines for the accuracy of models used in target-controlled anesthesia systems. This model may be useful for predicting responses to changes in fresh gas and vapor settings. We compared measured inhaled anesthetic concentrations with those predicted by a model. The method used for comparison has been used to study models of propofol administration. Our model predicts expired isoflurane and sevoflurane concentrations at least as well as common propofol models predict arterial propofol concentrations.

Actualizing a provider alliance to expand health services access to a low-income urban community.

PubMed

Tataw, David; Bazargan-Hejazi, Shahrzad; James, Frederick W

2011-01-01

Social change to facilitate health care access for vulnerable populations sometimes involves model-driven innovative structures and innovative planning and implementation approaches. This paper described and analyzed the rationale, conceptual framework, program components, and implementation of the South Central Health Care Alliance (SCHCA) implemented in South Los Angeles from January 2002 to December 2004. The program development and implementation was guided by an integrated framework linking the Open Systems Theory, the Social Cognitive Theory, the Health Belief Model, and the Preventive Health Education and Medical Home Project. The performance of the SCHCA as a social system, partnership, and participatory implementation program is also presented. While the SCHCA was found to be a dynamic social system that responded well to contingencies, its performance as a partnership and participatory implementation program was wanting in many respects.

Designing healthcare information technology to catalyse change in clinical care.

PubMed

Lester, William T; Zai, Adrian H; Grant, Richard W; Chueh, Henry C

2008-01-01

The gap between best practice and actual patient care continues to be a pervasive problem in our healthcare system. Efforts to improve on this knowledge-performance gap have included computerised disease management programs designed to improve guideline adherence. However, current computerised reminder and decision support interventions directed at changing physician behaviour have had only a limited and variable effect on clinical outcomes. Further, immediate pay-for-performance financial pressures on institutions have created an environment where disease management systems are often created under duress, appended to existing clinical systems and poorly integrated into the existing workflow, potentially limiting their real-world effectiveness. The authors present a review of disease management as well as a conceptual framework to guide the development of more effective health information technology (HIT) tools for translating clinical information into clinical action.

A fiber Bragg grating acceleration sensor for ground surveillance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Shaodong; Zhang, Faxiang; Lv, Jingsheng; Ni, Jiasheng; Wang, Chang

2017-10-01

Ground surveillance system is a kind of intelligent monitoring equipment for detecting and tracking the ground target. This paper presents a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) acceleration sensor for ground surveillance, which has the characteristics of no power supply, anti-electromagnetic interference, easy large-scale networking, and small size. Which make it able to achieve the advantage of the ground surveillance system while avoiding the shortcoming of the electric sensing. The sensor has a double cantilever beam structure with a sensitivity of 1000 pm/g. Field experiment has been carried out on a flood beach to examine the sensor performance. The result shows that the detection distance on the walking of personnel reaches 70m, and the detection distance on the ordinary motor vehicle reaches 200m. The performance of the FBG sensor can satisfy the actual needs of the ground surveillance system.

Real-Time Simulation for Verification and Validation of Diagnostic and Prognostic Algorithms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aguilar, Robet; Luu, Chuong; Santi, Louis M.; Sowers, T. Shane

2005-01-01

To verify that a health management system (HMS) performs as expected, a virtual system simulation capability, including interaction with the associated platform or vehicle, very likely will need to be developed. The rationale for developing this capability is discussed and includes the limited capability to seed faults into the actual target system due to the risk of potential damage to high value hardware. The capability envisioned would accurately reproduce the propagation of a fault or failure as observed by sensors located at strategic locations on and around the target system and would also accurately reproduce the control system and vehicle response. In this way, HMS operation can be exercised over a broad range of conditions to verify that it meets requirements for accurate, timely response to actual faults with adequate margin against false and missed detections. An overview is also presented of a real-time rocket propulsion health management system laboratory which is available for future rocket engine programs. The health management elements and approaches of this lab are directly applicable for future space systems. In this paper the various components are discussed and the general fault detection, diagnosis, isolation and the response (FDIR) concept is presented. Additionally, the complexities of V&V (Verification and Validation) for advanced algorithms and the simulation capabilities required to meet the changing state-of-the-art in HMS are discussed.

Aiding Vertical Guidance Understanding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feary, Michael; McCrobie, Daniel; Alkin, Martin; Sherry, Lance; Polson, Peter; Palmer, Everett; McQuinn, Noreen

1998-01-01

A two-part study was conducted to evaluate modern flight deck automation and interfaces. In the first part, a survey was performed to validate the existence of automation surprises with current pilots. Results indicated that pilots were often surprised by the behavior of the automation. There were several surprises that were reported more frequently than others. An experimental study was then performed to evaluate (1) the reduction of automation surprises through training specifically for the vertical guidance logic, and (2) a new display that describes the flight guidance in terms of aircraft behaviors instead of control modes. The study was performed in a simulator that was used to run a complete flight with actual airline pilots. Three groups were used to evaluate the guidance display and training. In the training, condition, participants went through a training program for vertical guidance before flying the simulation. In the display condition, participants ran through the same training program and then flew the experimental scenario with the new Guidance-Flight Mode Annunciator (G-FMA). Results showed improved pilot performance when given training specifically for the vertical guidance logic and greater improvements when given the training and the new G-FMA. Using actual behavior of the avionics to design pilot training and FMA is feasible, and when the automated vertical guidance mode of the Flight Management System is engaged, the display of the guidance mode and targets yields improved pilot performance.

Intraoperative assessment of intraocular pressure in vitrectomized air-filled and fluid-filled eyes.

PubMed

Moon, Chan Hee; Choi, Kyung Seek; Rhee, Mi Ri; Lee, Sung Jin

2013-11-01

To ascertain the difference of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement between vitrectomized air-filled and fluid-filled eyes. Thirty-one eyes of 31 consecutive patients who underwent conventional vitrectomy and intraocular gas tamponade were assessed. After vitrectomy, IOP of the fluid-filled eyes was measured by Tono-Pen. Thereafter, fluid-air exchange was performed, and IOP of the air-filled eyes was measured again. The IOP within each fluid- and air-filled eye was varied by selecting settings on the vitrectomy system, from 10 to 50 mmHg with 5-mmHg increments. Postoperatively, IOP was assessed by both Tono-Pen and Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT). Linear and nonlinear regression analyses were conducted between intraoperatively measured Tono-Pen readings and actual IOPs. Bland-Altman plot was used to assess the agreements between postoperatively measured Tono-Pen readings and GAT readings. The discrepancy between Tono-Pen readings and actual IOP in fluid-filled eyes was not significant, except for the profound high pressures over 45 mmHg. However, Tono-Pen readings in air-filled eyes were significantly lower than actual IOPs in all ranges, and Tono-Pen increasingly underestimates IOP at higher levels. Intraoperative Tono-Pen readings were correlated significantly with actual IOP and a quadratic equation evidenced the best fit (R(2) = 0.996). Postoperatively, difference of the measurements between Tono-Pen and GAT was not significant. Tono-Pen and GAT significantly underestimate actual IOP in air-filled eyes. It should be considered that actual IOP would be greater than the measured IOP in gas-filled eyes, even though the IOP is measured as normal. © 2013 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

An adaptive technique for a redundant-sensor navigation system.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chien, T.-T.

1972-01-01

An on-line adaptive technique is developed to provide a self-contained redundant-sensor navigation system with a capability to utilize its full potentiality in reliability and performance. This adaptive system is structured as a multistage stochastic process of detection, identification, and compensation. It is shown that the detection system can be effectively constructed on the basis of a design value, specified by mission requirements, of the unknown parameter in the actual system, and of a degradation mode in the form of a constant bias jump. A suboptimal detection system on the basis of Wald's sequential analysis is developed using the concept of information value and information feedback. The developed system is easily implemented, and demonstrates a performance remarkably close to that of the optimal nonlinear detection system. An invariant transformation is derived to eliminate the effect of nuisance parameters such that the ambiguous identification system can be reduced to a set of disjoint simple hypotheses tests. By application of a technique of decoupled bias estimation in the compensation system the adaptive system can be operated without any complicated reorganization.

How do gender and anxiety affect students' self-assessment and actual performance on a high-stakes clinical skills examination?

PubMed

Colbert-Getz, Jorie M; Fleishman, Carol; Jung, Julianna; Shilkofski, Nicole

2013-01-01

Research suggests that medical students are not accurate in self-assessment, but it is not clear whether students over- or underestimate their skills or how certain characteristics correlate with accuracy in self-assessment. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of gender and anxiety on accuracy of students' self-assessment and on actual performance in the context of a high-stakes assessment. Prior to their fourth year of medical school, two classes of medical students at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine completed a required clinical skills exam in fall 2010 and 2011, respectively. Two hundred two students rated their anxiety in anticipation of the exam and predicted their overall scores in the history taking and physical examination performance domains. A self-assessment deviation score was calculated by subtracting each student's predicted score from his or her score as rated by standardized patients. When students self-assessed their data gathering performance, there was a weak negative correlation between their predicted scores and their actual scores on the examination. Additionally, there was an interaction effect of anxiety and gender on both self-assessment deviation scores and actual performance. Specifically, females with high anxiety were more accurate in self-assessment and achieved higher actual scores compared with males with high anxiety. No differences by gender emerged for students with moderate or low anxiety. Educators should take into account not only gender but also the role of emotion, in this case anxiety, when planning interventions to help improve accuracy of students' self-assessment.

Centrifugal fans: Similarity, scaling laws, and fan performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sardar, Asad Mohammad

Centrifugal fans are rotodynamic machines used for moving air continuously against moderate pressures through ventilation and air conditioning systems. There are five major topics presented in this thesis: (1) analysis of the fan scaling laws and consequences of dynamic similarity on modelling; (2) detailed flow visualization studies (in water) covering the flow path starting at the fan blade exit to the evaporator core of an actual HVAC fan scroll-diffuser module; (3) mean velocity and turbulence intensity measurements (flow field studies) at the inlet and outlet of large scale blower; (4) fan installation effects on overall fan performance and evaluation of fan testing methods; (5) two point coherence and spectral measurements conducted on an actual HVAC fan module for flow structure identification of possible aeroacoustic noise sources. A major objective of the study was to identity flow structures within the HVAC module that are responsible for noise and in particular "rumble noise" generation. Possible mechanisms for the generation of flow induced noise in the automotive HVAC fan module are also investigated. It is demonstrated that different modes of HVAC operation represent very different internal flow characteristics. This has implications on both fan HVAC airflow performance and noise characteristics. It is demonstrated from principles of complete dynamic similarity that fan scaling laws require that Reynolds, number matching is a necessary condition for developing scale model fans or fan test facilities. The physical basis for the fan scaling laws derived was established from both pure dimensional analysis and also from the fundamental equations of fluid motion. Fan performance was measured in a three times scale model (large scale blower) in air of an actual forward curved automotive HVAC blower. Different fan testing methods (based on AMCA fan test codes) were compared on the basis of static pressure measurements. Also, the flow through an actual HVAC fan-impeller/diffuser section in water was observed with a flow visualization technique using a shear-thickening dye (in addition to a conventional dye). Full dynamic similarity was maintained between RVAC operation in water as when operated in air. Recommendations are provided both for further investigation of critical flow regions with more sophisticated measurement methods and for improved fan-scroll design to reduce possible aeroacoustic noise with improved aerodynamic performance.

Three-Dimensional Planetary Surface Tracking Based on a Simple Ultra-Wideband Impulse-Radio Infrastructure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barton, Richard J.; Ni, David; Ngo, Phong

2010-01-01

Several prototype ultra-wideband (UWB) impulse-radio (IR) tracking systems are currently under development at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC). These systems are being studied for use in tracking of Lunar/Mars rovers and astronauts during early exploration missions when satellite navigation systems (such as GPS) are not available. To date, the systems that have been designed and tested are intended only for two-dimensional location and tracking, but these designs can all be extended to three-dimensional tracking with only minor modifications and increases in complexity. In this presentation, we will briefly review the design and performance of two of the current 2-D systems: one designed specifically for short-range, extremely high-precision tracking (approximately 1-2 cm resolution) and the other designed specifically for much longer range tracking with less stringent precision requirements (1-2 m resolution). We will then discuss a new multi-purpose system design based on a simple UWB-IR architecture that can be deployed easily on a planetary surface to support arbitrary three-dimensional localization and tracking applications. We will discuss utilization of this system as an infrastructure to provide both short-range and long-range tracking and analyze the localization performance of the system in several different configurations. We will give theoretical performance bounds for some canonical system configurations and compare these performance bounds with both numerical simulations of the system as well as actual experimental system performance evaluations.

Trajectory correction propulsion for TOPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Long, H. R.; Bjorklund, R. A.

1972-01-01

A blowdown-pressurized hydrazine propulsion system was selected to provide trajectory correction impulse for outer planet flyby spacecraft as the result of cost/mass/reliability tradeoff analyses. Present hydrazine component and system technology and component designs were evaluated for application to the Thermoelectric Outer Planet Spacecraft (TOPS); while general hydrazine technology was adequate, component design changes were deemed necessary for TOPS-type missions. A prototype hydrazine propulsion system was fabricated and fired nine times for a total of 1600 s to demonstrate the operation and performance of the TOPS propulsion configuration. A flight-weight trajectory correction propulsion subsystem (TCPS) was designed for the TOPS based on actual and estimated advanced components.

How to design a targeted agricultural subsidy system: efficiency or equity?

PubMed

Cong, Rong-Gang; Brady, Mark

2012-01-01

In this paper we appraise current agricultural subsidy policy in the EU. Several sources of its inefficiency are identified: it is inefficient for supporting farmers' incomes or guaranteeing food security, and irrational transfer payments decoupled from actual performance that may be negative for environmental protection, social cohesion, etc. Based on a simplified economic model, we prove that there is "reverse redistribution" in the current tax-subsidy system, which cannot be avoided. To find a possible way to distribute subsidies more efficiently and equitably, several alternative subsidy systems (the pure loan, the harvest tax and the income contingent loan) are presented and examined.

Development and flight test evaluation of a pitch stability augmentation system for a relaxed stability L-1011

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rising, J. J.

1982-01-01

The L-1011 has been flight tested to demonstrate the relaxed static stability concept as a means of obtaining significant drag benefits to achieve a more energy efficient transport. Satisfactory handling qualities were maintained with the design of an active control horizontal tail for stability and control augmentation to allow operation of the L-1011 at centers of gravity close to the neutral point. Prior to flight test, a motion base visual flight simulator program was performed to optimize the augmentation system. The system was successfully demonstrated in a test program totaling forty-eight actual flight hours.

How to Design a Targeted Agricultural Subsidy System: Efficiency or Equity?

PubMed Central

Cong, Rong-Gang; Brady, Mark

2012-01-01

In this paper we appraise current agricultural subsidy policy in the EU. Several sources of its inefficiency are identified: it is inefficient for supporting farmers’ incomes or guaranteeing food security, and irrational transfer payments decoupled from actual performance that may be negative for environmental protection, social cohesion, etc. Based on a simplified economic model, we prove that there is “reverse redistribution” in the current tax-subsidy system, which cannot be avoided. To find a possible way to distribute subsidies more efficiently and equitably, several alternative subsidy systems (the pure loan, the harvest tax and the income contingent loan) are presented and examined. PMID:22876283

Bit-error-rate testing of fiber optic data links for MMIC-based phased array antennas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shalkhauser, K. A.; Kunath, R. R.; Daryoush, A. S.

1990-01-01

The measured bit-error-rate (BER) performance of a fiber optic data link to be used in satellite communications systems is presented and discussed. In the testing, the link was measured for its ability to carry high burst rate, serial-minimum shift keyed (SMSK) digital data similar to those used in actual space communications systems. The fiber optic data link, as part of a dual-segment injection-locked RF fiber optic link system, offers a means to distribute these signals to the many radiating elements of a phased array antenna. Test procedures, experimental arrangements, and test results are presented.

ISACS-DOC: Monitoring and Diagnostic System for AKARI and HINODE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mizutani, Mitsue; Hirose, Toshinori; Takaki, Ryoji; Honda, Hideyuki

ISACS-DOC (Intelligent Satellite Control Software-DOCtor), which is an automatic monitoring and diagnostic system for scientific satellites or spacecraft, aims to rapidly and accurately capture important changes and sign of anomaly during daily satellite operations. After three systems for deep space missions, the new generation of ISACS-DOC with a higher speed processing performance had been developed for the satellites in earth orbit, AKARI and HINODE. This paper reports on the newest ISACS-DOC about enhanced functions, operating status, and an approach to create standards to build and keep up the knowledge data base. Continuous enhancements through the actual operations are the advantage of ISACS-DOC.

Implications of Self-Deception for Self-Reported Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivational Dispositions and Actual Learning Performance: A Higher Order Structural Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hirschfeld, Robert R.; Thomas, Christopher H.; McNatt, D. Brian

2008-01-01

The authors explored implications of individuals' self-deception (a trait) for their self-reported intrinsic and extrinsic motivational dispositions and their actual learning performance. In doing so, a higher order structural model was developed and tested in which intrinsic and extrinsic motivational dispositions were underlying factors that…

Mothers' and Teachers' Estimations of First Graders' Literacy Level and Their Relation to the Children's Actual Performance in Different SES Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Korat, Ofra

2011-01-01

The relationship between mothers' and teachers' estimations of 60 children's literacy level and their actual performance were investigated in two different socio-economic status (SES) groups: low (LSES) and high (HSES). The children's reading (fluency, accuracy and comprehension) and spelling levels were measured. The mothers evaluated their own…

The Role of Teacher and Family Opinions in Identifying Gifted Kindergarten Children and the Consistence of These Views with Children's Actual Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Daglioglu, H. Elif; Suveren, Senem

2013-01-01

This study was conducted in order to identify gifted children attending kindergartens of elementary schools, determine how successful families and teachers were in selecting these children, and see how consistent their opinions were with children's actual performance. Participants were children attending kindergartens of elementary schools, their…

20 CFR 1002.20 - Does USERRA protect an individual who does not actually perform service in the uniformed services?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 20 Employees' Benefits 3 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Does USERRA protect an individual who does... protect an individual who does not actually perform service in the uniformed services? Yes. Employers are prohibited from taking actions against an individual for any of the activities protected by the Act, whether...

Fuel cell stack monitoring and system control

DOEpatents

Keskula, Donald H.; Doan, Tien M.; Clingerman, Bruce J.

2004-02-17

A control method for monitoring a fuel cell stack in a fuel cell system in which the actual voltage and actual current from the fuel cell stack are monitored. A preestablished relationship between voltage and current over the operating range of the fuel cell is established. A variance value between the actual measured voltage and the expected voltage magnitude for a given actual measured current is calculated and compared with a predetermined allowable variance. An output is generated if the calculated variance value exceeds the predetermined variance. The predetermined voltage-current for the fuel cell is symbolized as a polarization curve at given operating conditions of the fuel cell.

Compliance control with embedded neural elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Venkataraman, S. T.; Gulati, S.

1992-01-01

The authors discuss a control approach that embeds the neural elements within a model-based compliant control architecture for robotic tasks that involve contact with unstructured environments. Compliance control experiments have been performed on actual robotics hardware to demonstrate the performance of contact control schemes with neural elements. System parameters were identified under the assumption that environment dynamics have a fixed nonlinear structure. A robotics research arm, placed in contact with a single degree-of-freedom electromechanical environment dynamics emulator, was commanded to move through a desired trajectory. The command was implemented by using a compliant control strategy.

A microcomputer-based testing station for dynamic and static testing of protective relay systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, W.J.; Li, R.J.; Gu, J.C.

1995-12-31

Dynamic and static relay performance testing before installation in the field is a subject of great interest to utility relay engineers. The common practice in utility testing of new relays is to put the new unit to be tested in parallel with an existing functioning relay in the system, wait until an actual transient occurs and then observe and analyze the performance of new relay. It is impossible to have a thorough test of the protective relay system through this procedure. An equipment, Microcomputer-Based Testing Station (or PC-Based Testing Station), that can perform both static and dynamic testing of themore » relay is described in this paper. The Power System Simulation Laboratory at the University of Texas at Arlington is a scaled-down, three-phase, physical power system which correlates well with the important components for a real power system and is an ideal facility for the dynamic and static testing of protective relay systems. A brief introduction to the configuration of this laboratory is presented. Test results of several protective functions by using this laboratory illustrate the usefulness of this test set-up.« less

Is the Speech Transmission Index (STI) a robust measure of sound system speech intelligibility performance?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mapp, Peter

2002-11-01

Although RaSTI is a good indicator of the speech intelligibility capability of auditoria and similar spaces, during the past 2-3 years it has been shown that RaSTI is not a robust predictor of sound system intelligibility performance. Instead, it is now recommended, within both national and international codes and standards, that full STI measurement and analysis be employed. However, new research is reported, that indicates that STI is not as flawless, nor robust as many believe. The paper highlights a number of potential error mechanisms. It is shown that the measurement technique and signal excitation stimulus can have a significant effect on the overall result and accuracy, particularly where DSP-based equipment is employed. It is also shown that in its current state of development, STI is not capable of appropriately accounting for a number of fundamental speech and system attributes, including typical sound system frequency response variations and anomalies. This is particularly shown to be the case when a system is operating under reverberant conditions. Comparisons between actual system measurements and corresponding word score data are reported where errors of up to 50 implications for VA and PA system performance verification will be discussed.

Analysis of the factors influencing healthcare professionals' adoption of mobile electronic medical record (EMR) using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) in a tertiary hospital.

PubMed

Kim, Seok; Lee, Kee-Hyuck; Hwang, Hee; Yoo, Sooyoung

2016-01-30

Although the factors that affect the end-user's intention to use a new system and technology have been researched, the previous studies have been theoretical and do not verify the factors that affected the adoption of a new system. Thus, this study aimed to confirm the factors that influence users' intentions to utilize a mobile electronic health records (EMR) system using both a questionnaire survey and a log file analysis that represented the real use of the system. After observing the operation of a mobile EMR system in a tertiary university hospital for seven months, we performed an offline survey regarding the user acceptance of the system based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). We surveyed 942 healthcare professionals over two weeks and performed a structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis to identify the intention to use the system among the participants. Next, we compared the results of the SEM analysis with the results of the analyses of the actual log files for two years to identify further insights into the factors that affected the intention of use. For these analyses, we used SAS 9.0 and AMOS 21. Of the 942 surveyed end-users, 48.3 % (23.2 % doctors and 68.3 % nurses) responded. After eliminating six subjects who completed the survey insincerely, we conducted the SEM analyses on the data from 449 subjects (65 doctors and 385 nurses). The newly suggested model satisfied the standards of model fitness, and the intention to use it was especially high due to the influences of Performance Expectancy on Attitude and Attitude. Based on the actual usage log analyses, both the doctors and nurses used the menus to view the inpatient lists, alerts, and patients' clinical data with high frequency. Specifically, the doctors frequently retrieved laboratory results, and the nurses frequently retrieved nursing notes and used the menu to assume the responsibilities of nursing work. In this study, the end-users' intentions to use the mobile EMR system were particularly influenced by Performance Expectancy and Attitude. In reality, the usage log revealed high-frequency use of the functions to improve the continuity of care and work efficiency. These results indicate the influence of the factor of performance expectancy on the intention to use the mobile EMR system. Consequently, we suggest that when determining the implementation of mobile EMR systems, the functions that are related to workflow with ability to increase performance should be considered first.

Biased feedback in brain-computer interfaces.

PubMed

Barbero, Alvaro; Grosse-Wentrup, Moritz

2010-07-27

Even though feedback is considered to play an important role in learning how to operate a brain-computer interface (BCI), to date no significant influence of feedback design on BCI-performance has been reported in literature. In this work, we adapt a standard motor-imagery BCI-paradigm to study how BCI-performance is affected by biasing the belief subjects have on their level of control over the BCI system. Our findings indicate that subjects already capable of operating a BCI are impeded by inaccurate feedback, while subjects normally performing on or close to chance level may actually benefit from an incorrect belief on their performance level. Our results imply that optimal feedback design in BCIs should take into account a subject's current skill level.

Assessing HYDRUS-2D model to estimate soil water contents and olive tree transpiration fluxes under different water distribution systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Autovino, Dario; Negm, Amro; Rallo, Giovanni; Provenzano, Giuseppe

2016-04-01

In Mediterranean countries characterized by limited water resources for agricultural and societal sectors, irrigation management plays a major role to improve water use efficiency at farm scale, mainly where irrigation systems are correctly designed to guarantee a suitable application efficiency and the uniform water distribution throughout the field. In the last two decades, physically-based agro-hydrological models have been developed to simulate mass and energy exchange processes in the soil-plant-atmosphere (SPA) system. Mechanistic models like HYDRUS 2D/3D (Šimunek et al., 2011) have been proposed to simulate all the components of water balance, including actual crop transpiration fluxes estimated according to a soil potential-dependent sink term. Even though the suitability of these models to simulate the temporal dynamics of soil and crop water status has been reported in the literature for different horticultural crops, a few researches have been considering arboreal crops where the higher gradients of root water uptake are the combination between the localized irrigation supply and the three dimensional root system distribution. The main objective of the paper was to assess the performance of HYDRUS-2D model to evaluate soil water contents and transpiration fluxes of an olive orchard irrigated with two different water distribution systems. Experiments were carried out in Castelvetrano (Sicily) during irrigation seasons 2011 and 2012, in a commercial farm specialized in the production of table olives (Olea europaea L., var. Nocellara del Belice), representing the typical variety of the surrounding area. During the first season, irrigation water was provided by a single lateral placed along the plant row with four emitters per plant (ordinary irrigation), whereas during the second season a grid of emitters laid on the soil was installed in order to irrigate the whole soil surface around the selected trees. The model performance was assessed based on the comparison between measured and simulated soil water content and actual transpiration fluxes, under the hypothesis to neglect the contribute of the tree capacitance. Moreover, two different crop water stress functions and in particular the linear model proposed by Feddes et al. (1978) and the S-shape model suggested by van Genuchten et al. (1987), were considered. The result of the study evidenced that for the investigated crop and under the examined conditions, HYDRUS-2D model reproduces fairly well the dynamic of soil water contents at different distances from the emitters (RMSE<0.09 cm3 cm-3) and actual crop transpiration fluxes (RMSE<0.11 mm d-1), whose estimations can be slightly improved by assuming a S-shape crop water stress function. Key-words: Olive tree, HYDRUS-2D, Soil water content, Actual transpiration fluxes

Development of the Mathematics of Learning Curve Models for Evaluating Small Modular Reactor Economics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Harrison, Thomas J.

2014-03-01

This report documents the efforts to perform dynamic model validation on the Eastern Interconnection (EI) by modeling governor deadband. An on-peak EI dynamic model is modified to represent governor deadband characteristics. Simulation results are compared with synchrophasor measurements collected by the Frequency Monitoring Network (FNET/GridEye). The comparison shows that by modeling governor deadband the simulated frequency response can closely align with the actual system response.

Would Consolidation of Army Software Engineering Organizations Help to Control Software Costs for Current and Future Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-16

Specific to Work and Organization .................................................................... 32 Summary of Questions Specific to Work and...Limitations include assumptions that the work identified in the software center’s 6 mission and functions manual (10-1; CECOM, 2011) as well as in public...that produced RDECOM. The focus was on the movement of positions based on the position job series, not on the work that was actually being performed

United States Air Force Research Initiation Program for 1988. Volume 3

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-04-01

Assignment for Dr. Kenneth M. Sobel Flight Control Design 210-9MG-035 90 Comparative Burning Rates and Duplex Dr. Forrest Thomas (1987) Loads of Solid...Patterson Air Force Base. The test configuration has been designed for injecting fuel droplets in a well controlled laminar on well-characterized turbulent...its counter response may be significant, our system has thus achieved some measure of control over when non -critical processing is actually performed

Exergetic simulation of a combined infrared-convective drying process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aghbashlo, Mortaza

2016-04-01

Optimal design and performance of a combined infrared-convective drying system with respect to the energy issue is extremely put through the application of advanced engineering analyses. This article proposes a theoretical approach for exergy analysis of the combined infrared-convective drying process using a simple heat and mass transfer model. The applicability of the developed model to actual drying processes was proved using an illustrative example for a typical food.

Pressure Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

FluiDyne Engineering Corporation, Minneapolis, MN is one of the world's leading companies in design and construction of wind tunnels. In its designing work, FluiDyne uses a computer program called GTRAN. With GTRAN, engineers create a design and test its performance on the computer before actually building a model; should the design fail to meet criteria, the system or any component part can be redesigned and retested on the computer, saving a great deal of time and money.

The Optokinetic Cervical Reflex (OKCR) in Pilots of High-Performance Aircraft.

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-04-01

Coupled System virtual reality - the attempt to create a realistic, three-dimensional environment or synthetic immersive environment in which the user ...factors interface between the pilot and the flight environment. The final section is a case study of head- and helmet-mounted displays (HMD) and the impact...themselves as actually moving (flying) through a virtual environment. However, in the studies of Held, et al. (1975) and Young, et al. (1975) the

Analytic and heuristic processing influences on adolescent reasoning and decision-making.

PubMed

Klaczynski, P A

2001-01-01

The normative/descriptive gap is the discrepancy between actual reasoning and traditional standards for reasoning. The relationship between age and the normative/descriptive gap was examined by presenting adolescents with a battery of reasoning and decision-making tasks. Middle adolescents (N = 76) performed closer to normative ideals than early adolescents (N = 66), although the normative/descriptive gap was large for both groups. Correlational analyses revealed that (1) normative responses correlated positively with each other, (2) nonnormative responses were positively interrelated, and (3) normative and nonnormative responses were largely independent. Factor analyses suggested that performance was based on two processing systems. The "analytic" system operates on "decontextualized" task representations and underlies conscious, computational reasoning. The "heuristic" system operates on "contextualized," content-laden representations and produces "cognitively cheap" responses that sometimes conflict with traditional norms. Analytic processing was more clearly linked to age and to intelligence than heuristic processing. Implications for cognitive development, the competence/performance issue, and rationality are discussed.

Performance analysis of visible light communication using the STBC-OFDM technique for intelligent transportation systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Changping; Yi, Ying; Lee, Kyujin; Lee, Kyesan

2014-08-01

Visible light communication (VLC) applied in an intelligent transportation system (ITS) has attracted growing attentions, but it also faces challenges, for example deep path loss and optical multi-path dispersion. In this work, we modelled an actual outdoor optical channel as a Rician channel and further proposed space-time block coding (STBC) orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) technology to reduce the influence of severe optical multi-path dispersion associated with such a mock channel for achieving the effective BER of 10-6 even at a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In this case, the optical signals transmission distance can be extended as long as possible. Through the simulation results of STBC-OFDM and single-input-single-output (SISO) counterparts in bit error rate (BER) performance comparison, we can distinctly observe that the VLC-ITS system using STBC-OFDM technique can obtain a strongly improved BER performance due to multi-path dispersion alleviation.

Cost and performance model for redox flow batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viswanathan, Vilayanur; Crawford, Alasdair; Stephenson, David; Kim, Soowhan; Wang, Wei; Li, Bin; Coffey, Greg; Thomsen, Ed; Graff, Gordon; Balducci, Patrick; Kintner-Meyer, Michael; Sprenkle, Vincent

2014-02-01

A cost model is developed for all vanadium and iron-vanadium redox flow batteries. Electrochemical performance modeling is done to estimate stack performance at various power densities as a function of state of charge and operating conditions. This is supplemented with a shunt current model and a pumping loss model to estimate actual system efficiency. The operating parameters such as power density, flow rates and design parameters such as electrode aspect ratio and flow frame channel dimensions are adjusted to maximize efficiency and minimize capital costs. Detailed cost estimates are obtained from various vendors to calculate cost estimates for present, near-term and optimistic scenarios. The most cost-effective chemistries with optimum operating conditions for power or energy intensive applications are determined, providing a roadmap for battery management systems development for redox flow batteries. The main drivers for cost reduction for various chemistries are identified as a function of the energy to power ratio of the storage system. Levelized cost analysis further guide suitability of various chemistries for different applications.

Ultralow-energy and high-contrast all-optical switch involving Fano resonance based on coupled photonic crystal nanocavities.

PubMed

Nozaki, Kengo; Shinya, Akihiko; Matsuo, Shinji; Sato, Tomonari; Kuramochi, Eiichi; Notomi, Masaya

2013-05-20

We experimentally and theoretically clarified that a Fano resonant system based on a coupled optical cavity has better performance when used as an all-optical switch than a single cavity in terms of switching energy, contrast, and operation bandwidth. We successfully fabricated a Fano system consisting of doubly coupled photonic-crystal (PhC) nanocavities, and demonstrated all-optical switching for the first time. A steep asymmetric transmission spectrum was clearly observed, thereby enabling a low-energy and high-contrast switching operation. We achieved the switching with a pump energy of a few fJ, a contrast of more than 10 dB, and an 18 ps switching time window. These levels of performance are actually better than those for Lorentzian resonance in a single cavity. We also theoretically investigated the achievable performance in a well-designed Fano system, which suggested a high contrast for the switching of more than 20 dB in a fJ energy regime.

Dynamic Performance of High Bypass Ratio Turbine Engines With Water Ingestion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murthy, S. N. B.

1996-01-01

The research on dynamic performance of high bypass turbofan engines includes studies on inlets, turbomachinery and the total engine system operating with air-water mixture; the water may be in vapor, droplet, or film form, and their combinations. Prediction codes (WISGS, WINCOF, WINCOF-1, WINCLR, and Transient Engine Performance Code) for performance changes, as well as changes in blade-casing clearance, have been established and demonstrated in application to actual, generic engines. In view of the continuous changes in water distribution in turbomachinery, the performance of both components and the total engine system must be determined in a time-dependent mode; hence, the determination of clearance changes also requires a time-dependent approach. In general, the performance and clearances changes cannot be scaled either with respect to operating or ingestion conditions. Removal of water prior to phase change is the most effective means of avoiding ingestion effects. Sufficient background has been established to perform definitive, full scale tests on a set of components and a complete engine to establish engine control and operability with various air-water vapor-water mixtures.

Solar San Diego: The Impact of Binomial Rate Structures on Real PV-Systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Van Geet, O.; Brown, E.; Blair, T.

2008-01-01

There is confusion in the marketplace regarding the impact of solar photovoltaics (PV) on the user's actual electricity bill under California Net Energy Metering, particularly with binomial tariffs (those that include both demand and energy charges) and time-of-use (TOU) rate structures. The City of San Diego has extensive real-time electrical metering on most of its buildings and PV systems, with interval data for overall consumption and PV electrical production available for multiple years. This paper uses 2007 PV-system data from two city facilities to illustrate the impacts of binomial rate designs. The analysis will determine the energy and demand savingsmore » that the PV systems are achieving relative to the absence of systems. A financial analysis of PV-system performance under various rates structures is presented. The data revealed that actual demand and energy use benefits of bionomial tariffs increase in summer months, when solar resources allow for maximized electricity production. In a binomial tariff system, varying on- and semi-peak times can result in approximately $1,100 change in demand charges per month over not having a PV system in place, an approximate 30% cost savings. The PV systems are also shown to have a 30%-50% reduction in facility energy charges in 2007. Future work will include combining demand and electricity charges and increasing the breadth of rate structures tested, including the impacts of non-coincident demand charges.« less

Virtual reality and the traditional method for phlebotomy training among college of nursing students in Kuwait: implications for nursing education and practice.

PubMed

Vidal, Victoria L; Ohaeri, Beatrice M; John, Pamela; Helen, Delles

2013-01-01

This quasi-experimental study, with a control group and experimental group, compares the effectiveness of virtual reality simulators on developing phlebotomy skills of nursing students with the effectiveness of traditional methods of teaching. Performance of actual phlebotomy on a live client was assessed after training, using a standardized form. Findings showed that students who were exposed to the virtual reality simulator performed better in the following performance metrics: pain factor, hematoma formation, and number of reinsertions. This study confirms that the use of the virtual reality-based system to supplement the traditional method may be the optimal program for training.

Important operational parameters of membrane bioreactor-sludge disintegration (MBR-SD) system for zero excess sludge production.

PubMed

Yoon, Seong-Hoon

2003-04-01

In order to prevent excess sludge production during wastewater treatment, a membrane bioreactor-sludge disintegration (MBR-SD) system has been introduced, where the disintegrated sludge is recycled to the bioreactor as a feed solution. In this study, a mathematical model was developed by incorporating a sludge disintegration term into the conventional activated sludge model and the relationships among the operational parameters were investigated. A new definition of F/M ratio for the MBR-SD system was suggested to evaluate the actual organic loading rate. The actual F/M ratio was expected to be much higher than the apparent F/M ratio in MBR-SD. The kinetic parameters concerning the biodegradability of organics hardly affect the system performance. Instead, sludge solubilization ratio (alpha) in the SD process and particulate hydrolysis rate constant (k(h)) in biological reaction determine the sludge disintegration number (SDN), which is related with the overall economics of the MBR-SD system. Under reasonable alpha and k(h) values, SDN would range between 3 and 5 which means the amount of sludge required to be disintegrated would be 3-5 times higher for preventing a particular amount of sludge production. Finally, normalized sludge disintegration rate (q/V) which is needed to maintain a certain level of MLSS in the MBR-SD system was calculated as a function of F/V ratio.

On the validity of self-report assessment of cognitive abilities: Attentional control scale associations with cognitive performance, emotional adjustment, and personality.

PubMed

Williams, Paula G; Rau, Holly K; Suchy, Yana; Thorgusen, Sommer R; Smith, Timothy W

2017-05-01

Individual differences in attentional control involve the ability to voluntarily direct, shift, and sustain attention. In studies of the role of attentional control in emotional adjustment, social relationships, and vulnerability to the effects of stress, self-report questionnaires are commonly used to measure this construct. Yet, convincing evidence of the association between self-report scales and actual cognitive performance has not been demonstrated. Across 2 independent samples, we examined associations between self-reported attentional control (Attentional Control Scale; ACS), self-reported emotional adjustment, Five-Factor Model personality traits (NEO Personality Inventory-Revised) and performance measures of attentional control. Study 1 examined behavioral performance on the Attention Network Test (ANT; Fan, McCandliss, Sommer, Raz, & Posner, 2002) and the Modified Switching Task (MST; Suchy & Kosson, 2006) in a large sample (n = 315) of healthy young adults. Study 2 (n = 78) examined behavioral performance on standardized neuropsychological tests of attention, including Conner's Continuous Performance Test-II and subtests from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales, Third Edition (WAIS-III; Psychological Corporation, 1997) and Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS; Delis, Kaplan, & Kramer, 2001). Results indicated that the ACS was largely unrelated to behavioral performance measures of attentional control but was significantly associated with emotional adjustment, neuroticism, and conscientiousness. These findings suggest that although self-reported attentional control may be a useful construct, researchers using the ACS should exercise caution in interpreting it as a proxy for actual cognitive ability or performance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Environmental Control and Life Support Systems Test Facility at MSFC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is responsible for designing and building the life support systems that will provide the crew of the International Space Station (ISS) a comfortable environment in which to live and work. Scientists and engineers at the MSFC are working together to provide the ISS with systems that are safe, efficient, and cost-effective. These compact and powerful systems are collectively called the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems, or simply, ECLSS. This photograph shows the development Water Processor located in two racks in the ECLSS test area at the Marshall Space Flight Center. Actual waste water, simulating Space Station waste, is generated and processed through the hardware to evaluate the performance of technologies in the flight Water Processor design.

Evaluating a Web-Based Interface for Internet Telemedicine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lathan, Corinna E.; Newman, Dava J.; Sebrechts, Marc M.; Doarn, Charles R.

1997-01-01

The objective is to introduce the usability engineering methodology, heuristic evaluation, to the design and development of a web-based telemedicine system. Using a set of usability criteria, or heuristics, one evaluator examined the Spacebridge to Russia web-site for usability problems. Thirty-four usability problems were found in this preliminary study and all were assigned a severity rating. The value of heuristic analysis in the iterative design of a system is shown because the problems can be fixed before deployment of a system and the problems are of a different nature than those found by actual users of the system. It was therefore determined that there is potential value of heuristic evaluation paired with user testing as a strategy for optimal system performance design.

Force Rendering and its Evaluation of a Friction-Based Walking Sensation Display for a Seated User.

PubMed

Kato, Ginga; Kuroda, Yoshihiro; Kiyokawa, Kiyoshi; Takemura, Haruo

2018-04-01

Most existing locomotion devices that represent the sensation of walking target a user who is actually performing a walking motion. Here, we attempted to represent the walking sensation, especially a kinesthetic sensation and advancing feeling (the sense of moving forward) while the user remains seated. To represent the walking sensation using a relatively simple device, we focused on the force rendering and its evaluation of the longitudinal friction force applied on the sole during walking. Based on the measurement of the friction force applied on the sole during actual walking, we developed a novel friction force display that can present the friction force without the influence of body weight. Using performance evaluation testing, we found that the proposed method can stably and rapidly display friction force. Also, we developed a virtual reality (VR) walk-through system that is able to present the friction force through the proposed device according to the avatar's walking motion in a virtual world. By evaluating the realism, we found that the proposed device can represent a more realistic advancing feeling than vibration feedback.

Health education telecommunications experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whalen, A. A.

1975-01-01

The Health/Education Telecommunications Experiment (HET) was conducted jointly by NASA and HEW on NASA's ATS-6 communications satellite. This experiment actually consisted of six experiments testing health and education applications of a communication spacecraft producing a broadcast of color television directly from space to over 120 low-cost receivers located in remote rural areas throughout the U.S. (including Alaska). The experiments were conducted over the period from 2 July 1974 to 20 May 1975 and operated on an almost daily basis. The overall telecommunications system to support these experiments consisted of many elements: The ATS-6 spacecraft; five different types of earth stations consisting of 120 video receive terminals, 51 telephony tranceivers and eight video originating terminals of three different types. Actual performance of the equipment as measured in the field was shown to equal or exceed predicted values.

Estimating ICU bed capacity using discrete event simulation.

PubMed

Zhu, Zhecheng; Hen, Bee Hoon; Teow, Kiok Liang

2012-01-01

The intensive care unit (ICU) in a hospital caters for critically ill patients. The number of the ICU beds has a direct impact on many aspects of hospital performance. Lack of the ICU beds may cause ambulance diversion and surgery cancellation, while an excess of ICU beds may cause a waste of resources. This paper aims to develop a discrete event simulation (DES) model to help the healthcare service providers determine the proper ICU bed capacity which strikes the balance between service level and cost effectiveness. The DES model is developed to reflect the complex patient flow of the ICU system. Actual operational data, including emergency arrivals, elective arrivals and length of stay, are directly fed into the DES model to capture the variations in the system. The DES model is validated by open box test and black box test. The validated model is used to test two what-if scenarios which the healthcare service providers are interested in: the proper number of the ICU beds in service to meet the target rejection rate and the extra ICU beds in service needed to meet the demand growth. A 12-month period of actual operational data was collected from an ICU department with 13 ICU beds in service. Comparison between the simulation results and the actual situation shows that the DES model accurately captures the variations in the system, and the DES model is flexible to simulate various what-if scenarios. DES helps the healthcare service providers describe the current situation, and simulate the what-if scenarios for future planning.

Global analysis of seasonal streamflow predictability using an ensemble prediction system and observations from 6192 small catchments worldwide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Dijk, Albert I. J. M.; Peña-Arancibia, Jorge L.; Wood, Eric F.; Sheffield, Justin; Beck, Hylke E.

2013-05-01

Ideally, a seasonal streamflow forecasting system would ingest skilful climate forecasts and propagate these through calibrated hydrological models initialized with observed catchment conditions. At global scale, practical problems exist in each of these aspects. For the first time, we analyzed theoretical and actual skill in bimonthly streamflow forecasts from a global ensemble streamflow prediction (ESP) system. Forecasts were generated six times per year for 1979-2008 by an initialized hydrological model and an ensemble of 1° resolution daily climate estimates for the preceding 30 years. A post-ESP conditional sampling method was applied to 2.6% of forecasts, based on predictive relationships between precipitation and 1 of 21 climate indices prior to the forecast date. Theoretical skill was assessed against a reference run with historic forcing. Actual skill was assessed against streamflow records for 6192 small (<10,000 km2) catchments worldwide. The results show that initial catchment conditions provide the main source of skill. Post-ESP sampling enhanced skill in equatorial South America and Southeast Asia, particularly in terms of tercile probability skill, due to the persistence and influence of the El Niño Southern Oscillation. Actual skill was on average 54% of theoretical skill but considerably more for selected regions and times of year. The realized fraction of the theoretical skill probably depended primarily on the quality of precipitation estimates. Forecast skill could be predicted as the product of theoretical skill and historic model performance. Increases in seasonal forecast skill are likely to require improvement in the observation of precipitation and initial hydrological conditions.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Revisited.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frame, Douglas

1996-01-01

Reviews Maslow's hierarchy of needs and characterization of the self-actualizing personality, suggesting that since few people meet his self-actualization criteria, an educational system designed to produce such personalities may fail, with teachers attending only to the hierarchy's lower stages (self-esteem and self-actualization) which dilutes…

Cost-Benefit Performance of Robotic Surgery Compared with Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery under the Japanese National Health Insurance System.

PubMed

Kajiwara, Naohiro; Patrick Barron, James; Kato, Yasufumi; Kakihana, Masatoshi; Ohira, Tatsuo; Kawate, Norihiko; Ikeda, Norihiko

2015-01-01

Medical economics have significant impact on the entire country. The explosion in surgical techniques has been accompanied by questions regarding actual improvements in outcome and cost-effectiveness, such as the da Vinci(®) Surgical System (dVS) compared with conventional video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). To establish a medical fee system for robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS), which is a system not yet firmly established in Japan. This study examines the cost benefit performance (CBP) based on medical fees compared with VATS and RATS under the Japanese National Health Insurance System (JNHIS) introduced in 2012. The projected (but as yet undecided) price in the JNHIS would be insufficient if institutions have less than even 200 dVS cases per year. Only institutions which perform more than 300 dVS operations per year would obtain a positive CBP with the projected JNHIS reimbursement. Thus, under the present conditions, it is necessary to perform at least 300 dVS operations per year in each institution with a dVS system to avoid financial deficit with current robotic surgical management. This may hopefully encourage a downward price revision of the dVS equipment by the manufacture which would result in a decrease in the cost per procedure.

Model for Predicting the Performance of Planetary Suit Hip Bearing Designs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cowley, Matthew S.; Margerum, Sarah; Hharvill, Lauren; Rajulu, Sudhakar

2012-01-01

Designing a space suit is very complex and often requires difficult trade-offs between performance, cost, mass, and system complexity. During the development period of the suit numerous design iterations need to occur before the hardware meets human performance requirements. Using computer models early in the design phase of hardware development is advantageous, by allowing virtual prototyping to take place. A virtual design environment allows designers to think creatively, exhaust design possibilities, and study design impacts on suit and human performance. A model of the rigid components of the Mark III Technology Demonstrator Suit (planetary-type space suit) and a human manikin were created and tested in a virtual environment. The performance of the Mark III hip bearing model was first developed and evaluated virtually by comparing the differences in mobility performance between the nominal bearing configurations and modified bearing configurations. Suited human performance was then simulated with the model and compared to actual suited human performance data using the same bearing configurations. The Mark III hip bearing model was able to visually represent complex bearing rotations and the theoretical volumetric ranges of motion in three dimensions. The model was also able to predict suited human hip flexion and abduction maximums to within 10% of the actual suited human subject data, except for one modified bearing condition in hip flexion which was off by 24%. Differences between the model predictions and the human subject performance data were attributed to the lack of joint moment limits in the model, human subject fitting issues, and the limited suit experience of some of the subjects. The results demonstrate that modeling space suit rigid segments is a feasible design tool for evaluating and optimizing suited human performance. Keywords: space suit, design, modeling, performance

Development of Residential SOFC Cogeneration System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ono, Takashi; Miyachi, Itaru; Suzuki, Minoru; Higaki, Katsuki

2011-06-01

Since 2001 Kyocera has been developing 1kW class Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) for power generation system. We have developed a cell, stack, module and system. Since 2004, Kyocera and Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. have been developed SOFC residential co-generation system. From 2007, we took part in the "Demonstrative Research on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells" Project conducted by New Energy Foundation (NEF). Total 57 units of 0.7kW class SOFC cogeneration systems had been installed at residential houses. In spite of residential small power demand, the actual electric efficiency was about 40%(netAC,LHV), and high CO2 reduction performance was achieved by these systems. Hereafter, new joint development, Osaka Gas, Toyota Motors, Kyocera and Aisin Seiki, aims early commercialization of residential SOFC CHP system.

Investigation the gas film in micro scale induced error on the performance of the aerostatic spindle in ultra-precision machining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Dongju; Huo, Chen; Cui, Xianxian; Pan, Ri; Fan, Jinwei; An, Chenhui

2018-05-01

The objective of this work is to study the influence of error induced by gas film in micro-scale on the static and dynamic behavior of a shaft supported by the aerostatic bearings. The static and dynamic balance models of the aerostatic bearing are presented by the calculated stiffness and damping in micro scale. The static simulation shows that the deformation of aerostatic spindle system in micro scale is decreased. For the dynamic behavior, both the stiffness and damping in axial and radial directions are increased in micro scale. The experiments of the stiffness and rotation error of the spindle show that the deflection of the shaft resulting from the calculating parameters in the micro scale is very close to the deviation of the spindle system. The frequency information in transient analysis is similar to the actual test, and they are also higher than the results from the traditional case without considering micro factor. Therefore, it can be concluded that the value considering micro factor is closer to the actual work case of the aerostatic spindle system. These can provide theoretical basis for the design and machining process of machine tools.

Measured and estimated performance of a fleet of shaded photovoltaic systems with string and module-level inverters

DOE PAGES

MacAlpine, Sara; Deline, Chris; Dobos, Aron

2017-03-16

Shade obstructions can significantly impact the performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems. Although there are many models for partially shaded PV arrays, there is a lack of information available regarding their accuracy and uncertainty when compared with actual field performance. This work assesses the recorded performance of 46 residential PV systems, equipped with either string-level or module-level inverters, under a variety of shading conditions. We compare their energy production data to annual PV performance predictions, with a focus on the practical models developed here for National Renewable Energy Laboratory's system advisor model software. This includes assessment of shade extent on eachmore » PV system by using traditional onsite surveys and newer 3D obstruction modelling. The electrical impact of shade is modelled by either a nonlinear performance model or assumption of linear impact with shade extent, depending on the inverter type. When applied to the fleet of residential PV systems, performance is predicted with median annual bias errors of 2.5% or less, for systems with up to 20% estimated shading loss. The partial shade models are not found to add appreciable uncertainty to annual predictions of energy production for this fleet of systems but do introduce a monthly root-mean-square error of approximately 4%-9% due to seasonal effects. Here the use of a detailed 3D model results in similar or improved accuracy over site survey methods, indicating that, with proper description of shade obstructions, modelling of partially shaded PV arrays can be done completely remotely, potentially saving time and cost.« less

The Lower Sevier River Basin Crop Monitor and Forecast Decision Support System: Exploiting Landsat Imagery to Provide Continuous Information to Farmers and Water Managers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torres-Rua, A. F.; Walker, W. R.; McKee, M.

2013-12-01

The last century has seen a large number of innovations in agriculture such as better policies for water control and management, upgraded water conveyance, irrigation, distribution, and monitoring systems, and better weather forecasting products. In spite of this, irrigation management and irrigation water deliveries by farmers/water managers is still based on factors like water share amounts, tradition, and past experience on irrigation. These factors are not necessarily related to the actual crop water use; they are followed because of the absence of related information provided in a timely manner at an affordable cost. Thus, it is necessary to develop means to deliver continuous and personalized information about crop water requirements to water users/managers at the field and irrigation system levels so managers at these levels can better quantify the required versus available water for irrigation during the irrigation season. This study presents a new decision support system (DSS) platform that addresses the absence of information on actual crop water requirements and crop performance by providing continuous updated farm-based crop water use along with other farm performance indicators such as crop yield and farm management to irrigators and water managers. This DSS exploits the periodicity of the Landsat Satellite Mission (8 to 16 days, depending on the period of interest) to provide remote monitoring at the individual field and irrigation system levels. The Landsat satellite images are converted into information about crop water use, yield performance and field management through application of state-of-the-art semi-physical and statistical algorithms that provide this information at a pixel basis that are ultimately aggregated to field and irrigation system levels. A version of the DSS has been implemented for the agricultural lands in the Lower Sevier River, Utah, and has been operational since the beginning of the 2013 irrigation season. The main goal of this DSS implementation is to provide continuous and personalized information to farmers and water managers regarding crops in fields and the irrigation delivery system throughout the irrigation season so that decisions related to agricultural water use can result in water savings while not diminishing crop yields.

A Bayes network approach to uncertainty quantification in hierarchically developed computational models

DOE PAGES

Urbina, Angel; Mahadevan, Sankaran; Paez, Thomas L.

2012-03-01

Here, performance assessment of complex systems is ideally accomplished through system-level testing, but because they are expensive, such tests are seldom performed. On the other hand, for economic reasons, data from tests on individual components that are parts of complex systems are more readily available. The lack of system-level data leads to a need to build computational models of systems and use them for performance prediction in lieu of experiments. Because their complexity, models are sometimes built in a hierarchical manner, starting with simple components, progressing to collections of components, and finally, to the full system. Quantification of uncertainty inmore » the predicted response of a system model is required in order to establish confidence in the representation of actual system behavior. This paper proposes a framework for the complex, but very practical problem of quantification of uncertainty in system-level model predictions. It is based on Bayes networks and uses the available data at multiple levels of complexity (i.e., components, subsystem, etc.). Because epistemic sources of uncertainty were shown to be secondary, in this application, aleatoric only uncertainty is included in the present uncertainty quantification. An example showing application of the techniques to uncertainty quantification of measures of response of a real, complex aerospace system is included.« less

Simulator of Space Communication Networks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clare, Loren; Jennings, Esther; Gao, Jay; Segui, John; Kwong, Winston

2005-01-01

Multimission Advanced Communications Hybrid Environment for Test and Evaluation (MACHETE) is a suite of software tools that simulates the behaviors of communication networks to be used in space exploration, and predict the performance of established and emerging space communication protocols and services. MACHETE consists of four general software systems: (1) a system for kinematic modeling of planetary and spacecraft motions; (2) a system for characterizing the engineering impact on the bandwidth and reliability of deep-space and in-situ communication links; (3) a system for generating traffic loads and modeling of protocol behaviors and state machines; and (4) a system of user-interface for performance metric visualizations. The kinematic-modeling system makes it possible to characterize space link connectivity effects, including occultations and signal losses arising from dynamic slant-range changes and antenna radiation patterns. The link-engineering system also accounts for antenna radiation patterns and other phenomena, including modulations, data rates, coding, noise, and multipath fading. The protocol system utilizes information from the kinematic-modeling and link-engineering systems to simulate operational scenarios of space missions and evaluate overall network performance. In addition, a Communications Effect Server (CES) interface for MACHETE has been developed to facilitate hybrid simulation of space communication networks with actual flight/ground software/hardware embedded in the overall system.

Motor planning flexibly optimizes performance under uncertainty about task goals.

PubMed

Wong, Aaron L; Haith, Adrian M

2017-03-03

In an environment full of potential goals, how does the brain determine which movement to execute? Existing theories posit that the motor system prepares for all potential goals by generating several motor plans in parallel. One major line of evidence for such theories is that presenting two competing goals often results in a movement intermediate between them. These intermediate movements are thought to reflect an unintentional averaging of the competing plans. However, normative theories suggest instead that intermediate movements might actually be deliberate, generated because they improve task performance over a random guessing strategy. To test this hypothesis, we vary the benefit of making an intermediate movement by changing movement speed. We find that participants generate intermediate movements only at (slower) speeds where they measurably improve performance. Our findings support the normative view that the motor system selects only a single, flexible motor plan, optimized for uncertain goals.

Research on conformal dome of Karman-curve shape

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yunqiang; Chang, Jun; Niu, Yajun

2018-01-01

Because the conformal optical technology can obviously improve the aerodynamic performance of the infrared guidance missile, it has been studied deeply in recent years. By comparing the performance of the missiles with conformal dome and conventional missiles, the advantages of the conformal optical technology are demonstrated in the maneuverability and stealth of the missile. At present, the study of conformal optical systems focuses on ellipsoid or quadratic curve types. But in actual use, the dome using these curves is not the best choice. In this paper, the influence of different shape of the dome on aerodynamic performance, aerodynamic heating, internal space volume and other properties is discussed. The result shows infrared optical system with conformal dome of Karman-curve shape has a good application prospect, is the future direction of development. Finally, the difficult problems of conformal dome of Karman-curve shape are discussed.

Reinforcement Learning Performance and Risk for Psychosis in Youth.

PubMed

Waltz, James A; Demro, Caroline; Schiffman, Jason; Thompson, Elizabeth; Kline, Emily; Reeves, Gloria; Xu, Ziye; Gold, James

2015-12-01

Early identification efforts for psychosis have thus far yielded many more individuals "at risk" than actually develop psychotic illness. Here, we test whether measures of reinforcement learning (RL), known to be impaired in chronic schizophrenia, are related to the severity of clinical risk symptoms. Because of the reliance of RL on dopamine-rich frontostriatal systems and evidence of dopamine system dysfunction in the psychosis prodrome, RL measures are of specific interest in this clinical population. The current study examines relationships between psychosis risk symptoms and RL task performance in a sample of adolescents and young adults (n = 70) receiving mental health services. We observed significant correlations between multiple measures of RL performance and measures of both positive and negative symptoms. These results suggest that RL measures may provide a psychosis risk signal in treatment-seeking youth. Further research is necessary to understand the potential predictive role of RL measures for conversion to psychosis.

Performance simulation of the JPL solar-powered distiller. Part 1: Quasi-steady-state conditions. [for cooling microwave equipment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yung, C. S.; Lansing, F. L.

1983-01-01

A 37.85 cu m (10,000 gallons) per year (nominal) passive solar powered water distillation system was installed and is operational in the Venus Deep Space Station. The system replaced an old, electrically powered water distiller. The distilled water produced with its high electrical resistivity is used to cool the sensitive microwave equipment. A detailed thermal model was developed to simulate the performance of the distiller and study its sensitivity under varying environment and load conditions. The quasi-steady state portion of the model is presented together with the formulas for heat and mass transfer coefficients used. Initial results indicated that a daily water evaporation efficiency of 30% can be achieved. A comparison made between a full day performance simulation and the actual field measurements gave good agreement between theory and experiment, which verified the model.

Validation of the solar heating and cooling high speed performance (HISPER) computer code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wallace, D. B.

1980-01-01

Developed to give a quick and accurate predictions HISPER, a simplification of the TRNSYS program, achieves its computational speed by not simulating detailed system operations or performing detailed load computations. In order to validate the HISPER computer for air systems the simulation was compared to the actual performance of an operational test site. Solar insolation, ambient temperature, water usage rate, and water main temperatures from the data tapes for an office building in Huntsville, Alabama were used as input. The HISPER program was found to predict the heating loads and solar fraction of the loads with errors of less than ten percent. Good correlation was found on both a seasonal basis and a monthly basis. Several parameters (such as infiltration rate and the outside ambient temperature above which heating is not required) were found to require careful selection for accurate simulation.

Optimal planning and design of a renewable energy based supply system for microgrids

DOE PAGES

Hafez, Omar; Bhattacharya, Kankar

2012-03-03

This paper presents a technique for optimal planning and design of hybrid renewable energy systems for microgrid applications. The Distributed Energy Resources Customer Adoption Model (DER-CAM) is used to determine the optimal size and type of distributed energy resources (DERs) and their operating schedules for a sample utility distribution system. Using the DER-CAM results, an evaluation is performed to evaluate the electrical performance of the distribution circuit if the DERs selected by the DER-CAM optimization analyses are incorporated. Results of analyses regarding the economic benefits of utilizing the optimal locations identified for the selected DER within the system are alsomore » presented. The actual Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) campus electrical network is used as an example to show the effectiveness of this approach. The results show that these technical and economic analyses of hybrid renewable energy systems are essential for the efficient utilization of renewable energy resources for microgird applications.« less

Review of recycling performance indicators: a study on collection rate in Taiwan.

PubMed

Wen, Lihchyi; Lin, Chun-Hsu; Lee, Soo-Cheol

2009-08-01

The Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration (Taiwan EPA) launched a national Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system after integrating eight private recycling organizations in 1998. After that, the environmental performance of the EPR system brought a lot of attention to policy makers. Many studies show positive environmental effects of the EPR system in Taiwan. However, there are controversial questions remained, such as whether the performance indicators used are the right choice to estimate the environmental effects of the recycling policy? Can those estimated results really reflect the performance of the system? This paper would therefore like to more accurately evaluate the performance indicators of the EPR system based on data observed over the past decade in Taiwan. In the process of evaluating the performance indicators, we have found that the collection rates for durable goods are often ignored in countries that pursue a zero waste policy. This may affect the actual recycling outcome and resource direction targeted by producers. However, in order for the collection rate to be adopted as a policy indicator, how to estimate the amounts of retired or waste products during a period is critical. In this paper, we estimate the collection rate for electrical and electronic waste by using the survival analysis and ownership data analysis approaches. We also provide a comparison of both approaches and put forward suggestions for directions in the future in solid waste management.

Stromquist, N., & Samoff, J. (2000). Knowledge Management Systems: On the Promise and Actual Forms of Information Technologies. "British Association for International and Comparative Education," 30(3), 323-332

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gramlich, Catherine

2003-01-01

In their article," Knowledge Management Systems: On the Promise and Actual Forms of Information Technologies, Stromquist and Samoff (2000)" critically examined the role of Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) in education. Stromquist and Samoff (2000) defined a KMS as a system "which proposes to produce easily retrievable materials…

Software Voting in Asynchronous NMR (N-Modular Redundancy) Computer Structures.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-05-06

added reliability is exchanged for increased system cost and decreased throughput. Some applications require extremely reliable systems, so the only...not the other way around. Although no systems proidc abstract voting yet. as more applications are written for NMR systems, the programmers are going...throughput goes down, the overhead goes up. Mathematically : Overhead= Non redundant Throughput- Actual Throughput (1) In this section, the actual throughput

A 30-Year Follow-Up Study of Actual Applied Music Practice Versus Estimated Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Madsen, Clifford K.

2004-01-01

This study was designed to determine if adults are able to remember how much time they actually spent practicing during a past time period of their lives where detailed daily records were kept of actual number of minutes practiced. It also addressed how past practice time relates to their highest level of musical performance across the 30 years on…

Phase 1 Space Fission Propulsion System Testing and Development Progress

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

VanDyke, Melissa; Houts, Mike; Godfroy, Tom; Dickens, Ricky; Poston, David; Kapernick, Rick; Reid, Bob; Salvail, Pat; Ring, Peter; Schafer, Charles (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Successful development of space fission systems requires an extensive program of affordable and realistic testing. In addition to tests related to design/development of the fission system, realistic testing of the actual flight unit must also be performed. If the system is designed to operate within established radiation damage and fuel burn up limits while simultaneously being designed to allow close simulation of heat from fission using resistance heaters, high confidence in fission system performance and lifetime can be attained through a series of non-nuclear tests. The Safe Affordable Fission Engine (SAFE) test series, whose ultimate goal is the demonstration of a 300 kW flight configuration system, has demonstrated that realistic testing can be performed using non-nuclear methods. This test series, carried out in collaboration with other NASA centers, other government agencies, industry, and universities, successfully completed a testing program with a 30 kWt core, Stirling engine, and ion engine configuration. Additionally, a 100 kWt core is in fabrication and appropriate test facilities are being reconfigured. This paper describes the current SAFE non-nuclear tests, which includes test article descriptions, test results and conclusions, and future test plans.

Robust Parallel Motion Estimation and Mapping with Stereo Cameras in Underground Infrastructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chun; Li, Zhengning; Zhou, Yuan

2016-06-01

Presently, we developed a novel robust motion estimation method for localization and mapping in underground infrastructure using a pre-calibrated rigid stereo camera rig. Localization and mapping in underground infrastructure is important to safety. Yet it's also nontrivial since most underground infrastructures have poor lighting condition and featureless structure. Overcoming these difficulties, we discovered that parallel system is more efficient than the EKF-based SLAM approach since parallel system divides motion estimation and 3D mapping tasks into separate threads, eliminating data-association problem which is quite an issue in SLAM. Moreover, the motion estimation thread takes the advantage of state-of-art robust visual odometry algorithm which is highly functional under low illumination and provides accurate pose information. We designed and built an unmanned vehicle and used the vehicle to collect a dataset in an underground garage. The parallel system was evaluated by the actual dataset. Motion estimation results indicated a relative position error of 0.3%, and 3D mapping results showed a mean position error of 13cm. Off-line process reduced position error to 2cm. Performance evaluation by actual dataset showed that our system is capable of robust motion estimation and accurate 3D mapping in poor illumination and featureless underground environment.

Integrated modeling and design for realizing a two-wheeled wheelchair for disabled.

PubMed

Altalmas, Tareq; Aula, Abqori; Ahmad, Salmiah; Tokhi, M O; Akmeliawati, Rini

2016-01-01

Two-wheeled wheelchairs are considered highly nonlinear and complex systems. The systems mimic a double-inverted pendulum scenario and will provide better maneuverability in confined spaces and also to reach higher level of height for pick and place tasks. The challenge resides in modeling and control of the two-wheeled wheelchair to perform comparably to a normal four-wheeled wheelchair. Most common modeling techniques have been accomplished by researchers utilizing the basic Newton's Laws of motion and some have used 3D tools to model the system where the models are much more theoretical and quite far from the practical implementation. This article is aimed at closing the gap between the conventional mathematical modeling approaches where the integrated 3D modeling approach with validation on the actual hardware implementation was conducted. To achieve this, both nonlinear and a linearized model in terms of state space model were obtained from the mathematical model of the system for analysis and, thereafter, a 3D virtual prototype of the wheelchair was developed, simulated, and analyzed. This has increased the confidence level for the proposed platform and facilitated the actual hardware implementation of the two-wheeled wheelchair. Results show that the prototype developed and tested has successfully worked within the specific requirements established.

Use of simulated evaporation to assess the potential for scale formation during reverse osmosis desalination

USGS Publications Warehouse

Huff, G.F.

2004-01-01

The tendency of solutes in input water to precipitate efficiency lowering scale deposits on the membranes of reverse osmosis (RO) desalination systems is an important factor in determining the suitability of input water for desalination. Simulated input water evaporation can be used as a technique to quantitatively assess the potential for scale formation in RO desalination systems. The technique was demonstrated by simulating the increase in solute concentrations required to form calcite, gypsum, and amorphous silica scales at 25??C and 40??C from 23 desalination input waters taken from the literature. Simulation results could be used to quantitatively assess the potential of a given input water to form scale or to compare the potential of a number of input waters to form scale during RO desalination. Simulated evaporation of input waters cannot accurately predict the conditions under which scale will form owing to the effects of potentially stable supersaturated solutions, solution velocity, and residence time inside RO systems. However, the simulated scale-forming potential of proposed input waters could be compared with the simulated scale-forming potentials and actual scale-forming properties of input waters having documented operational histories in RO systems. This may provide a technique to estimate the actual performance and suitability of proposed input waters during RO.

Autonomous precision landing using terrain-following navigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vaughan, R. M.; Gaskell, R. W.; Halamek, P.; Klumpp, A. R.; Synnott, S. P.

1991-01-01

Terrain-following navigation studies that have been done over the past two years in the navigation system section at JPL are described. A descent to Mars scenario based on Mars Rover and Sample Return mission profiles is described, and navigation and image processing issues pertaining to descent phases where landmark picture can be obtained are examined. A covariance analysis is performed to verify that landmark measurements from a terrain-following navigation system can satisfy precision landing requirements. Image processing problems involving known landmarks in actual pictures are considered. Mission design alternatives that can alleviate some of these problems are suggested.

A Test Generation Framework for Distributed Fault-Tolerant Algorithms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goodloe, Alwyn; Bushnell, David; Miner, Paul; Pasareanu, Corina S.

2009-01-01

Heavyweight formal methods such as theorem proving have been successfully applied to the analysis of safety critical fault-tolerant systems. Typically, the models and proofs performed during such analysis do not inform the testing process of actual implementations. We propose a framework for generating test vectors from specifications written in the Prototype Verification System (PVS). The methodology uses a translator to produce a Java prototype from a PVS specification. Symbolic (Java) PathFinder is then employed to generate a collection of test cases. A small example is employed to illustrate how the framework can be used in practice.

Science Goals to Requirements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reuter, Dennis

2015-01-01

The presentation will be given at the 26th Annual Thermal Fluids Analysis Workshop (TFAWS 2015) hosted by the Goddard SpaceFlight Center (GSFC) Thermal Engineering Branch (Code 545): This short course will present the science goals for a variety of types of imaging and spectral measurements, the thermal requirements that these goals impose on the instruments designed to obtain the measurements, and some of the types of trades that can be made among instrument subsystems to ensure the required performance is maintained. Examples of thermal system evolution from initial concept to final implementation will be given for several actual systems.

[Radiation effect on cosmonauts during extravehicular activities in 2008-2009].

PubMed

Mitrikas, V G

2010-01-01

The geometrical model of suited cosmonaut's phantom was used in mathematical modeling of EVAs performed by cosmonauts with consideration of changes in the ISS Russian segment configuration during 2008-2009 and the dependence of space radiation absorbed dose on EVA scene. Influence of spatial position of cosmonaut on absorbed dose value was evaluated with the EVA dosimeter model reproducing the actually determined weight and dimension. Calculated absorbed dose values are in good agreement with experimental data. Absorbed doses imparted to body organs (skin, lens, hemopoietic system, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, gonads) were determined for specific EVA events.

High performance, accelerometer-based control of the Mini-MAST structure at Langley Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collins, Emmanuel G., Jr.; King, James A.; Phillips, Douglas J.; Hyland, David C.

1991-01-01

Many large space system concepts will require active vibration control to satisfy critical performance requirements such as line of sight pointing accuracy and constraints on rms surface roughness. In order for these concepts to become operational, it is imperative that the benefits of active vibration control be shown to be practical in ground based experiments. The results of an experiment shows the successful application of the Maximum Entropy/Optimal Projection control design methodology to active vibration control for a flexible structure. The testbed is the Mini-Mast structure at NASA-Langley and has features dynamically traceable to future space systems. To maximize traceability to real flight systems, the controllers were designed and implemented using sensors (four accelerometers and one rate gyro) that are actually mounted to the structure. Ground mounted displacement sensors that could greatly ease the control design task were available but were used only for performance evaluation. The use of the accelerometers increased the potential of destabilizing the system due to spillover effects and motivated the use of precompensation strategy to achieve sufficient compensator roll-off.

High performance, accelerometer-based control of the Mini-MAST structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collins, Emmanuel G., Jr.; King, James A.; Phillips, Douglas J.; Hyland, David C.

1992-01-01

Many large space system concepts will require active vibration control to satisfy critical performance requirements such as line of sight pointing accuracy and constraints on rms surface roughness. In order for these concepts to become operational, it is imperative that the benefits of active vibration control be shown to be practical in ground based experiments. The results of an experiment shows the successful application of the Maximum Entropy/Optical Projection control design methodology to active vibration control for a flexible structure. The testbed is the Mini-Mast structure at NASA-Langley and has features dynamically traceable to future space systems. To maximize traceability to real flight systems, the controllers were designed and implemented using sensors (four accelerometers and one rate gyro) that are actually mounted to the structure. Ground mounted displacement sensors that could greatly ease the control design task were available but were used only for performance evaluation. The use of the accelerometers increased the potential of destabilizing the system due to spillover effects and motivated the use of precompensation strategy to achieve sufficient compensator roll-off.

Application of historical mobility testing to sensor-based robotic performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Willoughby, William E.; Jones, Randolph A.; Mason, George L.; Shoop, Sally A.; Lever, James H.

2006-05-01

The USA Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) has conducted on-/off-road experimental field testing with full-sized and scale-model military vehicles for more than fifty years. Some 4000 acres of local terrain are available for tailored field evaluations or verification/validation of future robotic designs in a variety of climatic regimes. Field testing and data collection procedures, as well as techniques for quantifying terrain in engineering terms, have been developed and refined into algorithms and models for predicting vehicle-terrain interactions and resulting forces or speeds of military-sized vehicles. Based on recent experiments with Matilda, Talon, and Pacbot, these predictive capabilities appear to be relevant to most robotic systems currently in development. Utilization of current testing capabilities with sensor-based vehicle drivers, or use of the procedures for terrain quantification from sensor data, would immediately apply some fifty years of historical knowledge to the development, refinement, and implementation of future robotic systems. Additionally, translation of sensor-collected terrain data into engineering terms would allow assessment of robotic performance a priori deployment of the actual system and ensure maximum system performance in the theater of operation.

Obtaining optic disc center and pixel region by automatic thresholding methods on morphologically processed fundus images.

PubMed

Marin, Diego; Gegundez-Arias, Manuel E; Suero, Angel; Bravo, Jose M

2015-02-01

Development of automatic retinal disease diagnosis systems based on retinal image computer analysis can provide remarkably quicker screening programs for early detection. Such systems are mainly focused on the detection of the earliest ophthalmic signs of illness and require previous identification of fundal landmark features such as optic disc (OD), fovea or blood vessels. A methodology for accurate center-position location and OD retinal region segmentation on digital fundus images is presented in this paper. The methodology performs a set of iterative opening-closing morphological operations on the original retinography intensity channel to produce a bright region-enhanced image. Taking blood vessel confluence at the OD into account, a 2-step automatic thresholding procedure is then applied to obtain a reduced region of interest, where the center and the OD pixel region are finally obtained by performing the circular Hough transform on a set of OD boundary candidates generated through the application of the Prewitt edge detector. The methodology was evaluated on 1200 and 1748 fundus images from the publicly available MESSIDOR and MESSIDOR-2 databases, acquired from diabetic patients and thus being clinical cases of interest within the framework of automated diagnosis of retinal diseases associated to diabetes mellitus. This methodology proved highly accurate in OD-center location: average Euclidean distance between the methodology-provided and actual OD-center position was 6.08, 9.22 and 9.72 pixels for retinas of 910, 1380 and 1455 pixels in size, respectively. On the other hand, OD segmentation evaluation was performed in terms of Jaccard and Dice coefficients, as well as the mean average distance between estimated and actual OD boundaries. Comparison with the results reported by other reviewed OD segmentation methodologies shows our proposal renders better overall performance. Its effectiveness and robustness make this proposed automated OD location and segmentation method a suitable tool to be integrated into a complete prescreening system for early diagnosis of retinal diseases. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Project officer's perspective: quality assurance as a management tool.

PubMed

Heiby, J

1993-06-01

Advances in the management of health programs in less developed countries (LDC) have not kept pace with the progress of the technology used. The US Agency for International Development mandated the Quality Assurance Project (QAP) to provide quality improvement technical assistance to primary health care systems in LDCs while developing appropriate quality assurance (QA) strategies. The quality of health care in recent years in the US and Europe focused on the introduction of management techniques developed for industry into health systems. The experience of the QAP and its predecessor, the PRICOR Project, shows that quality improvement techniques facilitate measurement of quality of care. A recently developed WHO model for the management of the sick child provides scientifically based standards for actual care. Since 1988, outside investigators measuring how LDC clinicians perform have revealed serious deficiencies in quality compared with the program's own standards. This prompted developed of new QA management initiatives: 1) communicating standards clearly to the program staff; 2) actively monitoring actual performance corresponds to these standards; and 3) taking action to improve performance. QA means that managers are expected to monitor service delivery, undertake problem solving, and set specific targets for quality improvement. Quality improvement methods strengthen supervision as supervisors can objectively assess health worker performance. QA strengthens the management functions that support service delivery, e.g., training, records management, finance, logistics, and supervision. Attention to quality can contribute to improved health worker motivation and effective incentive programs by recognition for a job well done and opportunities for learning new skills. These standards can also address patient satisfaction. QA challenges managers to aim for the optimal level of care attainable.

Is globalization really good for public health?

PubMed

Tausch, Arno

2016-10-01

In the light of recent very prominent studies, especially that of Mukherjee and Krieckhaus (), one should be initially tempted to assume that nowadays globalization is a driver of a good public health performance in the entire world system. Most of these studies use time series analyses based on the KOF Index of Globalization. We attempt to re-analyze the entire question, using a variety of methodological approaches and data. Our re-analysis shows that neoliberal globalization has resulted in very important implosions of public health development in various regions of the world and in increasing inequality in the countries of the world system, which in turn negatively affect health performance. We use standard ibm/spss ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions, time series and cross-correlation analyses based on aggregate, freely available data. Different components of the KOF Index, most notably actual capital inflows, affect public health negatively. The "decomposition" of the available data suggests that for most of the time period of the last four decades, globalization inflows even implied an aggregate deterioration of public health, quite in line with globalization critical studies. We introduce the effects of inequality on public health, widely debated in global public health research. Our annual time series for 99 countries show that globalization indeed leads to increased inequality, and this, in turn, leads to a deteriorating public health performance. In only 19 of the surveyed 99 nations with complete data (i.e., 19.1%), globalization actually preceded an improvement in the public health performance. Far from falsifying globalization critical research, our analyses show the basic weaknesses of the new "pro-globalization" literature in the public health profession. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effects of Muslims praying (Salat) on EEG gamma activity.

PubMed

Doufesh, Hazem; Ibrahim, Fatimah; Safari, Mohammad

2016-08-01

This study investigates the difference of mean gamma EEG power between actual and mimic Salat practices in twenty healthy Muslim subjects. In the actual Salat practice, the participants were asked to recite and performing the physical steps in all four stages of Salat; whereas in the mimic Salat practice, they were instructed to perform only the physical steps without recitation. The gamma power during actual Salat was statistically higher than during mimic Salat in the frontal and parietal regions in all stages. In the actual Salat practice, the left hemisphere exhibited significantly higher mean gamma power in all cerebral regions and all stages, except the central-parietal region in the sitting position, and the frontal area in the bowing position. Increased gamma power during Salat, possibly related to an increase in cognitive and attentional processing, supports the concept of Salat as a focus attention meditation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A new test procedure to evaluate the performance of substations for collective heating systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baetens, Robin; Verhaert, Ivan

2017-11-01

The overall heat demand of a single dwelling, existing out of space heating and domestic hot water production, decreases due to higher insulation rates. Because of this, investing in efficient and renewable heat generation becomes less interesting. Therefore, to incorporate renewables or residual heat on a larger scale, district heating or collective heating systems grow in importance. Within this set-up, the substation is responsible for the interaction between local demand for comfort and overall energy performance of the collective heating system. Many different configurations of substations exist, which influence both local comfort and central system performance. Next to that, also hybrids exist with additional local energy input. To evaluate performance of such substations, a new experimental-based test procedure is developed in order to evaluate these different aspects, characterized by the two roles a substation has, namely as heat generator and as heat consumer. The advantage of this approach is that an objective comparison between individual and central systems regarding performance on delivering local comfort can be executed experimentally. The lab set-up consists out of three different subsystems, namely the central system, the domestic hot water consumption and the local space heating. The central system can work with different temperature regimes and control strategies, as these aspects have proven to have the largest influence on actual performance. The domestic hot water system is able to generate similar tap profiles according to eco-design regulation for domestic hot water generation. The space heating system is able to demand a modular heat load.

System and method for identifying, validating, weighing and characterizing moving or stationary vehicles and cargo

DOEpatents

Beshears, David L.; Batsell, Stephen G.; Abercrombie, Robert K.; Scudiere, Matthew B.; White, Clifford P.

2007-12-04

An asset identification and information infrastructure management (AI3M) device having an automated identification technology system (AIT), a Transportation Coordinators' Automated Information for Movements System II (TC-AIMS II), a weigh-in-motion system (WIM-II), and an Automated Air Load Planning system (AALPS) all in electronic communication for measuring and calculating actual asset characteristics, either statically or in-motion, and further calculating an actual load plan.

Benchmarking a Soil Moisture Data Assimilation System for Agricultural Drought Monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hun, Eunjin; Crow, Wade T.; Holmes, Thomas; Bolten, John

2014-01-01

Despite considerable interest in the application of land surface data assimilation systems (LDAS) for agricultural drought applications, relatively little is known about the large-scale performance of such systems and, thus, the optimal methodological approach for implementing them. To address this need, this paper evaluates an LDAS for agricultural drought monitoring by benchmarking individual components of the system (i.e., a satellite soil moisture retrieval algorithm, a soil water balance model and a sequential data assimilation filter) against a series of linear models which perform the same function (i.e., have the same basic inputoutput structure) as the full system component. Benchmarking is based on the calculation of the lagged rank cross-correlation between the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and soil moisture estimates acquired for various components of the system. Lagged soil moistureNDVI correlations obtained using individual LDAS components versus their linear analogs reveal the degree to which non-linearities andor complexities contained within each component actually contribute to the performance of the LDAS system as a whole. Here, a particular system based on surface soil moisture retrievals from the Land Parameter Retrieval Model (LPRM), a two-layer Palmer soil water balance model and an Ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) is benchmarked. Results suggest significant room for improvement in each component of the system.

Robust Multilayer Insulation for Cryogenic Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fesmire, J. E.; Scholtens, B. F.; Augustynowicz, S. D.

2007-01-01

New requirements for thermal insulation include robust Multilayer insulation (MU) systems that work for a range of environments from high vacuum to no vacuum. Improved MLI systems must be simple to install and maintain while meeting the life-cycle cost and thermal performance objectives. Performance of actual MLI systems has been previously shown to be much worse than ideal MLI. Spacecraft that must contain cryogens for both lunar service (high vacuum) and ground launch operations (no vacuum) are planned. Future cryogenic spacecraft for the soft vacuum environment of Mars are also envisioned. Industry products using robust MLI can benefit from improved cost-efficiency and system safety. Novel materials have been developed to operate as excellent thermal insulators at vacuum levels that are much less stringent than the absolute high vacuum requirement of current MLI systems. One such robust system, Layered Composite Insulation (LCI), has been developed by the Cryogenics Test Laboratory at NASA Kennedy Space Center. The experimental testing and development of LCI is the focus of this paper. LCI thermal performance under cryogenic conditions is shown to be six times better than MLI at soft vacuum and similar to MLI at high vacuum. The experimental apparent thermal conductivity (k-value) and heat flux data for LCI systems are compared with other MLI systems.

Enhancing light-harvesting power with coherent vibrational interactions: A quantum heat engine picture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Killoran, N.; Huelga, S. F.; Plenio, M. B.

2015-10-01

Recent evidence suggests that quantum effects may have functional importance in biological light-harvesting systems. Along with delocalized electronic excitations, it is now suspected that quantum coherent interactions with certain near-resonant vibrations may contribute to light-harvesting performance. However, the actual quantum advantage offered by such coherent vibrational interactions has not yet been established. We investigate a quantum design principle, whereby coherent exchange of single energy quanta between electronic and vibrational degrees of freedom can enhance a light-harvesting system's power above what is possible by thermal mechanisms alone. We present a prototype quantum heat engine which cleanly illustrates this quantum design principle and quantifies its quantum advantage using thermodynamic measures of performance. We also demonstrate the principle's relevance in parameter regimes connected to natural light-harvesting structures.

A mobile communication system providing integrated voice/data services over power limited satellite channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bose, Sanjay K.; Gordon, J. J.

The modeling and analysis of a system providing integrated voice/data services to mobile terminals over a power-limited satellite channel are discussed. The mobiles use slotted Aloha random access to send requests for channel assignments to a central station. For successful requests, the actual transmission of voice/data within a call is done using the channel assigned for this purpose by the central station. The satellite channel is assumed to be power limited. Taking into account the known burstiness of voice sources (which use a voice-activated switch), the central station overassigns channels so that the average total power is below the power limit of the satellite transponder. The performance of this model is analyzed. Certain simple, static control strategies for improving performance are also proposed.

Development and Validation of an NPSS Model of a Small Turbojet Engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vannoy, Stephen Michael

Recent studies have shown that integrated gas turbine engine (GT)/solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems for combined propulsion and power on aircraft offer a promising method for more efficient onboard electrical power generation. However, it appears that nobody has actually attempted to construct a hybrid GT/SOFC prototype for combined propulsion and electrical power generation. This thesis contributes to this ambition by developing an experimentally validated thermodynamic model of a small gas turbine (˜230 N thrust) platform for a bench-scale GT/SOFC system. The thermodynamic model is implemented in a NASA-developed software environment called Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS). An indoor test facility was constructed to measure the engine's performance parameters: thrust, air flow rate, fuel flow rate, engine speed (RPM), and all axial stage stagnation temperatures and pressures. The NPSS model predictions are compared to the measured performance parameters for steady state engine operation.

System of end-to-end symmetric database encryption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galushka, V. V.; Aydinyan, A. R.; Tsvetkova, O. L.; Fathi, V. A.; Fathi, D. V.

2018-05-01

The article is devoted to the actual problem of protecting databases from information leakage, which is performed while bypassing access control mechanisms. To solve this problem, it is proposed to use end-to-end data encryption, implemented at the end nodes of an interaction of the information system components using one of the symmetric cryptographic algorithms. For this purpose, a key management method designed for use in a multi-user system based on the distributed key representation model, part of which is stored in the database, and the other part is obtained by converting the user's password, has been developed and described. In this case, the key is calculated immediately before the cryptographic transformations and is not stored in the memory after the completion of these transformations. Algorithms for registering and authorizing a user, as well as changing his password, have been described, and the methods for calculating parts of a key when performing these operations have been provided.

SCIMITAR: subject-carried implant monitoring inductive telemetric ambulatory reader for remote data acquisition from implanted orthopaedic prostheses.

PubMed

Hao, Shiying; Gorjon, Jose; Taylor, Stephen

2014-03-01

This work describes the functions of the external, portable part of a telemetry system for powering and interrogating implantable electrical devices built within orthopaedic implants for real-time data acquisition of strain, load, temperature, humidity and other relevant data (e.g. from inertial sensors). The system contains a battery powered inductive energiser and demodulator to remotely power the implant electronics and demodulate the signals transmitted from the implanted device. Due to the housing of the internal coil, sufficient inductive coupling is obtained between the external and internal tuned circuits to enable simultaneous power and data transmission over the same inductive link. The actual performance of this system when used with one specific implant was studied, and some correspondence made to the relevant theory. Performance factors relating to both power efficiency and data reconstruction were identified. Copyright © 2013 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Space network scheduling benchmark: A proof-of-concept process for technology transfer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moe, Karen; Happell, Nadine; Hayden, B. J.; Barclay, Cathy

1993-01-01

This paper describes a detailed proof-of-concept activity to evaluate flexible scheduling technology as implemented in the Request Oriented Scheduling Engine (ROSE) and applied to Space Network (SN) scheduling. The criteria developed for an operational evaluation of a reusable scheduling system is addressed including a methodology to prove that the proposed system performs at least as well as the current system in function and performance. The improvement of the new technology must be demonstrated and evaluated against the cost of making changes. Finally, there is a need to show significant improvement in SN operational procedures. Successful completion of a proof-of-concept would eventually lead to an operational concept and implementation transition plan, which is outside the scope of this paper. However, a high-fidelity benchmark using actual SN scheduling requests has been designed to test the ROSE scheduling tool. The benchmark evaluation methodology, scheduling data, and preliminary results are described.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Church, J; Slaughter, D; Norman, E

Error rates in a cargo screening system such as the Nuclear Car Wash [1-7] depend on the standard deviation of the background radiation count rate. Because the Nuclear Car Wash is an active interrogation technique, the radiation signal for fissile material must be detected above a background count rate consisting of cosmic, ambient, and neutron-activated radiations. It was suggested previously [1,6] that the Corresponding negative repercussions for the sensitivity of the system were shown. Therefore, to assure the most accurate estimation of the variation, experiments have been performed to quantify components of the actual variance in the background count rate,more » including variations in generator power, irradiation time, and container contents. The background variance is determined by these experiments to be a factor of 2 smaller than values assumed in previous analyses, resulting in substantially improved projections of system performance for the Nuclear Car Wash.« less

Guidance law simulation studies for complex approaches using the Microwave Landing System (MLS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feather, J. B.

1986-01-01

This report documents results for MLS guidance algorithm development conducted by DAC for NASA under the Advance Transport Operating Systems (ATOPS) Technology Studies program (NAS1-18028). The study consisted of evaluating guidance laws for vertical and lateral path control, as well as speed control, by simulating an MLS approach for the Washington National Airport. This work is an extension and generalization of a previous ATOPS contract (NAS1-16202) completed by DAC in 1985. The Washington river approach was simulated by six waypoints and one glideslope change and consisted of an eleven nautical mile approach path. Tracking performance was generated for 10 cases representing several different conditions, which included MLS noise, steady wind, turbulence, and windshear. Results of this simulation phase are suitable for use in future fixed-base simulator evaluations employing actual hardware (autopilot and a performance management system), as well as crew procedures and information requirements for MLS.

Smith machine counterbalance system affects measures of maximal bench press throw performance.

PubMed

Vingren, Jakob L; Buddhadev, Harsh H; Hill, David W

2011-07-01

Equipment with counterbalance weight systems is commonly used for the assessment of performance in explosive resistance exercise movements, but it is not known if such systems affect performance measures. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of using a counterbalance weight system on measures of smith machine bench press throw performance. Ten men and 14 women (mean ± SD: age, 25 ± 4 years; height, 173 ± 10 cm; weight, 77.7 ± 18.3 kg) completed maximal smith machine bench press throws under 4 different conditions (2 × 2; counterbalance × load): with or without a counterbalance weight system and using 'light' or 'moderate' net barbell loads. Performance variables (peak force, peak velocity, and peak power) were measured using a linear accelerometer attached to the barbell. The counterbalance weight system resulted in significant (p < 0.001) reductions in measures of peak force (mean difference ± standard error: light: -112 ± 20 N; moderate: -140 ± 23 N), peak velocity (light: -0.49 ± 0.10 m·s; moderate: -0.33 ± 0.07 m·s), and peak power (light: -220 ± 43 W; moderate: -143 ± 28 W) compared with no counterbalance system for both load conditions. Load condition did not affect absolute or percentage reductions from the counterbalance weight system for any variable. In conclusion, the use of a counterbalance weight system reduces accelerometer-based performance measures for the bench press throw exercise at light and moderate loads. This reduction in measures is likely because of an increase in the external resistance during the movement, which results in a discrepancy between the manually input and the actual value for external load. A counterbalance weight system should not be used when measuring performance in explosive resistance exercises with an accelerometer.

VIEWCACHE: An incremental pointer-base access method for distributed databases. Part 1: The universal index system design document. Part 2: The universal index system low-level design document. Part 3: User's guide. Part 4: Reference manual. Part 5: UIMS test suite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kelley, Steve; Roussopoulos, Nick; Sellis, Timos

1992-01-01

The goal of the Universal Index System (UIS), is to provide an easy-to-use and reliable interface to many different kinds of database systems. The impetus for this system was to simplify database index management for users, thus encouraging the use of indexes. As the idea grew into an actual system design, the concept of increasing database performance by facilitating the use of time-saving techniques at the user level became a theme for the project. This Final Report describes the Design, the Implementation of UIS, and its Language Interfaces. It also includes the User's Guide and the Reference Manual.