High-power, multioutput piezoelectric transformers operating at the thickness-shear vibration mode.

PubMed

Du, Jinlong; Hu, Junhui; Tseng, King Jet

2004-05-01

In this study, a piezoelectric transformer operating at the thickness shear vibration mode and with dual or triple outputs is proposed. It consists of a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramic plate with a high mechanical quality factor Qm and a size of 120 x 20 x 4 mm3. The PZT ceramic plate is poled along the width direction. The electrodes of input and output parts are on the top and bottom surfaces of the ceramic plate and separated by narrow gaps. A new construction of support and lead wire connection is used for the transformer. At a temperature rise less than 20 degrees C and efficiency of 90%, the piezoelectric transformer with dual outputs has a maximum total output power of 169.8 W, with a power of 129.5 W in one output and 40.3 W in another. The one with triple outputs has a maximum total output power of 163.1 W, with a power of 36.9 W in the first output, 13.0 W in the second output and 113.2 W in the third output. The maximum efficiency of the piezoelectric transformer with dual outputs and triple outputs is 98% and 95.7%, respectively. The voltage gains of the transformers are less than one, and different outputs have different gains. Also, there is a driving frequency range in which the load resistance of one output has little effect on the voltage gain of another output.

Utilizing Maximum Power Point Trackers in Parallel to Maximize the Power Output of a Solar (Photovoltaic) Array

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-01

photovoltaic (PV) system to use a maximum power point tracker ( MPPT ) to increase... photovoltaic (PV) system to use a maximum power point tracker ( MPPT ) to increase the power output of the solar array. Currently, most military... MPPT ) is an optimizing circuit that is used in conjunction with photovoltaic (PV) arrays to achieve the maximum delivery of power from the array

Design of a Collapse-Mode CMUT With an Embossed Membrane for Improving Output Pressure.

PubMed

Yu, Yuanyu; Pun, Sio Hang; Mak, Peng Un; Cheng, Ching-Hsiang; Wang, Jiujiang; Mak, Pui-In; Vai, Mang I

2016-06-01

Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs) have emerged as a competitive alternative to piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers, especially in medical ultrasound imaging and therapeutic ultrasound applications, which require high output pressure. However, as compared with piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers, the output pressure capability of CMUTs remains to be improved. In this paper, a novel structure is proposed by forming an embossed vibrating membrane on a CMUT cell operating in the collapse mode to increase the maximum output pressure. By using a beam model in undamped conditions and finite-element analysis simulations, the proposed embossed structure showed improvement on the maximum output pressure of the CMUT cell when the embossed pattern was placed on the estimated location of the peak deflection. As compared with a uniform membrane CMUT cell worked in the collapse mode, the proposed CMUT cell can yield the maximum output pressure by 51.1% and 88.1% enhancement with a single embossed pattern made of Si3N4 and nickel, respectively. The maximum output pressures were improved by 34.9% (a single Si3N4 embossed pattern) and 46.7% (a single nickel embossed pattern) with the uniform membrane when the center frequencies of both original and embossed CMUT designs were similar.

Dual side control for inductive power transfer

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

Wu, Hunter; Sealy, Kylee; Gilchrist, Aaron

An apparatus for dual side control includes a measurement module that measures a voltage and a current of an IPT system. The voltage includes an output voltage and/or an input voltage and the current includes an output current and/or an input current. The output voltage and the output current are measured at an output of the IPT system and the input voltage and the input current measured at an input of the IPT system. The apparatus includes a max efficiency module that determines a maximum efficiency for the IPT system. The max efficiency module uses parameters of the IPT systemmore » to iterate to a maximum efficiency. The apparatus includes an adjustment module that adjusts one or more parameters in the IPT system consistent with the maximum efficiency calculated by the max efficiency module.« less

Electronic filters, hearing aids and methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Engebretson, A. Maynard (Inventor)

1995-01-01

An electronic filter for an electroacoustic system. The system has a microphone for generating an electrical output from external sounds and an electrically driven transducer for emitting sound. Some of the sound emitted by the transducer returns to the microphone means to add a feedback contribution to its electrical output. The electronic filter includes a first circuit for electronic processing of the electrical output of the microphone to produce a first signal. An adaptive filter, interconnected with the first circuit, performs electronic processing of the first signal to produce an adaptive output to the first circuit to substantially offset the feedback contribution in the electrical output of the microphone, and the adaptive filter includes means for adapting only in response to polarities of signals supplied to and from the first circuit. Other electronic filters for hearing aids, public address systems and other electroacoustic systems, as well as such systems and methods of operating them are also disclosed.

Electronic filters, hearing aids and methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Engebretson, A. Maynard (Inventor); O'Connell, Michael P. (Inventor); Zheng, Baohua (Inventor)

1991-01-01

An electronic filter for an electroacoustic system. The system has a microphone for generating an electrical output from external sounds and an electrically driven transducer for emitting sound. Some of the sound emitted by the transducer returns to the microphone means to add a feedback contribution to its electical output. The electronic filter includes a first circuit for electronic processing of the electrical output of the microphone to produce a filtered signal. An adaptive filter, interconnected with the first circuit, performs electronic processing of the filtered signal to produce an adaptive output to the first circuit to substantially offset the feedback contribution in the electrical output of the microphone, and the adaptive filter includes means for adapting only in response to polarities of signals supplied to and from the first circuit. Other electronic filters for hearing aids, public address systems and other electroacoustic systems, as well as such systems, and methods of operating them are also disclosed.

System for memorizing maximum values

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bozeman, Richard J., Jr. (Inventor)

1992-01-01

The invention discloses a system capable of memorizing maximum sensed values. The system includes conditioning circuitry which receives the analog output signal from a sensor transducer. The conditioning circuitry rectifies and filters the analog signal and provides an input signal to a digital driver, which may be either linear or logarithmic. The driver converts the analog signal to discrete digital values, which in turn triggers an output signal on one of a plurality of driver output lines n. The particular output lines selected is dependent on the converted digital value. A microfuse memory device connects across the driver output lines, with n segments. Each segment is associated with one driver output line, and includes a microfuse that is blown when a signal appears on the associated driver output line.

System for memorizing maximum values

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bozeman, Richard J., Jr.

1992-08-01

The invention discloses a system capable of memorizing maximum sensed values. The system includes conditioning circuitry which receives the analog output signal from a sensor transducer. The conditioning circuitry rectifies and filters the analog signal and provides an input signal to a digital driver, which may be either linear or logarithmic. The driver converts the analog signal to discrete digital values, which in turn triggers an output signal on one of a plurality of driver output lines n. The particular output lines selected is dependent on the converted digital value. A microfuse memory device connects across the driver output lines, with n segments. Each segment is associated with one driver output line, and includes a microfuse that is blown when a signal appears on the associated driver output line.

System for Memorizing Maximum Values

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bozeman, Richard J., Jr. (Inventor)

1996-01-01

The invention discloses a system capable of memorizing maximum sensed values. The system includes conditioning circuitry which receives the analog output signal from a sensor transducer. The conditioning circuitry rectifies and filters the analog signal and provides an input signal to a digital driver, which may be either liner or logarithmic. The driver converts the analog signal to discrete digital values, which in turn triggers an output signal on one of a plurality of driver output lines n. The particular output lines selected is dependent on the converted digital value. A microfuse memory device connects across the driver output lines, with n segments. Each segment is associated with one driver output line, and includes a microfuse that is blown when a signal appears on the associated driver output line.

"Aid Like a Paycheck: Engaging with Policymakers and Practitioners to Evaluate and Improve Financial Aid"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weissman, Evan; O'Connell, Jesse

2016-01-01

"Aid Like A Paycheck" is a large-scale pilot evaluation of whether an innovative approach to disbursing financial aid can improve academic and financial outcomes for low-income community college students. Lessons from the pilot evaluation were used to create and fine-tune a logic model depicting activities, outputs, mediators, and…

MIMO transmit scheme based on morphological perceptron with competitive learning.

PubMed

Valente, Raul Ambrozio; Abrão, Taufik

2016-08-01

This paper proposes a new multi-input multi-output (MIMO) transmit scheme aided by artificial neural network (ANN). The morphological perceptron with competitive learning (MP/CL) concept is deployed as a decision rule in the MIMO detection stage. The proposed MIMO transmission scheme is able to achieve double spectral efficiency; hence, in each time-slot the receiver decodes two symbols at a time instead one as Alamouti scheme. Other advantage of the proposed transmit scheme with MP/CL-aided detector is its polynomial complexity according to modulation order, while it becomes linear when the data stream length is greater than modulation order. The performance of the proposed scheme is compared to the traditional MIMO schemes, namely Alamouti scheme and maximum-likelihood MIMO (ML-MIMO) detector. Also, the proposed scheme is evaluated in a scenario with variable channel information along the frame. Numerical results have shown that the diversity gain under space-time coding Alamouti scheme is partially lost, which slightly reduces the bit-error rate (BER) performance of the proposed MP/CL-NN MIMO scheme. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Safety limit warning levels for the avoidance of excessive sound amplification to protect against further hearing loss.

PubMed

Johnson, Earl E

2017-11-01

To determine safe output sound pressure levels (SPL) for sound amplification devices to preserve hearing sensitivity after usage. A mathematical model consisting of the Modified Power Law (MPL) (Humes & Jesteadt, 1991 ) combined with equations for predicting temporary threshold shift (TTS) and subsequent permanent threshold shift (PTS) (Macrae, 1994b ) was used to determine safe output SPL. The study involves no new human subject measurements of loudness tolerance or threshold shifts. PTS was determined by the MPL model for 234 audiograms and the SPL output recommended by four different validated prescription recommendations for hearing aids. PTS can, on rare occasion, occur as a result of SPL delivered by hearing aids at modern day prescription recommendations. The trading relationship of safe output SPL, decibel hearing level (dB HL) threshold, and PTS was captured with algebraic expressions. Better hearing thresholds lowered the safe output SPL and higher thresholds raised the safe output SPL. Safe output SPL can consider the magnitude of unaided hearing loss. For devices not set to prescriptive levels, limiting the output SPL below the safe levels identified should protect against threshold worsening as a result of long-term usage.

Implantable digital hearing aid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kissiah, A. M., Jr.

1979-01-01

Hearing aid converts analog output of microphone into digital pulses in about 10 channels of audiofrequencies. Each pulse band could be directly connected to portion of auditory nerve most sensitive to that range.

Method of operating a thermoelectric generator

DOEpatents

Reynolds, Michael G; Cowgill, Joshua D

2013-11-05

A method for operating a thermoelectric generator supplying a variable-load component includes commanding the variable-load component to operate at a first output and determining a first load current and a first load voltage to the variable-load component while operating at the commanded first output. The method also includes commanding the variable-load component to operate at a second output and determining a second load current and a second load voltage to the variable-load component while operating at the commanded second output. The method includes calculating a maximum power output of the thermoelectric generator from the determined first load current and voltage and the determined second load current and voltage, and commanding the variable-load component to operate at a third output. The commanded third output is configured to draw the calculated maximum power output from the thermoelectric generator.

AIDPRF/PRFAID user's manual

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buck, C. H.

1975-01-01

The program documentation for the PRF ARTWORK/AIDS conversion program, which serves as the interface between the outputs of the PRF ARTWORK and AIDS programs, was presented. The document has a two-fold purpose, the first of which is a description of the software design including flowcharts of the design at the functional level. The second purpose is to provide the user with a detailed description of the input parameters and formats necessary to execute the program and a description of the output produced when the program is executed.

High-power single-stage thulium-doped superfluorescent fiber source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Z. Y.; Yan, P.; Liu, Q.; Ji, E. C.; Xiao, Q. R.; Gong, M. L.

2015-01-01

In this paper, we report a high-power thulium (Tm)-doped superfluorescent fiber source (SFS) in the 2-μm spectral region. The SFS is based on double angle-cleaved facet operation and uses a simple single-stage geometry. The copropagating amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) yields a maximum output of 20.7 W at a center wavelength of 1,960.7 nm, with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of ~45 nm. The counterpropagating ASE yields a maximum output of 25.2 W at a center wavelength of 1,948.2 nm, with a FWHM of ~50 nm. The maximum combined output of the SFS is as much as 45.9 W, which corresponds to a slope efficiency of 38.9 %. In addition, a model of the ~2 μm SFS in Tm-doped silica fibers pumped at ~790 nm is developed, and the influence of fiber length and end-facet reflectivity on the ASE output performance and the parasitic lasing threshold are studied numerically.

Electronic filters, signal conversion apparatus, hearing aids and methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morley, Jr., Robert E. (Inventor); Engebretson, A. Maynard (Inventor); Engel, George L. (Inventor); Sullivan, Thomas J. (Inventor)

1994-01-01

An electronic filter for filtering an electrical signal. Signal processing circuitry therein includes a logarithmic filter having a series of filter stages with inputs and outputs in cascade and respective circuits associated with the filter stages for storing electrical representations of filter parameters. The filter stages include circuits for respectively adding the electrical representations of the filter parameters to the electrical signal to be filtered thereby producing a set of filter sum signals. At least one of the filter stages includes circuitry for producing a filter signal in substantially logarithmic form at its output by combining a filter sum signal for that filter stage with a signal from an output of another filter stage. The signal processing circuitry produces an intermediate output signal, and a multiplexer connected to the signal processing circuit multiplexes the intermediate output signal with the electrical signal to be filtered so that the logarithmic filter operates as both a logarithmic prefilter and a logarithmic postfilter. Other electronic filters, signal conversion apparatus, electroacoustic systems, hearing aids and methods are also disclosed.

Updated Model of the Solar Energetic Proton Environment in Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiggens, Piers; Heynderickx, Daniel; Sandberg, Ingmar; Truscott, Pete; Raukunen, Osku; Vainio, Rami

2018-05-01

The Solar Accumulated and Peak Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Environment (SAPPHIRE) model provides environment specification outputs for all aspects of the Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) environment. The model is based upon a thoroughly cleaned and carefully processed data set. Herein the evolution of the solar proton model is discussed with comparisons to other models and data. This paper discusses the construction of the underlying data set, the modelling methodology, optimisation of fitted flux distributions and extrapolation of model outputs to cover a range of proton energies from 0.1 MeV to 1 GeV. The model provides outputs in terms of mission cumulative fluence, maximum event fluence and peak flux for both solar maximum and solar minimum periods. A new method for describing maximum event fluence and peak flux outputs in terms of 1-in-x-year SPEs is also described. SAPPHIRE proton model outputs are compared with previous models including CREME96, ESP-PSYCHIC and the JPL model. Low energy outputs are compared to SEP data from ACE/EPAM whilst high energy outputs are compared to a new model based on GLEs detected by Neutron Monitors (NMs).

Study of electrode slice forming of bicycle dynamo hub power connector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Dyi-Cheng; Jao, Chih-Hsuan

2013-12-01

Taiwan's bicycle industry has been an international reputation as bicycle kingdom, but the problem in the world makes global warming green energy rise, the development of electrode slice of hub dynamo and power output connector to bring new hope to bike industry. In this study connector power output to gather public opinion related to patent, basis of collected documents as basis for design, structural components in least drawn to power output with simple connector. Power output of this study objectives connector hope at least cost, structure strongest, highest efficiency in output performance characteristics such as use of computer-aided drawing software Solid works to establish power output connector parts of 3D model, the overall portfolio should be considered part types including assembly ideas, weather resistance, water resistance, corrosion resistance to vibration and power flow stability. Moreover the 3D model import computer-aided finite element analysis software simulation of expected the power output of the connector parts manufacturing process. A series of simulation analyses, in which the variables relied on first stage and second stage forming, were run to examine the effective stress, effective strain, press speed, and die radial load distribution when forming electrode slice of bicycle dynamo hub.

Acoustical and Perceptual Comparison of Noise Reduction and Compression in Hearing Aids

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brons, Inge; Houben, Rolph; Dreschler, Wouter A.

2015-01-01

Purpose: Noise reduction and dynamic-range compression are generally applied together in hearing aids but may have opposite effects on amplification. This study evaluated the acoustical and perceptual effects of separate and combined processing of noise reduction and compression. Design: Recordings of the output of 4 hearing aids for speech in…

A Guide to 1999-2000 SARs and ISIRs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Office of Postsecondary Education, Washington DC. Student Financial Assistance Programs.

This guide is intended to help financial aid administrators (FAAs) interpret student financial aid information that appears in the Student Aid Report (SAR), a paper output document sent to the student, or in an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR), which is an electronic record sent to the institution. The guide explains the codes and…

Electroacoustic Evaluation of Frequency-Modulated Receivers Interfaced with Personal Hearing Aids

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schafer, Erin C.; Thibodeau, Linda M.; Whalen, Holly S.; Overson, Gary J.

2007-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the electroacoustic outputs of frequency-modulated (FM) systems coupled to hearing aids. Method: Electroacoustic performance of FM systems coupled to hearing aids was determined for 3 FM receivers: body-worn with neck loop, ear-level nonprogrammable, and ear-level programmable. Systems were…

A Study of a Two Stage Maximum Power Point Tracking Control of a Photovoltaic System under Partially Shaded Insolation Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Kenji; Takano, Ichiro; Sawada, Yoshio

A photovoltaic array shows relatively low output power density, and has a greatly drooping Current-Voltage (I-V) characteristic. Therefore, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control is used to maximize the output power of the array. Many papers have been reported in relation to MPPT. However, the Current-Power (I-P) curve sometimes shows multi-local maximum points mode under non-uniform insolation conditions. The operating point of the PV system tends to converge to a local maximum output point which is not the real maximal output point on the I-P curve. Some papers have been also reported, trying to avoid this difficulty. However most of those control systems become rather complicated. Then, the two stage MPPT control method is proposed in this paper to realize a relatively simple control system which can track the real maximum power point even under non-uniform insolation conditions. The feasibility of this control concept is confirmed for steady insolation as well as for rapidly changing insolation by simulation study using software PSIM and LabVIEW. In addition, simulated experiment confirms fundament al operation of the two stage MPPT control.

A memory-mapped output interface: Omega navigation output data from the JOLT (TM) microcomputer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lilley, R. W.

1976-01-01

A hardware interface which allows both digital and analog data output from the JOLT microcomputer is described in the context of a software-based Omega Navigation receiver. The interface hardware described is designed for output of six (or eight with simple extensions) bits of binary output in response to a memory store command from the microcomputer. The interface was produced in breadboard form and is operational as an evaluation aid for the software Omega receiver.

New Perspectives on Assessing Amplification Effects

PubMed Central

Souza, Pamela E.; Tremblay, Kelly L.

2006-01-01

Clinicians have long been aware of the range of performance variability with hearing aids. Despite improvements in technology, there remain many instances of well-selected and appropriately fitted hearing aids whereby the user reports minimal improvement in speech understanding. This review presents a multistage framework for understanding how a hearing aid affects performance. Six stages are considered: (1) acoustic content of the signal, (2) modification of the signal by the hearing aid, (3) interaction between sound at the output of the hearing aid and the listener's ear, (4) integrity of the auditory system, (5) coding of available acoustic cues by the listener's auditory system, and (6) correct identification of the speech sound. Within this framework, this review describes methodology and research on 2 new assessment techniques: acoustic analysis of speech measured at the output of the hearing aid and auditory evoked potentials recorded while the listener wears hearing aids. Acoustic analysis topics include the relationship between conventional probe microphone tests and probe microphone measurements using speech, appropriate procedures for such tests, and assessment of signal-processing effects on speech acoustics and recognition. Auditory evoked potential topics include an overview of physiologic measures of speech processing and the effect of hearing loss and hearing aids on cortical auditory evoked potential measurements in response to speech. Finally, the clinical utility of these procedures is discussed. PMID:16959734

CMOS output buffer wave shaper

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Albertson, L.; Whitaker, S.; Merrell, R.

1990-01-01

As the switching speeds and densities of Digital CMOS integrated circuits continue to increase, output switching noise becomes more of a problem. A design technique which aids in the reduction of switching noise is reported. The output driver stage is analyzed through the use of an equivalent RLC circuit. The results of the analysis are used in the design of an output driver stage. A test circuit based on these techniques is being submitted to MOSIS for fabrication.

Design and optimization of a modal- independent linear ultrasonic motor.

PubMed

Zhou, Shengli; Yao, Zhiyuan

2014-03-01

To simplify the design of the linear ultrasonic motor (LUSM) and improve its output performance, a method of modal decoupling for LUSMs is proposed in this paper. The specific embodiment of this method is decoupling of the traditional LUSM stator's complex vibration into two simple vibrations, with each vibration implemented by one vibrator. Because the two vibrators are designed independently, their frequencies can be tuned independently and frequency consistency is easy to achieve. Thus, the method can simplify the design of the LUSM. Based on this method, a prototype modal- independent LUSM is designed and fabricated. The motor reaches its maximum thrust force of 47 N, maximum unloaded speed of 0.43 m/s, and maximum power of 7.85 W at applied voltage of 200 Vpp. The motor's structure is then optimized by controlling the difference between the two vibrators' resonance frequencies to reach larger output speed, thrust, and power. The optimized results show that when the frequency difference is 73 Hz, the output force, speed, and power reach their maximum values. At the input voltage of 200 Vpp, the motor reaches its maximum thrust force of 64.2 N, maximum unloaded speed of 0.76 m/s, maximum power of 17.4 W, maximum thrust-weight ratio of 23.7, and maximum efficiency of 39.6%.

Current responsive devices for synchronous generators

DOEpatents

Karlicek, Robert F.

1983-01-01

A device for detecting current imbalance between phases of a polyphase alternating current generator. A detector responds to the maximum peak current in the generator, and detecting means generates an output for each phase proportional to the peak current of each phase. Comparing means generates an output when the maximum peak current exceeds the phase peak current.

Techniques for Mapping Synthetic Aperture Radar Processing Algorithms to Multi-GPU Clusters

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-01

Experimental results were generated with 10 nVidia Tesla C2050 GPUs having maximum throughput of 972 Gflop /s. Our approach scales well for output...Experimental results were generated with 10 nVidia Tesla C2050 GPUs having maximum throughput of 972 Gflop /s. Our approach scales well for output

Electronic filters, repeated signal charge conversion apparatus, hearing aids and methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morley, Jr., Robert E. (Inventor); Engebretson, A. Maynard (Inventor); Engel, George L. (Inventor); Sullivan, Thomas J. (Inventor)

1993-01-01

An electronic filter for filtering an electrical signal. Signal processing circuitry therein includes a logarithmic filter having a series of filter stages with inputs and outputs in cascade and respective circuits associated with the filter stages for storing electrical representations of filter parameters. The filter stages include circuits for respectively adding the electrical representations of the filter parameters to the electrical signal to be filtered thereby producing a set of filter sum signals. At least one of the filter stages includes circuitry for producing a filter signal in substantially logarithmic form at its output by combining a filter sum signal for that filter stage with a signal from an output of another filter stage. The signal processing circuitry produces an intermediate output signal, and a multiplexer connected to the signal processing circuit multiplexes the intermediate output signal with the electrical signal to be filtered so that the logarithmic filter operates as both a logarithmic prefilter and a logarithmic postfilter. Other electronic filters, signal conversion apparatus, electroacoustic systems, hearing aids and methods are also disclosed.

Percutaneous versus transcutaneous bone conduction implant system: a feasibility study on a cadaver head.

PubMed

Håkansson, Bo; Eeg-Olofsson, Måns; Reinfeldt, Sabine; Stenfelt, Stefan; Granström, Gösta

2008-12-01

Percutaneous bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) is an important rehabilitation alternative for patients who have conductive or mixed hearing loss. However, these devices use a percutaneous and bone-anchored implant that has some drawbacks reported. A transcutaneous bone conduction implant system (BCI) is proposed as an alternative to the percutaneous system because it leaves the skin intact. The BCI transmits the signal to a permanently implanted transducer with an induction loop system through the intact skin. The aim of this study was to compare the electroacoustic performance of the BAHA Classic-300 with a full-scale BCI on a cadaver head in a sound field. The BCI comprised the audio processor of the vibrant sound bridge connected to a balanced vibration transducer (balanced electromagnetic separation transducer). Implants with snap abutments were placed in the parietal bone (Classic-300) and 15-mm deep in the temporal bone (BCI). The vibration responses at the ipsilateral and contralateral cochlear promontories were measured with a laser Doppler vibrometer, with the beam aimed through the ear canal. Results show that the BCI produces approximately 5 dB higher maximum output level and has a slightly lower distortion than the Classic-300 at the ipsilateral promontorium at speech frequencies. At the contralateral promontorium, the maximum output level was considerably lower for the BCI than for the Classic-300 except in the 1-2 kHz range, where it was similar. Present results support the proposal that a BCI system can be a realistic alternative to a BAHA.

A Development of Force Plate for Biomechanics Analysis of Standing and Walking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wardoyo, S.; Hutajulu, P. T.; Togibasa, O.

2016-08-01

Force plates are known as an excellent teaching aid to demonstrate the kinematics and dynamics of motion and commonly used in biomechanics laboratories to measure ground forces involved in the motion of human. It is consist of a metal plate with sensors attached to give an electrical output proportional to the force on the plate. Moreover, force plates are useful for examining the kinetic characteristics of an athlete's movement. They provide information about the external forces involved in movement that can aid a coach or sports scientist to quantitatively evaluate the athlete's skill development. In this study, we develop our prototype of force plate with less than 100,- simply by using flexible force transducer attached inside rubber matt, in the form of square blocks (dimension: 250 mm × 150 mm × 10 mm), with maximum load up to 60 kg. The handmade force plate was tested by applying biomechanics analysis for standing and walking. The testing was done on Experimental Soccer Courses’ students at the Department of Physical Education, Health and Recreation, University of Cenderawasih. The design of the force plate system together with biomechanics analysis will be discussed.

Current responsive devices for synchronous generators

DOEpatents

Karlicek, R.F.

1983-09-27

A device for detecting current imbalance between phases of a polyphase alternating current generator. A detector responds to the maximum peak current in the generator, and detecting means generates an output for each phase proportional to the peak current of each phase. Comparing means generates an output when the maximum peak current exceeds the phase peak current. 11 figs.

Application of a neural network as a potential aid in predicting NTF pump failure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rogers, James L.; Hill, Jeffrey S.; Lamarsh, William J., II; Bradley, David E.

1993-01-01

The National Transonic Facility has three centrifugal multi-stage pumps to supply liquid nitrogen to the wind tunnel. Pump reliability is critical to facility operation and test capability. A highly desirable goal is to be able to detect a pump rotating component problem as early as possible during normal operation and avoid serious damage to other pump components. If a problem is detected before serious damage occurs, the repair cost and downtime could be reduced significantly. A neural network-based tool was developed for monitoring pump performance and aiding in predicting pump failure. Once trained, neural networks can rapidly process many combinations of input values other than those used for training to approximate previously unknown output values. This neural network was applied to establish relationships among the critical frequencies and aid in predicting failures. Training pairs were developed from frequency scans from typical tunnel operations. After training, various combinations of critical pump frequencies were propagated through the neural network. The approximated output was used to create a contour plot depicting the relationships of the input frequencies to the output pump frequency.

Output levels of commercially available portable compact disc players and the potential risk to hearing.

PubMed

Fligor, Brian J; Cox, L Clarke

2004-12-01

To measure the sound levels generated by the headphones of commercially available portable compact disc players and provide hearing healthcare providers with safety guidelines based on a theoretical noise dose model. Using a Knowles Electronics Manikin for Acoustical Research and a personal computer, output levels across volume control settings were recorded from headphones driven by a standard signal (white noise) and compared with output levels from music samples of eight different genres. Many commercially available models from different manufacturers were investigated. Several different styles of headphones (insert, supra-aural, vertical, and circumaural) were used to determine if style of headphone influenced output level. Free-field equivalent sound pressure levels measured at maximum volume control setting ranged from 91 dBA to 121 dBA. Output levels varied across manufacturers and style of headphone, although generally the smaller the headphone, the higher the sound level for a given volume control setting. Specifically, in one manufacturer, insert earphones increased output level 7-9 dB, relative to the output from stock headphones included in the purchase of the CD player. In a few headphone-CD player combinations, peak sound pressure levels exceeded 130 dB SPL. Based on measured sound pressure levels across systems and the noise dose model recommended by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for protecting the occupational worker, a maximum permissible noise dose would typically be reached within 1 hr of listening with the volume control set to 70% of maximum gain using supra-aural headphones. Using headphones that resulted in boosting the output level (e.g., insert earphones used in this study) would significantly decrease the maximum safe volume control setting; this effect was unpredictable from one manufacturer to another. In the interest of providing a straightforward recommendation that should protect the hearing of the majority of consumers, reasonable guidelines would include a recommendation to limit headphone use to 1 hr or less per day if using supra-aural style headphones at a gain control setting of 60% of maximum.

Fiscal output data produce versatile graphic-numeric charts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Powell, R. W.; Romo, J. J.

1971-01-01

Refined computerized plotting system produces low-cost graphic-numeric charts that illustrate fiscal data on monthly incremental or cumulative basis, or both. Output is in the form of hard copy or microfilm, or visual-aid transparencies prepared from hard copy for rapid management status presentations.

Sea-Ice Conditions in the Norwegian, Barents, and White Seas

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-08-01

pack, aided by relatively warm water from the Murman coast current, would reduce the maximum ice thickness predicted by the equation used for...THICKNESS With the aid of the ice growth model in the appendix, it is pos- sible to relate the maximum ice thickness attained during a winter season to a...inserted merely to aid the reader in discerning differences between individual winter seasons. As was the case for the 12-month mean temperatures

Visual Speech-Training Aid for the Deaf

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Robert J.

1987-01-01

Teaching deaf to speak aided by electronic system provides striking colored, pictorial representation of sound; energy at different frequencies as function of time. Other modalities, such as nasality, intra-oral pressure, and lip-muscle contraction, pictorialized simultaneously. Use of standard components, including personal microcomputer, helps reduce cost below prior voice-training systems. Speech-training system, microphone output separated by filters into narrow frequency bands, changed into digital signals, formatted by computer, and displayed on television screen. Output from other sensors displayed simultaneously or screen split to allow sound produced by student to be compared with that of teacher.

Parametric design criteria of an updated thermoradiative cell operating at optimal states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xin; Peng, Wanli; Lin, Jian; Chen, Xiaohang; Chen, Jincan

2017-11-01

An updated mode of the thermoradiative cell (TRC) with sub-band gap and non-radiative losses is proposed, which can efficiently harvest moderate-temperature heat energy and convert a part of heat into electricity. It is found that when the TRC is operated between the heat source at 800 K and the environment at 300 K , its maximum power output density and efficiency can attain 1490 W m-2 and 27.2 % , respectively. Moreover, the effects of some key parameters including the band gap and voltage output on the performance of the TRC are discussed. The optimally working regions of the power density, efficiency, band gap, and voltage output are determined. The maximum efficiency and power output density of the TRC operated at different temperatures are calculated and compared with those of thermophotovoltaic cells (TPVCs) and thermionic energy converters (TECs), and consequently, it is revealed that the maximum efficiency of the TRC operated at the moderate-temperature range is much higher than that of the TEC or the TPVC and the maximum power output density of the TRC is larger than that of the TEC but smaller than that of the TPVC. Particularly, the TRC is manufactured more easily than the near-field TPVC possessing a nanoscale vacuum gap. The results obtained will be helpful for engineers to choose the semiconductor materials, design and manufacture TRCs, and control operative conditions.

The Effect of Valve Cooling upon Maximum Permissible Engine Output as Limited by Knock

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Munger, Maurice; Wilsted, H D; Mulcahy, B A

1942-01-01

A Wright GR-1820-G200 cylinder was tested over a wide range of fuel-air ratios at maximum permissible power output as limited by knock with three different degrees of valve cooling. The valves used were stock valves (solid inlet valve and hollow sodium-cooled exhaust valve), hollow valves with no coolant, and hollow valves with flowing water as a coolant. Curves showing the variation in maximum permissible values of inlet-air pressure, indicated mean effective pressure, cylinder charge, and indicated specific fuel consumption with change in fuel-air ratio and valve cooling are shown. The use of valves cooled by a stream of water passing through their hollow interiors permitted indicated mean effective pressures 10 percent higher than the mean effective pressures permissible with stock valves when the engine was operated with fuel-air ratios from 0.055 to 0.065. Operation of the engine with lean mixtures with uncooled hollow valves resulted in power output below the output obtained with the stock valves. The data show an increase in maximum permissible indicated mean effective pressure due to cooling the valves, which averages only 2.1 percent with fuel-air ratios from 0.075 to 0.105.

Optimization and Analysis of a U-Shaped Linear Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Motor Using Longitudinal Transducers

PubMed Central

Yu, Hongpeng; Quan, Qiquan; Tian, Xinqi; Li, He

2018-01-01

A novel U-shaped piezoelectric ultrasonic motor that mainly focused on miniaturization and high power density was proposed, fabricated, and tested in this work. The longitudinal vibrations of the transducers were excited to form the elliptical movements on the driving feet. Finite element method (FEM) was used for design and analysis. The resonance frequencies of the selected vibration modes were tuned to be very close to each other with modal analysis and the movement trajectories of the driving feet were gained with transient simulation. The vibration modes and the mechanical output abilities were tested to evaluate the proposed motor further by a prototype. The maximum output speed was tested to be 416 mm/s, the maximum thrust force was 21 N, and the maximum output power was 5.453 W under frequency of 29.52 kHz and voltage of 100 Vrms. The maximum output power density of the prototype reached 7.59 W/kg, which was even greater than a previous similar motor under the exciting voltage of 200 Vrms. The proposed motor showed great potential for linear driving of large thrust force and high power density. PMID:29518963

Optimization and Analysis of a U-Shaped Linear Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Motor Using Longitudinal Transducers.

PubMed

Yu, Hongpeng; Quan, Qiquan; Tian, Xinqi; Li, He

2018-03-07

A novel U-shaped piezoelectric ultrasonic motor that mainly focused on miniaturization and high power density was proposed, fabricated, and tested in this work. The longitudinal vibrations of the transducers were excited to form the elliptical movements on the driving feet. Finite element method (FEM) was used for design and analysis. The resonance frequencies of the selected vibration modes were tuned to be very close to each other with modal analysis and the movement trajectories of the driving feet were gained with transient simulation. The vibration modes and the mechanical output abilities were tested to evaluate the proposed motor further by a prototype. The maximum output speed was tested to be 416 mm/s, the maximum thrust force was 21 N, and the maximum output power was 5.453 W under frequency of 29.52 kHz and voltage of 100 V rms . The maximum output power density of the prototype reached 7.59 W/kg, which was even greater than a previous similar motor under the exciting voltage of 200 V rms . The proposed motor showed great potential for linear driving of large thrust force and high power density.

Power amplification in an isolated muscle–tendon unit is load dependent

PubMed Central

Sawicki, Gregory S.; Sheppard, Peter; Roberts, Thomas J.

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT During rapid movements, tendons can act like springs, temporarily storing work done by muscles and then releasing it to power body movements. For some activities, such as frog jumping, energy is released from tendon much more rapidly than it is stored, thus amplifying muscle power output. The period during which energy is loaded into a tendon by muscle work may be aided by a catch mechanism that restricts motion, but theoretical studies indicate that power can be amplified in a muscle–tendon load system even in the absence of a catch. To explore the limits of power amplification with and without a catch, we studied the bullfrog plantaris muscle–tendon during in vitro contractions. A novel servomotor controller allowed us to measure muscle–tendon unit (MTU) mechanical behavior during contractions against a variety of simulated inertial-gravitational loads, ranging from zero to 1× the peak isometric force of the muscle. Power output of the MTU system was load dependent and power amplification occurred only at intermediate loads, reaching ∼1.3× the peak isotonic power output of the muscle. With a simulated anatomical catch mechanism in place, the highest power amplification occurred at the lowest loads, with a maximum amplification of more than 4× peak isotonic muscle power. At higher loads, the benefits of a catch for MTU performance diminished sharply, suggesting that power amplification >2.5× may come at the expense of net mechanical work delivered to the load. PMID:26449973

47 CFR 15.115 - TV interface devices, including cable system terminal devices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... output terminal(s) of the device terminated by a resistance equal to the rated output impedance. The... ohms) matching the rated output impedance of the TV interface device, shall not exceed the following... during maximum amplitude peaks across a resistance (R in ohms) matching the rated output impedance of the...

47 CFR 15.115 - TV interface devices, including cable system terminal devices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... output terminal(s) of the device terminated by a resistance equal to the rated output impedance. The... ohms) matching the rated output impedance of the TV interface device, shall not exceed the following... during maximum amplitude peaks across a resistance (R in ohms) matching the rated output impedance of the...

Metamodeling Techniques to Aid in the Aggregation Process of Large Hierarchical Simulation Models

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-08-01

Level Outputs Campaign Level Model Campaign Level Outputs Aggregation Metamodeling Complexity (Spatial, Temporal, etc.) Others? Apply VRT (type......reduction, are called variance reduction techniques ( VRT ) [Law, 2006]. The implementation of some type of VRT can prove to be a very valuable tool

Disordered Nd:LuYSiO5 crystal lasers operating on the 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 and 4F3/2 → 4I13/2 transitions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Xiaofeng; Zhou, Zhiyong; Huang, Xiaoxu; Xu, Bin; Xu, Huiying; Cai, Zhiping; Xu, Xiaodong; Xu, Jun

2017-11-01

We report on diode-pumped disordered Nd:LuYSiO5 (Nd:LYSO) crystal lasers operating on the 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 and 4F3/2 → 4I 13/2 transitions. Simultaneous laser operation at 1074 and 1078 nm is achieved with maximum output power of 4.46 W and slope efficiency of 39.6%. Single wavelength laser at 1358 nm with maximum output power of 1.15 W and slope efficiency of 11.8% is also obtained. Moreover, four single-wavelength lasers at 1058, 1107, 1330 and 1386 nm with relatively low gains are achieved with maximum output powers of 2.72, 1.22, 0.52 and 0.42 W, respectively, for the first time to our knowledge. Lasing at non-traditional emission lines was obtained by using output couplers with dielectric coatings for specific wavelength ranges.

Efficiency at Maximum Power Output of a Quantum-Mechanical Brayton Cycle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Yuan; He, Ji-Zhou; Gao, Yong; Wang, Jian-Hui

2014-03-01

The performance in finite time of a quantum-mechanical Brayton engine cycle is discussed, without introduction of temperature. The engine model consists of two quantum isoenergetic and two quantum isobaric processes, and works with a single particle in a harmonic trap. Directly employing the finite-time thermodynamics, the efficiency at maximum power output is determined. Extending the harmonic trap to a power-law trap, we find that the efficiency at maximum power is independent of any parameter involved in the model, but depends on the confinement of the trapping potential.

Backward pumping kilowatt Yb3+-doped double-clad fiber laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Z. H.; Lin, X. C.; Hou, W.; Yu, H. J.; Zhou, S. Z.; Li, J. M.

2011-09-01

A ytterbium-doped double-clad fiber laser generating up to 1026 W of continuous-wave output power at 1085 nm with a slope efficiency of 74% by single-ended backward pumping configuration is reported. The core diameter was 20 μm with a low numerical aperture of 0.06, and a good beam quality (BPP < 1.8 mm mrad) is achieved without special mode selection methods. No undesirable roll-over was observed in output power with increasing pump power, and the maximum output power was limited by the available pump power. The instability of maximum output power was better than ±0.6%. Different pumping configurations were also compared in experiment, which shows good agreements with theoretical analyses.

Improved Drain Current Saturation and Voltage Gain in Graphene-on-Silicon Field Effect Transistors.

PubMed

Song, Seung Min; Bong, Jae Hoon; Hwang, Wan Sik; Cho, Byung Jin

2016-05-04

Graphene devices for radio frequency (RF) applications are of great interest due to their excellent carrier mobility and saturation velocity. However, the insufficient current saturation in graphene field effect transistors (FETs) is a barrier preventing enhancements of the maximum oscillation frequency and voltage gain, both of which should be improved for RF transistors. Achieving a high output resistance is therefore a crucial step for graphene to be utilized in RF applications. In the present study, we report high output resistances and voltage gains in graphene-on-silicon (GoS) FETs. This is achieved by utilizing bare silicon as a supporting substrate without an insulating layer under the graphene. The GoSFETs exhibit a maximum output resistance of 2.5 MΩ∙μm, maximum intrinsic voltage gain of 28 dB, and maximum voltage gain of 9 dB. This method opens a new route to overcome the limitations of conventional graphene-on-insulator (GoI) FETs and subsequently brings graphene electronics closer to practical usage.

Further results on the macroeconomic effects of AIDS: the dualistic, labor-surplus economy.

PubMed

Cuddington, J T

1993-09-01

Analyses by Cuddington in 1993 and forthcoming work from Cuddington and Hancock model the macroeconomic effects of the AIDS epidemic using a modified Solow growth model. This single-sector framework rests upon the assumption that labor and capital are always efficiently allocated throughout the economy with neither market failures nor policy-induced distortions resulting in resource misallocation. Economies in low-income developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa, however, are not operating at capacity. Impact models based upon the potential growth path of economies will therefore significantly overstate the effect of an AIDS epidemic. The author thus incorporates the presence of underemployment and dual labor markets to redress the limitations of these earlier impact models. The dual-economy simulations of the economic impact of AIDS using Tanzanian data suggest that the macroeconomic consequences of the epidemic are of the same order of magnitude as those obtained using a single-sector, full-employment model: gross domestic product (GDP) is 15-25% smaller by 2010 than it would have been without AIDS, and per capita GDP is 0-10% smaller. Output lost from AIDS in the dual-economy framework is approximately the same as the output gain achievable through policies designed to increase labor market flexibility. Findings suggest that serious economic reform in economies fraught with AIDS may lessen the negative economic effects of the epidemic.

Testing a Method for Quantifying the Output of Implantable Middle Ear Hearing Devices

PubMed Central

Rosowski, J.J.; Chien, W.; Ravicz, M.E.; Merchant, S.N.

2008-01-01

This report describes tests of a standard practice for quantifying the performance of implantable middle ear hearing devices (also known as implantable hearing aids). The standard and these tests were initiated by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States Government. The tests involved measurements on two hearing devices, one commercially available and the other home built, that were implanted into ears removed from human cadavers. The tests were conducted to investigate the utility of the practice and its outcome measures: the equivalent ear canal sound pressure transfer function that relates electrically driven middle ear velocities to the equivalent sound pressure needed to produce those velocities, and the maximum effective ear canal sound pressure. The practice calls for measurements in cadaveric ears in order to account for the varied anatomy and function of different human middle ears. PMID:17406105

Feature Extraction and Selection Strategies for Automated Target Recognition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greene, W. Nicholas; Zhang, Yuhan; Lu, Thomas T.; Chao, Tien-Hsin

2010-01-01

Several feature extraction and selection methods for an existing automatic target recognition (ATR) system using JPLs Grayscale Optical Correlator (GOC) and Optimal Trade-Off Maximum Average Correlation Height (OT-MACH) filter were tested using MATLAB. The ATR system is composed of three stages: a cursory region of-interest (ROI) search using the GOC and OT-MACH filter, a feature extraction and selection stage, and a final classification stage. Feature extraction and selection concerns transforming potential target data into more useful forms as well as selecting important subsets of that data which may aide in detection and classification. The strategies tested were built around two popular extraction methods: Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Independent Component Analysis (ICA). Performance was measured based on the classification accuracy and free-response receiver operating characteristic (FROC) output of a support vector machine(SVM) and a neural net (NN) classifier.

Feature extraction and selection strategies for automated target recognition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greene, W. Nicholas; Zhang, Yuhan; Lu, Thomas T.; Chao, Tien-Hsin

2010-04-01

Several feature extraction and selection methods for an existing automatic target recognition (ATR) system using JPLs Grayscale Optical Correlator (GOC) and Optimal Trade-Off Maximum Average Correlation Height (OT-MACH) filter were tested using MATLAB. The ATR system is composed of three stages: a cursory regionof- interest (ROI) search using the GOC and OT-MACH filter, a feature extraction and selection stage, and a final classification stage. Feature extraction and selection concerns transforming potential target data into more useful forms as well as selecting important subsets of that data which may aide in detection and classification. The strategies tested were built around two popular extraction methods: Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Independent Component Analysis (ICA). Performance was measured based on the classification accuracy and free-response receiver operating characteristic (FROC) output of a support vector machine(SVM) and a neural net (NN) classifier.

Middle Ear Effusion in Children: A Report of Treatment in 500 Cases

PubMed Central

Forquer, Brian D.; Linthicum, Fred H.

1982-01-01

Records were studied of 500 children younger than 9 years of age with middle ear effusion who had received one of three treatment strategies: (1) administration of medication, including decongestants, antihistamines or antibiotics (or a combination), (2) administration of medication for a limited time and then surgical therapy if effusion did not resolve or (3) myringotomy done immediately with insertion of ventilation tubes and, in some cases, removal of adenoids. Early surgical intervention resulted in significantly shorter delay in hearing restoration. It did not result in a lower recurrence rate and it did not reduce the number of occasions when thick fluid, as compared with thin fluid, was found at operation. Four children for whom medical and surgical treatment failed were considered candidates for mild gain, low maximum-power-output hearing aids. All other children had normal hearing after treatment. Medication was successful in achieving this goal in 48 percent of the cases. PMID:6184891

Yb:Y2O3 transparent ceramics processed with hot isostatic pressing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jun; Ma, Jie; Zhang, Jian; Liu, Peng; Luo, Dewei; Yin, Danlei; Tang, Dingyuan; Kong, Ling Bing

2017-09-01

Highly transparent 5 at.% Yb:Y2O3 ceramics were fabricated by using a combination method of vacuum sintering and hot isostatic pressing (HIP). Co-precipitated Yb:Y2O3 powders, with 1 at.% ZrO2 as the sintering aid, were used as the starting material. The Yb:Y2O3 ceramics, vacuum sintered at 1700 °C for 2 h and HIPed at 1775 °C for 4 h, exhibited small grain size of 1.9 μm and highly dense microstructure. In-line optical transmittance of the ceramics reached 83.4% and 78.9% at 2000 and 600 nm, respectively. As the ceramic slab was pumped by a fiber-coupled laser diode at about 940 nm, a maximum output power of 0.77 W at 1076 nm was achieved, with a corresponding slope efficiency of 10.6%.

AFB's Computerized Travel Aid: Two Years of Research and Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Uslan, Mark M.; And Others

1983-01-01

Progress on the computerized travel aid, an electronic device, using elements of the Polaroid Sonar Camera and a microprocessor, for visually handicapped persons is reviewed, and research on the effectiveness of various models noted. Recommended modifications touch on aspects of mounting, beam shape, and audible outputs. (CL)

Analytical aids in land management planning

Treesearch

David R. Betters

1978-01-01

Quantitative techniques may be applied to aid in completing various phases of land management planning. Analytical procedures which have been used include a procedure for public involvement, PUBLIC; a matrix information generator, MAGE5; an allocation procedure, linear programming (LP); and an input-output economic analysis (EA). These techniques have proven useful in...

South African child deaths 1990–2011: have HIV services reversed the trend enough to meet Millennium Development Goal 4?

PubMed Central

Kerber, Kate J.; Lawn, Joy E.; Johnson, Leigh F.; Mahy, Mary; Dorrington, Rob E.; Phillips, Heston; Bradshaw, Debbie; Nannan, Nadine; Msemburi, William; Oestergaard, Mikkel Z.; Walker, Neff P.; Sanders, David; Jackson, Debra

2013-01-01

Objective: To analyse trends in under-five mortality rate in South Africa (1990–2011), particularly the contribution of AIDS deaths. Methods: Three nationally used models for estimating AIDS deaths in children were systematically reviewed. The model outputs were compared with under-five mortality rate estimates for South Africa from two global estimation models. All estimates were compared with available empirical data. Results: Differences between the models resulted in varying point estimates for under-five mortality but the trends were similar, with mortality increasing to a peak around 2005. The three models showing the contribution of AIDS suggest a maximum of 37–39% of child deaths were due to AIDS in 2004–2005 which has since declined. Although the rate of progress from 1990 is not the 4.4% needed to meet Millennium Development Goal 4 for child survival, South Africa's average annual rate of under-five mortality decline between 2006 and 2011 was between 6.3 and 10.2%. Conclusion: In 2005, South Africa was one of only four countries globally with an under-five mortality rate higher than the 1990 Millennium Development Goal baseline. Over the past 5 years, the country has achieved a rate of child mortality reduction exceeded by only three other countries. This rapid turnaround is likely due to scale-up of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and to a lesser degree, the expanded roll-out of antiretroviral therapy. Emphasis on these programmes must continue, but failure to address other aspects of care including integrated high-quality maternal and neonatal care means that the decline in child mortality could stall. PMID:23863402

High performance monolithic power management system with dynamic maximum power point tracking for microbial fuel cells.

PubMed

Erbay, Celal; Carreon-Bautista, Salvador; Sanchez-Sinencio, Edgar; Han, Arum

2014-12-02

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) that can directly generate electricity from organic waste or biomass is a promising renewable and clean technology. However, low power and low voltage output of MFCs typically do not allow directly operating most electrical applications, whether it is supplementing electricity to wastewater treatment plants or for powering autonomous wireless sensor networks. Power management systems (PMSs) can overcome this limitation by boosting the MFC output voltage and managing the power for maximum efficiency. We present a monolithic low-power-consuming PMS integrated circuit (IC) chip capable of dynamic maximum power point tracking (MPPT) to maximize the extracted power from MFCs, regardless of the power and voltage fluctuations from MFCs over time. The proposed PMS continuously detects the maximum power point (MPP) of the MFC and matches the load impedance of the PMS for maximum efficiency. The system also operates autonomously by directly drawing power from the MFC itself without any external power. The overall system efficiency, defined as the ratio between input energy from the MFC and output energy stored into the supercapacitor of the PMS, was 30%. As a demonstration, the PMS connected to a 240 mL two-chamber MFC (generating 0.4 V and 512 μW at MPP) successfully powered a wireless temperature sensor that requires a voltage of 2.5 V and consumes power of 85 mW each time it transmit the sensor data, and successfully transmitted a sensor reading every 7.5 min. The PMS also efficiently managed the power output of a lower-power producing MFC, demonstrating that the PMS works efficiently at various MFC power output level.

Automotive Stirling Engine Development Program Mod I Stirling engine development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simetkosky, M. A.

1983-01-01

The development of the Mod I 4-cylinder automotive Stirling engine is discussed and illustrated with drawings, block diagrams, photographs, and graphs and tables of preliminary test data. The engine and its drive, cold-engine, hot-engine, external-heat, air/fuel, power-control, electronic-control, and auxiliary systems are characterized. Performance results from a total of 1900 h of tests on 4 prototype engines include average maximum efficiency (at 2000 rpm) 34.5 percent and maximum output power 54.4 kW. The modifications introduced in an upgraded version of the Mod I are explained; this engine has maximum efficiency 40.4 percent and maximum power output 69.2 kW.

Wind noise in hearing aids: I. Effect of wide dynamic range compression and modulation-based noise reduction.

PubMed

Chung, King

2012-01-01

The objectives of this study were: (1) to examine the effect of wide dynamic range compression (WDRC) and modulation-based noise reduction (NR) algorithms on wind noise levels at the hearing aid output; and (2) to derive effective strategies for clinicians and engineers to reduce wind noise in hearing aids. Three digital hearing aids were fitted to KEMAR. The noise output was recorded at flow velocities of 0, 4.5, 9.0, and 13.5 m/s in a wind tunnel as the KEMAR head was turned from 0° to 360°. Flow noise levels were compared between the 1:1 linear and 3:1 WDRC conditions, and between NR-activated and NR-deactivated conditions when the hearing aid was programmed to the directional and omnidirectional modes. The results showed that: (1) WDRC increased low-level noise and reduced high-level noise; and (2) different noise reduction algorithms provided different amounts of wind noise reduction in different microphone modes, frequency regions, flow velocities, and head angles. Wind noise can be reduced by decreasing the gain for low-level inputs, increasing the compression ratio for high-level inputs, and activating modulation-based noise reduction algorithms.

Diode-end-pumped Ho, Pr:LiLuF₄ bulk laser at 2.95  μm.

PubMed

Nie, Hongkun; Zhang, Peixiong; Zhang, Baitao; Yang, Kejian; Zhang, Lianhan; Li, Tao; Zhang, Shuaiyi; Xu, Jianqiu; Hang, Yin; He, Jingliang

2017-02-15

A diode-end-pumped continuous-wave (CW) and passively Q-switched Ho, Pr:LiLuF₄ (Ho, Pr:LLF) laser operation at 2.95 μm was demonstrated for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. The maximum CW output power was 172 mW. By using a monolayer graphene as the saturable absorber, the passively Q-switched operation was realized, in which regimes with the highest output power, the shortest pulse duration, and the maximum repetition rate were determined to be 88 mW, 937.5 ns, and 55.7 kHz, respectively. The laser beam quality factor M² at the maximum CW output power were measured to be Mx2=1.48 and My2=1.47.

Design of DSP-based high-power digital solar array simulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yang; Liu, Zhilong; Tong, Weichao; Feng, Jian; Ji, Yibo

2013-12-01

To satisfy rigid performance specifications, a feedback control was presented for zoom optical lens plants. With the increasing of global energy consumption, research of the photovoltaic(PV) systems get more and more attention. Research of the digital high-power solar array simulator provides technical support for high-power grid-connected PV systems research.This paper introduces a design scheme of the high-power digital solar array simulator based on TMS320F28335. A DC-DC full-bridge topology was used in the system's main circuit. The switching frequency of IGBT is 25kHz.Maximum output voltage is 900V. Maximum output current is 20A. Simulator can be pre-stored solar panel IV curves.The curve is composed of 128 discrete points .When the system was running, the main circuit voltage and current values was feedback to the DSP by the voltage and current sensors in real-time. Through incremental PI,DSP control the simulator in the closed-loop control system. Experimental data show that Simulator output voltage and current follow a preset solar panels IV curve. In connection with the formation of high-power inverter, the system becomes gridconnected PV system. The inverter can find the simulator's maximum power point and the output power can be stabilized at the maximum power point (MPP).

Nonlinear phase noise tolerance for coherent optical systems using soft-decision-aided ML carrier phase estimation enhanced with constellation partitioning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yan; Wu, Mingwei; Du, Xinwei; Xu, Zhuoran; Gurusamy, Mohan; Yu, Changyuan; Kam, Pooi-Yuen

2018-02-01

A novel soft-decision-aided maximum likelihood (SDA-ML) carrier phase estimation method and its simplified version, the decision-aided and soft-decision-aided maximum likelihood (DA-SDA-ML) methods are tested in a nonlinear phase noise-dominant channel. The numerical performance results show that both the SDA-ML and DA-SDA-ML methods outperform the conventional DA-ML in systems with constant-amplitude modulation formats. In addition, modified algorithms based on constellation partitioning are proposed. With partitioning, the modified SDA-ML and DA-SDA-ML are shown to be useful for compensating the nonlinear phase noise in multi-level modulation systems.

Input-output characterization of fiber reinforced composites by P waves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Renneisen, John D.; Williams, James H., Jr.

1990-01-01

Input-output characterization of fiber composites is studied theoretically by tracing P waves in the media. A new path motion to aid in the tracing of P and the reflection generated SV wave paths in the continuum plate is developed. A theoretical output voltage from the receiving transducer is calculated for a tone burst. The study enhances the quantitative and qualitative understanding of the nondestructive evaluation of fiber composites which can be modeled as transversely isotropic media.

Microprocessor control of multiple peak power tracking DC/DC converters for use with solar cell arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frederick, Martin E. (Inventor); Jermakian, Joel (Inventor)

1991-01-01

A method and an apparatus is provided for efficiently controlling the power output of a solar cell array string or a plurality of solar cell array strings to achieve a maximum amount of output power from the strings under varying conditions of use. Maximum power output from a solar array string is achieved through control of a pulse width modulated DC/DC buck converter which transfers power from a solar array to a load or battery bus. The input voltage from the solar array to the converter is controlled by a pulse width modulation duty cycle, which in turn is controlled by a differential signal controller. By periodically adjusting the control voltage up or down by a small amount and comparing the power on the load or bus with that generated at different voltage values a maximum power output voltage may be obtained. The system is totally modular and additional solar array strings may be added to the system simply by adding converter boards to the system and changing some constants in the controller's control routines.

Hearing aid malfunction detection system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kessinger, R. L. (Inventor)

1977-01-01

A malfunction detection system for detecting malfunctions in electrical signal processing circuits is disclosed. Malfunctions of a hearing aid in the form of frequency distortion and/or inadequate amplification by the hearing aid amplifier, as well as weakening of the hearing aid power supply are detectable. A test signal is generated and a timed switching circuit periodically applies the test signal to the input of the hearing aid amplifier in place of the input signal from the microphone. The resulting amplifier output is compared with the input test signal used as a reference signal. The hearing aid battery voltage is also periodically compared to a reference voltage. Deviations from the references beyond preset limits cause a warning system to operate.

Ultralow-quiescent-current and wide-load-range low-dropout linear regulator with self-biasing technique for micropower battery management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozaki, Toshihiro; Hirose, Tetsuya; Asano, Hiroki; Kuroki, Nobutaka; Numa, Masahiro

2017-04-01

In this paper, we present a 151 nA quiescent and 6.8 mA maximum-output-current low-dropout (LDO) linear regulator for micropower battery management. The LDO regulator employs self-biasing and multiple-stacked cascode techniques to achieve efficient, accurate, and high-voltage-input-tolerant operation. Measurement results demonstrated that the proposed LDO regulator operates with an ultralow quiescent current of 151 nA. The maximum output currents with a 4.16 V output were 1.0 and 6.8 mA when the input voltages were 4.25 and 5.0 V, respectively.

Analysis of recruitment and industrial human resources management for optimal productivity in the presence of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

PubMed

Okosun, Kazeem O; Makinde, Oluwole D; Takaidza, Isaac

2013-01-01

The aim of this paper is to analyze the recruitment effects of susceptible and infected individuals in order to assess the productivity of an organizational labor force in the presence of HIV/AIDS with preventive and HAART treatment measures in enhancing the workforce output. We consider constant controls as well as time-dependent controls. In the constant control case, we calculate the basic reproduction number and investigate the existence and stability of equilibria. The model is found to exhibit backward and Hopf bifurcations, implying that for the disease to be eradicated, the basic reproductive number must be below a critical value of less than one. We also investigate, by calculating sensitivity indices, the sensitivity of the basic reproductive number to the model's parameters. In the time-dependent control case, we use Pontryagin's maximum principle to derive necessary conditions for the optimal control of the disease. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to illustrate the analytical results. The cost-effectiveness analysis results show that optimal efforts on recruitment (HIV screening of applicants, etc.) is not the most cost-effective strategy to enhance productivity in the organizational labor force. Hence, to enhance employees' productivity, effective education programs and strict adherence to preventive measures should be promoted.

30 CFR 7.66 - Output energy test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... MINING PRODUCTS TESTING BY APPLICANT OR THIRD PARTY Multiple-Shot Blasting Units § 7.66 Output energy... load between 3 ohms and the maximum blasting circuit resistance. (3) One ohm. (b) Acceptable...

30 CFR 7.66 - Output energy test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... MINING PRODUCTS TESTING BY APPLICANT OR THIRD PARTY Multiple-Shot Blasting Units § 7.66 Output energy... load between 3 ohms and the maximum blasting circuit resistance. (3) One ohm. (b) Acceptable...

30 CFR 7.66 - Output energy test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... MINING PRODUCTS TESTING BY APPLICANT OR THIRD PARTY Multiple-Shot Blasting Units § 7.66 Output energy... load between 3 ohms and the maximum blasting circuit resistance. (3) One ohm. (b) Acceptable...

30 CFR 7.66 - Output energy test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... MINING PRODUCTS TESTING BY APPLICANT OR THIRD PARTY Multiple-Shot Blasting Units § 7.66 Output energy... load between 3 ohms and the maximum blasting circuit resistance. (3) One ohm. (b) Acceptable...

30 CFR 7.66 - Output energy test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... MINING PRODUCTS TESTING BY APPLICANT OR THIRD PARTY Multiple-Shot Blasting Units § 7.66 Output energy... load between 3 ohms and the maximum blasting circuit resistance. (3) One ohm. (b) Acceptable...

Improved Drain Current Saturation and Voltage Gain in Graphene–on–Silicon Field Effect Transistors

PubMed Central

Song, Seung Min; Bong, Jae Hoon; Hwang, Wan Sik; Cho, Byung Jin

2016-01-01

Graphene devices for radio frequency (RF) applications are of great interest due to their excellent carrier mobility and saturation velocity. However, the insufficient current saturation in graphene field effect transistors (FETs) is a barrier preventing enhancements of the maximum oscillation frequency and voltage gain, both of which should be improved for RF transistors. Achieving a high output resistance is therefore a crucial step for graphene to be utilized in RF applications. In the present study, we report high output resistances and voltage gains in graphene-on-silicon (GoS) FETs. This is achieved by utilizing bare silicon as a supporting substrate without an insulating layer under the graphene. The GoSFETs exhibit a maximum output resistance of 2.5 MΩ∙μm, maximum intrinsic voltage gain of 28 dB, and maximum voltage gain of 9 dB. This method opens a new route to overcome the limitations of conventional graphene-on-insulator (GoI) FETs and subsequently brings graphene electronics closer to practical usage. PMID:27142861

The Design of an Interactive Data Retrieval System for Casual Users.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Radhakrishnan, T.; And Others

1982-01-01

Describes an interactive data retrieval system which was designed and implemented for casual users and which incorporates a user-friendly interface, aids to train beginners in use of the system, versatility in output, and error recovery protocols. A 14-item reference list and two figures illustrating system operation and output are included. (JL)

Ranking Hearing Aid Input-Output Functions for Understanding Low-, Conversational-, and High-Level Speech in Multitalker Babble

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chung, King; Killion, Mead C.; Christensen, Laurel A.

2007-01-01

Purpose: To determine the rankings of 6 input-output functions for understanding low-level, conversational, and high-level speech in multitalker babble without manipulating volume control for listeners with normal hearing, flat sensorineural hearing loss, and mildly sloping sensorineural hearing loss. Method: Peak clipping, compression limiting,…

Compairing Picture Exchange and Voice Output Communication Aids in Young Children with Autism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lorah, Elizabeth R.

2012-01-01

The Center for Disease Control estimates that one in 88 births result in a diagnosis of autism (CDC, 2012). Of those individuals diagnosed with autism approximately 25-61% fail to develop vocal output capabilities (Weitxz, Dexter, & Moore, 1997). The use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, such as Picture Exchange (PE)…

Scalable Hierarchical Network Management System for Displaying Network Information in Three Dimensions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

George, Jude (Inventor); Schlecht, Leslie (Inventor); McCabe, James D. (Inventor); LeKashman, John Jr. (Inventor)

1998-01-01

A network management system has SNMP agents distributed at one or more sites, an input output module at each site, and a server module located at a selected site for communicating with input output modules, each of which is configured for both SNMP and HNMP communications. The server module is configured exclusively for HNMP communications, and it communicates with each input output module according to the HNMP. Non-iconified, informationally complete views are provided of network elements to aid in network management.

High-power narrow-linewidth quasi-CW diode-pumped TEM00 1064 nm Nd:YAG ring laser.

PubMed

Liu, Yuan; Wang, Bao-shan; Xie, Shi-yong; Bo, Yong; Wang, Peng-yuan; Zuo, Jun-wei; Xu, Yi-ting; Xu, Jia-lin; Peng, Qin-jun; Cui, Da-fu; Xu, Zu-yan

2012-04-01

We demonstrated a high average power, narrow-linewidth, quasi-CW diode-pumped Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser with near-diffraction-limited beam quality. A symmetrical three-mirror ring cavity with unidirectional operation elements and an etalon was employed to realize the narrow-linewidth laser output. Two highly efficient laser modules and a 90° quartz rotator for birefringence compensation were used for the high output power. The maximum average output power of 62.5 W with the beam quality factor M(2) of 1.15 was achieved under a pump power of 216 W at a repetition rate of 500 Hz, corresponding to the optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 28.9%. The linewidth of the laser at the maximum output power was measured to be less than 0.2 GHz.

Muscle power output properties using the stretch-shortening cycle of the upper limb and their relationships with a one-repetition maximum bench press.

PubMed

Miyaguchi, Kazuyoshi; Demura, Shinichi

2006-05-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the output properties of muscle power by the dominant upper limb using SSC, and the relationships between the power output by SSC and a one-repetition maximum bench press (1 RM BP) used as a strength indicator of the upper body. Sixteen male athletes (21.4+/-0.9 yr) participated in this study. They pulled a load of 40% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) at a stretch by elbow flexion of the dominant upper limb in the following three preliminary conditions: static relaxed muscle state (SR condition), isometric muscle contraction state (ISO condition), and using SSC (SSC condition). The velocity with a wire load via a pulley during elbow flexion was measured accurately using a power instrument with a rotary encoder, and the muscle power curve was drawn from the product of the velocity and load. Significant differences were found among all evaluation parameters of muscle power exerted from the above three conditions and the parameters regarding early power output during concentric contraction were larger in the SSC condition than the SR and ISO conditions. The parameters on initial muscle contraction velocity when only using SSC significantly correlated with 1 RM BP (r=0.60-0.62). The use of SSC before powerful elbow flexion may contribute largely to early explosive power output during concentric contraction. Bench press capacity relates to a development of the above early power output when using SSC.

Study the Output Characteristics of a 90 kJ Filippove-Type Plasma Focus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadat Kiai, S. M.; Talaei, A.; Adlparvar, S.; Zirak, A.; Elahi, M.; Safarian, A.; Farhangi, S.; Alhooie, S.; Dabirzadeh, A. A.; Khalaj, M. M.; Mahlooji, M. S.; Talaei, M.; KaKaei, S.; Sheibani, S.; Kashani, A.; Zahedi, F.

2010-08-01

The output characteristics of a Filippove-Type plasma focus "Dena" (288 μF, 25 kV, 90 kJ) is numerically investigated by considering the voltage, current, current derivative, and maximum current as a function of capacitor bank energy in the constant Argon gas pressure and compared to the experiment. It is shown that increase on the bank energy leads to the increment on the maximum current and decrement on the pinch time.

Clostridium beijerinckii mutant obtained atmospheric pressure glow discharge generates enhanced electricity in a microbial fuel cell.

PubMed

Liu, Jun; Guo, Ting; Wang, Dong; Ying, Hanjie

2015-01-01

A Clostridium beijerinckii mutant M13 was derived from C. beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 by atmospheric pressure glow discharge. C. beijerinckii M13 generated a maximum output power density of 79.2 mW m(-2) and a maximum output voltage of 230 mV in a microbial fuel cell containing 1 g glucose l(-1) as carbon source and 0.15 g methyl viologen l(-1) as an electron carrier.

Dynamic impedance compensation for wireless power transfer using conjugate power

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Suqi; Tan, Jianping; Wen, Xue

2018-02-01

Wireless power transfer (WPT) via coupled magnetic resonances has been in development for over a decade. However, the frequency splitting phenomenon occurs in the over-coupled region. Thus, the output power of the two-coil system achieves the maximum output power at the two splitting angular frequencies, and not at the natural resonant angular frequency. According to the maximum power transfer theorem, the impedance compensation method was adopted in many WPT projects. However, it remains a challenge to achieve the maximum output power and transmission efficiency in a fixed-frequency mode. In this study, dynamic impedance compensation for WPT was presented by utilizing the compensator within a virtual three-coil WPT system. First, the circuit model was established and transfer characteristics of a system were studied by utilizing circuit theories. Second, the power superposition of the WPT system was carefully researched. When a pair of compensating coils was inserted into the transmitter loop, the conjugate power of the compensator loop was created via magnetic coupling of the two compensating coils that insert into the transmitter loop. The mechanism for dynamic impedance compensation for wireless power transfer was then provided by investigating a virtual three-coil WPT system. Finally, the experimental circuit of a virtual three-coil WPT system was designed, and experimental results are consistent with the theoretical analysis, which achieves the maximum output power and transmission efficiency.

A user-friendly model for spray drying to aid pharmaceutical product development.

PubMed

Grasmeijer, Niels; de Waard, Hans; Hinrichs, Wouter L J; Frijlink, Henderik W

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to develop a user-friendly model for spray drying that can aid in the development of a pharmaceutical product, by shifting from a trial-and-error towards a quality-by-design approach. To achieve this, a spray dryer model was developed in commercial and open source spreadsheet software. The output of the model was first fitted to the experimental output of a Büchi B-290 spray dryer and subsequently validated. The predicted outlet temperatures of the spray dryer model matched the experimental values very well over the entire range of spray dryer settings that were tested. Finally, the model was applied to produce glassy sugars by spray drying, an often used excipient in formulations of biopharmaceuticals. For the production of glassy sugars, the model was extended to predict the relative humidity at the outlet, which is not measured in the spray dryer by default. This extended model was then successfully used to predict whether specific settings were suitable for producing glassy trehalose and inulin by spray drying. In conclusion, a spray dryer model was developed that is able to predict the output parameters of the spray drying process. The model can aid the development of spray dried pharmaceutical products by shifting from a trial-and-error towards a quality-by-design approach.

LD-pumped actively Q-switched c-cut Nd:GdVO4 self-Raman laser operating at 1166 and 1176 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Xinzhi; Zhang, Xihe; Li, Shutao; Dong, Yuan

2017-12-01

A laser diode pumped actively Q-switched c-cut Nd:GdVO4 self-Raman laser is experimentally investigated. Simultaneous pulse outputs at 1166 nm and 1176 nm corresponding to the Raman shifts of 807 and 882 cm-1 are acquired. At the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of 20 kHz, the maximum output power is 103 mW at 1166 nm with the incident pump power of 2.31 W, while 1176 nm output power reaches 530 mW with the incident pump power of 4.11 W. The maximum output power of Raman laser is 570 mW with the incident pump power of 4.11 W and the PRF of 30 kHz. With the incident pump power of 3.67 W and the PRF of 30 kHz, the highest diode-to-Stokes optical conversion efficiency of 14.9% is obtained with the corresponding average output power of 547 mW.

Determinants of mobile phone output power in a multinational study: implications for exposure assessment.

PubMed

Vrijheid, M; Mann, S; Vecchia, P; Wiart, J; Taki, M; Ardoino, L; Armstrong, B K; Auvinen, A; Bédard, D; Berg-Beckhoff, G; Brown, J; Chetrit, A; Collatz-Christensen, H; Combalot, E; Cook, A; Deltour, I; Feychting, M; Giles, G G; Hepworth, S J; Hours, M; Iavarone, I; Johansen, C; Krewski, D; Kurttio, P; Lagorio, S; Lönn, S; McBride, M; Montestrucq, L; Parslow, R C; Sadetzki, S; Schüz, J; Tynes, T; Woodward, A; Cardis, E

2009-10-01

The output power of a mobile phone is directly related to its radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic field strength, and may theoretically vary substantially in different networks and phone use circumstances due to power control technologies. To improve indices of RF exposure for epidemiological studies, we assessed determinants of mobile phone output power in a multinational study. More than 500 volunteers in 12 countries used Global System for Mobile communications software-modified phones (GSM SMPs) for approximately 1 month each. The SMPs recorded date, time, and duration of each call, and the frequency band and output power at fixed sampling intervals throughout each call. Questionnaires provided information on the typical circumstances of an individual's phone use. Linear regression models were used to analyse the influence of possible explanatory variables on the average output power and the percentage call time at maximum power for each call. Measurements of over 60,000 phone calls showed that the average output power was approximately 50% of the maximum, and that output power varied by a factor of up to 2 to 3 between study centres and network operators. Maximum power was used during a considerable proportion of call time (39% on average). Output power decreased with increasing call duration, but showed little variation in relation to reported frequency of use while in a moving vehicle or inside buildings. Higher output powers for rural compared with urban use of the SMP were observed principally in Sweden where the study covered very sparsely populated areas. Average power levels are substantially higher than the minimum levels theoretically achievable in GSM networks. Exposure indices could be improved by accounting for average power levels of different telecommunications systems. There appears to be little value in gathering information on circumstances of phone use other than use in very sparsely populated regions.

Bombesin and G-17 dose responses in duodenal ulcer and controls.

PubMed

Hirschowitz, B I; Tim, L O; Helman, C A; Molina, E

1985-11-01

Gastric acid and pepsin secretion and serum gastrin concentrations were measured in nine patients with uncomplicated duodenal ulcer (DU) and 10 normal controls in the fasting state and in response to graded doses of bombesin, a tetradecapeptide gastrin releaser, and, for reference, synthetic gastrin G-17. Serum gastrin with bombesin stimulation was significantly greater in duodenal ulcer (maximum 467 pg/ml) than in controls (153 pg/ml), while in seven of the DU group tested gastrin levels after a meal were not different from that seen in five of the normal controls. Gastric acid concentrations and outputs were greater in duodenal ulcer with both stimuli. Secretory responses were then related to serum gastrin levels; despite increasing gastrin levels with bombesin stimulation, peak outputs achieved with bombesin were only 50% of G-17 maximum in normals and up to 90% of maximum in duodenal ulcer. Up to the point of peak response to bombesin, acid and pepsin outputs were the same with exogenous and endogenous gastrin, ie, bombesin acted only via G-17. Furthermore, in direct comparison of duodenal ulcer and normals with G-17 infusion, acid and pepsin outputs related to serum gastrin were congruent up to 75% of duodenal ulcer maximum, at which point normals reached their maximum level. These data have shown that duodenal ulcer patients are not more sensitive to either exogenous or endogenous gastrin; we have also shown regulatory defects in duodenal ulcer patients not previously described: an exaggerated release of gastrin with bombesin stimulation, and a defective inhibition of acid and pepsin secretion with higher doses of bombesin.

Ultimate high power operation of 9xx-nm single emitter broad stripe laser diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaifuchi, Yoshikazu; Yamagata, Yuji; Nogawa, Ryozaburo; Morohashi, Rintaro; Yamada, Yumi; Yamaguchi, Masayuki

2017-02-01

Design optimization of single emitter broad stripe 9xx-nm laser diodes was studied to achieve ultimate high power and high efficiency operation for a use in fiber laser pumping and other industrial applications. We tuned laser vertical layer design and stripe width in terms of optical confinement as well as electrical resistance. As a result, newly designed LDs with 4mm-long cavity and 220 μm-wide stripe successfully demonstrate maximum CW output power as high as 33 W and high efficiency operation of more than 60 % PCE even at 27 W output power. In pulse measurement, the maximum output of 68 W was obtained.

Output of skeletal muscle contractions. a study of isokinetic plantar flexion in athletes.

PubMed

Fugl-Meyer, A R; Mild, K H; Hörnsten, J

1982-06-01

Maximum torques, total work and mean power of isokinetic plantar flexions were measured with simultaneous registrations. The integrated electromyograms (iEMG) were obtained by surface electrodes from all three heads of the m. triceps surae. The method applied offers possibilities for adequate description of dynamic muscular work which in the case of plantar flexion in trained man declines as a negative exponential function of angular motion velocity. The decline is parallel to that of maximum torques. The summed triceps surae iEMG was inversely proportional to the velocity and direct proportional to time suggesting that structural rather than neural factors determine the relationships between velocity of angular motion and maximum torque/total work of single Mmaneuvers. Moreover, the fact that maximum mean power as well as maximum electrical efficiency were reached at the functional velocity of toe-off during gait suggests an influence of pragmatic demands on plantar flexion mechanical output.

Risk assessment of precipitation extremes in northern Xinjiang, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jun; Pei, Ying; Zhang, Yanwei; Ge, Quansheng

2018-05-01

This study was conducted using daily precipitation records gathered at 37 meteorological stations in northern Xinjiang, China, from 1961 to 2010. We used the extreme value theory model, generalized extreme value (GEV) and generalized Pareto distribution (GPD), statistical distribution function to fit outputs of precipitation extremes with different return periods to estimate risks of precipitation extremes and diagnose aridity-humidity environmental variation and corresponding spatial patterns in northern Xinjiang. Spatiotemporal patterns of daily maximum precipitation showed that aridity-humidity conditions of northern Xinjiang could be well represented by the return periods of the precipitation data. Indices of daily maximum precipitation were effective in the prediction of floods in the study area. By analyzing future projections of daily maximum precipitation (2, 5, 10, 30, 50, and 100 years), we conclude that the flood risk will gradually increase in northern Xinjiang. GEV extreme value modeling yielded the best results, proving to be extremely valuable. Through example analysis for extreme precipitation models, the GEV statistical model was superior in terms of favorable analog extreme precipitation. The GPD model calculation results reflect annual precipitation. For most of the estimated sites' 2 and 5-year T for precipitation levels, GPD results were slightly greater than GEV results. The study found that extreme precipitation reaching a certain limit value level will cause a flood disaster. Therefore, predicting future extreme precipitation may aid warnings of flood disaster. A suitable policy concerning effective water resource management is thus urgently required.

Efficiency at maximum power output of linear irreversible Carnot-like heat engines.

PubMed

Wang, Yang; Tu, Z C

2012-01-01

The efficiency at maximum power output of linear irreversible Carnot-like heat engines is investigated based on the assumption that the rate of irreversible entropy production of the working substance in each "isothermal" process is a quadratic form of the heat exchange rate between the working substance and the reservoir. It is found that the maximum power output corresponds to minimizing the irreversible entropy production in two isothermal processes of the Carnot-like cycle, and that the efficiency at maximum power output has the form η(mP)=η(C)/(2-γη(C)), where η(C) is the Carnot efficiency, while γ depends on the heat transfer coefficients between the working substance and two reservoirs. The value of η(mP) is bounded between η(-)≡η(C)/2 and η(+)≡η(C)/(2-η(C)). These results are consistent with those obtained by Chen and Yan [J. Chem. Phys. 90, 3740 (1989)] based on the endoreversible assumption, those obtained by Esposito et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 105, 150603 (2010)] based on the low-dissipation assumption, and those obtained by Schmiedl and Seifert [Europhys. Lett. 81, 20003 (2008)] for stochastic heat engines which in fact also satisfy the low-dissipation assumption. Additionally, we find that the endoreversible assumption happens to hold for Carnot-like heat engines operating at the maximum power output based on our fundamental assumption, and that the Carnot-like heat engines that we focused on do not strictly satisfy the low-dissipation assumption, which implies that the low-dissipation assumption or our fundamental assumption is a sufficient but non-necessary condition for the validity of η(mP)=η(C)/(2-γη(C)) as well as the existence of two bounds, η(-)≡η(C)/2 and η(+)≡η(C)/(2-η(C)). © 2012 American Physical Society

Efficiency at maximum power output of linear irreversible Carnot-like heat engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yang; Tu, Z. C.

2012-01-01

The efficiency at maximum power output of linear irreversible Carnot-like heat engines is investigated based on the assumption that the rate of irreversible entropy production of the working substance in each “isothermal” process is a quadratic form of the heat exchange rate between the working substance and the reservoir. It is found that the maximum power output corresponds to minimizing the irreversible entropy production in two isothermal processes of the Carnot-like cycle, and that the efficiency at maximum power output has the form ηmP=ηC/(2-γηC), where ηC is the Carnot efficiency, while γ depends on the heat transfer coefficients between the working substance and two reservoirs. The value of ηmP is bounded between η-≡ηC/2 and η+≡ηC/(2-ηC). These results are consistent with those obtained by Chen and Yan [J. Chem. Phys.JCPSA60021-960610.1063/1.455832 90, 3740 (1989)] based on the endoreversible assumption, those obtained by Esposito [Phys. Rev. Lett.PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.105.150603 105, 150603 (2010)] based on the low-dissipation assumption, and those obtained by Schmiedl and Seifert [Europhys. Lett.EULEEJ0295-507510.1209/0295-5075/81/20003 81, 20003 (2008)] for stochastic heat engines which in fact also satisfy the low-dissipation assumption. Additionally, we find that the endoreversible assumption happens to hold for Carnot-like heat engines operating at the maximum power output based on our fundamental assumption, and that the Carnot-like heat engines that we focused on do not strictly satisfy the low-dissipation assumption, which implies that the low-dissipation assumption or our fundamental assumption is a sufficient but non-necessary condition for the validity of ηmP=ηC/(2-γηC) as well as the existence of two bounds, η-≡ηC/2 and η+≡ηC/(2-ηC).

Computer Aided Wirewrap Interconnect.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-11-01

ECLI (180 MHz System Clock Generated via Ring Oscillator) Clock Waveform: Synchronous Phase 0 Output Binary Counter: Power Plane Noie: (Loaded) LSB...LOGIC (ECL) (185 MHz System Clock Generated via Ring Oscillator) Clock Woveform Synchronous Phase 0 Output Binary Counter- Power Plane Voise (Loaded...High Speed .. ......... . 98 Clock Signals Into Logic Panels in a Multiboard System On-Eoard Clock Distribution Via Fanout .... ......... 102 Through

A voice-input voice-output communication aid for people with severe speech impairment.

PubMed

Hawley, Mark S; Cunningham, Stuart P; Green, Phil D; Enderby, Pam; Palmer, Rebecca; Sehgal, Siddharth; O'Neill, Peter

2013-01-01

A new form of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device for people with severe speech impairment-the voice-input voice-output communication aid (VIVOCA)-is described. The VIVOCA recognizes the disordered speech of the user and builds messages, which are converted into synthetic speech. System development was carried out employing user-centered design and development methods, which identified and refined key requirements for the device. A novel methodology for building small vocabulary, speaker-dependent automatic speech recognizers with reduced amounts of training data, was applied. Experiments showed that this method is successful in generating good recognition performance (mean accuracy 96%) on highly disordered speech, even when recognition perplexity is increased. The selected message-building technique traded off various factors including speed of message construction and range of available message outputs. The VIVOCA was evaluated in a field trial by individuals with moderate to severe dysarthria and confirmed that they can make use of the device to produce intelligible speech output from disordered speech input. The trial highlighted some issues which limit the performance and usability of the device when applied in real usage situations, with mean recognition accuracy of 67% in these circumstances. These limitations will be addressed in future work.

SEE Transient Response of Crane Interpoint Single Output Point of Load DC-DC Converters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanders, Anthony B.; Chen, Dakai; Kim, Hak S.; Phan, Anthony M.

2011-01-01

This study was undertaken to determine the single event effect and transient susceptibility of the Crane Interpoint Maximum Flexible Power (MFP) Single Output Point of Load DC/DC Converters for transient interruptions in the output signal and for destructive and non destructive events induced by exposing it to a heavy ion beam..

Fire Resistant Fuel for Military Compression Ignition Engines

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-04

Turbo Diesel Maximum Power Output Figure 5. 6.5L Turbo Diesel Maximum Torque Output 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200...H2O & 250ppm) JP8-FRF AMA (5% H2O & 250ppm) UNCLASSIFIED 9 UNCLASSIFIED Figure 6. 6.5L Turbo Diesel Brake Specific Fuel Consumption From...mid-1980s, fire-resistant diesel fuel that self extinguished when ignited by an explosive projectile was developed. Chemically, this fire resistant

Maltodextrin-powered enzymatic fuel cell through a non-natural enzymatic pathway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Zhiguang; Wang, Yiran; Minteer, Shelley D.; Percival Zhang, Y.-H.

Enzymatic fuel cells (EFCs) use a variety of fuels to generate electricity through oxidoreductase enzymes, such as oxidases or dehydrogenases, as catalysts on electrodes. We have developed a novel synthetic enzymatic pathway containing two free enzymes (maltodextrin phosphorylase and phosphoglucomutase) and one immobilized glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase that can utilize an oligomeric substrate maltodextrin for producing electrons mediated via a diaphorase and vitamin K 3 electron shuttle system. Three different enzyme immobilization approaches were compared based on electrostatic force entrapment, chemical cross-linking, and cross-linking with the aid of carbon nanotubes. At 10 mM glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) as a substrate concentration, the maximum power density of 0.06 mW cm -2 and retaining 42% of power output after 11 days were obtained through the method of chemical cross-linking with carbon nanotubes, approximately 6-fold and 3.5-fold better than those of the electrostatic force-based method, respectively. When changed to maltodextrin (degree of polymerization = 19) as the substrate, the EFC achieved a maximum power density of 0.085 mW cm -2. With the advantages of stable, low cost, high energy density, non-inhibitor to enzymes, and environmental friendly, maltodextrin is suggested to be an ideal fuel to power enzymatic fuel cells.

HIV research productivity and structural factors associated with HIV research output in European Union countries: a bibliometric analysis.

PubMed

Uusküla, A; Toompere, K; Laisaar, K T; Rosenthal, M; Pürjer, M L; Knellwolf, A; Läärä, E; Des Jarlais, D C

2015-02-03

To assess HIV/AIDS research productivity in the 27 countries of the European Union (EU), and the structural level factors associated with levels of HIV/AIDS research productivity. A bibliometric analysis was conducted with systematic search methods used to locate HIV/AIDS research publications (period of 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2011; search databases: MEDLINE (Ovid, PubMed), EMBASE, ISI-Thomson Web of Science; no language restrictions). The publication rate (number of HIV/AIDS research publications per million population in 10 years) and the rate of articles published in HIV/AIDS journals and selected journals with moderate to very high (IF ≥3) 5-year impact factors were used as markers for HIV research productivity. A negative binomial regression model was fitted to assess the impact of structural level factors (sociodemographic, health, HIV prevalence and research/development indicators) associated with the variation in HIV research productivity. The total numbers of HIV/AIDS research publications in 2002-2011 by country ranged from 7 to 9128 (median 319). The median publication rate (per million population in 10 years) was 45 (range 5-150) for all publications. Across all countries, 16% of the HIV/AIDS research was published in HIV/AIDS journals and 7% in selected journals with IF ≥3. Indicators describing economic (gross domestic product), demographic (size of the population) and epidemiological (HIV prevalence) conditions as well as overall scientific activity (total research output) in a country were positively associated with HIV research productivity. HIV research productivity varies noticeably across EU countries, and this variation is associated with recognisable structural factors. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Factors affecting the use and perceived benefit of ITE and BTE hearing aids.

PubMed

Baumfield, A; Dillon, H

2001-08-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate factors that might affect hearing aid use, satisfaction and perceived benefit. A further aim was to look at which variables affect the choice of hearing aid, in particular, an in-the-ear (ITE) versus a behind-the-ear (BTE) device. Twenty-nine elderly hearing-impaired people with a mild-to-moderate hearing loss were fitted with both an ITE and a BTE hearing aid with similar electroacoustic performance. Both hearing aids were linear with output compression limiting and were fitted in a randomized order. After wearing each device for a six-week period, subj ets were asked to select the hearing aid they preferred. Variables significantly related to hearing aid choice, use and perceived benefit included ease of management, accuracy with which the NAL-R insertion gain target was achieved, earmould comfort and the type of hearing aid the client preferred initially.

Hypochlorhydria and hypergastrinaemia in rheumatoid arthritis.

PubMed Central

de Witte, T J; Geerdink, P J; Lamers, C B; Boerbooms, A M; van der Korst, J K

1979-01-01

In order to evaluate the incidence and aetiology of hypergastrinaemia 53 patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis were examined for gastric acid secretion, fasting serum gastrin concentration, circulating parietal cell antibodies, and some parameters of the activity of inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis. The basal and maximum acid output was found to be subnormal in this group (P less than 0.01), and in 11 of these patients (23%) the fasting serum gastrin levels were raised (P less than 0.05). This hypergastrinaemia correlated strongly with maximum acid output. Only in cases of achlorhydria or hypochlorhydria (maximum acid output less than 2 mmol/l) was the serum gastrin level markedly raised. Two out of 5 patients with achlorhydria were found to have circulating parietal cell antibodies, and 1 had decreased absorption of vitamin B12. No relationship was found between serum gastrin and duration or activity of rheumatoid arthritis; nor was there a relationship between basal serum gastrin and the various antirheumatic drugs administered. PMID:434940

Determination of Strength Exercise Intensities Based on the Load-Power-Velocity Relationship

PubMed Central

Jandačka, Daniel; Beremlijski, Petr

2011-01-01

The velocity of movement and applied load affect the production of mechanical power output and subsequently the extent of the adaptation stimulus in strength exercises. We do not know of any known function describing the relationship of power and velocity and load in the bench press exercise. The objective of the study is to find a function modeling of the relationship of relative velocity, relative load and mechanical power output for the bench press exercise and to determine the intensity zones of the exercise for specifically focused strength training of soccer players. Fifteen highly trained soccer players at the start of a competition period were studied. The subjects of study performed bench presses with the load of 0, 10, 30, 50, 70 and 90% of the predetermined one repetition maximum with maximum possible speed of movement. The mean measured power and velocity for each load (kg) were used to develop a multiple linear regression function which describes the quadratic relationship between the ratio of power (W) to maximum power (W) and the ratios of the load (kg) to one repetition maximum (kg) and the velocity (m•s−1) to maximal velocity (m•s−1). The quadratic function of two variables that modeled the searched relationship explained 74% of measured values in the acceleration phase and 75% of measured values from the entire extent of the positive power movement in the lift. The optimal load for reaching maximum power output suitable for the dynamics effort strength training was 40% of one repetition maximum, while the optimal mean velocity would be 75% of maximal velocity. Moreover, four zones: maximum power, maximum velocity, velocity-power and strength-power were determined on the basis of the regression function. PMID:23486484

Determination of strength exercise intensities based on the load-power-velocity relationship.

PubMed

Jandačka, Daniel; Beremlijski, Petr

2011-06-01

The velocity of movement and applied load affect the production of mechanical power output and subsequently the extent of the adaptation stimulus in strength exercises. We do not know of any known function describing the relationship of power and velocity and load in the bench press exercise. The objective of the study is to find a function modeling of the relationship of relative velocity, relative load and mechanical power output for the bench press exercise and to determine the intensity zones of the exercise for specifically focused strength training of soccer players. Fifteen highly trained soccer players at the start of a competition period were studied. The subjects of study performed bench presses with the load of 0, 10, 30, 50, 70 and 90% of the predetermined one repetition maximum with maximum possible speed of movement. The mean measured power and velocity for each load (kg) were used to develop a multiple linear regression function which describes the quadratic relationship between the ratio of power (W) to maximum power (W) and the ratios of the load (kg) to one repetition maximum (kg) and the velocity (m•s(-1)) to maximal velocity (m•s(-1)). The quadratic function of two variables that modeled the searched relationship explained 74% of measured values in the acceleration phase and 75% of measured values from the entire extent of the positive power movement in the lift. The optimal load for reaching maximum power output suitable for the dynamics effort strength training was 40% of one repetition maximum, while the optimal mean velocity would be 75% of maximal velocity. Moreover, four zones: maximum power, maximum velocity, velocity-power and strength-power were determined on the basis of the regression function.

A Hybrid Maximum Power Point Tracking Method for Automobile Exhaust Thermoelectric Generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quan, Rui; Zhou, Wei; Yang, Guangyou; Quan, Shuhai

2017-05-01

To make full use of the maximum output power of automobile exhaust thermoelectric generator (AETEG) based on Bi2Te3 thermoelectric modules (TEMs), taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of existing maximum power point tracking methods, and according to the output characteristics of TEMs, a hybrid maximum power point tracking method combining perturb and observe (P&O) algorithm, quadratic interpolation and constant voltage tracking method was put forward in this paper. Firstly, it searched the maximum power point with P&O algorithms and a quadratic interpolation method, then, it forced the AETEG to work at its maximum power point with constant voltage tracking. A synchronous buck converter and controller were implemented in the electric bus of the AETEG applied in a military sports utility vehicle, and the whole system was modeled and simulated with a MATLAB/Simulink environment. Simulation results demonstrate that the maximum output power of the AETEG based on the proposed hybrid method is increased by about 3.0% and 3.7% compared with that using only the P&O algorithm and the quadratic interpolation method, respectively. The shorter tracking time is only 1.4 s, which is reduced by half compared with that of the P&O algorithm and quadratic interpolation method, respectively. The experimental results demonstrate that the tracked maximum power is approximately equal to the real value using the proposed hybrid method,and it can preferentially deal with the voltage fluctuation of the AETEG with only P&O algorithm, and resolve the issue that its working point can barely be adjusted only with constant voltage tracking when the operation conditions change.

40 CFR Appendix A to Subpart E of... - Tables

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... torque output N · m Power output kW Air inlet temperature °C Air humidity mg/kg Coolant temperature... rated speed Engine torque as a percentage of maximum torque at rated speed Mode weighting factor 1 100...

Single-mode oscillation of a diode-pumped Nd:YAG microchip laser at 1835 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lan, Jinglong; Cui, Qin; Wang, Yi; Xu, Bin; Xu, Huiying; Cai, Zhiping

2016-10-01

Single-mode oscillation of a diode-pumped conventional Nd:YAG laser at 1835 nm is demonstrated, for the first time to our knowledge, in the form of microchip configuration. The achieved maximum output power reaches 189 mW with slope efficiency of about 5.5% with respect to absorbed pump power. The laser spectra are measured with linewidth less than 0.08 nm indicating a single longitudinal mode. The output laser beam is also measured to be near diffraction-limited with M2 factors of about 1.2 and 1.5 in x and y directions. Using a mechanical chopper with 50% duty cycle, the maximum output power is improved to 253 mW with slope efficiency of about 9.7%.

A self-powered piezoelectric energy harvesting interface circuit with efficiency-enhanced P-SSHI rectifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Lianxi; Pang, Yanbo; Yuan, Wenzhi; Zhu, Zhangming; Yang, Yintang

2018-04-01

The key to self-powered technique is initiative to harvest energy from the surrounding environment. Harvesting energy from an ambient vibration source utilizing piezoelectrics emerged as a popular method. Efficient interface circuits become the main limitations of existing energy harvesting techniques. In this paper, an interface circuit for piezoelectric energy harvesting is presented. An active full bridge rectifier is adopted to improve the power efficiency by reducing the conduction loss on the rectifying path. A parallel synchronized switch harvesting on inductor (P-SSHI) technique is used to improve the power extraction capability from piezoelectric harvester, thereby trying to reach the theoretical maximum output power. An intermittent power management unit (IPMU) and an output capacitor-less low drop regulator (LDO) are also introduced. Active diodes (AD) instead of traditional passive ones are used to reduce the voltage loss over the rectifier, which results in a good power efficiency. The IPMU with hysteresis comparator ensures the interface circuit has a large transient output power by limiting the output voltage ranges from 2.2 to 2 V. The design is fabricated in a SMIC 0.18 μm CMOS technology. Simulation results show that the flipping efficiency of the P-SSHI circuit is over 80% with an off-chip inductor value of 820 μH. The output power the proposed rectifier can obtain is 44.4 μW, which is 6.7× improvement compared to the maximum output power of a traditional rectifier. Both the active diodes and the P-SSHI help to improve the output power of the proposed rectifier. LDO outputs a voltage of 1.8 V with the maximum 90% power efficiency. The proposed P-SSHI rectifier interface circuit can be self-powered without the need for additional power supply. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 61574103, U1709218) and the Key Research and Development Program of Shaanxi Province (No. 2017ZDXM-GY-006).

Effects of vest loading on sprint kinetics and kinematics.

PubMed

Cross, Matt R; Brughelli, Matt E; Cronin, John B

2014-07-01

The effects of vest loading on sprint kinetics and kinematics during the acceleration and maximum velocity phases of sprinting are relatively unknown. A repeated measures analysis of variance with post hoc contrasts was used to determine whether performing 6-second maximal exertion sprints on a nonmotorized force treadmill, under 2 weighted vest loading conditions (9 and 18 kg) and an unloaded baseline condition, affected the sprint mechanics of 13 males from varying sporting backgrounds. Neither vest load promoted significant change in peak vertical ground reaction force (GRF-z) outputs compared with baseline during acceleration, and only 18-kg loading increased GRF-z at the maximum velocity (8.8%; effect size [ES] = 0.70). The mean GRF-z significantly increased with 18-kg loading during acceleration and maximum velocity (11.8-12.4%; ES = 1.17-1.33). Horizontal force output was unaffected, although horizontal power was decreased with the 18-kg vest during maximum velocity (-14.3%; ES = -0.48). Kinematic analysis revealed decreasing velocity (-3.6 to -5.6%; ES = -0.38 to -0.61), decreasing step length (-4.2%; ES = -0.33 to -0.34), increasing contact time (5.9-10.0%; ES = 1.01-1.71), and decreasing flight time (-17.4 to -26.7%; ES = -0.89 to -1.50) with increased loading. As a vertical vector-training stimulus, it seems that vest loading decreases flight time, which in turn reduces GRF-z. Furthermore, it seems that heavier loads than that are traditionally recommended are needed to promote increases in the GRF-z output during maximum velocity sprinting. Finally, vest loading offers little as a horizontal vector-training stimulus and actually compromises horizontal power output.

Sum frequency mixing of copper vapor laser output in KDP and beta-BBO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coutts, D. W.; Ainsworth, M. D.; Piper, J. A.

1989-09-01

Generation at 271 nm by frequency summing the two copper vapor laser (CVL) output wavelengths (at 511 and 578 nm) in beta-BBO and KDP is reported. A maximum sum frequency output of 100 mW was obtained for 6.8 W total pump power from a CVL operating with a fully unstable (M = 16) confocal cavity.

An optimal design of magnetostrictive material (MsM) based energy harvester

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Jingzhen; Yuan, Fuh-Gwo; Xu, Fujun; Huang, Alex Q.

2010-04-01

In this study, an optimal vibration-based energy harvesting system using magnetostrictive material (MsM) has been designed to power the Wireless Intelligent Sensor Platform (WISP), developed at North Carolina State University. A linear MsM energy harvesting device has been modeled and optimized to maximize the power output. The effects of number of MsM layers and glue layers, and load matching on the output power of the MsM energy harvester have been analyzed. From the measurement, the open circuit voltage can reach 1.5 V when the MsM cantilever beam operates at the 2nd natural frequency 324 Hz. The AC output power is 0.97 mW, giving power density 279 μW/cm3. Since the MsM device has low open circuit output voltage characteristics, a full-wave quadrupler has been designed to boost the rectified output voltage. To deliver the maximum output power to the load, a complex conjugate impedance matching between the load and the MsM device has been implemented using a discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) buck-boost converter. The maximum output power after the voltage quadrupler is now 705 μW and power density reduces to 202.4 μW/cm3, which is comparable to the piezoelectric energy harvesters given in the literature. The output power delivered to a lithium rechargeable battery is around 630 μW, independent of the load resistance.

Decision Support for Transportation Planning in Joint COA Development.

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-06-01

COA generation is interwoven with COA evaluation. SOCAP demonstrates its ability to aid in feasibility estimation by producing output for the Dynamic...Analysis and Replanning Tool (DART) transportation feasibility estimator. The output of SOCAP is first used by an intermediate Force Module Enhancer...and Requirements Generator (FMERG), which elaborates the major force list produced by SOCAP in order to add supporting units and their transportation

Monte Carlo ray-tracing simulations of luminescent solar concentrators for building integrated photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leow, Shin Woei; Corrado, Carley; Osborn, Melissa; Carter, Sue A.

2013-09-01

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) have the ability to receive light from a wide range of angles, concentrating the captured light onto small photo active areas. This enables greater incorporation of LSCs into building designs as windows, skylights and wall claddings in addition to rooftop installations of current solar panels. Using relatively cheap luminescent dyes and acrylic waveguides to effect light concentration onto lesser photovoltaic (PV) cells, there is potential for this technology to approach grid price parity. We employ a panel design in which the front facing PV cells collect both direct and concentrated light ensuring a gain factor greater than one. This also allows for flexibility in determining the placement and percentage coverage of PV cells during the design process to balance reabsorption losses against the power output and level of light concentration desired. To aid in design optimization, a Monte-Carlo ray tracing program was developed to study the transport of photons and loss mechanisms in LSC panels. The program imports measured absorption/emission spectra and transmission coefficients as simulation parameters with interactions of photons in the panel determined by comparing calculated probabilities with random number generators. LSC panels with multiple dyes or layers can also be simulated. Analysis of the results reveals optimal panel dimensions and PV cell layouts for maximum power output for a given dye concentration, absorbtion/emission spectrum and quantum efficiency.

A User-Friendly Model for Spray Drying to Aid Pharmaceutical Product Development

PubMed Central

Grasmeijer, Niels; de Waard, Hans; Hinrichs, Wouter L. J.; Frijlink, Henderik W.

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to develop a user-friendly model for spray drying that can aid in the development of a pharmaceutical product, by shifting from a trial-and-error towards a quality-by-design approach. To achieve this, a spray dryer model was developed in commercial and open source spreadsheet software. The output of the model was first fitted to the experimental output of a Büchi B-290 spray dryer and subsequently validated. The predicted outlet temperatures of the spray dryer model matched the experimental values very well over the entire range of spray dryer settings that were tested. Finally, the model was applied to produce glassy sugars by spray drying, an often used excipient in formulations of biopharmaceuticals. For the production of glassy sugars, the model was extended to predict the relative humidity at the outlet, which is not measured in the spray dryer by default. This extended model was then successfully used to predict whether specific settings were suitable for producing glassy trehalose and inulin by spray drying. In conclusion, a spray dryer model was developed that is able to predict the output parameters of the spray drying process. The model can aid the development of spray dried pharmaceutical products by shifting from a trial-and-error towards a quality-by-design approach. PMID:24040240

Eddy Current Method for Fatigue Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simpson, John W. (Inventor); Fulton, James P. (Inventor); Wincheski, Russell A. (Inventor); Todhunter, Ronald G. (Inventor); Namkung, Min (Inventor); Nath, Shridhar C. (Inventor)

1997-01-01

Flux-focusing electromagnetic sensor using a ferromagnetic flux-focusing lens simplifies inspections and increases detectability of fatigue cracks and material loss in high conductivity material. A ferrous shield isolates a high-turn pick-up coil from an excitation coil. Use of the magnetic shield produces a null voltage output across the receiving coil in presence of an unflawed sample. Redistribution of the current flow in the sample caused by the presence of flaws. eliminates the shielding condition and a large output voltage is produced, yielding a clear unambiguous flaw signal. Maximum sensor output is obtained when positioned symmetrically above the crack. By obtaining position of maximum sensor output, it is possible to track the fault and locate the area surrounding its tip. Accuracy of tip location is enhanced by two unique features of the sensor; a very high signal-to-noise ratio of the probe's output resulting in an extremely smooth signal peak across the fault, and a rapidly decaying sensor output outside a small area surrounding the crack tip enabling the search region to be clearly defined. Under low frequency operation, material thinning due to corrosion causes incomplete shielding of the pick-up coil. Low frequency output voltage of the probe is therefore a direct indicator of thickness of the test sample. Fatigue testing a conductive material is accomplished by applying load to the material, applying current to the sensor, scanning the material with the sensor, monitoring the sensor output signal, adjusting material load based on the sensor output signal of the sensor, and adjusting position of the sensor based on its output signal.

Transformer Industry Productivity Slows.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Otto, Phyllis Flohr

1981-01-01

Annual productivity increases averaged 2.4 percent during 1963-79, slowing since 1972 to 1.5 percent; computer-assisted design and product standardization aided growth in output per employee-hour. (Author)

Computer aided stress analysis of long bones utilizing computer tomography

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

Marom, S.A.

1986-01-01

A computer aided analysis method, utilizing computed tomography (CT) has been developed, which together with a finite element program determines the stress-displacement pattern in a long bone section. The CT data file provides the geometry, the density and the material properties for the generated finite element model. A three-dimensional finite element model of a tibial shaft is automatically generated from the CT file by a pre-processing procedure for a finite element program. The developed pre-processor includes an edge detection algorithm which determines the boundaries of the reconstructed cross-sectional images of the scanned bone. A mesh generation procedure than automatically generatesmore » a three-dimensional mesh of a user-selected refinement. The elastic properties needed for the stress analysis are individually determined for each model element using the radiographic density (CT number) of each pixel with the elemental borders. The elastic modulus is determined from the CT radiographic density by using an empirical relationship from the literature. The generated finite element model, together with applied loads, determined from existing gait analysis and initial displacements, comprise a formatted input for the SAP IV finite element program. The output of this program, stresses and displacements at the model elements and nodes, are sorted and displayed by a developed post-processor to provide maximum and minimum values at selected locations in the model.« less

Combined 1.06- and 1.32-um Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of rectosigmoideal tumors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horak, Ladislav; Fanta, J.; Marek, Jan

1993-07-01

Since January 1988 we have been using the combined Nd:YAG laser Medicalas. The laser operates on the wavelength of 1.06 micrometers with maximum output power of 100 W, and a wavelength of 1.32 micrometers with maximum output power of 30 W. Introduction of the laser into clinical practice was preceded by experimental operation, where we verified the interaction of laser emittance on both wavelengths with the tissues of colon, stomach, esophagus, and open surgery of the abdominal and thoracic cavities.

An energy harvesting type ultrasonic motor.

PubMed

Wang, Guangqing; Xu, Wentan; Gao, Shuaishuai; Yang, Binqiang; Lu, Guoli

2017-03-01

An energy harvesting type ultrasonic motor is presented in this work. The novel motor not only can drive and/or position the motion mechanism, but also can harvest and convert the vibration-induced energy of the stator into electric energy to power small electronic devices. In the new motor, the stator is a sandwich structure of two PZT rings and an elastic metal body. The PZT ring bonded on the bottom surface is used to excite the stator metal body to generate a traveling wave with converse piezoelectric effect, and the other PZT ring bonded on top surface is used to harvest and convert the vibration-induced energy of the stator into electric energy with direct piezoelectric effect. Finite element method is adopted to analyze the vibration characteristics and the energetic characteristic. After the fabrication of a prototype, the mechanical output and electric energy output abilities are measured. The maximum no-load speed and maximum output torque of the prototype are 117rpm and 0.65Nm at an exciting voltage with amplitude of 134 V p-p and frequency of 40kHz, and the maximum harvesting output power of per sector area of the harvesting PZT is 327mW under an optimal equivalent load resistance of 6.9kΩ. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

650-nm-band high-power and highly reliable laser diodes with a window-mirror structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shima, Akihiro; Hironaka, Misao; Ono, Ken-ichi; Takemi, Masayoshi; Sakamoto, Yoshifumi; Kunitsugu, Yasuhiro; Yamashita, Koji

1998-05-01

An active layer structure with 658 nm-emission at 25 degrees Celsius has been optimized in order to reduce the operating current of the laser diodes (LD) under high temperature condition. For improvement of the maximum output power and the reliability limited by mirror degradation, we have applied a zinc-diffused-type window-mirror structure which prevents the optical absorption at the mirror facet. As a result, the CW output power of 50 mW is obtained even at 80 degrees Celsius for a 650 micrometer-long window-mirror LD. In addition, the maximum light output power over 150 mW at 25 degrees Celsius has been realized without any optical mirror damage. In the aging tests, the LDs have been operating for over 2,500 - 5,000 hours under the CW condition of 30 - 50 mW at 60 degrees Celsius. The window-mirror structure also enables reliable 60 degree Celsius, 30 mW, CW operation of the LDs with 651 nm- emission at 25 degrees Celsius. Moreover, the maximum output power of around 100 mW even at 80 degrees Celsius and reliable 2,000-hour operation at 60 degrees Celsius, 70 mW have been realized for the first time by 659 nm LDs with a long cavity length of 900 micrometers.

Dynamic performance of maximum power point tracking circuits using sinusoidal extremum seeking control for photovoltaic generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leyva, R.; Artillan, P.; Cabal, C.; Estibals, B.; Alonso, C.

2011-04-01

The article studies the dynamic performance of a family of maximum power point tracking circuits used for photovoltaic generation. It revisits the sinusoidal extremum seeking control (ESC) technique which can be considered as a particular subgroup of the Perturb and Observe algorithms. The sinusoidal ESC technique consists of adding a small sinusoidal disturbance to the input and processing the perturbed output to drive the operating point at its maximum. The output processing involves a synchronous multiplication and a filtering stage. The filter instance determines the dynamic performance of the MPPT based on sinusoidal ESC principle. The approach uses the well-known root-locus method to give insight about damping degree and settlement time of maximum-seeking waveforms. This article shows the transient waveforms in three different filter instances to illustrate the approach. Finally, an experimental prototype corroborates the dynamic analysis.

A fiber-laser-pumped four-wavelength continuous-wave mid-infrared optical parametric oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Peng; Shang, Yaping; Li, Xiao; Xu, Xiaojun

2017-10-01

In this paper, a four-wavelength continuous-wave mid-infrared optical parametric oscillator was demonstrated for the first time. The pump source was a home-built linearly polarized Yb-doped fiber laser and the maximum output power was 72.5 W. The pump source had three central wavelengths locating at 1060 nm, 1065 nm and 1080 nm. Four idler emissions with different wavelengths were generated which were 3132 nm, 3171 nm, 3310 nm and 3349 nm under the maximum pump power. The maximum idler output reached 8.7 W, indicating a 15% pump-to-idler slope efficiency. The signal wave generated in the experiment had two wavelengths which were 1595 nm and 1603 nm under the maximum pump power. It was analyzed that four nonlinear progresses occurred in the experiment, two of them being optical parametric oscillation and the rest two being intracavity difference frequency generation.

Inexpensive Meter for Total Solar Radiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Laue, E. G.

1987-01-01

Pyranometer containing solar cells measures combined intensity of direct light from Sun and diffuse light from sky. Instrument includes polyethylene dome that diffuses entering light so output of light detectors does not vary significantly with changing angle of Sun during day. Not to be calibrated for response of each detector to Sun angle, and sensor outputs not corrected separately before summed and integrated. Aids in deciding on proper time to harvest crops.

Computer Aided Deflection Measurement of an Aircraft Wing.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-09-01

force the wing to oscillate at a given frequency and compare the output characteristics to the inputs. This second method allows for more extensive tests...34 ’ .:. ... :.: ..-. ’ . .... ? .? ’ * .". . . ".. . % .. " . ,-..,...-.. . " compare the resulting output oscillations to the input forces. This would...the wing’s performance when new and provide a measuring point against which future tests can be compared after the aircraft has been in service. While

Program Aids In Printing FORTRAN-Coded Output

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Akian, Richard A.

1993-01-01

FORPRINT computer program prints FORTRAN-coded output files on most non-Postscript printers with such extra features as control of fonts for Epson and Hewlett Packard printers. Rewrites data to printer and inserts correct printer-control codes. Alternative uses include ability to separate data or ASCII file during printing by use of editing software to insert "1" in first column of data line that starts new page. Written in FORTRAN 77.

High-energy terahertz wave parametric oscillator with a surface-emitted ring-cavity configuration.

PubMed

Yang, Zhen; Wang, Yuye; Xu, Degang; Xu, Wentao; Duan, Pan; Yan, Chao; Tang, Longhuang; Yao, Jianquan

2016-05-15

A surface-emitted ring-cavity terahertz (THz) wave parametric oscillator has been demonstrated for high-energy THz output and fast frequency tuning in a wide frequency range. Through the special optical design with a galvano-optical scanner and four-mirror ring-cavity structure, the maximum THz wave output energy of 12.9 μJ/pulse is achieved at 1.359 THz under the pump energy of 172.8 mJ. The fast THz frequency tuning in the range of 0.7-2.8 THz can be accessed with the step response of 600 μs. Moreover, the maximum THz wave output energy from this configuration is 3.29 times as large as that obtained from the conventional surface-emitted THz wave parametric oscillator with the same experimental conditions.

Closed Loop solar array-ion thruster system with power control circuitry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gruber, R. P. (Inventor)

1979-01-01

A power control circuit connected between a solar array and an ion thruster receives voltage and current signals from the solar array. The control circuit multiplies the voltage and current signals together to produce a power signal which is differentiated with respect to time. The differentiator output is detected by a zero crossing detector and, after suitable shaping, the detector output is phase compared with a clock in a phase demodulator. An integrator receives no output from the phase demodulator when the operating point is at the maximum power but is driven toward the maximum power point for non-optimum operation. A ramp generator provides minor variations in the beam current reference signal produced by the integrator in order to obtain the first derivative of power.

Nd3+-doped soft glass double-clad fibers with a hexagonal inner cladding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Longfei; He, Dongbing; Hu, Lili; Chen, Danping

2015-04-01

The stack-and-draw technique was used to fabricate Nd3+-doped silicate and phosphate glass double-clad step-index fibers with a non-circular inner cladding. For the silicate fiber, a maximum output power of 7.7 W was obtained from a 94 cm fiber. An output power of 1.25 W was also realized with a short length fiber of 8 cm, confirming the application potential of this fiber in single frequency lasers and pulsed amplifiers where an efficient rare-earth-doped fiber with short length is desirable. For the phosphate fiber, a maximum output power of 2.78 W was obtained from a single-mode fiber with a core diameter of up to 35 μm.

Modeling and Predicting Hearing Aid Outcome

PubMed Central

Humes, Larry E.

2003-01-01

Following a brief tutorial on the application of factor analysis to hearing aid outcome measures, three studies of hearing aid outcome measures in elderly adults are presented and analyzed. Two of the studies were completed at Indiana University (IU-1 and IU-2), and one was a collaborative multisite study by the Veterans Administration and the National Institute of Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD/VA). IU-1 measured hearing aid outcome in 173 elderly wearers of single-channel, linear, in-the-ear hearing aids with output-limiting compression, whereas IU-2 obtained the same extensive set of outcome measures from 53 elderly wearers of two-channel, wide-dynamic-range compression, in-the-canal hearing aids. In the NIDCD/VA study, 333 to 338 participants wore three single-channel circuits in succession, with each circuit housed within an in-the-ear shell. The three circuits included in that study and in this analysis were: (1) linear with peak clipping, (2) linear with output-limiting compression, and (3) single-channel, wide-dynamic-range compression. Evaluation of the many outcome measures completed in each study using principal components factor analysis revealed that from three (both IU studies) to five (NIDCD/VA study) principal components captured the individual differences in hearing aid outcome. This was independent of hearing aid type (in-the-ear or in-the-canal) and circuitry. Subsequent multiple regression analyses of individual differences in performance along each dimension of hearing aid outcome revealed that these individual differences could be accounted for reasonably well by various prefit variables for some dimensions of outcome, but not others. In general, measures of speech recognition performance were well accounted for by prefit measures, with the best predictors being hearing loss, cognitive performance, and age. Measures of hearing aid usage were less well accounted for by prefit measures, with the most accurate predictor of current hearing aid use being prior hearing aid use. The outcome dimension accounted for most poorly was that associated with hearing aid satisfaction, with subjective measures of aided sound quality being the best predictor of performance along this dimension of hearing aid outcome. Additional multicenter, large-scale studies are needed to develop more complete models of hearing aid outcome and to identify the variables that influence various aspects of hearing aid outcome. It is only through this additional research that it will be possible to optimize outcome for hearing aid wearers. PMID:15004647

Overview of Ergogenic Properties of Hypnosis.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dishman, Rod K.

1980-01-01

Evidence tends to support the individual nature of hypnosis effects and seems to generally limit the appropriateness of hypnotic intervention as an aid in promoting muscular output during physical activity. (JD)

MEMS Based Acoustic Array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sheplak, Mark (Inventor); Nishida, Toshikaza (Inventor); Humphreys, William M. (Inventor); Arnold, David P. (Inventor)

2006-01-01

Embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the specification aid drawings include a combination responsive to an acoustic wave that can be utilized as a dynamic pressure sensor. In one embodiment of the present invention, the combination has a substrate having a first surface and an opposite second surface, a microphone positioned on the first surface of the substrate and having an input and a first output and a second output, wherein the input receives a biased voltage, and the microphone generates an output signal responsive to the acoustic wave between the first output and the second output. The combination further has an amplifier positioned on the first surface of the substrate and having a first input and a second input and an output, wherein the first input of the amplifier is electrically coupled to the first output of the microphone and the second input of the amplifier is electrically coupled to the second output of the microphone for receiving the output sinual from the microphone. The amplifier is spaced from the microphone with a separation smaller than 0.5 mm.

A Modular PV System Using Chain-Link-Type Multilevel Converter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hatano, Nobuhiko; Ise, Toshifumi

This paper presents a modular photovoltaic system (MPVS) that uses a chain-link-type multilevel converter (CLMC). In large-scale PV generating systems, the DC power supply is generally composed of a large number of PV panels. Hence, losses are caused by differences in the maximum power point at each PV panel. An MPVS has been proposed to address the above mentioned problem. It helps improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency by applying maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control to each group of PV panels. In addition, if a CLMC is used in an MPVS, a high voltage can be output from the AC side and transmission losses can be decreased. However, with this circuit configuration, the current output from the AC side may be unbalanced. Therefore, we propose a method to output balanced current from the AC side, even if the output of the DC power supply is unbalanced. The validity of the proposed method is examined by digital simulation.

Development of 600 kV triple resonance pulse transformer.

PubMed

Li, Mingjia; Zhang, Faqiang; Liang, Chuan; Xu, Zhou

2015-06-01

In this paper, a triple-resonance pulse transformer based on an air-core transformer is introduced. The voltage across the high-voltage winding of the air-core transformer is significantly less than the output voltage; instead, the full output voltage appears across the tuning inductor. The maximum ratio of peak load voltage to peak transformer voltage is 2.77 in theory. By analyzing pulse transformer's lossless circuit, the analytical expression for the output voltage and the characteristic equation of the triple-resonance circuit are presented. Design method for the triple-resonance pulse transformer (iterated simulation method) is presented, and a triple-resonance pulse transformer is developed based on the existing air-core transformer. The experimental results indicate that the maximum ratio of peak voltage across the load to peak voltage across the high-voltage winding of the air-core transformer is approximately 2.0 and the peak output voltage of the triple-resonance pulse transformer is approximately 600 kV.

Flux focusing eddy current probe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simpson, John W. (Inventor); Clendenin, C. Gerald (Inventor); Fulton, James P. (Inventor); Wincheski, Russell A. (Inventor); Todhunter, Ronald G. (Inventor); Namkung, Min (Inventor); Nath, Shridhar C. (Inventor)

1997-01-01

A flux-focusing electromagnetic sensor which uses a ferromagnetic flux-focusing lens simplifies inspections and increases detectability of fatigue cracks and material loss in high conductivity material. The unique feature of the device is the ferrous shield isolating a high-turn pick-up coil from an excitation coil. The use of the magnetic shield is shown to produce a null voltage output across the receiving coil in the presence of an unflawed sample. A redistribution of the current flow in the sample caused by the presence of flaws, however, eliminates the shielding condition and a large output voltage is produced, yielding a clear unambiguous flaw signal. The maximum sensor output is obtained when positioned symmetrically above the crack. Hence, by obtaining the position of the maximum sensor output, it is possible to track the fault and locate the area surrounding its tip. The accuracy of tip location is enhanced by two unique features of the sensor; a very high signal-to-noise ratio of the probe's output which results in an extremely smooth signal peak across the fault, and a rapidly decaying sensor output outside a small area surrounding the crack tip which enables the region for searching to be clearly defined. Under low frequency operation, material thinning due to corrosion damage causes an incomplete shielding of the pick-up coil. The low frequency output voltage of the probe is therefore a direct indicator of the thickness of the test sample.

User's manual: Computer-aided design programs for inductor-energy-storage dc-to-dc electronic power converters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huffman, S.

1977-01-01

Detailed instructions on the use of two computer-aided-design programs for designing the energy storage inductor for single winding and two winding dc to dc converters are provided. Step by step procedures are given to illustrate the formatting of user input data. The procedures are illustrated by eight sample design problems which include the user input and the computer program output.

Microcomputer-Aided Control Systems Design.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roat, S. D.; Melsheimer, S. S.

1987-01-01

Describes a single input/single output feedback control system design program for IBM PC and compatible microcomputers. Uses a heat exchanger temperature control loop to illustrate the various applications of the program. (ML)

Maximum cycle work output optimization for generalized radiative law Otto cycle engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Shaojun; Chen, Lingen; Sun, Fengrui

2016-11-01

An Otto cycle internal combustion engine which includes thermal and friction losses is investigated by finite-time thermodynamics, and the optimization objective is the maximum cycle work output. The thermal energy transfer from the working substance to the cylinder inner wall follows the generalized radiative law (q∝Δ (Tn)). Under the condition that all of the fuel consumption, the compression ratio and the cycle period are given, the optimal piston trajectories for both the examples with unlimited and limited accelerations on every stroke are determined, and the cycle-period distribution among all strokes is also optimized. Numerical calculation results for the case of radiative law are provided and compared with those obtained for the cases of Newtonian law and linear phenomenological law. The results indicate that the optimal piston trajectory on each stroke contains three sections, which consist of an original maximum-acceleration and a terminal maximum-deceleration parts; for the case of radiative law, optimizing the piston motion path can achieve an improvement of more than 20% in both the cycle-work output and the second-law efficiency of the Otto cycle compared with the conventional near-sinusoidal operation, and heat transfer mechanisms have both qualitative and quantitative influences on the optimal paths of piston movements.

Intelligent energy harvesting scheme for microbial fuel cells: Maximum power point tracking and voltage overshoot avoidance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alaraj, Muhannad; Radenkovic, Miloje; Park, Jae-Do

2017-02-01

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are renewable and sustainable energy sources that can be used for various applications. The MFC output power depends on its biochemical conditions as well as the terminal operating points in terms of output voltage and current. There exists one operating point that gives the maximum possible power from the MFC, maximum power point (MPP), for a given operating condition. However, this MPP may vary and needs to be tracked in order to maintain the maximum power extraction from the MFC. Furthermore, MFC reactors often develop voltage overshoots that cause drastic drops in the terminal voltage, current, and the output power. When the voltage overshoot happens, an additional control measure is necessary as conventional MPPT algorithms will fail because of the change in the voltage-current relationship. In this paper, the extremum seeking (ES) algorithm was used to track the varying MPP and a voltage overshoot avoidance (VOA) algorithm is developed to manage the voltage overshoot conditions. The proposed ES-MPPT with VOA algorithm was able to extract 197.2 mJ during 10-min operation avoiding voltage overshoot, while the ES MPPT-only scheme stopped harvesting after only 18.75 mJ because of the voltage overshoot happened at 0.4 min.

Natural Resource Information System. Volume 2: System operating procedures and instructions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

A total computer software system description is provided for the prototype Natural Resource Information System designed to store, process, and display data of maximum usefulness to land management decision making. Program modules are described, as are the computer file design, file updating methods, digitizing process, and paper tape conversion to magnetic tape. Operating instructions for the system, data output, printed output, and graphic output are also discussed.

The effect of low-level laser irradiation on dog spermatozoa motility is dependent on laser output power.

PubMed

Corral-Baqués, M I; Rivera, M M; Rigau, T; Rodríguez-Gil, J E; Rigau, J

2009-09-01

Biological tissues respond to low-level laser irradiation and so do dog spermatozoa. Among the main parameters to be considered when a biological tissue is irradiated is the output power. We have studied the effects on sperm motility of 655 nm continuous wave diode laser irradiation at different output powers with 3.34 J (5.97 J/cm(2)). The second fraction of fresh dog sperm was divided into five groups: control, and four to be irradiated with an average output power of 6.8 mW, 15.4 mW, 33.1 mW and 49.7 mW, respectively. At 0 min and 45 min after irradiation, pictures were taken and a computer aided sperm analysis (CASA) performed to analyse different motility parameters. The results showed that different output powers affected dog semen motility parameters differently. The highest output power showed the most intense effects. Significant changes in the structure of the motile sperm subpopulation were linked to the different output powers used.

A systematic method of interconnection optimization for dense-array concentrator photovoltaic system.

PubMed

Siaw, Fei-Lu; Chong, Kok-Keong

2013-01-01

This paper presents a new systematic approach to analyze all possible array configurations in order to determine the most optimal dense-array configuration for concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems. The proposed method is fast, simple, reasonably accurate, and very useful as a preliminary study before constructing a dense-array CPV panel. Using measured flux distribution data, each CPV cells' voltage and current values at three critical points which are at short-circuit, open-circuit, and maximum power point are determined. From there, an algorithm groups the cells into basic modules. The next step is I-V curve prediction, to find the maximum output power of each array configuration. As a case study, twenty different I-V predictions are made for a prototype of nonimaging planar concentrator, and the array configuration that yields the highest output power is determined. The result is then verified by assembling and testing of an actual dense-array on the prototype. It was found that the I-V curve closely resembles simulated I-V prediction, and measured maximum output power varies by only 1.34%.

Model predictive control of the solid oxide fuel cell stack temperature with models based on experimental data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pohjoranta, Antti; Halinen, Matias; Pennanen, Jari; Kiviaho, Jari

2015-03-01

Generalized predictive control (GPC) is applied to control the maximum temperature in a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack and the temperature difference over the stack. GPC is a model predictive control method and the models utilized in this work are ARX-type (autoregressive with extra input), multiple input-multiple output, polynomial models that were identified from experimental data obtained from experiments with a complete SOFC system. The proposed control is evaluated by simulation with various input-output combinations, with and without constraints. A comparison with conventional proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control is also made. It is shown that if only the stack maximum temperature is controlled, a standard PID controller can be used to obtain output performance comparable to that obtained with the significantly more complex model predictive controller. However, in order to control the temperature difference over the stack, both the stack minimum and the maximum temperature need to be controlled and this cannot be done with a single PID controller. In such a case the model predictive controller provides a feasible and effective solution.

A Systematic Method of Interconnection Optimization for Dense-Array Concentrator Photovoltaic System

PubMed Central

Siaw, Fei-Lu

2013-01-01

This paper presents a new systematic approach to analyze all possible array configurations in order to determine the most optimal dense-array configuration for concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems. The proposed method is fast, simple, reasonably accurate, and very useful as a preliminary study before constructing a dense-array CPV panel. Using measured flux distribution data, each CPV cells' voltage and current values at three critical points which are at short-circuit, open-circuit, and maximum power point are determined. From there, an algorithm groups the cells into basic modules. The next step is I-V curve prediction, to find the maximum output power of each array configuration. As a case study, twenty different I-V predictions are made for a prototype of nonimaging planar concentrator, and the array configuration that yields the highest output power is determined. The result is then verified by assembling and testing of an actual dense-array on the prototype. It was found that the I-V curve closely resembles simulated I-V prediction, and measured maximum output power varies by only 1.34%. PMID:24453823

High-power, highly stable KrF laser with a 4-kHz pulse repetition rate

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

Borisov, V M; El'tsov, A V; Khristoforov, O B

2015-08-31

An electric-discharge KrF laser (248 nm) with an average output power of 300 W is developed and studied. A number of new design features are related to the use of a laser chamber based on an Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} ceramic tube. A high power and pulse repetition rate are achieved by using a volume discharge with lateral preionisation by the UV radiation of a creeping discharge in the form of a homogeneous plasma sheet on the surface of a plane sapphire plate. Various generators for pumping the laser are studied. The maximum laser efficiency is 3.1%, the maximum laser energymore » is 160 mJ pulse{sup -1}, and the pulse duration at half maximum is 7.5 ns. In the case of long-term operation at a pulse repetition rate of 4 kHz and an output power of 300 W, high stability of laser output energy (σ ≤ 0.7%) is achieved using an all-solid-state pump system. (lasers)« less

Borrowing at the Maximum: Undergraduate Stafford Loan Borrowers in 2007-08. Stats in Brief. NCES 2012-161

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wei, Christina Chang; Skomsvold, Paul

2011-01-01

Using data from the 2007-08 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:08), this Statistics in Brief examines the extent to which undergraduate students borrow the maximum possible within the limits of the Stafford loan program (the program maximum) and their own financial need and student budgets (the individual maximum). Students who…

Electronic logic to enhance switch reliability in detecting openings and closures of redundant switches

DOEpatents

Cooper, James A.

1986-01-01

A logic circuit is used to enhance redundant switch reliability. Two or more switches are monitored for logical high or low output. The output for the logic circuit produces a redundant and failsafe representation of the switch outputs. When both switch outputs are high, the output is high. Similarly, when both switch outputs are low, the logic circuit's output is low. When the output states of the two switches do not agree, the circuit resolves the conflict by memorizing the last output state which both switches were simultaneously in and produces the logical complement of this output state. Thus, the logic circuit of the present invention allows the redundant switches to be treated as if they were in parallel when the switches are open and as if they were in series when the switches are closed. A failsafe system having maximum reliability is thereby produced.

Electronic logic for enhanced switch reliability

DOEpatents

Cooper, J.A.

1984-01-20

A logic circuit is used to enhance redundant switch reliability. Two or more switches are monitored for logical high or low output. The output for the logic circuit produces a redundant and fail-safe representation of the switch outputs. When both switch outputs are high, the output is high. Similarly, when both switch outputs are low, the logic circuit's output is low. When the output states of the two switches do not agree, the circuit resolves the conflict by memorizing the last output state which both switches were simultaneously in and produces the logical complement of this output state. Thus, the logic circuit of the present invention allows the redundant switches to be treated as if they were in parallel when the switches are open and as if they were in series when the switches are closed. A failsafe system having maximum reliability is thereby produced.

26 CFR 1.141-7 - Special rules for output facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... nameplate capacity or the equivalent (or where there is no nameplate capacity or the equivalent, its maximum capacity), which is not reduced for reserves, maintenance or other unutilized capacity. (ii) Transmission and other output facilities—(A) In general. For transmission, distribution, cogeneration, and other...

26 CFR 1.141-7 - Special rules for output facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... nameplate capacity or the equivalent (or where there is no nameplate capacity or the equivalent, its maximum capacity), which is not reduced for reserves, maintenance or other unutilized capacity. (ii) Transmission and other output facilities—(A) In general. For transmission, distribution, cogeneration, and other...

26 CFR 1.141-7 - Special rules for output facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... nameplate capacity or the equivalent (or where there is no nameplate capacity or the equivalent, its maximum capacity), which is not reduced for reserves, maintenance or other unutilized capacity. (ii) Transmission and other output facilities—(A) In general. For transmission, distribution, cogeneration, and other...

26 CFR 1.141-7 - Special rules for output facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... nameplate capacity or the equivalent (or where there is no nameplate capacity or the equivalent, its maximum capacity), which is not reduced for reserves, maintenance or other unutilized capacity. (ii) Transmission and other output facilities—(A) In general. For transmission, distribution, cogeneration, and other...

26 CFR 1.141-7 - Special rules for output facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... nameplate capacity or the equivalent (or where there is no nameplate capacity or the equivalent, its maximum capacity), which is not reduced for reserves, maintenance or other unutilized capacity. (ii) Transmission and other output facilities—(A) In general. For transmission, distribution, cogeneration, and other...

PUZZLE - A program for computer-aided design of printed circuit artwork

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harrell, D. A. W.; Zane, R.

1971-01-01

Program assists in solving spacing problems encountered in printed circuit /PC/ design. It is intended to have maximum use for two-sided PC boards carrying integrated circuits, and also aids design of discrete component circuits.

A Mobile Decision Aid for Determining Detection Probabilities for Acoustic Targets

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-08-01

propagation mobile application . Personal Computer Memory Card International Association, an organization of some 500 companies that has developed a...SENSOR: lHuman and possible outputs, it was felt that for a mobile application , the interface and number of output parameters should be kept simple...value could be computed on the server and transmitted back to the mobile application for display. FUTURE CAPABILITIES 2-D/3-D Displays The full ABFA

Examining impulse-variability in overarm throwing.

PubMed

Urbin, M A; Stodden, David; Boros, Rhonda; Shannon, David

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine variability in overarm throwing velocity and spatial output error at various percentages of maximum to test the prediction of an inverted-U function as predicted by impulse-variability theory and a speed-accuracy trade-off as predicted by Fitts' Law Thirty subjects (16 skilled, 14 unskilled) were instructed to throw a tennis ball at seven percentages of their maximum velocity (40-100%) in random order (9 trials per condition) at a target 30 feet away. Throwing velocity was measured with a radar gun and interpreted as an index of overall systemic power output. Within-subject throwing velocity variability was examined using within-subjects repeated-measures ANOVAs (7 repeated conditions) with built-in polynomial contrasts. Spatial error was analyzed using mixed model regression. Results indicated a quadratic fit with variability in throwing velocity increasing from 40% up to 60%, where it peaked, and then decreasing at each subsequent interval to maximum (p < .001, η2 = .555). There was no linear relationship between speed and accuracy. Overall, these data support the notion of an inverted-U function in overarm throwing velocity variability as both skilled and unskilled subjects approach maximum effort. However, these data do not support the notion of a speed-accuracy trade-off. The consistent demonstration of an inverted-U function associated with systemic power output variability indicates an enhanced capability to regulate aspects of force production and relative timing between segments as individuals approach maximum effort, even in a complex ballistic skill.

Fabrication of thermoelectric modules with Mg2Si and SrRuO3 by the spark plasma sintering method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishio, Keishi; Sawada, Yukie; Arai, Koya; Sakamoto, Tatsuya; Kogo, Yasuo; Iida, Tsutomu

2012-06-01

Thermoelectric (TE) modules with a π structure were fabricated by the spark plasma sintering method. The modules were composed of SrRuO3 for the p-type semiconductor, Mg2Si for the n-type semiconductor, and Ni for the electrodes. The SrRuO3 powder was synthesized using the metal-citric-acid complex decomposition method. Mg2Si bulk prepared by meltquenching was ground into powder and sieved to a particle size of 75 μm or less. To obtain the sintered body of SrRuO3, the powder was sintered using spark plasma sintering (SPS). For SPS, the precursor powder was placed in a graphite die and kept at that temperature under a uni-axial pressure of 50 MPa and in vacuum conditions (less than 7 Pa). After sintering by SPS, the ceramic sample was annealed at 1573K in air because the SrRuO3 was slightly reduced during the SPS process in the graphite die. These TE sintered bodies were cut and polished. The dimensions of the samples used for fabrication of the p-type parts of the TE modules were 4.50×9.50×7.45 mm3 and those for the n-type parts were 5.50×11.45×7.45 mm3. Pressed Ni powder was put between these TE materials and the Ni electrodes in order to connect them together, and electrical power was passed through the electrodes from the SPS equipment. The output power under temperature differences ΔT ranging from 100 to 500 K was measured. The open-circuit voltage, maximum output current and maximum output power increased with increasing temperature difference ΔT. The open-circuit voltage of the single module was 91.0 mV, and the maximum output current and maximum output power were 5000 mA and 110 mW at ΔT=500 K, respectively.

An investigation of the maximum penetration level of a photovoltaic (PV) system into a traditional distribution grid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chalise, Santosh

Although solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have remained the fastest growing renewable power generating technology, variability as well as uncertainty in the output of PV plants is a significant issue. This rapid increase in PV grid-connected generation presents not only progress in clean energy but also challenges in integration with traditional electric power grids which were designed for transmission and distribution of power from central stations. Unlike conventional electric generators, PV panels do not have rotating parts and thus have no inertia. This potentially causes a problem when the solar irradiance incident upon a PV plant changes suddenly, for example, when scattered clouds pass quickly overhead. The output power of the PV plant may fluctuate nearly as rapidly as the incident irradiance. These rapid power output fluctuations may then cause voltage fluctuations, frequency fluctuations, and power quality issues. These power quality issues are more severe with increasing PV plant power output. This limits the maximum power output allowed from interconnected PV plants. Voltage regulation of a distribution system, a focus of this research, is a prime limiting factor in PV penetration levels. The IEEE 13-node test feeder, modeled and tested in the MATLAB/Simulink environment, was used as an example distribution feeder to analyze the maximum acceptable penetration of a PV plant. The effect of the PV plant's location was investigated, along with the addition of a VAR compensating device (a D-STATCOM in this case). The results were used to develop simple guidelines for determining an initial estimate of the maximum PV penetration level on a distribution feeder. For example, when no compensating devices are added to the system, a higher level of PV penetration is generally achieved by installing the PV plant close to the substation. The opposite is true when a VAR compensator is installed with the PV plant. In these cases, PV penetration levels over 50% may be safely achieved.

Diode-pumped continuous-wave and passively Q-switched Nd:GdLuAG laser at 1443.9 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Qianwen; Liu, Zhaojun; Zhang, Sasa; Cong, Zhenghua; Guan, Chen; Xue, Feng; Chen, Hui; Huang, Qingjie; Xu, Xiaodong; Xu, Jun; Qin, Zengguang

2017-12-01

We investigated the 1443.9 nm laser characteristics of Nd:GdLuAG crystal. Diode-end-pumping configuration was employed under both continuous-wave (CW) and passively Q-switched operations. For CW operation, the maximum average output power was 1.36 W with a slope efficiency of 15%. By using a V3+:YAG crystal as the saturable absorber, we obtained the maximum average output power of 164 mW under Q-switched operation. The corresponding pulse energy was 29.3 μJ and pulse duration was 59 ns.

Training Aids for Basic Combat Skills: A Video Feedback System

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-01

U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Report 1945 Training Aids for Basic Combat...Training Aids for Basic Combat Skills: A Video Feedback System 5a. CONTRACT OR GRANT NUMBER W74V8H-04-D-0045 (DO #0034) 5b. PROGRAM ELEMENT...Subject Matter POC: Martin L. Bink 14. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words): The overarching goal was to develop a training aid that could be used by

Simultaneous dual-wavelength lasing at 1047 and 1053 nm and wavelength tuning to 1072 nm in a diode-pumped a-cut Nd : LiYF4 laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Zhi; Wang, Yi; Xu, Bin; Cheng, Yongjie; Xu, Huiying; Cai, Zhiping

2015-12-01

We report on diode-end-pumped a-cut Nd:YLF laser on F→I transition. In a free-running regime, using an output coupler with a radius of curvature of 1000 mm, we obtain dual-wavelength laser operation at both π-polarized 1047 nm and σ-polarized 1053 nm with maximum output power of about 1.25 W and the highest slope efficiency of about 50.9% at pump power of 5.77 W at room temperature, for the first time to our knowledge. Furthermore, using a 0.1-mm glass plate as a wavelength selector, a dual-wavelength laser at 1047 and 1072 nm can also be yielded with the maximum output power of 0.34 W, which has not been reported before.

High-power quantum-dot tapered tunable external-cavity lasers based on chirped and unchirped structures.

PubMed

Haggett, Stephanie; Krakowski, Michel; Montrosset, Ivo; Cataluna, Maria Ana

2014-09-22

A high-power tunable external cavity laser configuration with a tapered quantum-dot semiconductor optical amplifier at its core is presented, enabling a record output power for a broadly tunable semiconductor laser source in the 1.2 - 1.3 µm spectral region. Two distinct optical amplifiers are investigated, using either chirped or unchirped quantum-dot structures, and their merits are compared, considering the combination of tunability and high output power generation. At 1230 nm, the chirped quantum-dot laser achieved a maximum power of 0.62 W and demonstrated nearly 100-nm tunability. The unchirped laser enabled a tunability range of 32 nm and at 1254 nm generated a maximum power of 0.97 W, representing a 22-fold increase in output power compared with similar narrow-ridge external-cavity lasers at the same current density.

Ignitor with stable low-energy thermite igniting system

DOEpatents

Kelly, Michael D.; Munger, Alan C.

1991-02-05

A stable compact low-energy igniting system in an ignitor utilizes two components, an initiating charge and an output charge. The initiating charge is a thermite in ultra-fine powder form compacted to 50-70% of theoretical maximum density and disposed in a cavity of a header of the ignitor adjacent to an electrical ignition device, or bridgewire, mounted in the header cavity. The initiating charge is ignitable by operation of the ignition device in a hot-wire mode. The output charge is a thermite in high-density consoladated form compacted to 90-99% of theoretical maximum density and disposed adjacent to the initiating charge on an opposite end thereof from the electrical ignition device and ignitable by the initiating charge. A sleeve is provided for mounting the output charge to the ignitor header with the initiating charge confined therebetween in the cavity.

Continuous-wave laser operation at 743 and 753 nm based on a diode-pumped c-cut Pr:YAlO3 crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Xiuji; Huang, Xiaoxu; Liu, Bin; Xu, Bin; Xu, Huiying; Cai, Zhiping; Xu, Xiaodong; Li, Dongzhen; Liu, Jian; Xu, Jun

2018-02-01

We report on blue-diode-pumped continuous-wave Pr:YAlO3 (YAP) crystal lasers. Using a b-cut sample, a maximum output power of 181 mW is achieved at ∼747 nm with slope efficiency of 12.7% with respect to the absorbed power. Using a c-cut sample, a dual-wavelength laser at ∼743 and ∼753 nm is obtained with a total maximum output power of 72 mW by using the blue diode pumping, for the first time to our knowledge. These laser emissions are all linearly polarized and M2 factors of these output laser beams are also measured. YAP is experimentally verified to be one of effective oxide hosts for Pr-doped visible laser operation besides its fluoride counterparts.

Optimal system sizing in grid-connected photovoltaic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simoens, H. M.; Baert, D. H.; de Mey, G.

A costs/benefits analysis for optimizing the combination of photovoltaic (PV) panels, batteries and an inverter for grid interconnected systems at a 500 W/day Belgian residence is presented. It is assumed that some power purchases from the grid will always be necessary, and that excess PV power can be fed into the grid. A minimal value for the cost divided by the performance is defined for economic optimization. Shortages and excesses are calculated for PV panels of 0.5-10 kWp output, with consideration given to the advantages of a battery back-up. The minimal economic value is found to increase with the magnitude of PV output, and an inverter should never be rated at more than half the array maximum output. A maximum panel size for the Belgian residence is projected to be 6 kWp.

40 CFR 63.11583 - What are my monitoring requirements?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... applicable, and the following: (1) Locate the pressure sensor(s) in, or as close as possible to, a position... comparing the sensor output to redundant sensor output. (4) Conduct calibration checks any time the sensor exceeds the manufacturer's specified maximum operating pressure range or install a new pressure sensor. (5...

High Power Microwave (HPM) and Ionizing Radiation Effects on CMOS Devices

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

24 xviii Symbol Page VIH minimum input voltage for proper high voltage output...38 VOH output voltage corresponding to VIH ...design. The high level at the input, VIH , along with VDD, define the maximum permitted “Logic 1” region, which allows for proper state change for a

47 CFR 15.709 - General technical requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... between the transmitter and the antenna. If transmitting antennas of directional gain greater than 6 dBi... gain of the antenna exceeds 6 dBi. (2) For personal/portable TVBDs, the maximum conducted output power... conducted output power shall not exceed 40 milliwatts. If transmitting antennas of directional gain greater...

Performance of integrated bioelectrochemical membrane reactor: Energy recovery, pollutant removal and membrane fouling alleviation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Yue; He, Weihua; Li, Chao; Liang, Dandan; Qu, Youpeng; Han, Xiaoyu; Feng, Yujie

2018-04-01

A novel hybrid bioelectrochemical membrane reactor with integrated microfiltration membrane as the separator between electrodes is developed for domestic wastewater treatment. After accumulation of biofilm, the organic pollutants are mainly degraded in anodic compartment, and microfiltration membrane blocks the adverse leakage of dissolved oxygen from aerated cathodic compartment. The maximum system power output is restricted by gas-water ratio following a Monod-like relationship. Within the tested gas-water ratios ranging from 0.6 to 42.9, the half-saturation constant (KQ) is 5.9 ± 0.9 with a theoretic maximum power density of 20.4 ± 1.0 W m-3. Energy balance analysis indicates an appropriate gas-water ratio regulation (from 2.3 to 28.6) for cathodic compartment is necessary to obtain positive energy output for the system. A maximum net electricity output is 9.09 × 10-3 kWh m-3 with gas-water ratio of 17.1. Notably, the system achieves the chemical oxygen demand removal of 98.3 ± 0.3%, ammonia nitrogen removal of 99.6 ± 0.1%, and total nitrogen removal of 80.0 ± 0.9%. This work verifies an effective integration of microfiltration membrane into bioelectrochemical system as separator for high-quality effluent and provides an insight into the operation and regulation of biocathode system for effective electrical energy output.

Spline-based high-accuracy piecewise-polynomial phase-to-sinusoid amplitude converters.

PubMed

Petrinović, Davor; Brezović, Marko

2011-04-01

We propose a method for direct digital frequency synthesis (DDS) using a cubic spline piecewise-polynomial model for a phase-to-sinusoid amplitude converter (PSAC). This method offers maximum smoothness of the output signal. Closed-form expressions for the cubic polynomial coefficients are derived in the spectral domain and the performance analysis of the model is given in the time and frequency domains. We derive the closed-form performance bounds of such DDS using conventional metrics: rms and maximum absolute errors (MAE) and maximum spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) measured in the discrete time domain. The main advantages of the proposed PSAC are its simplicity, analytical tractability, and inherent numerical stability for high table resolutions. Detailed guidelines for a fixed-point implementation are given, based on the algebraic analysis of all quantization effects. The results are verified on 81 PSAC configurations with the output resolutions from 5 to 41 bits by using a bit-exact simulation. The VHDL implementation of a high-accuracy DDS based on the proposed PSAC with 28-bit input phase word and 32-bit output value achieves SFDR of its digital output signal between 180 and 207 dB, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 192 dB. Its implementation requires only one 18 kB block RAM and three 18-bit embedded multipliers in a typical field-programmable gate array (FPGA) device. © 2011 IEEE

Design and fabrication of six-volt vertically-stacked GaAs photovoltaic power converter

PubMed Central

Zhao, Yongming; Sun, Yurun; He, Yang; Yu, Shuzhen; Dong, Jianrong

2016-01-01

A six-volt vertically-stacked, high current GaAs photovoltaic power converter (PPC) has been designed and fabricated to produce output power over 1 W under monochromatic illumination. An N++-GaAs/P++-AlGaAs tunnel junctions (TJs) structure has been used for connecting each sub-cell in this vertically-stacked PPC device. The thickness of the each GaAs sub-cell has been derived based on the calculation of absorption depth of photons with a wavelength of 808 nm using absorption coefficient obtained from ellipsometry measurements. The devices were characterized under non-uniform CW laser illumination at 808 nm with incident power up to 4.1 W. A maximum conversion efficiency of 50.2% was achieved at 0.3 W under non-uniform (coupled in optical fiber) monochromatic illumination, dropping to 42.5% at 4.1 W. The operating voltage at the maximum power point is 5.5–6.0 V, depending on the incident laser power, and an output electrical power output of 1.3 W can be extracted at a laser power of 2.9 W and the maximum electrical power output amounts to 1.72 W. The external quantum efficiency (EQE) measurement indicates that the performance of PPC can be further improved by refining the design of the thickness of sub-cells and improving TJs. PMID:27901079

Genome-scale stoichiometry analysis to elucidate the innate capability of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis for electricity generation.

PubMed

Mao, Longfei; Verwoerd, Wynand S

2013-10-01

Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 has been considered as a promising biocatalyst for electricity generation in recent microbial fuel cell research. However, the innate maximum current production potential and underlying metabolic pathways supporting the high current output are still unknown. This is mainly due to the fact that the high-current production cell phenotype results from the interaction among hundreds of reactions in the metabolism and it is impossible for reductionist methods to characterize the pathway selection in such a metabolic state. In this study, we employed computational metabolic techniques, flux balance analysis, and flux variability analysis, to exploit the maximum current outputs of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, in five electron transfer cases, namely, ferredoxin- and plastoquinol-dependent electron transfers under photoautotrophic cultivation, and NADH-dependent mediated electron transfer under photoautotrophic, heterotrophic, and mixotrophic conditions. In these five modes, the maximum current outputs were computed as 0.198, 0.7918, 0.198, 0.4652, and 0.4424 A gDW⁻¹, respectively. Comparison of the five operational modes suggests that plastoquinol-/c-type cytochrome-targeted electricity generation had an advantage of liberating the highest current output achievable for Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. On the other hand, the analysis indicates that the currency metabolite, NADH-, dependent electricity generation can rely on a number of reactions from different pathways, and is thus more robust against environmental perturbations.

Flux-focusing eddy current probe and method for flaw detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simpson, John W. (Inventor); Clendenin, C. Gerald (Inventor)

1993-01-01

A flux-focusing electromagnetic sensor which uses a ferromagnetic flux-focusing lens simplifies inspections and increases detectability of fatigue cracks and material loss in high conductivity material is presented. The unique feature of the device is the ferrous shield isolating a high-turn pick-up coil from an excitation coil. The use of the magnetic shield is shown to produce a null voltage output across the receiving coil in the presence of an unflawed sample. A redistribution of the current flow in the sample caused by the presence of flaws, however, eliminates the shielding condition and a large output voltage is produced, yielding a clear unambiguous flaw signal. The maximum sensor output is obtained when positioned symmetrically above the crack. Hence, by obtaining the position of the maximum sensor output, it is possible to track the fault and locate the area surrounding its tip. The accuracy of tip location is enhanced by two unique features of the sensor; a very high signal-to-noise ratio of the probe's output which results in an extremely smooth signal peak across the fault, and a rapidly decaying sensor output outside a small area surrounding the crack tip which enables the region for searching to be clearly defined. Under low frequency operation, material thinning due to corrosion damage causes an incomplete shielding of the pick-up coil. The low frequency output voltage of the probe is therefore a direct indicator of the thickness of the test sample.

Application of Distributed DC/DC Electronics in Photovoltaic Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kabala, Michael

In a typical residential, commercial or utility grade photovoltaic (PV) system, PV modules are connected in series and in parallel to form an array that is connected to a standard DC/AC inverter, which is then connected directly to the grid. This type of standard installation; however, does very little to maximize the energy output of the solar array if certain conditions exist. These conditions could include age, temperature, irradiance and other factors that can cause mismatch between PV modules in an array that severely cripple the output power of the system. Since PV modules are typically connected in series to form a string, the output of the entire string is limited by the efficiency of the weakest module. With PV module efficiencies already relatively low, it is critical to extract the maximum power out of each module in order to make solar energy an economically viable competitor to oil and gas. Module level DC/DC electronics with maximum power point (MPP) tracking solves this issue by decoupling each module from the string in order for the module to operate independently of the geometry and complexity of the surrounding system. This allows each PV module to work at its maximum power point by transferring the maximum power the module is able to deliver directly to the load by either boosting (stepping up) the voltage or bucking (stepping down) the voltage. The goal of this thesis is to discuss the development of a per-module DC/DC converter in order to maximize the energy output of a PV module and reduce the overall cost of the system by increasing the energy harvest.

Bibliometric Assessment of European and Sub-Saharan African Research Output on Poverty-Related and Neglected Infectious Diseases from 2003 to 2011

PubMed Central

Gurney, Karen A.; Mgone, Charles S.

2015-01-01

Background The European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) is a partnership of European and sub-Saharan African countries that aims to accelerate the development of medical interventions against poverty-related diseases (PRDs). A bibliometric analysis was conducted to 1) measure research output from European and African researchers on PRDs, 2) describe collaboration patterns, and 3) assess the citation impact of clinical research funded by EDCTP. Methodology/Principal Findings Disease-specific research publications were identified in Thomson Reuters Web of Science using search terms in titles, abstracts and keywords. Publication data, including citation counts, were extracted for 2003–2011. Analyses including output, share of global papers, normalised citation impact (NCI), and geographical distribution are presented. Data are presented as five-year moving averages. European EDCTP member countries accounted for ~33% of global research output in PRDs and sub-Saharan African countries for ~10% (2007–2011). Both regions contributed more to the global research output in malaria (43.4% and 22.2%, respectively). The overall number of PRD papers from sub-Saharan Africa increased markedly (>47%) since 2003, particularly for HIV/AIDS (102%) and tuberculosis (TB) (81%), and principally involving Southern and East Africa. For 2007–2011, European and sub-Saharan African research collaboration on PRDs was highly cited compared with the world average (NCI in brackets): HIV/AIDS 1.62 (NCI: 1.16), TB 2.11 (NCI: 1.06), malaria 1.81 (NCI: 1.22), and neglected infectious diseases 1.34 (NCI: 0.97). The NCI of EDCTP-funded papers for 2003–2011 was exceptionally high for HIV/AIDS (3.24), TB (4.08) and HIV/TB co-infection (5.10) compared with global research benchmarks (1.14, 1.05 and 1.35, respectively). Conclusions The volume and citation impact of papers from sub-Saharan Africa has increased since 2003, as has collaborative research between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. >90% of publications from EDCTP-funded research were published in high-impact journals and are highly cited. These findings corroborate the benefit of collaborative research on PRDs. PMID:26262756

Bibliometric Assessment of European and Sub-Saharan African Research Output on Poverty-Related and Neglected Infectious Diseases from 2003 to 2011.

PubMed

Breugelmans, J Gabrielle; Makanga, Michael M; Cardoso, Ana Lúcia V; Mathewson, Sophie B; Sheridan-Jones, Bethan R; Gurney, Karen A; Mgone, Charles S

2015-08-01

The European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) is a partnership of European and sub-Saharan African countries that aims to accelerate the development of medical interventions against poverty-related diseases (PRDs). A bibliometric analysis was conducted to 1) measure research output from European and African researchers on PRDs, 2) describe collaboration patterns, and 3) assess the citation impact of clinical research funded by EDCTP. Disease-specific research publications were identified in Thomson Reuters Web of Science using search terms in titles, abstracts and keywords. Publication data, including citation counts, were extracted for 2003-2011. Analyses including output, share of global papers, normalised citation impact (NCI), and geographical distribution are presented. Data are presented as five-year moving averages. European EDCTP member countries accounted for ~33% of global research output in PRDs and sub-Saharan African countries for ~10% (2007-2011). Both regions contributed more to the global research output in malaria (43.4% and 22.2%, respectively). The overall number of PRD papers from sub-Saharan Africa increased markedly (>47%) since 2003, particularly for HIV/AIDS (102%) and tuberculosis (TB) (81%), and principally involving Southern and East Africa. For 2007-2011, European and sub-Saharan African research collaboration on PRDs was highly cited compared with the world average (NCI in brackets): HIV/AIDS 1.62 (NCI: 1.16), TB 2.11 (NCI: 1.06), malaria 1.81 (NCI: 1.22), and neglected infectious diseases 1.34 (NCI: 0.97). The NCI of EDCTP-funded papers for 2003-2011 was exceptionally high for HIV/AIDS (3.24), TB (4.08) and HIV/TB co-infection (5.10) compared with global research benchmarks (1.14, 1.05 and 1.35, respectively). The volume and citation impact of papers from sub-Saharan Africa has increased since 2003, as has collaborative research between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. >90% of publications from EDCTP-funded research were published in high-impact journals and are highly cited. These findings corroborate the benefit of collaborative research on PRDs.

Adaptive gain and filtering circuit for a sound reproduction system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Engebretson, A. Maynard (Inventor); O'Connell, Michael P. (Inventor)

1998-01-01

Adaptive compressive gain and level dependent spectral shaping circuitry for a hearing aid include a microphone to produce an input signal and a plurality of channels connected to a common circuit output. Each channel has a preset frequency response. Each channel includes a filter with a preset frequency response to receive the input signal and to produce a filtered signal, a channel amplifier to amplify the filtered signal to produce a channel output signal, a threshold register to establish a channel threshold level, and a gain circuit. The gain circuit increases the gain of the channel amplifier when the channel output signal falls below the channel threshold level and decreases the gain of the channel amplifier when the channel output signal rises above the channel threshold level. A transducer produces sound in response to the signal passed by the common circuit output.

Solar maximum: Solar array degradation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, T.

1985-01-01

The 5-year in-orbit power degradation of the silicon solar array aboard the Solar Maximum Satellite was evaluated. This was the first spacecraft to use Teflon R FEP as a coverglass adhesive, thus avoiding the necessity of an ultraviolet filter. The peak power tracking mode of the power regulator unit was employed to ensure consistent maximum power comparisons. Telemetry was normalized to account for the effects of illumination intensity, charged particle irradiation dosage, and solar array temperature. Reference conditions of 1.0 solar constant at air mass zero and 301 K (28 C) were used as a basis for normalization. Beginning-of-life array power was 2230 watts. Currently, the array output is 1830 watts. This corresponds to a 16 percent loss in array performance over 5 years. Comparison of Solar Maximum Telemetry and predicted power levels indicate that array output is 2 percent less than predictions based on an annual 1.0 MeV equivalent election fluence of 2.34 x ten to the 13th power square centimeters space environment.

Potential role of motion for enhancing maximum output energy of triboelectric nanogenerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Byun, Kyung-Eun; Lee, Min-Hyun; Cho, Yeonchoo; Nam, Seung-Geol; Shin, Hyeon-Jin; Park, Seongjun

2017-07-01

Although triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has been explored as one of the possible candidates for the auxiliary power source of portable and wearable devices, the output energy of a TENG is still insufficient to charge the devices with daily motion. Moreover, the fundamental aspects of the maximum possible energy of a TENG related with human motion are not understood systematically. Here, we confirmed the possibility of charging commercialized portable and wearable devices such as smart phones and smart watches by utilizing the mechanical energy generated by human motion. We confirmed by theoretical extraction that the maximum possible energy is related with specific form factors of a TENG. Furthermore, we experimentally demonstrated the effect of human motion in an aspect of the kinetic energy and impulse using varying velocity and elasticity, and clarified how to improve the maximum possible energy of a TENG. This study gives insight into design of a TENG to obtain a large amount of energy in a limited space.

THz polariton laser using an intracavity Mg:LiNbO₃ crystal with protective Teflon coating.

PubMed

Ortega, Tiago A; Pask, Helen M; Spence, David J; Lee, Andrew J

2017-02-20

An enhancement in the performance of a THz polariton laser based on an intracavity magnesium-doped lithium niobate crystal (Mg:LiNbO₃) in surface-emitted (SE) configuration is demonstrated resulting from the deposition of a protective Teflon coating on the total internal reflection surface of the crystal. In this cavity geometry the resonating fields undergo total internal reflection (TIR) inside the lithium niobate, and laser damage to that surface can be a limiting factor in performance. The protective layer prevents laser damage to the crystal surface, enabling higher pump power, yielding higher THz output power and wider frequency tuning range. With the unprotected crystal, narrow-band THz output tunable from 1.50 to 2.81 THz was produced, with maximum average output power of 20.1 µW at 1.76 THz for 4 W diode pump power (limited by laser damage to the crystal). With the Teflon coating, no laser damage to the crystal was observed, and the system produced narrow-band THz output tunable from 1.46 to 3.84 THz, with maximum average output power of 56.8 µW at 1.76 THz for 6.5 W diode pump power. This is the highest average output power and the highest diode-to-terahertz conversion efficiency ever reported for an intracavity terahertz polariton laser.

Influence of temperature on muscle recruitment and muscle function in vivo.

PubMed

Rome, L C

1990-08-01

Temperature has a large influence on the maximum velocity of shortening (Vmax) and maximum power output of muscle (Q10 = 1.5-3). In some animals, maximum performance and maximum sustainable performance show large temperature sensitivities, because these parameters are dependent solely on mechanical power output of the muscles. The mechanics of locomotion (sarcomere length excursions and muscle-shortening velocities, V) at a given speed, however, are precisely the same at all temperatures. Animals compensate for the diminished power output of their muscles at low temperatures by compressing their recruitment order into a narrower range of locomotor speeds, that is, recruiting more muscle fibers and faster fiber types at a given speed. By examining V/Vmax, I calculate that fish at 10 degrees C must recruit 1.53-fold greater fiber cross section than at 20 degrees C. V/Vmax also appears to be an important design constraint in muscle. It sets the lowest V and the highest V over which a muscle can be used effectively. Because the Vmax of carp slow red muscle has a Q10 of 1.6 between 10 and 20 degrees C, the slow aerobic fibers can be used over a 1.6-fold greater range of swim speeds at the warmer temperature. In some species of fish, Vmax can be increased during thermal acclimation, enabling animals to swim at higher speeds.

A continuous-wave, widely tunable, intra-cavity, singly resonant, magnesium-doped, periodically poled lithium niobate optical parametric oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Z. P.; Duan, Y. M.; Wu, K. R.; Zhang, G.; Zhu, H. Y.; Wang, X. L.; Chen, Y. H.; Xue, Z. Q.; Lin, Q.; Song, G. C.; Su, H.

2013-05-01

We report a continuous-wave (CW), intra-cavity singly resonant optical parametric oscillator (OPO), based on periodically poled MgO:LiNbO3 pumped by a diode-end-pumped CW Nd:YVO4 laser, and calculate the gain of optical parametric amplification as a function of pump beam waist (at 1064 nm) in the singly resonant OPO (SRO) cavity, to balance the mode-matching and the intensity for the higher gain of a signal wave in the operation of the SRO. In order to achieve maximum gain, we use a convex lens to limit the 1064 nm beam waist. In the experiment, a tunable signal output from 1492 to 1614 nm and an idler output from 3122 to 3709 nm are obtained. For an 808 nm pump power of 11.5 W, a maximum signal output power of up to 2.48 W at 1586 nm and an idler output power of 1.1 W at 3232 nm are achieved with a total optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 31%.

Continuous-wave and passively Q-switched laser performance of Nd:(LaxGd1-x)3Ga5O12 crystal at 1062 nm CW and PQS laser performance of Nd:LaGGG crystal at 1062 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, H.; Fu, X.-W.; Jia, Z.-T.; He, J.-L.; Yang, X.-Q.; Zhang, B.-T.; Wang, R.-H.; Liu, X.-M.; Hou, J.; Lou, F.; Wang, Z.-W.; Yang, Y.

2012-10-01

The performance of diode-pumped continuous-wave (CW) and passively Q-switched (PQS) Nd:(LaxGd1-x)3Ga5O12 lasers at 1062 nm were demonstrated for the first time to our knowledge. The highest CW output power of 9.9 W was obtained, corresponding to an optical-to-optical efficiency of 42.9%. For the passive Q-switching operation, when the output coupler of Toc = 27% was adopted, the maximum output power of 3.97 W was obtained by a Cr4+:YAG saturable absorber with the initial transmission of T0 = 89.9%.While at T0 = 81.4% and Toc = 27%, the output power of 2.83 W, with pulse width of 7.4 ns and the repetition rate of 13.87 kHz, was obtained, corresponding to the maximum peak power of 27.6 kW and single pulse energy of 0.2 mJ, respectively.

Power and efficiency of insect flight muscle.

PubMed

Ellington, C P

1985-03-01

The efficiency and mechanical power output of insect flight muscle have been estimated from a study of hovering flight. The maximum power output, calculated from the muscle properties, is adequate for the aerodynamic power requirements. However, the power output is insufficient to oscillate the wing mass as well unless there is good elastic storage of the inertial energy, and this is consistent with reports of elastic components in the flight system. A comparison of the mechanical power output with the metabolic power input to the flight muscles suggests that the muscle efficiency is quite low: less than 10%.

Validation of RetroPath, a computer-aided design tool for metabolic pathway engineering.

PubMed

Fehér, Tamás; Planson, Anne-Gaëlle; Carbonell, Pablo; Fernández-Castané, Alfred; Grigoras, Ioana; Dariy, Ekaterina; Perret, Alain; Faulon, Jean-Loup

2014-11-01

Metabolic engineering has succeeded in biosynthesis of numerous commodity or high value compounds. However, the choice of pathways and enzymes used for production was many times made ad hoc, or required expert knowledge of the specific biochemical reactions. In order to rationalize the process of engineering producer strains, we developed the computer-aided design (CAD) tool RetroPath that explores and enumerates metabolic pathways connecting the endogenous metabolites of a chassis cell to the target compound. To experimentally validate our tool, we constructed 12 top-ranked enzyme combinations producing the flavonoid pinocembrin, four of which displayed significant yields. Namely, our tool queried the enzymes found in metabolic databases based on their annotated and predicted activities. Next, it ranked pathways based on the predicted efficiency of the available enzymes, the toxicity of the intermediate metabolites and the calculated maximum product flux. To implement the top-ranking pathway, our procedure narrowed down a list of nine million possible enzyme combinations to 12, a number easily assembled and tested. One round of metabolic network optimization based on RetroPath output further increased pinocembrin titers 17-fold. In total, 12 out of the 13 enzymes tested in this work displayed a relative performance that was in accordance with its predicted score. These results validate the ranking function of our CAD tool, and open the way to its utilization in the biosynthesis of novel compounds. Copyright © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Countermovement depth - a variable which clarifies the relationship between the maximum power output and height of a vertical jump.

PubMed

Gajewski, Jan; Michalski, Radosław; Buśko, Krzysztof; Mazur-Różycka, Joanna; Staniak, Zbigniew

2018-01-01

The aim of this study was to identify the determinants of peak power achieved during vertical jumps in order to clarify relationship between the height of jump and the ability to exert maximum power. One hundred young (16.8±1.8 years) sportsmen participated in the study (body height 1.861 ± 0.109 m, body weight 80.3 ± 9.2 kg). Each participant performed three jump tests: countermovement jump (CMJ), akimbo countermovement jump (ACMJ), and spike jump (SPJ). A force plate was used to measure ground reaction force and to determine peak power output. The following explanatory variables were included in the model: jump height, body mass, and the lowering of the centre of mass before launch (countermovement depth). A model was created using multiple regression analysis and allometric scaling. The model was used to calculate the expected power value for each participant, which correlated strongly with real values. The value of the coefficient of determination R2 equalled 0.89, 0.90 and 0.98, respectively, for the CMJ, ACMJ, and SPJ jumps. The countermovement depth proved to be a variable strongly affecting the maximum power of jump. If the countermovement depth remains constant, the relative peak power is a simple function of jump height. The results suggest that the jump height of an individual is an exact indicator of their ability to produce maximum power. The presented model has a potential to be utilized under field condition for estimating the maximum power output of vertical jumps.

Non-synchronous control of self-oscillating resonant converters

DOEpatents

Glaser, John Stanley; Zane, Regan Andrew

2002-01-01

A self-oscillating switching power converter has a controllable reactance including an active device connected to a reactive element, wherein the effective reactance of the reactance and the active device is controlled such that the control waveform for the active device is binary digital and is not synchronized with the switching converter output frequency. The active device is turned completely on and off at a frequency that is substantially greater than the maximum frequency imposed on the output terminals of the active device. The effect is to vary the average resistance across the active device output terminals, and thus the effective output reactance, thereby providing converter output control, while maintaining the response speed of the converter.

CHIRAL--A Computer Aided Application of the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog Rules.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meyer, Edgar F., Jr.

1978-01-01

A computer program is described for identification of chiral centers in molecules. Essential input to the program includes both atomic and bonding information. The program does not require computer graphic input-output. (BB)

Modeling of a resonant heat engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Preetham, B. S.; Anderson, M.; Richards, C.

2012-12-01

A resonant heat engine in which the piston assembly is replaced by a sealed elastic cavity is modeled and analyzed. A nondimensional lumped-parameter model is derived and used to investigate the factors that control the performance of the engine. The thermal efficiency predicted by the model agrees with that predicted from the relation for the Otto cycle based on compression ratio. The predictions show that for a fixed mechanical load, increasing the heat input results in increased efficiency. The output power and power density are shown to depend on the loading for a given heat input. The loading condition for maximum output power is different from that required for maximum power density.

Diode pumped passively Q-switched Nd:LuAG laser at 1442.6 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Chen; Liu, Zhaojun; Cong, Zhenhua; Liu, Yang; Xu, Xiaodong; Xu, Jun; Huang, Qingjie; Rao, Han; Chen, Xia; Zhang, Yanmin; Wu, Qianwen; Bai, Fen; Zhang, Sasa

2017-02-01

A diode-end-pumped passively Q-switched Nd:LuAG laser at 1442.6 nm was demonstrated with a V3+:YAG crystal as the saturable absorber. Under continuous-wave (CW) operation, the maximum output power of 1.83 W was obtained with an absorbed pumping power of 11.1 W. The corresponding optical-to-optical conversion efficiency was 16.5%. Under Q-switched operation, the maximum average output power of 424 mW was obtained at the same pumping power. The pulse duration and pulse repetition rate were 72 ns and 17.4 kHz, respectively.

High-power single-pass pumped diamond Raman oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heinzig, Matthias; Walbaum, Till; Williams, Robert J.; Kitzler, Ondrej; Mildren, Richard P.; Schreiber, Thomas; Eberhardt, Ramona; Tünnermann, Andreas

2018-02-01

We present our recent advances on power scaling of a high-power single-pass pumped CVD-diamond Raman oscillator at 1.2 μm. The single pass scheme reduced feedback to the high gain fiber amplifier, which pumps the oscillator. The Yb-doped multi-stage fiber amplifier itself enables up to 1 kW output power at a narrow linewidth of 0.16 nm. We operate this laser in quasi-cw mode at 10% duty cycle and on-time (pulse) duration of 10 ms. With a maximum conversion efficiency of 39%, a maximum steady-state output power of 380 W and diffraction limited beam quality was achieved.

Diode pumped CW and passively Q-switched Nd:LGGG laser at 1062 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, H.; Jia, Z. T.; Zhang, B. T.; He, J. L.; Liu, S. D.; Yang, Y.; Tao, X. T.

2012-05-01

We report a Nd:LGGG laser at 1062 nm in the operations of the continuous-wave (CW) and passively Q-switching. The maximum CW output power of 5.62 W was obtained, corresponding to an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 49.0% and slope efficiency of 55.9%. By using Cr4+:YAG with initial transmission of 94% as the saturable absorber, for the first time, we got the maximum passively Q-switched output power of 1.21 W, accompanied with a highest pulse repetition rate of 27.1 kHz and a shortest pulse width of 9.1 ns.

A low-frequency MEMS piezoelectric energy harvester with a rectangular hole based on bulk PZT film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Yingwei; Li, Guimiao; Yi, Zhiran; Liu, Jingquan; Yang, Bin

2018-06-01

This paper presents a high performance piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) with a rectangular hole to work at low-frequency. This PEH used thinned bulk PZT film on flexible phosphor bronze, and its structure included piezoelectric layer, supporting layer and proof mass to reduce the resonant frequency of the device. Here, thinned bulk PZT thick film was used as piezoelectric layer due to its high piezoelectric coefficient. A Phosphor bronze was deployed as supporting layer because it had better flexibility compared to silicon and could work under high acceleration ambient with good durability. The maximum open-circuit voltage of the PEH was 15.7 V at low resonant frequency of 34.3 Hz when the input vibration acceleration was 1.5 g (g = 9.81 m/s2). Moreover, the maximum output power, the output power density and the actually current at the same acceleration were 216.66 μW, 1713.58 μW/cm3 and 170 μA, respectively, when the optimal matched resistance of 60 kΩ was connected. The fabricated PEH scavenged the vibration energy of the vacuum compression pump and generated the maximum output voltage of 1.19 V.

FIBER OPTICS: Theoretical basis of the method for reducing drift of the zero level of the output signal of a fiber-optic gyroscope with the aid of a Lyot depolarizer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alekseev, É. I.; Bazarov, E. N.

1992-09-01

A theoretical justification is given of the widely used method of stabilization of the output signal from a fiber-optic gyroscope with a broad-band radiation source by a Lyot depolarizer. Different variants of including a depolarizer in such a gyroscope are considered and the role of the dichroism and birefringence induced in the gyroscope system is discussed.

Graphene-PVA saturable absorber for generation of a wavelength-tunable passively Q-switched thulium-doped fiber laser in 2.0 µm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, H.; Samion, M. Z.; Sharbirin, A. S.; Norizan, S. F.; Aidit, S. N.; Ismail, M. F.

2018-05-01

Graphene, a 2D material, has been used for generation of pulse lasers due to the presence of its various fascinating optical properties compared to other materials. Hence in this paper, we report the first demonstration of a thulium doped fiber laser with a wavelength-tunable, passive Q-switched output using a graphene-polyvinyl-alcohol composite film for operation in the 2.0 µm region. The proposed laser has a wavelength-tunable output spanning from 1932.0 nm to 1946.0 nm, giving a total tuning range of 14.0 nm. The generated pulse has a maximum repetition rate and average output power of 36.29 kHz and 0.394 mW at the maximum pump power of 130.87 mW, as well as a pulse width of 6.8 µs at this pump power. The generated pulses have a stable output, having a signal-to-noise ratio of 31.75 dB, and the laser output is stable when tested over a period of 60 min. The proposed laser would have multiple applications for operation near the 2.0 micron region, especially for bio-medical applications and range-finding.

940  mW 1564  nm multi-longitudinal-mode and 440  mW 1537  nm single-longitudinal-mode continuous-wave Er:Yb:Lu2Si2O7 microchip lasers.

PubMed

Huang, Jianhua; Chen, Yujin; Lin, Yanfu; Gong, Xinghong; Luo, Zundu; Huang, Yidong

2018-04-15

An Er:Yb:Lu 2 Si 2 O 7 microchip laser was constructed by placing a 1.2 mm thick, Y-cut Er:Yb:Lu 2 Si 2 O 7 microchip between two 1.2 mm thick sapphire crystals, in which input and output mirrors were directly deposited onto one face of each crystal. End-pumped by a continuous-wave 975.4 nm diode laser, a 1564 nm multi-longitudinal-mode laser with a maximum output power of 940 mW and slope efficiency of 20% was realized at an absorbed pump power of 5.5 W when the transmission of output mirror was 2.2%. When the transmission of the output mirror was increased to 6%, a 1537 nm single-longitudinal-mode laser with a maximum output power of 440 mW and slope efficiency of 12% was realized at an absorbed pump power of 4.3 W. The results indicate that the Er:Yb:Lu 2 Si 2 O 7 crystal is a promising microchip gain medium to realize a single-longitudinal-mode laser.

Characteristics of lip-mouth region in smiling position from 80 persons with acceptable faces and individual normal occlusions.

PubMed

Zhang, Jiangheng; Chen, Yangxi; Zhou, Xiukun

2002-09-01

The characteristics of lip-mouth region including the soft and hard tissues in smiling position with frontal fixed position photographic computer-aided analysis were studied. The subjects were 80 persons (40 male and 40 females, age range: 17 to approximately 25 years) with acceptable faces and individual normal occlusions. The subjects were asked to take maximum smiling position to accept photographic measurement with computer-aided analysis. The maximum smile line could be divided into 3 categories: low smile line (16.25%), average smile line (68.75%), and high smile line (15%). The method adopting maximum smiling position to study the lip-month region is reproducible and comparable. This study would be helpful to provide a quantitative reference for clinical investigation, diagnosis, treatment and efficacy appraisal.

A dual-end-pumped Ho:YAG laser with a high energy output

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

Duan, X M; Cui, Zh; Dai, T Y

2015-08-31

We report a high energy output from a Ho:YAG oscillator resonantly double-end pumped by Tm:YLF lasers at room temperature. The maximum pulse energy of 52.5 mJ was achieved at a pulse repetition rate of 100Hz and a pulse duration of 35.2 ns, corresponding to a peak power of approximately 1.5 MW. The output wavelength was 2090.7 nm with beam quality factor M{sup 2} ∼ 1.2. (lasers)

Comparison of the efficiency of rat papillary muscles during afterloaded isotonic contractions and contractions with sinusoidal length changes.

PubMed

Mellors, L J; Gibbs, C L; Barclay, C J

2001-05-01

The results of previous studies suggest that the maximum mechanical efficiency of rat papillary muscles is lower during a contraction protocol involving sinusoidal length changes than during one involving afterloaded isotonic contractions. The aim of this study was to compare directly the efficiency of isolated rat papillary muscle preparations in isotonic and sinusoidal contraction protocols. Experiments were performed in vitro (27 degrees C) using left ventricular papillary muscles from adult rats. Each preparation performed three contraction protocols: (i) low-frequency afterloaded isotonic contractions (10 twitches at 0.2 Hz), (ii) sinusoidal length change contractions with phasic stimulation (40 twitches at 2 Hz) and (iii) high-frequency afterloaded isotonic contractions (40 twitches at 2 Hz). The first two protocols resembled those used in previous studies and the third combined the characteristics of the first two. The parameters for each protocol were adjusted to those that gave maximum efficiency. For the afterloaded isotonic protocols, the afterload was set to 0.3 of the maximum developed force. The sinusoidal length change protocol incorporated a cycle amplitude of +/-5% resting length and a stimulus phase of -10 degrees. Measurements of force output, muscle length change and muscle temperature change were used to calculate the work and heat produced during and after each protocol. Net mechanical efficiency was defined as the proportion of the energy (enthalpy) liberated by the muscle that appeared as work. The efficiency in the low-frequency, isotonic contraction protocol was 21.1+/-1.4% (mean +/- s.e.m., N=6) and that in the sinusoidal protocol was 13.2+/-0.7%, consistent with previous results. This difference was not due to the higher frequency or greater number of twitches because efficiency in the high-frequency, isotonic protocol was 21.5+/-1.0%. Although these results apparently confirm that efficiency is protocol-dependent, additional experiments designed to measure work output unambiguously indicated that the method used to calculate work output in isotonic contractions overestimated actual work output. When net work output, which excludes work done by parallel elastic elements, rather than total work output was used to determine efficiency in afterloaded isotonic contractions, efficiency was similar to that for sinusoidal contractions. The maximum net mechanical efficiency of rat papillary muscles performing afterloaded isotonic or sinusoidal length change contractions was between 10 and 15%.

Functional sensibility assessment. Part II: Effects of sensory improvement on precise pinch force modulation after transverse carpal tunnel release.

PubMed

Hsu, Hsiu-Yun; Kuo, Li-Chieh; Chiu, Haw-Yen; Jou, I-Ming; Su, Fong-Chin

2009-11-01

Patients with median nerve compression at the carpal tunnel often have poor sensory afferents. Without adequate sensory modulation control, these patients frequently exhibit clumsy performance and excessive force output in the affected hand. We analyzed precision grip function after the sensory recovery of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) who underwent carpal tunnel release (CTR). Thirteen CTS patients were evaluated using a custom-designed pinch device and conventional sensory tools before and after CTR to measure sensibility, maximum pinch strength, and anticipated pinch force adjustments to movement-induced load fluctuations in a pinch-holding-up activity. Based on these tests, five force-related parameters and sensory measurements were used to determine improvements in pinch performance after sensory recovery. The force ratio between the exerted pinch force and maximum load force of the lifting object was used to determine pinch force coordination and to prove that CTR enabled precision motor output. The magnitude of peak pinch force indicated an economic force output during manipulations following CTR. The peak pinch force, force ratio, and percentage of maximum pinch force also demonstrated a moderate correlation with the Semmes-Weinstein test. Analysis of these tests revealed that improved sensory function helped restore patients' performance in precise pinch force control evaluations. These results suggest that sensory information plays an important role in adjusting balanced force output in dexterous manipulation. (c) 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

l-Carnitine Supplementation in Recovery after Exercise.

PubMed

Fielding, Roger; Riede, Linda; Lugo, James P; Bellamine, Aouatef

2018-03-13

Given its pivotal role in fatty acid oxidation and energy metabolism, l-carnitine has been investigated as ergogenic aid for enhancing exercise capacity in the healthy athletic population. Early research indicates its beneficial effects on acute physical performance, such as increased maximum oxygen consumption and higher power output. Later studies point to the positive impact of dietary supplementation with l-carnitine on the recovery process after exercise. It is demonstrated that l-carnitine alleviates muscle injury and reduces markers of cellular damage and free radical formation accompanied by attenuation of muscle soreness. The supplementation-based increase in serum and muscle l-carnitine contents is suggested to enhance blood flow and oxygen supply to the muscle tissue via improved endothelial function thereby reducing hypoxia-induced cellular and biochemical disruptions. Studies in older adults further showed that l-carnitine intake can lead to increased muscle mass accompanied by a decrease in body weight and reduced physical and mental fatigue. Based on current animal studies, a role of l-carnitine in the prevention of age-associated muscle protein degradation and regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis is suggested.

l-Carnitine Supplementation in Recovery after Exercise

PubMed Central

Fielding, Roger; Riede, Linda; Lugo, James P.; Bellamine, Aouatef

2018-01-01

Given its pivotal role in fatty acid oxidation and energy metabolism, l-carnitine has been investigated as ergogenic aid for enhancing exercise capacity in the healthy athletic population. Early research indicates its beneficial effects on acute physical performance, such as increased maximum oxygen consumption and higher power output. Later studies point to the positive impact of dietary supplementation with l-carnitine on the recovery process after exercise. It is demonstrated that l-carnitine alleviates muscle injury and reduces markers of cellular damage and free radical formation accompanied by attenuation of muscle soreness. The supplementation-based increase in serum and muscle l-carnitine contents is suggested to enhance blood flow and oxygen supply to the muscle tissue via improved endothelial function thereby reducing hypoxia-induced cellular and biochemical disruptions. Studies in older adults further showed that l-carnitine intake can lead to increased muscle mass accompanied by a decrease in body weight and reduced physical and mental fatigue. Based on current animal studies, a role of l-carnitine in the prevention of age-associated muscle protein degradation and regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis is suggested. PMID:29534031

Measurements of the earth radiation budget from satellites during the first GARP global experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vonder Haar, T. H.; Campbell, G. G.; Smith, E. A.; Arking, A.; Coulson, K.; Hickey, J.; House, F.; Ingersoll, A.; Jacobowitz, H.; Smith, L.

1981-01-01

Radiation budget data (which will aid in climate model development) and solar constant measurements (both to be used for the study of long term climate change and interannual seasonal weather variability) are presented, obtained during Nimbus-6 and Nimbus-7 satellite flights, using wide-field-of-view, scanner, and black cavity detectors. Data on the solar constant, described as a function of the date of measurement, are given. The unweighed mean amounts to 1377 + or - 20 per sq Wm, with a standard deviation of 8 per sq Wm. The new solar data are combined with earlier measurements, and it is suggested that the total absolute energy output of the sun is a minimum at 'solar maximum' and vice versa. Attention is given to the measurements of the net radiation budget, the planetary albedo, and the infrared radiant exitance. The annual and semiannual cycles of normal variability explain most of the variance of energy exchange between the earth and space. Examination of separate ocean and atmospheric energy budgets implies a net continent-ocean region energy exchange.

Exploiting the Maximum Entropy Principle to Increase Retrieval Effectiveness.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cooper, William S.

1983-01-01

Presents information retrieval design approach in which queries of computer-based system consist of sets of terms, either unweighted or weighted with subjective term precision estimates, and retrieval outputs ranked by probability of usefulness estimated by "maximum entropy principle." Boolean and weighted request systems are discussed.…

I/O impedance controller

DOEpatents

Ruesch, Rodney; Jenkins, Philip N.; Ma, Nan

2004-03-09

There is disclosed apparatus and apparatus for impedance control to provide for controlling the impedance of a communication circuit using an all-digital impedance control circuit wherein one or more control bits are used to tune the output impedance. In one example embodiment, the impedance control circuit is fabricated using circuit components found in a standard macro library of a computer aided design system. According to another example embodiment, there is provided a control for an output driver on an integrated circuit ("IC") device to provide for forming a resistor divider network with the output driver and a resistor off the IC device so that the divider network produces an output voltage, comparing the output voltage of the divider network with a reference voltage, and adjusting the output impedance of the output driver to attempt to match the output voltage of the divider network and the reference voltage. Also disclosed is over-sampling the divider network voltage, storing the results of the over sampling, repeating the over-sampling and storing, averaging the results of multiple over sampling operations, controlling the impedance with a plurality of bits forming a word, and updating the value of the word by only one least significant bit at a time.

Integrated IMA (Information Mission Areas) IC (Information Center) Guide

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-06-01

COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN / COMPUTER AIDED MANUFACTURE 8-8 8.3.7 LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY PANELS 8-8 8.3.8 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE APPLIED TO VI 8-9 8.4...2 10.3.1 DESKTOP PUBLISHING 10-3 10.3.2 INTELLIGENT COPIERS 10-5 10.3.3 ELECTRONIC ALTERNATIVES TO PRINTED DOCUMENTS 10-5 10.3.4 ELECTRONIC FORMS...Optical Disk LCD Units Storage Image Scanners Graphics Forms Output Generation Copiers Devices Software Optical Disk Intelligent Storage Copiers Work Group

RISE TIME DELAY DISCRIMINATOR

DOEpatents

Johnstone, C.W.

1959-09-29

A pulse-height discriminator for generating an output pulse when the accepted input pulse is approximately at its maximum value is described. A gating tube and a negative bias generator responsive to the derivative of the input pulse and means for impressing the output of the bias generator to at least one control electrode of the gating tube are included.

The N-BOD2 user's and programmer's manual

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frisch, H. P.

1978-01-01

A general purpose digital computer program was developed and designed to aid in the analysis of spacecraft attitude dynamics. The program provides the analyst with the capability of automatically deriving and numerically solving the equations of motion of any system that can be modeled as a topological tree of coupled rigid bodies, flexible bodies, point masses, and symmetrical momentum wheels. Two modes of output are available. The composite system equations of motion may be outputted on a line printer in a symbolic form that may be easily translated into common vector-dyadic notation, or the composite system equations of motion may be solved numerically and any desirable set of system state variables outputted as a function of time.

Efficiency at maximum power output of quantum heat engines under finite-time operation.

PubMed

Wang, Jianhui; He, Jizhou; Wu, Zhaoqi

2012-03-01

We study the efficiency at maximum power, η(m), of irreversible quantum Carnot engines (QCEs) that perform finite-time cycles between a hot and a cold reservoir at temperatures T(h) and T(c), respectively. For QCEs in the reversible limit (long cycle period, zero dissipation), η(m) becomes identical to the Carnot efficiency η(C)=1-T(c)/T(h). For QCE cycles in which nonadiabatic dissipation and the time spent on two adiabats are included, the efficiency η(m) at maximum power output is bounded from above by η(C)/(2-η(C)) and from below by η(C)/2. In the case of symmetric dissipation, the Curzon-Ahlborn efficiency η(CA)=1-√(T(c)/T(h)) is recovered under the condition that the time allocation between the adiabats and the contact time with the reservoir satisfy a certain relation.

[Electricity generation using high concentration terephthalic acid solution by microbial fuel cell].

PubMed

Ye, Ye-Jie; Song, Tian-Shun; Xu, Yuan; Chen, Ying-Wen; Zhu, She-Min; Shen, Shu-Bao

2009-04-15

The high concentration terephthalic acid (TA) solution as the substrate of microbial fuel cell (MFC) was studied to generate electricity. The open circuit voltage was 0.54 V after inoculating for 210 h with anaerobic activated sludge, which proved that TA can be the substrate of microbial fuel cell to generate electricity. The influence of pH and substrate concentration on generating electricity was studied deeply. The voltage output of external resistance (R = 1,000 Omega) was the highest when pH was 8.0. It increased as the substrate concentration increasing and tended towards a maximum value. The maximum voltage output Umax was 0.5 V and Ks was 785.2 mg/L by Monod equation regression. When the substrate concentration (according to COD) was 4000 mg/L, the maximum power density was 96.3 mW/m2, coulomb efficiency was 2.66% and COD removal rate was 80.3%.

Power generation costs and ultimate thermal hydraulic power limits in hypothetical advanced designs with natural circulation

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

Duffey, R.B.; Rohatgi, U.S.

Maximum power limits for hypothetical designs of natural circulation plants can be described analytically. The thermal hydraulic design parameters are those which limit the flow, being the elevations, flow areas, and loss coefficients. WE have found some simple ``design`` equations for natural circulation flow to power ratio, and for the stability limit. The analysis of historical and available data for maximum capacity factor estimation shows 80% to be reasonable and achievable. The least cost is obtained by optimizing both hypothetical plant performance for a given output,a nd the plant layout and design. There is also scope to increase output andmore » reduce cost by considering design variations of primary and secondary pressure, and by optimizing component elevations and loss coefficients. The design limits for each are set by stability and maximum flow considerations, which deserve close and careful evaluation.« less

Photovoltaic array: Power conditioner interface characteristics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gonzalez, C. C.; Hill, G. M.; Ross, R. G., Jr.

1982-01-01

The electrical output (power, current, and voltage) of flat plate solar arrays changes constantly, due primarily to changes in cell temperature and irradiance level. As a result, array loads such as dc-to-ac power conditioners must be capable of accommodating widely varying input levels while maintaining operation at or near the maximum power point of the array. The array operating characteristics and extreme output limits necessary for the systematic design of array load interfaces under a wide variety of climatic conditions are studied. A number of interface parameters are examined, including optimum operating voltage, voltage energy, maximum power and current limits, and maximum open circuit voltage. The effect of array degradation and I-V curve fill factor or the array power conditioner interface is also discussed. Results are presented as normalized ratios of power conditioner parameters to array parameters, making the results universally applicable to a wide variety of system sizes, sites, and operating modes.

Efficient laser emission from cladding waveguide inscribed in Nd:GdVO(4) crystal by direct femtosecond laser writing.

PubMed

Liu, Hongliang; Tan, Yang; Vázquez de Aldana, Javier R; Chen, Feng

2014-08-01

We report on the fabrication of depressed cladding waveguides in Nd:GdVO(4) laser crystal by using femtosecond laser inscription. The cross section of the structure is a circular shape with a diameter of 150 μm. Under the optical pump at 808 nm, the continuous wave (cw) as well as pulsed (Q-switched by graphene saturable absorber) waveguide lasing at 1064 nm has been realized, supporting guidance of both TE and TM polarizations. The maximum output power of 0.57 W was obtained in the cw regime, while the maximum pulse energy of the pulsed laser emissions was up to 19 nJ (corresponding to a maximum average output power of 0.33 W, at a resonant frequency of 18 MHz). The slope efficiencies achieved for the cw and pulsed Nd:GdVO(4) waveguide lasers were as high as 68% and 52%, respectively.

Combinatorial Algorithms for Portfolio Optimization Problems - Case of Risk Moderate Investor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juarna, A.

2017-03-01

Portfolio optimization problem is a problem of finding optimal combination of n stocks from N ≥ n available stocks that gives maximal aggregate return and minimal aggregate risk. In this paper given N = 43 from the IDX (Indonesia Stock Exchange) group of the 45 most-traded stocks, known as the LQ45, with p = 24 data of monthly returns for each stock, spanned over interval 2013-2014. This problem actually is a combinatorial one where its algorithm is constructed based on two considerations: risk moderate type of investor and maximum allowed correlation coefficient between every two eligible stocks. The main outputs resulted from implementation of the algorithms is a multiple curve of three portfolio’s attributes, e.g. the size, the ratio of return to risk, and the percentage of negative correlation coefficient for every two chosen stocks, as function of maximum allowed correlation coefficient between each two stocks. The output curve shows that the portfolio contains three stocks with ratio of return to risk at 14.57 if the maximum allowed correlation coefficient between every two eligible stocks is negative and contains 19 stocks with maximum allowed correlation coefficient 0.17 to get maximum ratio of return to risk at 25.48.

Advanced Power Conditioning System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, N. L.

1971-01-01

The second portion of the advanced power conditioning system development program is reported. Five 100-watt parallel power stages with majority-vote-logic feedback-regulator were breadboarded and tested to the design goals. The input voltage range was 22.1 to 57.4 volts at loads from zero to 500 watts. The maximum input ripple current was 200 mA pk-pk (not including spikes) at 511 watts load; the output voltage was 56V dc with a maximum change of 0.89 volts for all variations of line, load, and temperature; the maximum output ripple was 320 mV pk-pk at 512 watts load (dependent on filter capacitance value); the maximum efficiency was 93.9% at 212 watts and 50V dc input; the minimum efficiency was 87.2% at 80-watt load and 50V dc input; the efficiency was above 90% from 102 watts to 372 watts; the maximum excursion for an 80-watt load change was 2.1 volts with a recovery time of 7 milliseconds; and the unit performed within regulation limits from -20 C to +85 C. During the test sequence, margin tests and failure mode tests were run with no resulting degradation in performance.

Stimulated polariton scattering in an intracavity RbTiOPO₄ crystal generating frequency-tunable THz output.

PubMed

Ortega, Tiago A; Pask, Helen M; Spence, David J; Lee, Andrew J

2016-05-16

A high power, frequency-tunable THz source based on intracavity stimulated polariton scattering (SPS) in RbTiOPO₄ (RTP) is demonstrated for the first time. Frequency tunable THz output was obtained from 3.10 to 4.15 THz, with a gap at 3.17 to 3.49 THz, arising from the 104 cm^-1 A₁ mode in RTP. A maximum average output power of 16.2 µW was detected at 3.8 THz. This is the highest average output power ever reported for an intracavity polariton laser.

Evaluation of a ducted-fan power plant designed for high output and good cruise fuel economy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Behun, M; Rom, F E; Hensley, R V

1950-01-01

Theoretical analysis of performance of a ducted-fan power plant designed both for high-output, high-altitude operation at low supersonic Mach numbers and for good fuel economy at lower fight speeds is presented. Performance of ducted fan is compared with performance (with and without tail-pipe burner) of two hypothetical turbojet engines. At maximum power, the ducted fan has propulsive thrust per unit of frontal area between thrusts obtained by turbojet engines with and without tail-pipe burners. At cruise, the ducted fan obtains lowest thrust specific fuel consumption. For equal maximum thrusts, the ducted fan obtains cruising flight duration and range appreciably greater than turbojet engines.

Highly efficient continuous-wave Nd:YAG ceramic lasers at 946 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, H. Y.; Xu, C. W.; Zhang, J.; Tang, D. Y.; Luo, D. W.; Duan, Y. M.

2013-07-01

Highly efficient CW operation of diode-end-pumped Nd:YAG ceramic lasers at 946 nm is experimentally demonstrated. When a 5 mm long in-house fabricated Nd:YAG ceramic was used as the gain medium, a maximum output power of 10.5 W was obtained under an incident pump power of 35 W, corresponding to an optical conversion efficiency of 30%, while, when a 3 mm long ceramic sample was used, a maximum output power of 8.7 W was generated with a slope efficiency of 65% with respect to the absorbed pump power. Both the optical conversion efficiency and slope efficiency are the highest results reported so far for the diode-pumped 946 nm lasers.

High Output Maximum Efficiency Resonator (HOMER) Laser for NASA's Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) Lidar Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stysley, Paul; Coyle, Barry; Clarke, Greg; Poulios, Demetrios; Kay, Richard

2015-01-01

The Global Ecosystems Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) is a planned mission sending a LIDAR instrument to the International Space Station that will employ three NASA laser transmitters. This instrument will produce parallel tracks on the Earth's surface that will provide global 3D vegetation canopy measurements. To meet the mission goals a total of 5 High Output Maximum Efficiency Resonator lasers will to be built (1 ETU + 3 Flight + 1 spare) in-house at NASA-GSFC. This presentation will summarize the HOMER design, the testing the design has completed in the past, and the plans to successfully build the units needed for the GEDI mission.

Floating-point system quantization errors in digital control systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phillips, C. L.

1973-01-01

The results are reported of research into the effects on system operation of signal quantization in a digital control system. The investigation considered digital controllers (filters) operating in floating-point arithmetic in either open-loop or closed-loop systems. An error analysis technique is developed, and is implemented by a digital computer program that is based on a digital simulation of the system. As an output the program gives the programing form required for minimum system quantization errors (either maximum of rms errors), and the maximum and rms errors that appear in the system output for a given bit configuration. The program can be integrated into existing digital simulations of a system.

A frequency doubled pressure-tunable oscillator-amplifier dye laser system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moriarty, A.; Heaps, W.; Davis, D. D.

1976-01-01

A tunable high-repetition-rate oscillator-amplifier dye-laser system is reported. The dye laser described was longitudinally pumped with the second harmonic of a Nd-YAG laser operating at 10 Hz. Using three Faraday-Perot etalons and pressure tuning, a maximum fundamental output power of the order of 6 MW with a corresponding spectral width of less than 0.003 nm at 564 nm was obtained. The fundamental at 564 nm was frequency doubled to give a maximum power level of 0.6 MW of second-harmonic output power with a spectral width less than 0.0015 nm at 282 nm. Frequency stability could be maintained to within approximately 15% of the line-width.

Enhancements to the Design Manager's Aide for Intelligent Decomposition (DeMAID)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rogers, James L.; Barthelemy, Jean-Francois M.

1992-01-01

This paper discusses the addition of two new enhancements to the program Design Manager's Aide for Intelligent Decomposition (DeMAID). DeMAID is a knowledge-based tool used to aid a design manager in understanding the interactions among the tasks of a complex design problem. This is done by ordering the tasks to minimize feedback, determining the participating subsystems, and displaying them in an easily understood format. The two new enhancements include (1) rules for ordering a complex assembly process and (2) rules for determining which analysis tasks must be re-executed to compute the output of one task based on a change in input to that or another task.

Enhancements to the Design Manager's Aide for Intelligent Decomposition (DeMaid)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rogers, James L.; Barthelemy, Jean-Francois M.

1992-01-01

This paper discusses the addition of two new enhancements to the program Design Manager's Aide for Intelligent Decomposition (DeMAID). DeMAID is a knowledge-based tool used to aid a design manager in understanding the interactions among the tasks of a complex design problem. This is done by ordering the tasks to minimize feedback, determining the participating subsystems, and displaying them in an easily understood format. The two new enhancements include (1) rules for ordering a complex assembly process and (2) rules for determining which analysis tasks must be re-executed to compute the output of one task based on a change in input to that or another task.

Programmable high-output-impedance, large-voltage compliance, microstimulator for low-voltage biomedical applications.

PubMed

Farahmand, Sina; Maghami, Mohammad Hossein; Sodagar, Amir M

2012-01-01

This paper reports on the design of a programmable, high output impedance, large voltage compliance microstimulator for low-voltage biomedical applications. A 6-bit binary-weighted digital to analog converter (DAC) is used to generate biphasic stimulus current pulses. A compact current mirror with large output voltage compliance and high output resistance conveys the current pulses to the target tissue. Designed and simulated in a standard 0.18µm CMOS process, the microstimulator circuit is capable of delivering a maximum stimulation current of 160µA to a 10-kΩ resistive load. Operated at a 1.8-V supply voltage, the output stage exhibits a voltage compliance of 1.69V and output resistance of 160MΩ at full scale stimulus current. Layout of the core microelectrode circuit measures 25.5µm×31.5µm.

Music and Hearing Aids

PubMed Central

Moore, Brian C. J.

2014-01-01

The signal processing and fitting methods used for hearing aids have mainly been designed to optimize the intelligibility of speech. Little attention has been paid to the effectiveness of hearing aids for listening to music. Perhaps as a consequence, many hearing-aid users complain that they are not satisfied with their hearing aids when listening to music. This issue inspired the Internet-based survey presented here. The survey was designed to identify the nature and prevalence of problems associated with listening to live and reproduced music with hearing aids. Responses from 523 hearing-aid users to 21 multiple-choice questions are presented and analyzed, and the relationships between responses to questions regarding music and questions concerned with information about the respondents, their hearing aids, and their hearing loss are described. Large proportions of the respondents reported that they found their hearing aids to be helpful for listening to both live and reproduced music, although less so for the former. The survey also identified problems such as distortion, acoustic feedback, insufficient or excessive gain, unbalanced frequency response, and reduced tone quality. The results indicate that the enjoyment of listening to music with hearing aids could be improved by an increase of the input and output dynamic range, extension of the low-frequency response, and improvement of feedback cancellation and automatic gain control systems. PMID:25361601

Music and hearing aids.

PubMed

Madsen, Sara M K; Moore, Brian C J

2014-10-31

The signal processing and fitting methods used for hearing aids have mainly been designed to optimize the intelligibility of speech. Little attention has been paid to the effectiveness of hearing aids for listening to music. Perhaps as a consequence, many hearing-aid users complain that they are not satisfied with their hearing aids when listening to music. This issue inspired the Internet-based survey presented here. The survey was designed to identify the nature and prevalence of problems associated with listening to live and reproduced music with hearing aids. Responses from 523 hearing-aid users to 21 multiple-choice questions are presented and analyzed, and the relationships between responses to questions regarding music and questions concerned with information about the respondents, their hearing aids, and their hearing loss are described. Large proportions of the respondents reported that they found their hearing aids to be helpful for listening to both live and reproduced music, although less so for the former. The survey also identified problems such as distortion, acoustic feedback, insufficient or excessive gain, unbalanced frequency response, and reduced tone quality. The results indicate that the enjoyment of listening to music with hearing aids could be improved by an increase of the input and output dynamic range, extension of the low-frequency response, and improvement of feedback cancellation and automatic gain control systems. © The Author(s) 2014.

47 CFR 90.1215 - Power limits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...Bm/MHz. If transmitting antennas of directional gain greater than 9 dBi are used, both the maximum... the directional gain of the antenna exceeds 9 dBi. However, high power point-to-point and point-to... directional gain up to 26 dBi without any corresponding reduction in the maximum conducted output power or...

47 CFR 90.1215 - Power limits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

...Bm/MHz. If transmitting antennas of directional gain greater than 9 dBi are used, both the maximum... the directional gain of the antenna exceeds 9 dBi. However, high power point-to-point and point-to... directional gain up to 26 dBi without any corresponding reduction in the maximum conducted output power or...

47 CFR 90.1215 - Power limits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

...Bm/MHz. If transmitting antennas of directional gain greater than 9 dBi are used, both the maximum... the directional gain of the antenna exceeds 9 dBi. However, high power point-to-point and point-to... directional gain up to 26 dBi without any corresponding reduction in the maximum conducted output power or...

47 CFR 90.1215 - Power limits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

...Bm/MHz. If transmitting antennas of directional gain greater than 9 dBi are used, both the maximum... the directional gain of the antenna exceeds 9 dBi. However, high power point-to-point and point-to... directional gain up to 26 dBi without any corresponding reduction in the maximum conducted output power or...

The Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Controller-Based Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm and the Quadratic Boost Converter for Pv System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Altin, Necmi

2018-05-01

An interval type-2 fuzzy logic controller-based maximum power point tracking algorithm and direct current-direct current (DC-DC) converter topology are proposed for photovoltaic (PV) systems. The proposed maximum power point tracking algorithm is designed based on an interval type-2 fuzzy logic controller that has an ability to handle uncertainties. The change in PV power and the change in PV voltage are determined as inputs of the proposed controller, while the change in duty cycle is determined as the output of the controller. Seven interval type-2 fuzzy sets are determined and used as membership functions for input and output variables. The quadratic boost converter provides high voltage step-up ability without any reduction in performance and stability of the system. The performance of the proposed system is validated through MATLAB/Simulink simulations. It is seen that the proposed system provides high maximum power point tracking speed and accuracy even for fast changing atmospheric conditions and high voltage step-up requirements.

47 CFR 95.135 - Maximum authorized transmitting power.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... transmitting power. (a) No station may transmit with more than 50 watts output power. (b) [Reserved] (c) A small control station at a point north of Line A or east of Line C must transmit with no more than 5 watts ERP. (d) A fixed station must transmit with no more than 15 watts output power. (e) A small base...

Fusion of Hard and Soft Information in Nonparametric Density Estimation

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-10

and stochastic optimization models, in analysis of simulation output, and when instantiating probability models. We adopt a constrained maximum...particular, density estimation is needed for generation of input densities to simulation and stochastic optimization models, in analysis of simulation output...an essential step in simulation analysis and stochastic optimization is the generation of probability densities for input random variables; see for

Q-switched all-fiber laser with short pulse duration based on tungsten diselenide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wenyi; OuYang, Yuyi; Ma, Guoli; Liu, Mengli; Liu, Wenjun

2018-05-01

Fiber lasers are widely used in industrial processing, sensing, medical and communications applications due to their simple structure, good stability and low cost. With the rapid development of fiber lasers and the sustained improvement of industrial laser quality requirements, researchers in ultrafast optics focus on how to get laser pulses with high output power and narrow pulse duration. Q-switched technology is one of the most effective techniques to generate ultrashort pulses. In this paper, a tungsten diselenide saturable absorber with 16.82% modulation depth is prepared by chemical vapor deposition. Experimental results show that when the pump power changes from 115.7 mW to 630 mW, the all-fiber laser can achieve a stable Q-switched pulse output. The repetition rate of the output pulse varies from 80.32 kHz to 204.2 kHz, the pulse duration is 581 ns, the maximum output power is 17.1 mW and the maximum pulse energy is 83.7 nJ. Results in this paper show that tungsten diselenide can be applied to ultrafast optics, which is a kind of saturable absorption material with excellent properties.

Design optimization of PVDF-based piezoelectric energy harvesters.

PubMed

Song, Jundong; Zhao, Guanxing; Li, Bo; Wang, Jin

2017-09-01

Energy harvesting is a promising technology that powers the electronic devices via scavenging the ambient energy. Piezoelectric energy harvesters have attracted considerable interest for their high conversion efficiency and easy fabrication in minimized sensors and transducers. To improve the output capability of energy harvesters, properties of piezoelectric materials is an influential factor, but the potential of the material is less likely to be fully exploited without an optimized configuration. In this paper, an optimization strategy for PVDF-based cantilever-type energy harvesters is proposed to achieve the highest output power density with the given frequency and acceleration of the vibration source. It is shown that the maximum power output density only depends on the maximum allowable stress of the beam and the working frequency of the device, and these two factors can be obtained by adjusting the geometry of piezoelectric layers. The strategy is validated by coupled finite-element-circuit simulation and a practical device. The fabricated device within a volume of 13.1 mm 3 shows an output power of 112.8 μW which is comparable to that of the best-performing piezoceramic-based energy harvesters within the similar volume reported so far.

High-power ultralong-wavelength Tm-doped silica fiber laser cladding-pumped with a random distributed feedback fiber laser

PubMed Central

Jin, Xiaoxi; Du, Xueyuan; Wang, Xiong; Zhou, Pu; Zhang, Hanwei; Wang, Xiaolin; Liu, Zejin

2016-01-01

We demonstrated a high-power ultralong-wavelength Tm-doped silica fiber laser operating at 2153 nm with the output power exceeding 18 W and the slope efficiency of 25.5%. A random distributed feedback fiber laser with the center wavelength of 1173 nm was employed as pump source of Tm-doped fiber laser for the first time. No amplified spontaneous emissions or parasitic oscillations were observed when the maximum output power reached, which indicates that employing 1173 nm random distributed feedback fiber laser as pump laser is a feasible and promising scheme to achieve high-power emission of long-wavelength Tm-doped fiber laser. The output power of this Tm-doped fiber laser could be further improved by optimizing the length of active fiber, reflectivity of FBGs, increasing optical efficiency of pump laser and using better temperature management. We also compared the operation of 2153 nm Tm-doped fiber lasers pumped with 793 nm laser diodes, and the maximum output powers were limited to ~2 W by strong amplified spontaneous emission and parasitic oscillation in the range of 1900–2000 nm. PMID:27416893

High-power ultralong-wavelength Tm-doped silica fiber laser cladding-pumped with a random distributed feedback fiber laser.

PubMed

Jin, Xiaoxi; Du, Xueyuan; Wang, Xiong; Zhou, Pu; Zhang, Hanwei; Wang, Xiaolin; Liu, Zejin

2016-07-15

We demonstrated a high-power ultralong-wavelength Tm-doped silica fiber laser operating at 2153 nm with the output power exceeding 18 W and the slope efficiency of 25.5%. A random distributed feedback fiber laser with the center wavelength of 1173 nm was employed as pump source of Tm-doped fiber laser for the first time. No amplified spontaneous emissions or parasitic oscillations were observed when the maximum output power reached, which indicates that employing 1173 nm random distributed feedback fiber laser as pump laser is a feasible and promising scheme to achieve high-power emission of long-wavelength Tm-doped fiber laser. The output power of this Tm-doped fiber laser could be further improved by optimizing the length of active fiber, reflectivity of FBGs, increasing optical efficiency of pump laser and using better temperature management. We also compared the operation of 2153 nm Tm-doped fiber lasers pumped with 793 nm laser diodes, and the maximum output powers were limited to ~2 W by strong amplified spontaneous emission and parasitic oscillation in the range of 1900-2000 nm.

JCoDA: a tool for detecting evolutionary selection.

PubMed

Steinway, Steven N; Dannenfelser, Ruth; Laucius, Christopher D; Hayes, James E; Nayak, Sudhir

2010-05-27

The incorporation of annotated sequence information from multiple related species in commonly used databases (Ensembl, Flybase, Saccharomyces Genome Database, Wormbase, etc.) has increased dramatically over the last few years. This influx of information has provided a considerable amount of raw material for evaluation of evolutionary relationships. To aid in the process, we have developed JCoDA (Java Codon Delimited Alignment) as a simple-to-use visualization tool for the detection of site specific and regional positive/negative evolutionary selection amongst homologous coding sequences. JCoDA accepts user-inputted unaligned or pre-aligned coding sequences, performs a codon-delimited alignment using ClustalW, and determines the dN/dS calculations using PAML (Phylogenetic Analysis Using Maximum Likelihood, yn00 and codeml) in order to identify regions and sites under evolutionary selection. The JCoDA package includes a graphical interface for Phylip (Phylogeny Inference Package) to generate phylogenetic trees, manages formatting of all required file types, and streamlines passage of information between underlying programs. The raw data are output to user configurable graphs with sliding window options for straightforward visualization of pairwise or gene family comparisons. Additionally, codon-delimited alignments are output in a variety of common formats and all dN/dS calculations can be output in comma-separated value (CSV) format for downstream analysis. To illustrate the types of analyses that are facilitated by JCoDA, we have taken advantage of the well studied sex determination pathway in nematodes as well as the extensive sequence information available to identify genes under positive selection, examples of regional positive selection, and differences in selection based on the role of genes in the sex determination pathway. JCoDA is a configurable, open source, user-friendly visualization tool for performing evolutionary analysis on homologous coding sequences. JCoDA can be used to rapidly screen for genes and regions of genes under selection using PAML. It can be freely downloaded at http://www.tcnj.edu/~nayaklab/jcoda.

JCoDA: a tool for detecting evolutionary selection

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background The incorporation of annotated sequence information from multiple related species in commonly used databases (Ensembl, Flybase, Saccharomyces Genome Database, Wormbase, etc.) has increased dramatically over the last few years. This influx of information has provided a considerable amount of raw material for evaluation of evolutionary relationships. To aid in the process, we have developed JCoDA (Java Codon Delimited Alignment) as a simple-to-use visualization tool for the detection of site specific and regional positive/negative evolutionary selection amongst homologous coding sequences. Results JCoDA accepts user-inputted unaligned or pre-aligned coding sequences, performs a codon-delimited alignment using ClustalW, and determines the dN/dS calculations using PAML (Phylogenetic Analysis Using Maximum Likelihood, yn00 and codeml) in order to identify regions and sites under evolutionary selection. The JCoDA package includes a graphical interface for Phylip (Phylogeny Inference Package) to generate phylogenetic trees, manages formatting of all required file types, and streamlines passage of information between underlying programs. The raw data are output to user configurable graphs with sliding window options for straightforward visualization of pairwise or gene family comparisons. Additionally, codon-delimited alignments are output in a variety of common formats and all dN/dS calculations can be output in comma-separated value (CSV) format for downstream analysis. To illustrate the types of analyses that are facilitated by JCoDA, we have taken advantage of the well studied sex determination pathway in nematodes as well as the extensive sequence information available to identify genes under positive selection, examples of regional positive selection, and differences in selection based on the role of genes in the sex determination pathway. Conclusions JCoDA is a configurable, open source, user-friendly visualization tool for performing evolutionary analysis on homologous coding sequences. JCoDA can be used to rapidly screen for genes and regions of genes under selection using PAML. It can be freely downloaded at http://www.tcnj.edu/~nayaklab/jcoda. PMID:20507581

Money and Education: A Guide to Illinois School Finance.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McMaster, Donald; Sinkin, Judy G.

Illinois' education finance plan is described in the first of this report's two chapters, and the second chapter considers the finance plan's equity. Chapter 1 covers the state's Resource Equalizer Aid Program and the tax revenue it guarantees districts; the calculation of maximum tax guarantees and local shares; the apportionment of state aid;…

Predicting Power Output of Upper Body using the OMNI-RES Scale.

PubMed

Bautista, Iker J; Chirosa, Ignacio J; Tamayo, Ignacio Martín; González, Andrés; Robinson, Joseph E; Chirosa, Luis J; Robertson, Robert J

2014-12-09

The main aim of this study was to determine the optimal training zone for maximum power output. This was to be achieved through estimating mean bar velocity of the concentric phase of a bench press using a prediction equation. The values for the prediction equation would be obtained using OMNI-RES scale values of different loads of the bench press exercise. Sixty males (age 23.61 2.81 year; body height 176.29 6.73 cm; body mass 73.28 4.75 kg) voluntarily participated in the study and were tested using an incremental protocol on a Smith machine to determine one repetition maximum (1RM) in the bench press exercise. A linear regression analysis produced a strong correlation (r = -0.94) between rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and mean bar velocity (Velmean). The Pearson correlation analysis between real power output (PotReal) and estimated power (PotEst) showed a strong correlation coefficient of r = 0.77, significant at a level of p = 0.01. Therefore, the OMNI-RES scale can be used to predict Velmean in the bench press exercise to control the intensity of the exercise. The positive relationship between PotReal and PotEst allowed for the identification of a maximum power-training zone.

Predicting Power Output of Upper Body using the OMNI-RES Scale

PubMed Central

Bautista, Iker J.; Chirosa, Ignacio J.; Tamayo, Ignacio Martín; González, Andrés; Robinson, Joseph E.; Chirosa, Luis J.; Robertson, Robert J.

2014-01-01

The main aim of this study was to determine the optimal training zone for maximum power output. This was to be achieved through estimating mean bar velocity of the concentric phase of a bench press using a prediction equation. The values for the prediction equation would be obtained using OMNI–RES scale values of different loads of the bench press exercise. Sixty males (age 23.61 2.81 year; body height 176.29 6.73 cm; body mass 73.28 4.75 kg) voluntarily participated in the study and were tested using an incremental protocol on a Smith machine to determine one repetition maximum (1RM) in the bench press exercise. A linear regression analysis produced a strong correlation (r = −0.94) between rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and mean bar velocity (Velmean). The Pearson correlation analysis between real power output (PotReal) and estimated power (PotEst) showed a strong correlation coefficient of r = 0.77, significant at a level of p = 0.01. Therefore, the OMNI–RES scale can be used to predict Velmean in the bench press exercise to control the intensity of the exercise. The positive relationship between PotReal and PotEst allowed for the identification of a maximum power-training zone. PMID:25713677

Selective effects of weight and inertia on maximum lifting.

PubMed

Leontijevic, B; Pazin, N; Kukolj, M; Ugarkovic, D; Jaric, S

2013-03-01

A novel loading method (loading ranged from 20% to 80% of 1RM) was applied to explore the selective effects of externally added simulated weight (exerted by stretched rubber bands pulling downward), weight+inertia (external weights added), and inertia (covariation of the weights and the rubber bands pulling upward) on maximum bench press throws. 14 skilled participants revealed a load associated decrease in peak velocity that was the least associated with an increase in weight (42%) and the most associated with weight+inertia (66%). However, the peak lifting force increased markedly with an increase in both weight (151%) and weight+inertia (160%), but not with inertia (13%). As a consequence, the peak power output increased most with weight (59%), weight+inertia revealed a maximum at intermediate loads (23%), while inertia was associated with a gradual decrease in the peak power output (42%). The obtained findings could be of importance for our understanding of mechanical properties of human muscular system when acting against different types of external resistance. Regarding the possible application in standard athletic training and rehabilitation procedures, the results speak in favor of applying extended elastic bands which provide higher movement velocity and muscle power output than the usually applied weights. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Large-mode-area single-mode-output Neodymium-doped silicate glass all-solid photonic crystal fiber

PubMed Central

Li, Wentao; Chen, Danping; Qinling, Zhou; Hu, Lili

2015-01-01

We have demonstrated a 45 μm core diameter Neodymium-doped all-solid silicate glass photonic crystal fiber laser with a single mode laser output. The structure parameters and modes information of the fiber are both demonstrated by theoretical calculations using Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method and experimental measurements. Maximum 0.8 W output power limited by launched pump power has been generated in 1064 nm with laser beam quality factor M2 1.18. PMID:26205850

College Explorer.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ahl, David H.

1985-01-01

The "College Explorer" is a software package (for the 64K Apple II, IBM PC, TRS-80 model III and 4 microcomputers) which aids in choosing a college. The major features of this package (manufactured by The College Board) are described and evaluated. Sample input/output is included. (JN)

Alternatives for Saving and Viewing CAD Graphics for the Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, La Verne Abe; Sadowski, Mary A.

2001-01-01

Introduces some alternatives for preparing and viewing computer aided design (CAD) graphics for Internet output on a budget, without the fear of copyright infringement, and without having to go back to college to learn a complex graphic application. (Author/YDS)

Hollow waveguide for giant Er:YAG laser pulses transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nemec, Michal; Jelinkova, Helena; Koranda, Petr; Cech, Miroslav; Sulc, Jan; Miyagi, Mitsunobu; Shi, Yi-Wei; Matsuura, Yuji

2004-06-01

Short Er:YAG laser pulses were delivered by a cyclic olefin polymer coated silver hollow glass (COP/Ag) waveguide specially designed for a high power radiation. Er:YAG laser was Q-switched by an electro-optic shutter - LiNbO3 Pockels cell with Brewster angle cut input/output faces. The maximum energy output obtained from this system was 29 mJ with the length of pulse 69 ns corresponding to 420 kW output peak power. The system was working with the repetition rate of 1.5 Hz. A delivery system composed of a lens (f = 40 mm), protector and waveguide with the 700/850 μm diameter and 50 cm or 1 m length. The measured maximum delivered intensity was 86 MW/cm2 what corresponds to the transmission of 78.6 % for whole delivery system. Using of a sealed cap, this delivery system gives a possibility of the contact surgical treatment in many medicine branches, for example ophthalmology, urology or dentistry.

Noise tolerance in optical waveguide circuits for recognition of optical 16 quadrature amplitude modulation codes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inoshita, Kensuke; Hama, Yoshimitsu; Kishikawa, Hiroki; Goto, Nobuo

2016-12-01

In photonic label routers, various optical signal processing functions are required; these include optical label extraction, recognition of the label, optical switching and buffering controlled by signals based on the label information and network routing tables, and label rewriting. Among these functions, we focus on photonic label recognition. We have proposed two kinds of optical waveguide circuits to recognize 16 quadrature amplitude modulation codes, i.e., recognition from the minimum output port and from the maximum output port. The recognition function was theoretically analyzed and numerically simulated by finite-difference beam-propagation method. We discuss noise tolerance in the circuit and show numerically simulated results to evaluate bit-error-rate (BER) characteristics against optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR). The OSNR required to obtain a BER less than 1.0×10-3 for the symbol rate of 2.5 GBaud was 14.5 and 27.0 dB for recognition from the minimum and maximum output, respectively.

A flex-compressive-mode piezoelectric transducer for mechanical vibration/strain energy harvesting.

PubMed

Li, Xiaotian; Guo, Mingsen; Dong, Shuxiang

2011-04-01

A piezoelectric transducer for harvesting energy from ambient mechanical vibrations/strains under pressure condition was developed. The proposed transducer was made of two ring-type piezoelectric stacks, one pair of bow-shaped elastic plates, and one shaft that pre-compresses them. This transducer works in flex-compressive (F-C) mode, which is different from a conventional flex-tensional (F-T) one, to transfer a transversely applied force F into an amplified longitudinal force N pressing against the two piezo-stacks via the two bowshaped elastic plates, generating a large electric voltage output via piezoelectric effect. Our experimental results show that without an electric load, an F-C mode piezo-transducer could generate a maximum electric voltage output of up to 110 Vpp, and with an electric load of 40 κΩ, it a maximum power output of 14.6 mW under an acceleration excitation of 1 g peak-peak at the resonance frequency of 87 Hz. © 2011 IEEE

Evaluation of handle design characteristics in a maximum screwdriving torque task.

PubMed

Kong, Y-K; Lowe, B D; Lee, S-J; Krieg, E F

2007-09-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of screwdriver handle shape, surface material and workpiece orientation on torque performance, finger force distribution and muscle activity in a maximum screwdriving torque task. Twelve male subjects performed maximum screw-tightening exertions using screwdriver handles with three longitudinal shapes (circular, hexagonal and triangular), four lateral shapes (cylindrical, double frustum, cone and reversed double frustum) and two surfaces (rubber and plastic). The average finger force contributions to the total hand force were 28.1%, 39.3%, 26.5% and 6.2%, in order from index to little fingers; the average phalangeal segment force contributions were 47.3%, 14.0%, 20.5% and 18.1% for distal, middle, proximal and metacarpal phalanges, respectively. The plastic surface handles were associated with 15% less torque output (4.86 Nm) than the rubber coated handles (5.73 Nm). In general, the vertical workpiece orientation was associated with higher torque output (5.9 Nm) than the horizontal orientation (4.69 Nm). Analysis of handle shapes indicates that screwdrivers designed with a circular or hexagonal cross-sectional shape result in greater torque outputs (5.49 Nm, 5.57 Nm), with less total finger force (95 N, 105 N). In terms of lateral shape, reversed double frustum handles were associated with less torque output (5.23 Nm) than the double frustum (5.44 Nm) and cone (5.37 Nm) handles. Screwdriver handles designed with combinations of circular or hexagonal cross-sectional shapes with double frustum and cone lateral shapes were optimal in this study.

Simulation and Experimental Study of Bipolar Plate on the Performance PEM Fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chinnasa, Pornchai; Khamsuk, Pattama; Seechalee, Sarunya; Swatsitang, Ekaphan

2017-09-01

This research is a simulated and experimental study on effects of bipolar electrodes of a PEM fuel cell on its power conversion efficiency. The PEM fuel cell structure consists of bipolar electrodes, proton exchange membrane with catalysts, flow channels of gases. This research used fuel cell of 49 cm2 in active area as a research sample and the Comsol 4.4 was employed to simulate flow channels which are serpentine pattern for anode and parallel pattern for cathode. The parameters used were calculated effects of such parameters using Comsol 4.4. After the calculation has been completed, the prototype of the PEM fuel cell were fabricated using graphite plate as electrodes which had the channel height of 0.20 cm, proton exchange membrane using carbon-platinum catalyst. Finally, further it was found that the effect of temperature on the power conversion efficiency is not severely. And for anode, the concentration of hydrogen gas was reduced 64 wt% due to the reaction whereas in parallel channel of cathode the oxygen concentration was reduced by only 6 wt% from 23 wt% at the entrance to 17 wt% at the end. The maximum power output of the prototype operated under such condition was 0.28 W/cm2 calculated from maximum power output voltage (Vmp) of 0.70 V and maximum power output current density of 0.42 A/cm2 which was in good agreement with that simulated using Comsol 4.4 which revealed the power output of 0.29 W/cm2.

Grid-connected wind and photovoltaic system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devabakthuni, Sindhuja

The objective of this thesis is to design a grid connected wind and photovoltaic system. A new model of converter control was designed which maintains the voltage of the bus to grid as constant when combined system of solar and wind is connected to AC bus. The model is designed to track maximum power at each point irrespective of changes in irradiance, temperature and wind speed which affects the power supplied to grid. Solar power from the sun is not constant as it is affected by changes in irradiances and temperature. Even the wind power is affected by wind speed. A MPPT controller was designed for both systems. A boost converter is designed which uses the pulses from MPPT controller to boost the output. Wind system consists of wind turbine block from the MATLAB with a pitch angle controller to maintain optimum pitch angle. The output from wind turbine is connected to a permanent magnet synchronous generator. The unregulated DC output from the photovoltaic system is directly given to boost converter. The AC output from the wind system is given to an uncontrolled rectifier to get a unregulated DC output. The unregulated DC output goes to the boost converter. A voltage source inverter was designed which converts the rectified DC output from the boost converter to AC power. The inverter is designed to maintain constant AC bus voltage irrespective of the disturbances in the power supply. Photovoltaic and wind systems are individually designed for 5KW each in MATLAB-Simulink environment. In this thesis, the models were subjected to changes in irradiance, temperature and wind speed and the results were interpreted. The model was successful in tracking maximum at every instant and the AC bus voltage was maintained constant throughout the simulation.

Fabrication and performance evaluation of a metal-based bimorph piezoelectric MEMS generator for vibration energy harvesting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Chun-Liang; Lin, Shun-Chiu; Wu, Wen-Jong

2016-10-01

This paper presents the development of a bimorph microelectromechanical system (MEMS) generator for vibration energy harvesting. The bimorph generator is in cantilever beam structure formed by laminating two lead zirconate titanate thick-film layers on both sides of a stainless steel substrate. Aiming to scavenge vibration energy efficiently from the environment and transform into useful electrical energy, the two piezoelectric layers on the device can be poled for serial and parallel connections to enhance the output voltage or output current respectively. In addition, a tungsten proof mass is bonded at the tip of the device to adjust the resonance frequency. The experimental result shows superior performance the generator. At the 0.5 g base excitation acceleration level, the devices pooled for serial connection and the device poled for parallel connection possess an open-circuit output voltage of 11.6 VP-P and 20.1 VP-P, respectively. The device poled for parallel connection reaches a maximum power output of 423 μW and an output voltage of 15.2 VP-P at an excitation frequency of 143.4 Hz and an externally applied based excitation acceleration of 1.5 g, whereas the device poled serial connection achieves a maximum power output of 413 μW and an output voltage of 33.0 VP-P at an excitation frequency of 140.8 Hz and an externally applied base excitation acceleration of 1.5 g. To demonstrate the feasibility of the MEMS generator for real applications, we finished the demonstration of a self-powered Bluetooth low energy wireless temperature sensor sending readings to a smartphone with only the power from the MEMS generator harvesting from vibration.

A low noise and high precision linear power supply with thermal foldback protection.

PubMed

Carniti, P; Cassina, L; Gotti, C; Maino, M; Pessina, G

2016-05-01

A low noise and high precision linear power supply was designed for use in rare event search experiments with macrobolometers. The circuit accepts at the input a "noisy" dual supply voltage up to ±15 V and gives at the output precise, low noise, and stable voltages that can be set between ±3.75 V and ±12.5 V in eight 1.25 V steps. Particular care in circuit design, component selection, and proper filtering results in a noise spectral density of 50nV/Hz at 1 Hz and 20nV/Hz white when the output is set to ±5 V. This corresponds to 125 nV RMS (0.8 μV peak to peak) between 0.1 Hz and 10 Hz, and 240 nV RMS (1.6 μV peak to peak) between 0.1 Hz and 100 Hz. The power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) of the circuit is 100 dB at low frequency, and larger than 40 dB up to high frequency, thanks to a proper compensation design. Calibration allows to reach a precision in the absolute value of the output voltage of ±70 ppm, or ±350 μV at ±5 V, and to reduce thermal drifts below ±1 ppm/(∘)C in the expected operating range. The maximum peak output current is about 6 A from each output. An original foldback protection scheme was developed that dynamically limits the maximum output current to keep the temperature of the output transistors within their safe operating range. An add-on card based on an ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller is devoted to the monitoring and control of all circuit functionalities and provides remote communication via CAN bus.

NONMEMory: a run management tool for NONMEM.

PubMed

Wilkins, Justin J

2005-06-01

NONMEM is an extremely powerful tool for nonlinear mixed-effect modelling and simulation of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data. However, it is a console-based application whose output does not lend itself to rapid interpretation or efficient management. NONMEMory has been created to be a comprehensive project manager for NONMEM, providing detailed summary, comparison and overview of the runs comprising a given project, including the display of output data, simple post-run processing, fast diagnostic plots and run output management, complementary to other available modelling aids. Analysis time ought not to be spent on trivial tasks, and NONMEMory's role is to eliminate these as far as possible by increasing the efficiency of the modelling process. NONMEMory is freely available from http://www.uct.ac.za/depts/pha/nonmemory.php.

50 CFR 259.34 - Minimum and maximum deposits; maximum time to deposit.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... B objective. A time longer than 10 years, either by original scheduling or by subsequent extension... OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AID TO FISHERIES CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION FUND...) Minimum annual deposit. The minimum annual (based on each party's taxable year) deposit required by the...

Solar tracking system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

White, P. R.; Scott, D. R. (Inventor)

1981-01-01

A solar tracker for a solar collector is described in detail. The collector is angularly oriented by a motor wherein the outputs of two side-by-side photodetectors are discriminated as to three ranges: a first corresponding to a low light or darkness condition; a second corresponding to light intensity lying in an intermediate range; and a third corresponding to light above an intermediate range, direct sunlight. The first output drives the motor to a selected maximum easterly angular position; the second enables the motor to be driven westerly at the Earth rotational rate; and the third output, the separate outputs of the two photodetectors, differentially controls the direction of rotation of the motor to effect actual tracking of the Sun.

A Survey of Research Methods to Study Design

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-06-01

Integrated Computer-Aided Manufacturing (ICAM) Definition Languages (IDEFO, IDEF 1, and IDEF 2) Nijssen’s Information Analysis Method (NIAM) * Michael ... Jackson Diagrams 1I-1 • Warnier-Orr Di.grams Hierarchical Input Process Output (HIPO) charts * Nassi Schneiderman Charts. These techniques were intended

Sperry Univac speech communications technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Medress, Mark F.

1977-01-01

Technology and systems for effective verbal communication with computers were developed. A continuous speech recognition system for verbal input, a word spotting system to locate key words in conversational speech, prosodic tools to aid speech analysis, and a prerecorded voice response system for speech output are described.

Optical tomographic detection of rheumatoid arthritis with computer-aided classification schemes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klose, Christian D.; Klose, Alexander D.; Netz, Uwe; Beuthan, Jürgen; Hielscher, Andreas H.

2009-02-01

A recent research study has shown that combining multiple parameters, drawn from optical tomographic images, leads to better classification results to identifying human finger joints that are affected or not affected by rheumatic arthritis RA. Building up on the research findings of the previous study, this article presents an advanced computer-aided classification approach for interpreting optical image data to detect RA in finger joints. Additional data are used including, for example, maximum and minimum values of the absorption coefficient as well as their ratios and image variances. Classification performances obtained by the proposed method were evaluated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, Youden index and area under the curve AUC. Results were compared to different benchmarks ("gold standard"): magnet resonance, ultrasound and clinical evaluation. Maximum accuracies (AUC=0.88) were reached when combining minimum/maximum-ratios and image variances and using ultrasound as gold standard.

Diode-pumped quasi-three-level CW Nd:CLNGG and Nd:CNGG lasers.

PubMed

He, Kunna; Wei, Zhiyi; Li, Dehua; Zhang, Zhiguo; Zhang, Huaijin; Wang, Jiyang; Gao, Chunqing

2009-10-12

We have demonstrated what is to our knowledge the first quasi-three-level CW Nd:CLNGG laser with simple linear resonator. When the pump power was 18.2 W, a maximum output power of 1.63 W was obtained at the dual-wavelength of 935 nm and 928 nm. The optical-to-optical conversion efficiency was 9.0% and the slope efficiency was 11.5%. Lasing characteristics of a quasi-three-level CW Nd:CNGG laser were also investigated. A maximum output power of 1.87 W was obtained at the single-wavelength of 935 nm with 15.2 W pump power, corresponding to an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 12.3% and a slope efficiency of 15.6%.

The effects of training with loads that maximise power output and individualised repetitions vs. traditional power training

PubMed Central

Moya-Ramón, M.; Hernández-Davó, J. L.; Fernandez-Fernandez, J.; Sabido, R.

2017-01-01

Background It has been suggested that strength training effects (i.e. neural or structural) vary, depending on the total repetitions performed and velocity loss in each training set. Purpose The aim of this study is to compare the effects of two training programmes (i.e. one with loads that maximise power output and individualised repetitions, and the other following traditional power training). Methods Twenty-five males were divided into three groups (optimum power [OP = 10], traditional training [TT = 9] and control group [CG = 6]). The training load used for OP was individualised using loads that maximised power output (41.7% ± 5.8 of one repetition maximum [1RM]) and repetitions at maximum power (4 to 9 repetitions, or ‘reps’). Volume (sets x repetitions) was the same for both experimental groups, while intensity for TT was that needed to perform only 50% of the maximum number of possible repetitions (i.e. 61.1%–66.6% of 1RM). The training programme ran over 11 weeks (2 sessions per week; 4–5 sets per session; 3-minute rests between sets), with pre-, intermediate and post-tests which included: anthropometry, 1RM, peak power output (PPO) with 30%, 40% and 50% of 1RM in the bench press throw, and salivary testosterone (ST) and cortisol (SC) concentrations. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and power output were recorded in all sessions. Results Following the intermediate test, PPO was increased in the OP group for each load (10.9%–13.2%). Following the post-test, both experimental groups had increased 1RM (11.8%–13.8%) and PPO for each load (14.1%–19.6%). Significant decreases in PPO were found for the TT group during all sets (4.9%–15.4%), along with significantly higher RPE (37%). Conclusion OP appears to be a more efficient method of training, with less neuromuscular fatigue and lower RPE. PMID:29053725

Evaluation of STD/AIDS prevention programs: a review of approaches and methodologies.

PubMed

da Cruz, Marly Marques; dos Santos, Elizabeth Moreira; Monteiro, Simone

2007-05-01

The article presents a review of approaches and methodologies in the evaluation of STD/AIDS prevention programs, searching for theoretical and methodological support for the institutionalization of evaluation and decision-making. The review included the MEDLINE, SciELO, and ISI Web of Science databases and other sources like textbooks and congress abstracts from 1990 to 2005, with the key words: "evaluation", "programs", "prevention", "STD/AIDS", and similar terms. The papers showed a predominance of quantitative outcome or impact evaluative studies with an experimental or quasi-experimental design. The main use of evaluation is accountability, although knowledge output and program improvement were also identified in the studies. Only a few evaluative studies contemplate process evaluation and its relationship to the contexts. The review aimed to contribute to the debate on STD/AIDS, which requires more effective, consistent, and sustainable decisions in the field of prevention.

Dual-wavelength mid-infrared CW and Q-switched laser in diode end-pumped Tm,Ho:GdYTaO4 crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Beibei; Gao, Congcong; Dou, Renqin; Nie, Hongkun; Sun, Guihua; Liu, Wenpeng; Yu, Haijuan; Wang, Guoju; Zhang, Qingli; Lin, Xuechun; He, Jingliang; Wang, Wenjun; Zhang, Bingyuan

2018-02-01

Dual-wavelength continuous-wave and Q-switched lasers are demonstrated in a Tm,Ho:GdYTaO4 crystal under 790 nm laser diode end pumping for the first time to the best of our knowledge. The laser operates with a dual wavelength at 1949.677 nm and 2070 nm for continuous-wave with a spacing of about 120 nm. The maximum output power is 0.332 W with a pump power of 3 W. By using graphene as the saturable absorber, a passively Q-switched operation is performed with a dual-wavelength at 1950.323 nm and 2068.064 nm with a wavelength interval of about 118 nm. The maximum average output power of the Q-switched laser goes up to 200 mW with a minimum pulse duration of 1.2 µs and a maximum repetition rate of 34.72 kHz.

Double Q-switch Ho:Sc2SiO5 laser by acousto-optic modulator combined with Cr2+:ZnSe saturable absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xiao-tao; Zhang, Peng; Xie, Wen-qiang; Li, Lin-jun

2018-01-01

A double Q-switch (DQS) Ho:Sc2SiO5 laser modulated by a acousto-optic modulators (AOM) combined with a Cr2+:ZnSe saturable absorber (SA) was reported for the first time. The actively Q-switch (AQS) and passively Q-switch (PQS) were also studied. For the DQS mode, a maximum average output power of 2.49 W under the incident pump power of 12.5 W was obtained, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 24%. The characteristics of the DQS Ho:SSO laser versus different repetition frequencies (RF) of the AOM were researched. The maximum single-pulse energy of the DQS Ho:SSO laser was calculated to 1.98 mJ. The maximum peak power of the DQS Ho:SSO laser was 49.5 kW. The output beam quality factor M2 of DQS Ho:SSO laser was measured to be 1.15 with the highest peak power by knife-edge method at different positions.

Parameter Optimization and Operating Strategy of a TEG System for Railway Vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heghmanns, A.; Wilbrecht, S.; Beitelschmidt, M.; Geradts, K.

2016-03-01

A thermoelectric generator (TEG) system demonstrator for diesel electric locomotives with the objective of reducing the mechanical load on the thermoelectric modules (TEM) is developed and constructed to validate a one-dimensional thermo-fluid flow simulation model. The model is in good agreement with the measurements and basis for the optimization of the TEG's geometry by a genetic multi objective algorithm. The best solution has a maximum power output of approx. 2.7 kW and does not exceed the maximum back pressure of the diesel engine nor the maximum TEM hot side temperature. To maximize the reduction of the fuel consumption, an operating strategy regarding the system power output for the TEG system is developed. Finally, the potential consumption reduction in passenger and freight traffic operating modes is estimated under realistic driving conditions by means of a power train and lateral dynamics model. The fuel savings are between 0.5% and 0.7%, depending on the driving style.

Structured Analysis and the Data Flow Diagram: Tools for Library Analysis.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carlson, David H.

1986-01-01

This article discusses tools developed to aid the systems analysis process (program evaluation and review technique, Gantt charts, organizational charts, decision tables, flowcharts, hierarchy plus input-process-output). Similarities and differences among techniques, library applications of analysis, structured systems analysis, and the data flow…

Maximum Acceleration Recording Circuit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bozeman, Richard J., Jr.

1995-01-01

Coarsely digitized maximum levels recorded in blown fuses. Circuit feeds power to accelerometer and makes nonvolatile record of maximum level to which output of accelerometer rises during measurement interval. In comparison with inertia-type single-preset-trip-point mechanical maximum-acceleration-recording devices, circuit weighs less, occupies less space, and records accelerations within narrower bands of uncertainty. In comparison with prior electronic data-acquisition systems designed for same purpose, circuit simpler, less bulky, consumes less power, costs and analysis of data recorded in magnetic or electronic memory devices. Circuit used, for example, to record accelerations to which commodities subjected during transportation on trucks.

Diode-pumped continuous-wave eye-safe Nd:YAG laser at 1415 nm.

PubMed

Lee, Hee Chul; Byeon, Sung Ug; Lukashev, Alexei

2012-04-01

We describe the output performance of the 1415 nm emission in Nd:YAG in a plane-concave cavity under traditional pumping into the 4F5/2 level (808 nm) and direct in-band pumping into the 4F3/2 level (885 nm). An end-pumped Nd:YAG laser yielded maximum cw output power of 6.3 W and 4.2 W at 885 nm and 808 nm laser diode (LD) pumping, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest output power of a LD-pumped 1415 nm laser.

A radiatively pumped CW CO2 laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Insuik, R. J.; Christiansen, W. H.

1984-01-01

A proof of principle experiment to demonstrate the physics of a radiatively pumped laser has been carried out. For the first time, a blackbody cavity has optically pumped a CW CO2 laser. Results are presented from a series of experiments using mixtures of CO2, He, and Ar in which maximum output power was obtained with a 20 percent CO2-15 percent He-65 percent Ar mixture. The dependence of the output power on the blackbody temperature and the cooling gas flow rate is also discussed. By appropriately varying these parameters, continuous output powers of 8-10 mW have been achieved.

Nonlinear distortion analysis for single heterojunction GaAs HEMT with frequency and temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alim, Mohammad A.; Ali, Mayahsa M.; Rezazadeh, Ali A.

2018-07-01

Nonlinearity analysis using two-tone intermodulation distortion (IMD) technique for 0.5 μm gate-length AlGaAs/GaAs based high electron mobility transistor have been investigated based on biasing conditions, input power, frequency and temperature. The outcomes indicate a significant modification on the output IMD power and as well as the minimum distortion level. The input IMD power effects the output current and subsequently the threshold voltage reduces, resulting to an increment in the output IMD power. Both frequency and temperature reduces the magnitude of the output IMDs. In addition, the threshold voltage response with temperature alters the notch point of the nonlinear output IMD’s accordingly. The aforementioned investigation will help the circuit designers to evaluate the best biasing option in terms of minimum distortion, maximum gain for future design optimizations.

48 CFR 42.1106 - Reporting requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... that information essential to Government needs and shall take maximum advantage of data output... contractor's report-preparation system or by individual review of each report. (c) The contract...

Thin disk laser with unstable resonator and reduced output coupler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gavili, Anwar; Shayganmanesh, Mahdi

2018-05-01

In this paper, feasibility of using unstable resonator with reduced output coupling in a thin disk laser is studied theoretically. Unstable resonator is modeled by wave-optics using Collins integral and iterative method. An Yb:YAG crystal with 250 micron thickness is considered as a quasi-three level active medium and modeled by solving rate equations of energy levels populations. The amplification of laser beam in the active medium is calculated based on the Beer-Lambert law and Rigrod method. Using generalized beam parameters method, laser beam parameters like, width, divergence, M2 factor, output power as well as near and far-field beam profiles are calculated for unstable resonator. It is demonstrated that for thin disk laser (with single disk) in spite of the low thickness of the disk which leads to low gain factor, it is possible to use unstable resonator (with reduced output coupling) and achieve good output power with appropriate beam quality. Also, the behavior of output power and beam quality versus equivalent Fresnel number is investigated and optimized value of output coupling for maximum output power is achieved.

Experiments and theory for a Tm:Ho:YAG laser end pumped by a Cr:GSAG laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Kyong H.; Choi, Young S.; Hess, Robert V.; Blair, Clayton H.; Brockman, Philip; Barnes, Norman P.

1991-01-01

A Cr:GSAG-laser-pumped Tm:Ho:YAG laser has been fabricated and tested. A maximum output energy of 14 mJ with a slope efficiency of 33.6 percent was obtained using a 98-percent reflective output coupler. A comprehensive rate equation model has been developed to describe laser performance. Details of the experimental measurements and model are presented.

A hybrid indoor ambient light and vibration energy harvester for wireless sensor nodes.

PubMed

Yu, Hua; Yue, Qiuqin; Zhou, Jielin; Wang, Wei

2014-05-19

To take advantage of applications where both light and vibration energy are available, a hybrid indoor ambient light and vibration energy harvesting scheme is proposed in this paper. This scheme uses only one power conditioning circuit to condition the combined output power harvested from both energy sources so as to reduce the power dissipation. In order to more accurately predict the instantaneous power harvested from the solar panel, an improved five-parameter model for small-scale solar panel applying in low light illumination is presented. The output voltage is increased by using the MEMS piezoelectric cantilever arrays architecture. It overcomes the disadvantage of traditional MEMS vibration energy harvester with low voltage output. The implementation of the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for indoor ambient light is implemented using analog discrete components, which improves the whole harvester efficiency significantly compared to the digital signal processor. The output power of the vibration energy harvester is improved by using the impedance matching technique. An efficient mechanism of energy accumulation and bleed-off is also discussed. Experiment results obtained from an amorphous-silicon (a-Si) solar panel of 4.8 × 2.0 cm2 and a fabricated piezoelectric MEMS generator of 11 × 12.4 mm2 show that the hybrid energy harvester achieves a maximum efficiency around 76.7%.

A pulser-sustainer carbon monoxide electric-discharge supersonic laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Monson, D. J.; Srinivasan, G.

1977-01-01

Operation of a CW CO electric-discharge supersonic laser with a pulser-sustainer discharge is described. High-power operation as well as independent control over electron energy and density are demonstrated. Maximum input power achieved to date is 100 kW. The maximum output power is 6 kW or 10% of the sustainer positive-column power. Much improved performance appears possible.

Compact intra-cavity pumped low-threshold passively Q-switched Ho:Sc2SiO5 laser by a LD-pumped Tm:YAP laser at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xiao-tao; Xie, Wen-qiang; Liu, Long; Li, Lin-jun

2017-08-01

A compact intra-cavity pumped low-threshold passively Q-switched (PQS) Ho:Sc2SiO5 (Ho:SSO) laser is reported for the first time. The Tm:YAlO3 (Tm:YAP) crystal and the Ho:SSO crystal are placed in the same laser cavity. A laser diode with a central wavelength of 793 nm is used to realize the output of the Ho:SSO laser. Both the continuous wave (CW) and PQS operation are investigated. A Cr2+:ZnSe is used as the saturable absorber in the PQS Ho:SSO laser. For the CW mode, the laser threshold is only 750 mW, which is 980 mW in the PQS mode. A maximum pulse energy of 699 µJ is primarily obtained, corresponding to the pulse width of 96 ns. The maximum repetition frequency is 1.46 kHz. The maximum pulse peak power can be calculated to be 7.28 kW. The beam quality factor M 2 is calculated to be 1.4 with the maximum output power.

Electricity generation and microbial community in response to short-term changes in stack connection of self-stacked submersible microbial fuel cell powered by glycerol.

PubMed

Zhao, Nannan; Angelidaki, Irini; Zhang, Yifeng

2017-02-01

Stack connection (i.e., in series or parallel) of microbial fuel cell (MFC) is an efficient way to boost the power output for practical application. However, there is little information available on short-term changes in stack connection and its effect on the electricity generation and microbial community. In this study, a self-stacked submersible microbial fuel cell (SSMFC) powered by glycerol was tested to elucidate this important issue. In series connection, the maximum voltage output reached to 1.15 V, while maximum current density was 5.73 mA in parallel. In both connections, the maximum power density increased with the initial glycerol concentration. However, the glycerol degradation was even faster in parallel connection. When the SSMFC was shifted from series to parallel connection, the reactor reached to a stable power output without any lag phase. Meanwhile, the anodic microbial community compositions were nearly stable. Comparatively, after changing parallel to series connection, there was a lag period for the system to get stable again and the microbial community compositions became greatly different. This study is the first attempt to elucidate the influence of short-term changes in connection on the performance of MFC stack, and could provide insight to the practical utilization of MFC. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Diode-pumped dual-wavelength Nd:LSO laser at 1059 and 1067  nm with nearly diffraction-limited beam quality.

PubMed

Huang, Xiaoxu; Lan, Jinglong; Lin, Zhi; Wang, Yi; Xu, Bin; Xu, Huiying; Cai, Zhiping; Xu, Xiaodong; Zhang, Jian; Xu, Jun

2016-04-10

We report a diode-pumped continuous-wave simultaneous dual-wavelength Nd:LSO laser at 1059 and 1067 nm. By employing a specially coated output coupler with relatively high transmissions at high-gain emission lines of 1075 and 1079 nm, the two low-gain emission lines, 1059 and 1067 nm, can be achieved, for the first time to our knowledge, with maximum output power of 1.27 W and slope efficiency of about 29.2%. The output power is only limited by the available pump power. Output beam quality is also measured to be about 1.19 and 1.21 of the beam propagation factors in the x and y directions, respectively.

Process for fabrication of large titanium diboride ceramic bodies

DOEpatents

Moorhead, Arthur J.; Bomar, E. S.; Becher, Paul F.

1989-01-01

A process for manufacturing large, fully dense, high purity TiB.sub.2 articles by pressing powders with a sintering aid at relatively low temperatures to reduce grain growth. The process requires stringent temperature and pressure applications in the hot-pressing step to ensure maximum removal of sintering aid and to avoid damage to the fabricated article or the die.

33 CFR 149.323 - What are the requirements for first aid kits?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... organization, such as the American Red Cross, for the maximum number of persons on the deepwater port. (b) The first aid kit must be maintained in a space designated as a medical treatment room or, if there is no medical treatment room, under the custody of the person in charge. (c) The operator must ensure that each...

33 CFR 149.323 - What are the requirements for first aid kits?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... organization, such as the American Red Cross, for the maximum number of persons on the deepwater port. (b) The first aid kit must be maintained in a space designated as a medical treatment room or, if there is no medical treatment room, under the custody of the person in charge. (c) The operator must ensure that each...

33 CFR 149.323 - What are the requirements for first aid kits?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... organization, such as the American Red Cross, for the maximum number of persons on the deepwater port. (b) The first aid kit must be maintained in a space designated as a medical treatment room or, if there is no medical treatment room, under the custody of the person in charge. (c) The operator must ensure that each...

33 CFR 149.323 - What are the requirements for first aid kits?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... organization, such as the American Red Cross, for the maximum number of persons on the deepwater port. (b) The first aid kit must be maintained in a space designated as a medical treatment room or, if there is no medical treatment room, under the custody of the person in charge. (c) The operator must ensure that each...

Problems and Alternatives in Capital Financing for Minnesota Elementary and Secondary Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hopeman, Alan R.

The primary sources of capital funds in Minnesota are the local capital expenditure levy and school district bond sales. The state provides assistance to low-wealth districts by providing a capital expenditure equalization aid program and two types of loans under the Maximum Effort School Aid Law. It has been argued that the concepts of equal…

Computer Simulated Visual and Tactile Feedback as an Aid to Manipulator and Vehicle Control,

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-05-08

STATEMENT ........................ 8 Artificial Intellegence Versus Supervisory Control ....... 8 Computer Generation of Operator Feedback...operator. Artificial Intelligence Versus Supervisory Control The use of computers to aid human operators can be divided into two catagories: artificial ...operator. Artificial intelligence ( A. I. ) attempts to give the computer maximum intelligence and to replace all operator functions by the computer

Practical considerations for a second-order directional hearing aid microphone system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, Stephen C.

2003-04-01

First-order directional microphone systems for hearing aids have been available for several years. Such a system uses two microphones and has a theoretical maximum free-field directivity index (DI) of 6.0 dB. A second-order microphone system using three microphones could provide a theoretical increase in free-field DI to 9.5 dB. These theoretical maximum DI values assume that the microphones have exactly matched sensitivities at all frequencies of interest. In practice, the individual microphones in the hearing aid always have slightly different sensitivities. For the small microphone separation necessary to fit in a hearing aid, these sensitivity matching errors degrade the directivity from the theoretical values, especially at low frequencies. This paper shows that, for first-order systems the directivity degradation due to sensitivity errors is relatively small. However, for second-order systems with practical microphone sensitivity matching specifications, the directivity degradation below 1 kHz is not tolerable. A hybrid order directive system is proposed that uses first-order processing at low frequencies and second-order directive processing at higher frequencies. This hybrid system is suggested as an alternative that could provide improved directivity index in the frequency regions that are important to speech intelligibility.

Laryngeal Aerodynamics in Children with Hearing Impairment versus Age and Height Matched Normal Hearing Peers.

PubMed

Das, Barshapriya; Chatterjee, Indranil; Kumar, Suman

2013-01-01

Lack of proper auditory feedback in hearing-impaired subjects results in functional voice disorder. It is directly related to discoordination of intrinsic and extrinsic laryngeal muscles and disturbed contraction and relaxation of antagonistic muscles. A total of twenty children in the age range of 5-10 years were considered for the study. They were divided into two groups: normal hearing children and hearing aid user children. Results showed a significant difference in the vital capacity, maximum sustained phonation, and fast adduction abduction rate having equal variance for normal and hearing aid user children, respectively, but no significant difference was found in the peak flow value with being statistically significant. A reduced vital capacity in hearing aid user children suggests a limited use of the lung volume for speech production. It may be inferred from the study that the hearing aid user children have poor vocal proficiency which is reflected in their voice. The use of voicing component in hearing impaired subjects is seen due to improper auditory feedback. It was found that there was a significant difference in the vital capacity, maximum sustained phonation (MSP), and fast adduction abduction rate and no significant difference in the peak flow.

Metabolic Measurements in the Sow and Relationship to Post-Weaning Reproductive Performance

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Excessive weight (wt) loss during lactation is an indicator of tissue catabolism in exchange for maintaining metabolic output and can have adverse effects on reproductive parameters. Creatine is a nonprotein nitrogen that acts as a phosphagen and aids in tissue repair. Creatine may provide an indica...

Changes in Transcriptional Output of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Following Resistance Exercise

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or had been diagnosed with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Participants were also excluded if they were... Laron Z (1995) Mathematical formulae for the prediction of the residual beta cell function during the first two years of disease in children and

Decision support systems for ecosystem management: An evaluation of existing systems

Treesearch

H. Todd Mowrer; Klaus Barber; Joe Campbell; Nick Crookston; Cathy Dahms; John Day; Jim Laacke; Jim Merzenich; Steve Mighton; Mike Rauscher; Rick Sojda; Joyce Thompson; Peter Trenchi; Mark Twery

1997-01-01

This report evaluated 24 computer-aided decision support systems (DSS) that can support management decision-making in forest ecosystems. It compares the scope of each system, spatial capabilities, computational methods, development status, input and output requirements, user support availability, and system performance. Questionnaire responses from the DSS developers (...

Data management and language enhancement for generalized set theory computer language for operation of large relational databases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Finley, Gail T.

1988-01-01

This report covers the study of the relational database implementation in the NASCAD computer program system. The existing system is used primarily for computer aided design. Attention is also directed to a hidden-surface algorithm for final drawing output.

Design and analysis of an unconventional permanent magnet linear machine for energy harvesting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Peng

This Ph.D. dissertation proposes an unconventional high power density linear electromagnetic kinetic energy harvester, and a high-performance two-stage interface power electronics to maintain maximum power abstraction from the energy source and charge the Li-ion battery load with constant current. The proposed machine architecture is composed of a double-sided flat type silicon steel stator with winding slots, a permanent magnet mover, coil windings, a linear motion guide and an adjustable spring bearing. The unconventional design of the machine is that NdFeB magnet bars in the mover are placed with magnetic fields in horizontal direction instead of vertical direction and the same magnetic poles are facing each other. The derived magnetic equivalent circuit model proves the average air-gap flux density of the novel topology is as high as 0.73 T with 17.7% improvement over that of the conventional topology at the given geometric dimensions of the proof-of-concept machine. Subsequently, the improved output voltage and power are achieved. The dynamic model of the linear generator is also developed, and the analytical equations of output maximum power are derived for the case of driving vibration with amplitude that is equal, smaller and larger than the relative displacement between the mover and the stator of the machine respectively. Furthermore, the finite element analysis (FEA) model has been simulated to prove the derived analytical results and the improved power generation capability. Also, an optimization framework is explored to extend to the multi-Degree-of-Freedom (n-DOF) vibration based linear energy harvesting devices. Moreover, a boost-buck cascaded switch mode converter with current controller is designed to extract the maximum power from the harvester and charge the Li-ion battery with trickle current. Meanwhile, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm is proposed and optimized for low frequency driving vibrations. Finally, a proof-of-concept unconventional permanent magnet (PM) linear generator is prototyped and tested to verify the simulation results of the FEA model. For the coil windings of 33, 66 and 165 turns, the output power of the machine is tested to have the output power of 65.6 mW, 189.1 mW, and 497.7 mW respectively with the maximum power density of 2.486 mW/cm3.

The equivalence of minimum entropy production and maximum thermal efficiency in endoreversible heat engines.

PubMed

Haseli, Y

2016-05-01

The objective of this study is to investigate the thermal efficiency and power production of typical models of endoreversible heat engines at the regime of minimum entropy generation rate. The study considers the Curzon-Ahlborn engine, the Novikov's engine, and the Carnot vapor cycle. The operational regimes at maximum thermal efficiency, maximum power output and minimum entropy production rate are compared for each of these engines. The results reveal that in an endoreversible heat engine, a reduction in entropy production corresponds to an increase in thermal efficiency. The three criteria of minimum entropy production, the maximum thermal efficiency, and the maximum power may become equivalent at the condition of fixed heat input.

Energy harvesting influences electrochemical performance of microbial fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lobo, Fernanda Leite; Wang, Xin; Ren, Zhiyong Jason

2017-07-01

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) can be effective power sources for remote sensing, wastewater treatment and environmental remediation, but their performance needs significant improvement. This study systematically analyzes how active harvesting using electrical circuits increased MFC system outputs as compared to passive resistors not only in the traditional maximal power point (MPP) but also in other desired operating points such as the maximum current point (MCP) and the maximum voltage point (MVP). Results show that active harvesting in MPP increased power output by 81-375% and active harvesting in MCP increased Coulombic efficiency by 207-805% compared with resisters operated at the same points. The cyclic voltammograms revealed redox potential shifts and supported the performance data. The findings demonstrate that active harvesting is a very effective approach to improve MFC performance across different operating points.

Indirectly pumped 3.7 THz InGaAs/InAlAs quantum-cascade lasers grown by metal-organic vapor-phase epitaxy.

PubMed

Fujita, Kazuue; Yamanishi, Masamichi; Furuta, Shinichi; Tanaka, Kazunori; Edamura, Tadataka; Kubis, Tillmann; Klimeck, Gerhard

2012-08-27

Device-performances of 3.7 THz indirect-pumping quantum-cascade lasers are demonstrated in an InGaAs/InAlAs material system grown by metal-organic vapor-phase epitaxy. The lasers show a low threshold-current-density of ~420 A/cm2 and a peak output power of ~8 mW at 7 K, no sign of parasitic currents with recourse to well-designed coupled-well injectors in the indirect pump scheme, and a maximum operating temperature of Tmax ~100 K. The observed roll-over of output intensities in current ranges below maximum currents and limitation of Tmax are discussed with a model for electron-gas heating in injectors. Possible ways toward elevation of Tmax are suggested.

Security Analysis of Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution in Collective-Rotation Noisy Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Na; Zhang, Yu; Wen, Shuang; Li, Lei-lei; Li, Jian

2018-01-01

Noise is a problem that communication channels cannot avoid. It is, thus, beneficial to analyze the security of MDI-QKD in noisy environment. An analysis model for collective-rotation noise is introduced, and the information theory methods are used to analyze the security of the protocol. The maximum amount of information that Eve can eavesdrop is 50%, and the eavesdropping can always be detected if the noise level ɛ ≤ 0.68. Therefore, MDI-QKD protocol is secure as quantum key distribution protocol. The maximum probability that the relay outputs successful results is 16% when existing eavesdropping. Moreover, the probability that the relay outputs successful results when existing eavesdropping is higher than the situation without eavesdropping. The paper validates that MDI-QKD protocol has better robustness.

Characterization of the electrical output of flat-plate photovoltaic arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gonzalez, C. C.; Hill, G. M.; Ross, R. G., Jr.

1982-01-01

The electric output of flat-plate photovoltaic arrays changes constantly, due primarily to changes in cell temperature and irradiance level. As a result, array loads such as direct-current to alternating-current power conditioners must be able to accommodate widely varying input levels, while maintaining operation at or near the array maximum power point.The results of an extensive computer simulation study that was used to define the parameters necessary for the systematic design of array/power-conditioner interfaces are presented as normalized ratios of power-conditioner parameters to array parameters, to make the results universally applicable to a wide variety of system sizes, sites, and operating modes. The advantages of maximum power tracking and a technique for computing average annual power-conditioner efficiency are discussed.

Nonlinear BCJR equalizer for suppression of intrachannel nonlinearities in 40 Gb/s optical communications systems.

PubMed

Djordjevic, Ivan B; Vasic, Bane

2006-05-29

A maximum a posteriori probability (MAP) symbol decoding supplemented with iterative decoding is proposed as an effective mean for suppression of intrachannel nonlinearities. The MAP detector, based on Bahl-Cocke-Jelinek-Raviv algorithm, operates on the channel trellis, a dynamical model of intersymbol interference, and provides soft-decision outputs processed further in an iterative decoder. A dramatic performance improvement is demonstrated. The main reason is that the conventional maximum-likelihood sequence detector based on Viterbi algorithm provides hard-decision outputs only, hence preventing the soft iterative decoding. The proposed scheme operates very well in the presence of strong intrachannel intersymbol interference, when other advanced forward error correction schemes fail, and it is also suitable for 40 Gb/s upgrade over existing 10 Gb/s infrastructure.

High Power SiGe X-Band (8-10 GHz) Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors and Amplifiers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ma, Zhenqiang; Jiang, Ningyue; Ponchak, George E.; Alterovitz, Samuel A.

2005-01-01

Limited by increased parasitics and thermal effects as the device size becomes large, current commercial SiGe power HBTs are difficult to operate at X-band (8-12 GHz) with adequate power added efficiencies at high power levels. We found that, by changing the heterostructure and doping profile of SiGe HBTs, their power gain can be significantly improved without resorting to substantial lateral scaling. Furthermore, employing a common-base configuration with proper doping profile instead of a common-emitter configuration improves the power gain characteristics of SiGe HBTs, which thus permits these devices to be efficiently operated at X-band. In this paper, we report the results of SiGe power HBTs and MMIC power amplifiers operating at 8-10 GHz. At 10 GHz, 22.5 dBm (178 mW) RF output power with concurrent gain of 7.32 dB is measured at the peak power-added efficiency of 20.0% and the maximum RF output power of 24.0 dBm (250 mW) is achieved from a 20 emitter finger SiGe power HBT. Demonstration of single-stage X-band medium-power linear MMIC power amplifier is also realized at 8 GHz. Employing a 10-emitter finger SiGe HBT and on-chip input and output matching passive components, a linear gain of 9.7 dB, a maximum output power of 23.4 dBm and peak power added efficiency of 16% is achieved from the power amplifier. The MMIC exhibits very low distortion with third order intermodulation (IM) suppression C/I of -13 dBc at output power of 21.2 dBm and over 20dBm third order output intercept point (OIP3).

Laser-diode pumped dysprosium-doped lead thiogallate laser output wavelength temporal evolution and tuning possibilities at 4.3-4.7 um

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jelínková, Helena; Doroshenko, Maxim E.; Šulc, Jan; Němec, Michal; Jelínek, Michal; Osiko, Vjatcheslav V.; Badikov, Valerii V.; Badikov, Dmitri V.

2016-03-01

On the basis of our previous Dy3+:PbGa2S4 laser study, laser output wavelength temporal evolution as well as tuning possibilities in the range 4.3-4.7 μm were investigated. Active crystal was pumped by a fiber-coupled Brightlase Ultra- 50 diode laser (1.7 μm, max. power 7.5 W). Laser resonator was formed by flat dichroic pumping mirror (T = 70%@1.7 μm, R~100% @ 3.5 - 5 μm) and a concave (r = 200 mm) output coupler with R~99% @ 3.5 - 5 μm. The laser output wavelength dependence on the pump pulse duration and its evolution during the pulse was investigated first without any spectrally-selective element in the cavity. At pump pulse duration of 1 ms, generation just near Dy3+ fluorescence maximum of 4.35 μm has been observed. Prolongation of the pulse up to 5 ms led to similar lasing at 4.35 μm in the first millisecond, followed by simultaneous generation at 4.35 and 4.38 μm in the next millisecond, and further lasing at 4.6 μm till the end of the pump pulse. Increase of pump pulse duration up to 10 ms led to similar oscillation pulse development followed by generation at 4.6 μm only. Furthermore, output wavelength tuning using MgF2 birefringent filter as a cavity spectral selective element was investigated under 10 ms pumping. Almost continuous tuning without any significant dip has been observed within spectral range from 4.3 up to 4.7 μm. Due to practically closed cavity mean output power in the maximum of tuning curve was in the order of 400 μW.

Comparative-effectiveness research to aid population decision making by relating clinical outcomes and quality-adjusted life years.

PubMed

Campbell, Jonathan D; Zerzan, Judy; Garrison, Louis P; Libby, Anne M

2013-04-01

Comparative-effectiveness research (CER) at the population level is missing standardized approaches to quantify and weigh interventions in terms of their clinical risks, benefits, and uncertainty. We proposed an adapted CER framework for population decision making, provided example displays of the outputs, and discussed the implications for population decision makers. Building on decision-analytical modeling but excluding cost, we proposed a 2-step approach to CER that explicitly compared interventions in terms of clinical risks and benefits and linked this evidence to the quality-adjusted life year (QALY). The first step was a traditional intervention-specific evidence synthesis of risks and benefits. The second step was a decision-analytical model to simulate intervention-specific progression of disease over an appropriate time. The output was the ability to compare and quantitatively link clinical outcomes with QALYs. The outputs from these CER models include clinical risks, benefits, and QALYs over flexible and relevant time horizons. This approach yields an explicit, structured, and consistent quantitative framework to weigh all relevant clinical measures. Population decision makers can use this modeling framework and QALYs to aid in their judgment of the individual and collective risks and benefits of the alternatives over time. Future research should study effective communication of these domains for stakeholders. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc. All rights reserved.

High power, high signal-to-noise ratio single-frequency 1μm Brillouin all-fiber laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jing; Hou, Yubin; Zhang, Qian; Jin, Dongchen; Sun, Ruoyu; Shi, Hongxing; Liu, Jiang; Wang, Pu

2016-03-01

We demonstrate a high-power, high signal-to-noise ratio single-frequency 1 μm Brillouin all-fiber laser with high slope efficiency. The Brillouin laser system consists of a high-power single-frequency fiber laser and a single-pass Brillouin ring cavity. The high-power single-frequency fiber laser is one-stage master-oscillator power amplifier with the maximum output power of 10.33 W, the signal-to-noise ratio of 50 dB and the slope efficiency of 46%. The Brillouin fiber laser is pumped by the amplified laser with a linewidth of 33 kHz and an output power of 2.61 W limited by the damage threshold of the optical isolator. By optimizing the length of the Brillouin ring cavity to 10 m, stable singlefrequency Brillouin fiber laser is obtained with 3 kHz linewidth owing to the linewidth narrowing effect. At the launched pump power of 2.15 W, the Brillouin fiber laser generates maximum output power of 1.4 W with a slope efficiency of 79% and the optical signal-to-noise ratio of 77 dB.

Performance study of highly efficient 520 W average power long pulse ceramic Nd:YAG rod laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choubey, Ambar; Vishwakarma, S. C.; Ali, Sabir; Jain, R. K.; Upadhyaya, B. N.; Oak, S. M.

2013-10-01

We report the performance study of a 2% atomic doped ceramic Nd:YAG rod for long pulse laser operation in the millisecond regime with pulse duration in the range of 0.5-20 ms. A maximum average output power of 520 W with 180 J maximum pulse energy has been achieved with a slope efficiency of 5.4% using a dual rod configuration, which is the highest for typical lamp pumped ceramic Nd:YAG lasers. The laser output characteristics of the ceramic Nd:YAG rod were revealed to be nearly equivalent or superior to those of high-quality single crystal Nd:YAG rod. The laser pump chamber and resonator were designed and optimized to achieve a high efficiency and good beam quality with a beam parameter product of 16 mm mrad (M2˜47). The laser output beam was efficiently coupled through a 400 μm core diameter optical fiber with 90% overall transmission efficiency. This ceramic Nd:YAG laser will be useful for various material processing applications in industry.

Fuzzy Logic Controlled Solar Module for Driving Three- Phase Induction Motor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afiqah Zainal, Nurul; Sooi Tat, Chan; Ajisman

2016-02-01

Renewable energy produced by solar module gives advantages for generated three- phase induction motor in remote area. But, solar module's ou tput is uncertain and complex. Fuzzy logic controller is one of controllers that can handle non-linear system and maximum power of solar module. Fuzzy logic controller used for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technique to control Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) for switching power electronics circuit. DC-DC boost converter used to boost up photovoltaic voltage to desired output and supply voltage source inverter which controlled by three-phase PWM generated by microcontroller. IGBT switched Voltage source inverter (VSI) produced alternating current (AC) voltage from direct current (DC) source to control speed of three-phase induction motor from boost converter output. Results showed that, the output power of solar module is optimized and controlled by using fuzzy logic controller. Besides that, the three-phase induction motor can be drive and control using VSI switching by the PWM signal generated by the fuzzy logic controller. This concluded that the non-linear system can be controlled and used in driving three-phase induction motor.

Fluid absorption solar energy receiver

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bair, Edward J.

1993-01-01

A conventional solar dynamic system transmits solar energy to the flowing fluid of a thermodynamic cycle through structures which contain the gas and thermal energy storage material. Such a heat transfer mechanism dictates that the structure operate at a higher temperature than the fluid. This investigation reports on a fluid absorption receiver where only a part of the solar energy is transmitted to the structure. The other part is absorbed directly by the fluid. By proportioning these two heat transfer paths the energy to the structure can preheat the fluid, while the energy absorbed directly by the fluid raises the fluid to its final working temperature. The surface temperatures need not exceed the output temperature of the fluid. This makes the output temperature of the gas the maximum temperature in the system. The gas can have local maximum temperatures higher than the output working temperature. However local high temperatures are quickly equilibrated, and since the gas does not emit radiation, local high temperatures do not result in a radiative heat loss. Thermal radiation, thermal conductivity, and heat exchange with the gas all help equilibrate the surface temperature.

Hardware synthesis from DDL. [Digital Design Language for computer aided design and test of LSI

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shah, A. M.; Shiva, S. G.

1981-01-01

The details of the digital systems can be conveniently input into the design automation system by means of Hardware Description Languages (HDL). The Computer Aided Design and Test (CADAT) system at NASA MSFC is used for the LSI design. The Digital Design Language (DDL) has been selected as HDL for the CADAT System. DDL translator output can be used for the hardware implementation of the digital design. This paper addresses problems of selecting the standard cells from the CADAT standard cell library to realize the logic implied by the DDL description of the system.

Automatic system for computer program documentation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simmons, D. B.; Elliott, R. W.; Arseven, S.; Colunga, D.

1972-01-01

Work done on a project to design an automatic system for computer program documentation aids was made to determine what existing programs could be used effectively to document computer programs. Results of the study are included in the form of an extensive bibliography and working papers on appropriate operating systems, text editors, program editors, data structures, standards, decision tables, flowchart systems, and proprietary documentation aids. The preliminary design for an automated documentation system is also included. An actual program has been documented in detail to demonstrate the types of output that can be produced by the proposed system.

Preliminary evaluation of a novel bone-conduction device for single-sided deafness.

PubMed

Popelka, Gerald R; Derebery, Jennifer; Blevins, Nikolas H; Murray, Michael; Moore, Brian C J; Sweetow, Robert W; Wu, Ben; Katsis, Mina

2010-04-01

A new intraoral bone-conduction device has advantages over existing bone-conduction devices for reducing the auditory deficits associated with single-sided deafness (SSD). Existing bone-conduction devices effectively mitigate auditory deficits from single-sided deafness but have suboptimal microphone locations, limited frequency range, and/or require invasive surgery. A new device has been designed to improve microphone placement (in the ear canal of the deaf ear), provide a wider frequency range, and eliminate surgery by delivering bone-conduction signals to the teeth via a removable oral appliance. Forces applied by the oral appliance were compared with forces typically experienced by the teeth from normal functions such as mastication or from other appliances. Tooth surface changes were measured on extracted teeth, and transducer temperature was measured under typical use conditions. Dynamic operating range, including gain, bandwidth, and maximum output limits, were determined from uncomfortable loudness levels and vibrotactile thresholds, and speech recognition scores were measured using normal-hearing subjects. Auditory performance in noise (Hearing in Noise Test) was measured in a limited sample of SSD subjects. Overall comfort, ease of insertion, and removal and visibility of the oral appliance in comparison with traditional hearing aids were measured using a rating scale. The oral appliance produces forces that are far below those experienced by the teeth from normal functions or conventional dental appliances. The bone-conduction signal level can be adjusted to prevent tactile perception yet provide sufficient gain and output at frequencies from 250 to 12,000 Hz. The device does not damage tooth surfaces nor produce heat, can be inserted and removed easily, and is as comfortable to wear as traditional hearing aids. The new microphone location has advantages for reducing the auditory deficits caused by SSD, including the potential to provide spatial cues introduced by reflections from the pinna, compared with microphone locations for existing devices. A new approach for SSD has been proposed that optimizes microphone location and delivers sound by bone conduction through a removable oral appliance. Measures in the laboratory using normal-hearing subjects indicate that the device provides useful gain and output for SSD patients, is comfortable, does not seem to have detrimental effects on oral function or oral health, and has several advantages over existing devices. Specifically, microphone placement is optimized for reducing the auditory deficit caused by SSD, frequency bandwidth is much greater, and the system does not require surgical placement. Auditory performance in a small sample of SSD subjects indicated a substantial advantage compared with not wearing the device. Future studies will involve performance measures on SSD patients wearing the device for longer periods.

Output characteristics of a 0.14 THz dual sheet beam backward wave oscillator based on a hole-grating slow wave structure

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

Tang, Xiaopin; Yang, Ziqiang; Shi, Zongjun

A novel backward wave oscillator (BWO) based on a hole-grating slow wave structure is proposed as a dual sheet beam millimeter wave radiation source. In this paper, we focus on the output characteristics of a 0.14 THz hole-grating BWO. The output characteristics of the hole-grating BWO, the conventional single-beam grating BWO, and the dual-beam grating BWO are contrasted in detail. 3-D particle-in-cell results indicate that the hole-grating slow wave structure can help to increase the maximum output power as well as lower the operating current density. Meanwhile, the hole-grating BWO shows good insensitivity to the differences between two sheet electronmore » beams. These characteristics make the hole-grating BWO feasible to be a stable millimeter wave radiation source with higher output power.« less

Sampled-data chain-observer design for a class of delayed nonlinear systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kahelras, M.; Ahmed-Ali, T.; Giri, F.; Lamnabhi-Lagarrigue, F.

2018-05-01

The problem of observer design is addressed for a class of triangular nonlinear systems with not-necessarily small delay and sampled output measurements. One more difficulty is that the system state matrix is dependent on the un-delayed output signal which is not accessible to measurement, making existing observers inapplicable. A new chain observer, composed of m elementary observers in series, is designed to compensate for output sampling and arbitrary large delays. The larger the time-delay the larger the number m. Each elementary observer includes an output predictor that is conceived to compensate for the effects of output sampling and a fractional delay. The predictors are defined by first-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) much simpler than those of existing predictors which involve both output and state predictors. Using a small gain type analysis, sufficient conditions for the observer to be exponentially convergent are established in terms of the minimal number m of elementary observers and the maximum sampling interval.

Laser diode and pumped Cr:Yag passively Q-switched yellow-green laser at 543 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Y.; Ling, Zhao; Li, B.; Qu, D. P.; Zhou, K.; Zhang, Y. B.; Zhao, Y.; Zheng, Q.

2013-03-01

Efficient and compact yellow green pulsed laser output at 543 nm is generated by frequency doubling of a passively Q-switched end diode-pumped Nd:YVO4 laser at 1086 nm under the condition of sup-pressing the higher gain transition near 1064 nm. With 15 W of diode pump power and the frequency doubling crystal LBO, as high as 1.58 W output power at 543 nm is achieved. The optical to optical conversion efficiency from the corresponding Q-switched fundamental output to the yellow green output is 49%. The peak power of the Q-switched yellow green pulse laser is up to 30 kW with 5 ns pulse duration. The output power stability over 8 hours is better than 2.56% at the maximum output power. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest watt-level laser at 543 nm generated by frequency doubling of a passively Q-switched end diode pumped Nd:YVO4 laser at 1086 nm.

Non-invasive cardiac output trending during exercise recovery on a bathroom-scale-based ballistocardiograph.

PubMed

Inan, O T; Etemadi, M; Paloma, A; Giovangrandi, L; Kovacs, G T A

2009-03-01

Cardiac ejection of blood into the aorta generates a reaction force on the body that can be measured externally via the ballistocardiogram (BCG). In this study, a commercial bathroom scale was modified to measure the BCGs of nine healthy subjects recovering from treadmill exercise. During the recovery, Doppler echocardiogram signals were obtained simultaneously from the left ventricular outflow tract of the heart. The percentage changes in root-mean-square (RMS) power of the BCG were strongly correlated with the percentage changes in cardiac output measured by Doppler echocardiography (R(2) = 0.85, n = 275 data points). The correlation coefficients for individually analyzed data ranged from 0.79 to 0.96. Using Bland-Altman methods for assessing agreement, the mean bias was found to be -0.5% (+/-24%) in estimating the percentage changes in cardiac output. In contrast to other non-invasive methods for trending cardiac output, the unobtrusive procedure presented here uses inexpensive equipment and could be performed without the aid of a medical professional.

Solar-pumped 80 W laser irradiated by a Fresnel lens.

PubMed

Ohkubo, Tomomasa; Yabe, Takashi; Yoshida, Kunio; Uchida, Shigeaki; Funatsu, Takayuki; Bagheri, Behgol; Oishi, Takehiro; Daito, Kazuya; Ishioka, Manabu; Nakayama, Yuichirou; Yasunaga, Norihito; Kido, Kouichirou; Sato, Yuji; Baasandash, Choijil; Kato, Kiyoshi; Yanagitani, Takagimi; Okamoto, Yoshiaki

2009-01-15

A solar-pumped 100 W class laser that features high efficiency and low cost owing to the use of a Fresnel lens and a chromium codoped neodymium YAG ceramic laser medium was developed. A laser output of about 80 W was achieved with combination of a 4 m(2) Fresnel lens and a pumping cavity as a secondary power concentrator. This output corresponds to 4.3% of conversion efficiency from solar power into laser, and the maximum output from a unit area of Fresnel lens was 20 W/m(2), which is 2.8 times larger than previous results with mirror-type concentrator.

Wind noise in hearing aids with directional and omnidirectional microphones: polar characteristics of behind-the-ear hearing aids.

PubMed

Chung, King; Mongeau, Luc; McKibben, Nicholas

2009-04-01

Wind noise can be a significant problem for hearing instrument users. This study examined the polar characteristics of flow noise at outputs of two behind-the-ear digital hearing aids, and a microphone mounted on the surface of a cylinder at flow velocities ranging from a gentle breeze (4.5 m/s) to a strong gale (22.5 m/s) . The hearing aids were programed in an anechoic chamber, and tested in a quiet wind tunnel for flow noise recordings. Flow noise levels were estimated by normalizing the overall gain of the hearing aids to 0 dB. The results indicated that the two hearing aids had similar flow noise characteristics: The noise level was generally the lowest when the microphone faced upstream, higher when the microphone faced downstream, and the highest for frontal and rearward incidence angles. Directional microphones often generated higher flow noise level than omnidirectional microphones but they could reduce far-field background noise, resulting in a lower ambient noise level than omnidirectional microphones. Data for the academic microphone- on-cylinder configuration suggested that both turbulence and flow impingement might have contributed to the generation of flow noise in the hearing aids. Clinical and engineering design applications are discussed.

On the optimization of endoreversible processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pescetti, D.

2014-03-01

This paper is intended for undergraduates and specialists in thermodynamics and related areas. We consider and discuss the optimization of endoreversible thermodynamic processes under the condition of maximum work production. Explicit thermodynamic analyses of the solutions are carried out for the Novikov and Agrawal processes. It is shown that the efficiencies at maximum work production and maximum power output are not necessarily equal. They are for the Novikov process but not for the Agrawal process. The role of the constraints is put into evidence. The physical aspects are enhanced by the simplicity of the involved mathematics.

Contact Control, Version 1

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

von Sternberg, Alex

The contact control code is a generalized force control scheme meant to interface with a robotic arm being controlled using the Robot Operating System (ROS). The code allows the user to specify a control scheme for each control dimension in a way that many different control task controllers could be built from the same generalized controller. The input to the code includes maximum velocity, maximum force, maximum displacement, and a control law assigned to each direction and the output is a 6 degree of freedom velocity command that is sent to the robot controller.

Low cost high efficiency GaAs monolithic RF module for SARSAT distress beacons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Petersen, W. C.; Siu, D. P.; Cook, H. F.

1991-01-01

Low cost high performance (5 Watts output) 406 MHz beacons are urgently needed to realize the maximum utilization of the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking (SARSAT) system spearheaded in the U.S. by NASA. Although current technology can produce beacons meeting the output power requirement, power consumption is high due to the low efficiency of available transmitters. Field performance is currently unsatisfactory due to the lack of safe and reliable high density batteries capable of operation at -40 C. Low cost production is also a crucial but elusive requirement for the ultimate wide scale utilization of this system. Microwave Monolithics Incorporated (MMInc.) has proposed to make both the technical and cost goals for the SARSAT beacon attainable by developing a monolithic GaAs chip set for the RF module. This chip set consists of a high efficiency power amplifier and a bi-phase modulator. In addition to implementing the RF module in Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) form to minimize ultimate production costs, the power amplifier has a power-added efficiency nearly twice that attained with current commercial technology. A distress beacon built using this RF module chip set will be significantly smaller in size and lighter in weight due to a smaller battery requirement, since the 406 MHz signal source and the digital controller have far lower power consumption compared to the 5 watt power amplifier. All the program tasks have been successfully completed. The GaAs MMIC RF module chip set has been designed to be compatible with the present 406 MHz signal source and digital controller. A complete high performance low cost SARSAT beacon can be realized with only additional minor iteration and systems integration.

A 100 mW-level single-mode switchable dual-wavelength erbium-doped fiber laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Jianqun; Zhang, Liaolin; Sharafudeen, Kaniyarakkal; Qiu, Jianrong

2013-10-01

A switchable dual-wavelength CW erbium-doped fiber laser with two cascaded fiber Bragg gratings has been proposed and demonstrated experimentally at room temperature. The laser uses a linear resonant cavity configuration incorporating a Sagnac loop with a polarization controller (PC) and can switch flexibly to output a single wavelength or dual wavelengths based on the polarization hole burning (PHB) effect. The slope efficiency and maximum output power can reach 23% and 96 mW, respectively. The two lasing peaks of the laser, with a narrow linewidth output and an optical signal-to-noise ratio of more than 50 dB, are located in the C and L bands of the optical communication window, respectively. The laser shows good stability with respect to the wavelength and output power.

Gyro and accelerometer failure detection and identification in redundant sensor systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Potter, J. E.; Deckert, J. C.

1972-01-01

Algorithms for failure detection and identification for redundant noncolinear arrays of single degree of freedom gyros and accelerometers are described. These algorithms are optimum in the sense that detection occurs as soon as it is no longer possible to account for the instrument outputs as the outputs of good instruments operating within their noise tolerances, and identification occurs as soon as it is true that only a particular instrument failure could account for the actual instrument outputs within the noise tolerance of good instruments. An estimation algorithm is described which minimizes the maximum possible estimation error magnitude for the given set of instrument outputs. Monte Carlo simulation results are presented for the application of the algorithms to an inertial reference unit consisting of six gyros and six accelerometers in two alternate configurations.

Using the Real-Ear-to-Coupler Difference within the American Academy of Audiology Pediatric Amplification Guideline: Protocols for Applying and Predicting Earmold RECDs.

PubMed

Moodie, Sheila; Pietrobon, Jonathan; Rall, Eileen; Lindley, George; Eiten, Leisha; Gordey, Dave; Davidson, Lisa; Moodie, K Shane; Bagatto, Marlene; Haluschak, Meredith Magathan; Folkeard, Paula; Scollie, Susan

2016-03-01

Real-ear-to-coupler difference (RECD) measurements are used for the purposes of estimating degree and configuration of hearing loss (in dB SPL ear canal) and predicting hearing aid output from coupler-based measures. Accurate measurements of hearing threshold, derivation of hearing aid fitting targets, and predictions of hearing aid output in the ear canal assume consistent matching of RECD coupling procedure (i.e., foam tip or earmold) with that used during assessment and in verification of the hearing aid fitting. When there is a mismatch between these coupling procedures, errors are introduced. The goal of this study was to quantify the systematic difference in measured RECD values obtained when using a foam tip versus an earmold with various tube lengths. Assuming that systematic errors exist, the second goal was to investigate the use of a foam tip to earmold correction for the purposes of improving fitting accuracy when mismatched RECD coupling conditions occur (e.g., foam tip at assessment, earmold at verification). Eighteen adults and 17 children (age range: 3-127 mo) participated in this study. Data were obtained using simulated ears of various volumes and earmold tubing lengths and from patients using their own earmolds. Derived RECD values based on simulated ear measurements were compared with RECD values obtained for adult and pediatric ears for foam tip and earmold coupling. Results indicate that differences between foam tip and earmold RECDs are consistent across test ears for adults and children which support the development of a correction between foam tip and earmold couplings for RECDs that can be applied across individuals. The foam tip to earmold correction values developed in this study can be used to provide improved estimations of earmold RECDs. This may support better accuracy in acoustic transforms related to transforming thresholds and/or hearing aid coupler responses to ear canal sound pressure level for the purposes of fitting behind-the-ear hearing aids. American Academy of Audiology.

LOGSIM user's manual. [Logic Simulation Program for computer aided design of logic circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mitchell, C. L.; Taylor, J. F.

1972-01-01

The user's manual for the LOGSIM Program is presented. All program options are explained and a detailed definition of the format of each input card is given. LOGSIM Program operations, and the preparation of LOGSIM input data are discused along with data card formats, postprocessor data cards, and output interpretation.

21 CFR 801.420 - Hearing aid devices; professional and patient labeling.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

.... (ii) History of active drainage from the ear within the previous 90 days. (iii) History of sudden or...). (ii) Frequency response curve. (iii) Average saturation output (HF-Average SSPL 90). (iv) Average full-on gain (HF-Average full-on gain). (v) Reference test gain. (vi) Frequency range. (vii) Total...

21 CFR 801.420 - Hearing aid devices; professional and patient labeling.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

.... (ii) History of active drainage from the ear within the previous 90 days. (iii) History of sudden or...). (ii) Frequency response curve. (iii) Average saturation output (HF-Average SSPL 90). (iv) Average full-on gain (HF-Average full-on gain). (v) Reference test gain. (vi) Frequency range. (vii) Total...

Optimising the measurement of bruises in children across conventional and cross polarized images using segmentation analysis techniques in Image J, Photoshop and circle diameter measurements.

PubMed

Harris, C; Alcock, A; Trefan, L; Nuttall, D; Evans, S T; Maguire, S; Kemp, A M

2018-02-01

Bruising is a common abusive injury in children, and it is standard practice to image and measure them, yet there is no current standard for measuring bruise size consistently. We aim to identify the optimal method of measuring photographic images of bruises, including computerised measurement techniques. 24 children aged <11 years (mean age of 6.9, range 2.5-10 years) with a bruise were recruited from the community. Demographics and bruise details were recorded. Each bruise was measured in vivo using a paper measuring tape. Standardised conventional and cross polarized digital images were obtained. The diameter of bruise images were measured by three computer aided measurement techniques: Image J (segmentation with Simple Interactive Object Extraction (maximum Feret diameter), 'Circular Selection Tool' (Circle diameter), & the Photoshop 'ruler' software (Photoshop diameter)). Inter and intra-observer effects were determined by two individuals repeating 11 electronic measurements, and relevant Intraclass Correlation Coefficient's (ICC's) were used to establish reliability. Spearman's rank correlation was used to compare in vivo with computerised measurements; a comparison of measurement techniques across imaging modalities was conducted using Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. Significance was set at p < 0.05 for all tests. Images were available for 38 bruises in vivo, with 48 bruises visible on cross polarized imaging and 46 on conventional imaging (some bruises interpreted as being single in vivo appeared to be multiple in digital images). Correlation coefficients were >0.5 for all techniques, with maximum Feret diameter and maximum Photoshop diameter on conventional images having the strongest correlation with in vivo measurements. There were significant differences between in vivo and computer-aided measurements, but none between different computer-aided measurement techniques. Overall, computer aided measurements appeared larger than in vivo. Inter- and intra-observer agreement was high for all maximum diameter measurements (ICC's > 0.7). Whilst there are minimal differences between measurements of images obtained, the most consistent results were obtained when conventional images, segmented by Image J Software, were measured with a Feret diameter. This is therefore proposed as a standard for future research, and forensic practice, with the proviso that all computer aided measurements appear larger than in vivo. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved.

PIC simulation of the vacuum power flow for a 5 terawatt, 5 MV, 1 MA pulsed power system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Laqun; Zou, Wenkang; Liu, Dagang; Guo, Fan; Wang, Huihui; Chen, Lin

2018-03-01

In this paper, a 5 Terawatt, 5 MV, 1 MA pulsed power system based on vacuum magnetic insulation is simulated by the particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation method. The system consists of 50 100-kV linear transformer drive (LTD) cavities in series, using magnetically insulated induction voltage adder (MIVA) technology for pulsed power addition and transmission. The pulsed power formation and the vacuum power flow are simulated when the system works in self-limited flow and load-limited flow. When the pulsed power system isn't connected to the load, the downstream magnetically insulated transmission line (MITL) works in the self-limited flow, the maximum of output current is 1.14 MA and the amplitude of voltage is 4.63 MV. The ratio of the electron current to the total current is 67.5%, when the output current reached the peak value. When the impedance of the load is 3.0 Ω, the downstream MITL works in the self-limited flow, the maximums of output current and the amplitude of voltage are 1.28 MA and 3.96 MV, and the ratio of the electron current to the total current is 11.7% when the output current reached the peak value. In addition, when the switches are triggered in synchronism with the passage of the pulse power flow, it effectively reduces the rise time of the pulse current.

1.5  kW ytterbium-doped single-transverse-mode, linearly polarized monolithic fiber master oscillator power amplifier.

PubMed

Huang, Long; Ma, Pengfei; Tao, Rumao; Shi, Chen; Wang, Xiaolin; Zhou, Pu

2015-04-01

A linearly polarized monolithic fiber laser based on a master oscillator power amplifier structure with a master oscillator and a one-stage power amplifier is reported. We design a homemade oscillator based on the theory that, in the coiled gain fiber, the higher modes and the polarized mode of the fundamental mode along the fast axis are suppressed effectively because of their obviously higher bend loss than that of the polarized mode of the fundamental mode along the slow axis. The oscillator operates at 1080 nm, launching a 30 W seed laser with a high polarization extinction ratio of 19 dB into the power amplifier via a mode field adapter. The power amplifier utilizes Yb-doped polarization-maintaining fiber of 20/400  μm, which produces nearly diffraction-limited output power of about 1.5 kW with an optical-optical efficiency of 81.5% and a polarization extinction ratio of 13.8 dB. Both the M(x)² factor and the M(y)² factor of the collimated beam are measured to be about 1.2. The spectral width of the output power is broadened approximately linearly, and the full width at half maximum of the spectrum at the maximum output power is about 5.8 nm. It is known as the highest linearly polarized output power to the best of our knowledge.

Flexible and multi-directional piezoelectric energy harvester for self-powered human motion sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Min-Ook; Pyo, Soonjae; Oh, Yongkeun; Kang, Yunsung; Cho, Kyung-Ho; Choi, Jungwook; Kim, Jongbaeg

2018-03-01

A flexible piezoelectric strain energy harvester that is responsive to multi-directional input forces produced by various human motions is proposed. The structure of the harvester, which includes a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) bump, facilitates the effective conversion of strain energy, produced by input forces applied in random directions, into electrical energy. The structural design of the PDMS bump and frame as well as the slits in the piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film provide mechanical flexibility and enhance the strain induced in the PVDF film under input forces applied at various angles. The amount and direction of the strain induced in PVDF can be changed by the direction of the applied force; thus, the generated output power can be varied. The measured maximum output peak voltage is 1.75, 1.29, and 0.98 V when an input force of 4 N (2 Hz) is applied at angles of 0°, 45°, and 90°, and the corresponding maximum output power is 0.064, 0.026, and 0.02 μW, respectively. Moreover, the harvester stably generates output voltage over 1.4 × 104 cycles. Thus, the proposed harvester successfully identifies and converts strain energy produced by multi-directional input forces by various human motions into electrical energy. We demonstrate the potential utility of the proposed flexible energy harvester as a self-powered human motion sensor for wireless healthcare systems.

Quality factor concept in piezoceramic transformer performance description.

PubMed

Mezheritsky, Alex V

2006-02-01

A new general approach based on the quality factor concept to piezoceramic transformer (PT) performance description is proposed. The system's quality factor, material elastic anisotropy, and coupling factors of the input and output sections of an electrically excited and electrically loaded PT fully characterize its resonance and near-resonance behavior. The PT efficiency, transformation ratio, and input and output power were analytically analyzed and simulated as functions of the load and frequency for the simplest classical Langevin-type and Rosen-type PT designs. A new formulation of the electrical input impedance allows one to separate the power consumed by PT from the power transferred into the load. The system's PT quality factor takes into account losses in each PT "input-output-load" functional components. The loading process is changing PT input electrical impedance on the way that under loading the minimum series impedance is increasing and the maximum parallel impedance is decreasing coincidentally. The quality-factors ratio, between the states of fully loaded and nonloaded PT, is one of the best measures of PTs dynamic performance--practically, the lower the ratio is, the better PT efficiency. A simple and effective method for the loaded PT quality factor determination is proposed. As was found, a piezoceramic with low piezoelectric anisotropy is required to provide maximum PT efficiency and higher corresponding voltage gain. Limitations on the PT output voltage and power, caused by nonlinear effects in piezoceramics, were established.

Solar driven electrochromic photoelectrochemical fuel cells for simultaneous energy conversion, storage and self-powered sensing.

PubMed

Wang, Yanhu; Zhang, Lina; Cui, Kang; Xu, Caixia; Li, Hao; Liu, Hong; Yu, Jinghua

2018-02-15

One solar-driven electrochromic photoelectrochemical fuel cell (PFC) with highly efficient energy conversion and storage is easily constructed to achieve quantitative self-powered sensing. Layered bismuth oxyiodide-zinc oxide nanorod arrays (ZnO@BiOI NRA) with a core/shell p-n heterostructure are fabricated as the photoanode with electrochromic Prussian blue (PB) as the cathode. The core/shell p-n heterostructure for the ZnO@BiOI photoanode can effectively boost the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance through the improvement of photon absorption and charge carrier separation. The optimal assembled PFC yields an open-circuit voltage (V OC ) of 0.48 V with the maximum power output density (P max ) as high as 155 μW cm -2 upon illumination. Benefitting from the interactive color-changing behavior of PB, the cathode not only exhibits cathodic catalytic activity in the PFC but also serves as an electrochromic display for self-powered sensing. The as-constructed PFC possesses multiple readable signal output nanochannels through the maximum power output density (P max ) of the PFC or the color change of PB. Meanwhile, the dual-signal-output makes the as-constructed self-powered sensor highly available in various operations demands with the enhanced reliability. With the advantages of high efficiency of PFCs, unique assay ability, and broad environmental suitability, the constructed self-powered platform shows broad application prospects as an integrated smart analytical device.

A piezoelectric ultrasonic linear micromotor using a slotted stator.

PubMed

Yun, Cheol-Ho; Watson, Brett; Friend, James; Yeo, Leslie

2010-08-01

A novel ultrasonic micro linear motor that uses 1st longitudinal and 2nd bending modes, derived from a bartype stator with a rectangular slot cut through the stator length, has been proposed and designed for end-effect devices of microrobotics and bio-medical applications. The slot structure plays an important role in the motor design, and can be used not only to tune the resonance frequency of the two vibration modes but also to reduce the undesirable longitudinal coupling displacement caused by bending vibration at the end of the stator. By using finite element analysis, the optimal slot dimension to improve the driving tip motion was determined, resulting in the improvement of the motor performance. The trial linear motor, with a weight of 1.6 g, gave a maximum driving velocity of 1.12 m/s and a maximum driving force of 3.4 N. A maximum mechanical output power of 1.1 W was obtained at force of 1.63 N and velocity of 0.68 m/s. The output mechanical power per unit weight was 688 W/kg.

A study on the structural characteristics and shape of outfitting equipment support in 300K DWT crude oil tanker

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeong, K.; Jeong, H.; Ji, M.; Kim, J.; Park, J.; Chung, H.

2015-09-01

With the increase in the size and speed of recently built vessels, the output and speed (rpm) of propulsion or generation engines have continuously increased, and the high-output, highspeed engine has become a major cause of excessive vessel noise and vibration. Accordingly, resonance occurs in the equipment and other outfitting equipment installed in a vessel, and thus, periodic requests for correction are received from ship owners or officers. In this study, to resolve this problem, supports that stably fix the outfitting equipment installed in the engine room of a very large crude oil tanker and provide protection from physical or external shock were classified into seven types for three kinds of widely used standard shapes, and an optimized shape was developed and suggested by analyzing the structural characteristics of the shapes of the supports (the maximum bending moment, maximum bending stress, and maximum deformation) using DNV NATICUS HULL 3D BEAM, a structural analysis program, so that it could be used for the outfitting design of a vessel.

Irreversibilities and efficiency at maximum power of heat engines: the illustrative case of a thermoelectric generator.

PubMed

Apertet, Y; Ouerdane, H; Goupil, C; Lecoeur, Ph

2012-03-01

Energy conversion efficiency at maximum output power, which embodies the essential characteristics of heat engines, is the main focus of the present work. The so-called Curzon and Ahlborn efficiency η(CA) is commonly believed to be an absolute reference for real heat engines; however, a different but general expression for the case of stochastic heat engines, η(SS), was recently found and then extended to low-dissipation engines. The discrepancy between η(CA) and η(SS) is here analyzed considering different irreversibility sources of heat engines, of both internal and external types. To this end, we choose a thermoelectric generator operating in the strong-coupling regime as a physical system to qualitatively and quantitatively study the impact of the nature of irreversibility on the efficiency at maximum output power. In the limit of pure external dissipation, we obtain η(CA), while η(SS) corresponds to the case of pure internal dissipation. A continuous transition between from one extreme to the other, which may be operated by tuning the different sources of irreversibility, also is evidenced.

2 µm high-power dissipative soliton resonance in a compact σ-shaped Tm-doped double-clad fiber laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Tuanjie; Li, Weiwei; Ruan, Qiujun; Wang, Kaijie; Chen, Nan; Luo, Zhengqian

2018-05-01

We report direct generation of a high-power, large-energy dissipative soliton resonance (DSR) in a 2 µm Tm-doped double-clad fiber laser. A compact σ-shaped cavity is formed by a fiber Bragg grating and a 10/90 fiber loop mirror (FLM). The 10/90 FLM is not only used as an output mirror, but also acts as a nonlinear optical loop mirror for initiating mode locking. The mode-locked laser can deliver high-power, nanosecond DSR pulses at 2005.9 nm. We further perform a comparison study of the effect of the FLM’s loop length on the mode-locking threshold, peak power, pulse energy, and optical spectrum of the DSR pulses. We achieve a maximum average output power as high as 1.4 W, a maximum pulse energy of 353 nJ, and a maximum peak power of 84 W. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the highest power for 2 µm DSR pulses obtained in a mode-locked fiber laser.

High-slope-efficiency 2.06 μm Ho: YLF laser in-band pumped by a fiber-coupled broadband diode.

PubMed

Ji, Encai; Liu, Qiang; Nie, Mingming; Cao, Xuezhe; Fu, Xing; Gong, Mali

2016-03-15

We first demonstrate the laser performance of a compact 2.06 μm Ho: YLF laser resonantly pumped by a broadband fiber-coupled diode. In continuous-wave (CW) operation, maximum output power of 1.63 W, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 89.2%, was obtained with a near diffraction-limited beam quality. In actively Q-switched operation, maximum pulse energy of 1.1 mJ was achieved at the repetition frequency of 100 Hz. The minimum pulse duration was 43 ns. The performance in both the CW and Q-switched regimes indicates that the current fiber-coupled diode in-band pumped Ho: YLF laser has great potential in certain conditions that require several watts of output power or several millijoules of short pulse energy.

Tidal Turbine Array Optimization Based on the Discrete Particle Swarm Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Guo-wei; Wu, He; Wang, Xiao-yong; Zhou, Qing-wei; Liu, Xiao-man

2018-06-01

In consideration of the resource wasted by unreasonable layout scheme of tidal current turbines, which would influence the ratio of cost and power output, particle swarm optimization algorithm is introduced and improved in the paper. In order to solve the problem of optimal array of tidal turbines, the discrete particle swarm optimization (DPSO) algorithm has been performed by re-defining the updating strategies of particles' velocity and position. This paper analyzes the optimization problem of micrositing of tidal current turbines by adjusting each turbine's position, where the maximum value of total electric power is obtained at the maximum speed in the flood tide and ebb tide. Firstly, the best installed turbine number is generated by maximizing the output energy in the given tidal farm by the Farm/Flux and empirical method. Secondly, considering the wake effect, the reasonable distance between turbines, and the tidal velocities influencing factors in the tidal farm, Jensen wake model and elliptic distribution model are selected for the turbines' total generating capacity calculation at the maximum speed in the flood tide and ebb tide. Finally, the total generating capacity, regarded as objective function, is calculated in the final simulation, thus the DPSO could guide the individuals to the feasible area and optimal position. The results have been concluded that the optimization algorithm, which increased 6.19% more recourse output than experience method, can be thought as a good tool for engineering design of tidal energy demonstration.

Improving energy conversion efficiency for triboelectric nanogenerator with capacitor structure by maximizing surface charge density.

PubMed

He, Xianming; Guo, Hengyu; Yue, Xule; Gao, Jun; Xi, Yi; Hu, Chenguo

2015-02-07

Nanogenerators with capacitor structures based on piezoelectricity, pyroelectricity, triboelectricity and electrostatic induction have been extensively investigated. Although the electron flow on electrodes is well understood, the maximum efficiency-dependent structure design is not clearly known. In this paper, a clear understanding of triboelectric generators with capacitor structures is presented by the investigation of polydimethylsiloxane-based composite film nanogenerators, indicating that the generator, in fact, acts as both an energy storage and output device. Maximum energy storage and output depend on the maximum charge density on the dielectric polymer surface, which is determined by the capacitance of the device. The effective thickness of polydimethylsiloxane can be greatly reduced by mixing a suitable amount of conductive nanoparticles into the polymer, through which the charge density on the polymer surface can be greatly increased. This finding can be applied to all the triboelectric nanogenerators with capacitor structures, and it provides an important guide to the structural design for nanogenerators. It is demonstrated that graphite particles with sizes of 20-40 nm and 3.0% mass mixed into the polydimethylsiloxane can reduce 34.68% of the effective thickness of the dielectric film and increase the surface charges by 111.27% on the dielectric film. The output power density of the triboelectric nanogenerator with the composite polydimethylsiloxane film is 3.7 W m(-2), which is 2.6 times as much as that of the pure polydimethylsiloxane film.

Relation of gastric acid and pepsin secretion to serum gastrin levels in dogs given bombesin and gastrin-17.

PubMed

Hirschowitz, B I; Molina, E

1983-05-01

To quantitate bombesin stimulation of gastric acid and pepsin via release of gastrin, five gastric fistula dogs were given graded doses (60-1,250 pmol X kg-1 X h-1) of bombesin tetradecapeptide and 40-2,000 pmol X kg-1 X h-1 of synthetic gastrin-17 (G-17). Acid and pepsin output and serum gastrin were proportional to the dose of stimulant. The half-maximal dose of bombesin for gastrin release was 200 pmol X kg-1 X h-1. Bombesin-stimulated acid secretion related to serum gastrin concentrations was congruent with the G-17 curve, but with a maximum of only 62% of the G-17 maximum before declining by 27% despite higher serum gastrin levels. This suggested that bombesin stimulates acid secretion only via gastrin release and inhibits at higher doses by releasing another inhibitory peptide, most likely somatostatin, which is also released by bombesin. The same mechanism could apply to supramaximal inhibition of acid and pepsin seen with high doses of G-17. Because the pepsin curve related to serum gastrin was to the left of the G-17 curve, we concluded that another secretagogue released by bombesin acts synergistically with gastrin on pepsin secretion. Therefore, bombesin stimulates gastric secretion through gastrin release, but its effects are modified by peptides coreleased to a) increase pepsin output at low doses and b) limit the output of acid and pepsin to 50-60% of the G-17 maximum.

Computer Aided Grid Interface: An Interactive CFD Pre-Processor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soni, Bharat K.

1997-01-01

NASA maintains an applications oriented computational fluid dynamics (CFD) efforts complementary to and in support of the aerodynamic-propulsion design and test activities. This is especially true at NASA/MSFC where the goal is to advance and optimize present and future liquid-fueled rocket engines. Numerical grid generation plays a significant role in the fluid flow simulations utilizing CFD. An overall goal of the current project was to develop a geometry-grid generation tool that will help engineers, scientists and CFD practitioners to analyze design problems involving complex geometries in a timely fashion. This goal is accomplished by developing the CAGI: Computer Aided Grid Interface system. The CAGI system is developed by integrating CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing) geometric system output and/or Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) files (including all the NASA-IGES entities), geometry manipulations and generations associated with grid constructions, and robust grid generation methodologies. This report describes the development process of the CAGI system.

Computer Aided Grid Interface: An Interactive CFD Pre-Processor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soni, Bharat K.

1996-01-01

NASA maintains an applications oriented computational fluid dynamics (CFD) efforts complementary to and in support of the aerodynamic-propulsion design and test activities. This is especially true at NASA/MSFC where the goal is to advance and optimize present and future liquid-fueled rocket engines. Numerical grid generation plays a significant role in the fluid flow simulations utilizing CFD. An overall goal of the current project was to develop a geometry-grid generation tool that will help engineers, scientists and CFD practitioners to analyze design problems involving complex geometries in a timely fashion. This goal is accomplished by developing the Computer Aided Grid Interface system (CAGI). The CAGI system is developed by integrating CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing) geometric system output and / or Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) files (including all the NASA-IGES entities), geometry manipulations and generations associated with grid constructions, and robust grid generation methodologies. This report describes the development process of the CAGI system.

New GaN based HEMT with Si3N4 or un-doped region in the barrier for high power applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Razavi, S. M.; Tahmasb Pour, S.; Najari, P.

2018-06-01

New AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) that their barrier layers under the gate are divided into two regions horizontally are presented in this work. Upper region is Si3N4 (SI-HEMT) or un-doped AlGaN (UN-HEMT) and lower region is AlGaN with heavier doping compared to barrier layer. Upper region in SI-HEMT and UN-HEMT reduces peak electric field in the channel and then improves breakdown voltage considerably. Lower region increases electron density in the two dimensional electron gas (2-DEG) and enhances drain current significantly. For instance, saturated drain current in SI-HEMT is about 100% larger than that in the conventional one. Moreover, the maximum breakdown voltage in the proposed structures is 65 V. This value is about 30% larger than that in the conventional transistor (50 V). Also, suggested structure reduces short channel effect such as DIBL. The maximum gm is obtained in UN-HEMT and conventional devices. Proposed structures improve breakdown voltage and saturated drain current and then enhance maximum output power density. Maximum output power density in the new structures is about 150% higher than that in the conventional.

Encoding of speech sounds at auditory brainstem level in good and poor hearing aid performers.

PubMed

Shetty, Hemanth Narayan; Puttabasappa, Manjula

Hearing aids are prescribed to alleviate loss of audibility. It has been reported that about 31% of hearing aid users reject their own hearing aid because of annoyance towards background noise. The reason for dissatisfaction can be located anywhere from the hearing aid microphone till the integrity of neurons along the auditory pathway. To measure spectra from the output of hearing aid at the ear canal level and frequency following response recorded at the auditory brainstem from individuals with hearing impairment. A total of sixty participants having moderate sensorineural hearing impairment with age range from 15 to 65 years were involved. Each participant was classified as either Good or Poor Hearing aid Performers based on acceptable noise level measure. Stimuli /da/ and /si/ were presented through loudspeaker at 65dB SPL. At the ear canal, the spectra were measured in the unaided and aided conditions. At auditory brainstem, frequency following response were recorded to the same stimuli from the participants. Spectrum measured in each condition at ear canal was same in good hearing aid performers and poor hearing aid performers. At brainstem level, better F 0 encoding; F 0 and F 1 energies were significantly higher in good hearing aid performers than in poor hearing aid performers. Though the hearing aid spectra were almost same between good hearing aid performers and poor hearing aid performers, subtle physiological variations exist at the auditory brainstem. The result of the present study suggests that neural encoding of speech sound at the brainstem level might be mediated distinctly in good hearing aid performers from that of poor hearing aid performers. Thus, it can be inferred that subtle physiological changes are evident at the auditory brainstem in a person who is willing to accept noise from those who are not willing to accept noise. Copyright © 2016 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Auto- and hetero-associative memory using a 2-D optical logic gate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chao, Tien-Hsin

1989-01-01

An optical associative memory system suitable for both auto- and hetero-associative recall is demonstrated. This system utilizes Hamming distance as the similarity measure between a binary input and a memory image with the aid of a two-dimensional optical EXCLUSIVE OR (XOR) gate and a parallel electronics comparator module. Based on the Hamming distance measurement, this optical associative memory performs a nearest neighbor search and the result is displayed in the output plane in real-time. This optical associative memory is fast and noniterative and produces no output spurious states as compared with that of the Hopfield neural network model.

Auto- and hetero-associative memory using a 2-D optical logic gate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chao, Tien-Hsin

1989-06-01

An optical associative memory system suitable for both auto- and hetero-associative recall is demonstrated. This system utilizes Hamming distance as the similarity measure between a binary input and a memory image with the aid of a two-dimensional optical EXCLUSIVE OR (XOR) gate and a parallel electronics comparator module. Based on the Hamming distance measurement, this optical associative memory performs a nearest neighbor search and the result is displayed in the output plane in real-time. This optical associative memory is fast and noniterative and produces no output spurious states as compared with that of the Hopfield neural network model.

The mini-O, a digital superhet, or a truly low-cost Omega navigation receiver

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burhans, R. W.

1975-01-01

A quartz tuning fork filter circuit and some unique CMOS clock logic methods provide a very simple OMEGA-VLF receiver with true hyperbolic station pair phase difference outputs. An experimental system was implemented on a single battery-operated circuit board requiring only an external antenna preamplifier, and LOP output recorder. A bench evaluation and preliminary navigation tests indicate the technique is viable and can provide very low-cost OMEGA measurement systems. The method is promising for marine use with small boats in the present form, but might be implemented in conjunction with digital microprocessors for airborne navigation aids.

Output power distributions of terminals in a 3G mobile communication network.

PubMed

Persson, Tomas; Törnevik, Christer; Larsson, Lars-Eric; Lovén, Jan

2012-05-01

The objective of this study was to examine the distribution of the output power of mobile phones and other terminals connected to a 3G network in Sweden. It is well known that 3G terminals can operate with very low output power, particularly for voice calls. Measurements of terminal output power were conducted in the Swedish TeliaSonera 3G network in November 2008 by recording network statistics. In the analysis, discrimination was made between rural, suburban, urban, and dedicated indoor networks. In addition, information about terminal output power was possible to collect separately for voice and data traffic. Information from six different Radio Network Controllers (RNCs) was collected during at least 1 week. In total, more than 800000 h of voice calls were collected and in addition to that a substantial amount of data traffic. The average terminal output power for 3G voice calls was below 1 mW for any environment including rural, urban, and dedicated indoor networks. This is <1% of the maximum available output power. For data applications the average output power was about 6-8 dB higher than for voice calls. For rural areas the output power was about 2 dB higher, on average, than in urban areas. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A 1-channel 3-band wide dynamic range compression chip for vibration transducer of implantable hearing aids.

PubMed

Kim, Dongwook; Seong, Kiwoong; Kim, Myoungnam; Cho, Jinho; Lee, Jyunghyun

2014-01-01

In this paper, a digital audio processing chip which uses a wide dynamic range compression (WDRC) algorithm is designed and implemented for implantable hearing aids system. The designed chip operates at a single voltage of 3.3V and drives a 16 bit parallel input and output at 32 kHz sample. The designed chip has 1-channel 3-band WDRC composed of a FIR filter bank, a level detector, and a compression part. To verify the performance of the designed chip, we measured the frequency separations of bands and compression gain control to reflect the hearing threshold level.

Constant-current regulator improves tunnel diode threshold-detector performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cancro, C. A.

1965-01-01

Grounded-base transistor is placed in a tunnel diode threshold detector circuit, and a bias voltage is applied to the tunnel diode. This provides the threshold detector with maximum voltage output and overload protection.

Development Status of a Power Processing Unit for Low Power Ion Thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pinero, Luis R.; Bowers, Glen E.; Lafontaine, Eric M.

2000-01-01

An advanced breadboard Power Processing Unit (PPU) for a low power ion propulsion system incorporating mass reduction techniques was designed and fabricated. As a result of similar output current requirements, the discharge supply was also used to provide the neutralizer heater and discharge heater functions by using three relays to switch the output connections. This multi-function supply reduces to four the number of power converters needed to produce the required six electrical outputs. Switching frequencies of 20 and 50 kHz were chosen as a compromise between the size of the magnetic components and switching losses. The advanced breadboard PPU is capable of a maximum total output power of 0.47 kW. Its component mass is 0.65 kg and its total mass 1.9 kg. The total efficiency at full power is 0.89.

980-nm, 15-W cw laser diodes on F-mount-type heat sinks

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

Bezotosnyi, V V; Krokhin, O N; Oleshchenko, V A

2015-12-31

We have studied the key optical emission parameters of laser diodes (emission wavelength, 980 nm; stripe contact width, 95 μm) mounted directly on F- and C-mount-type copper heat sinks, without intermediate elements (submounts). When effectively cooled by a thermoelectric microcooler, the lasers on the F-mount operated stably at output powers up to 20 W. The lasers were tested for reliable operation at an output power of 15 W for 100 h, and no decrease in output power was detected to within measurement accuracy. The experimentally determined maximum total efficiency is 71.7% and the efficiency at a nominal output power ofmore » 15 W is 61%. We compare parameters of the laser diodes mounted on C- and F-mounts and discuss the advantages of the F-mounts. (lasers)« less

The simulation of thermal characteristics of 980 nm vertical cavity surface emitting lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Tianxiao; Cui, Bifeng; Hao, Shuai; Wang, Yang

2018-02-01

In order to design a single mode 980 nm vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), a 2 μm output aperture is designed to guarantee the single mode output. The effects of different mesa sizes on the lattice temperature, the output power and the voltage are simulated under the condition of continuous working at room temperature, to obtain the optimum process parameters of mesa. It is obtained by results of the crosslight simulation software that the sizes of mesa radius are between 9.5 to 12.5 μm, which cannot only obtain the maximum output power, but also improve the heat dissipation of the device. Project supported by the Beijing Municipal Eduaction Commission (No. PXM2016_014204_500018) and the Construction of Scientific and Technological Innovation Service Ability in 2017 (No. PXM2017_014204_500034).

Cost Analysis of the Discrete Address Beacon System for the Low-Performance General Aviation Aircraft Community.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-09-01

power supplies of the transponder to pro - vide a maximum 23.5 dBW power output. Tables 3-5 and 3-6 present the cost development for this configuration...configurations studied the cavity oscillator tube provides the necessary output characteristics for proper operation of the DABS transponder. Power supplies ...however, are affected by each configuration. The power supply was designed to provide 141 watts peak power at the antenna and sufficient capacity in

Divvy Economies Based On (An Abstract) Temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Collins, Dennis G.

2004-04-01

The Leontief Input-Output economic system can provide a model for a one-parameter family of economic systems based on an abstract temperature T. In particular, given a normalized input-output matrix R and taking R= R(1), a family of economic systems R(1/T)=R(α) is developed that represents heating (T>1) and cooling (T<1) of the economy relative to T=1. .The economy for a given value of T represents the solution of a constrained maximum entropy problem.

Diode-end-pumped solid-state lasers with dual gain media for multi-wavelength emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, C. Y.; Chang, C. C.; Chen, Y. F.

2015-01-01

We develop a theoretical model for designing a compact efficient multi-wavelength laser with dual gain media in a shared resonator. The developed model can be used to analyze the optimal output reflectivity for each wavelength to achieve maximum output power for multi-wavelength emission. We further demonstrate a dual-wavelength laser at 946 nm and 1064 nm with Nd:YAG and Nd:YVO4 crystals to confirm the numerical analysis. Under optimum conditions and at incident pump power of 17 W, output power at 946 nm and 1064 nm was up to 2.51 W and 2.81 W, respectively.

High power single mode 980 nm AlGaInAs/AlGaAs quantum well lasers with a very low threshold current

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhen, Dong; Cuiluan, Wang; Hongqi, Jing; Suping, Liu; Xiaoyu, Ma

2013-11-01

To achieve low threshold current as well as high single mode output power, a graded index separate confinement heterostructure (GRIN-SCH) AlGaInAs/AlGaAs quantum well laser with an optimized ridge waveguide was fabricated. The threshold current was reduced to 8 mA. An output power of 76 mW was achieved at 100 mA current at room temperature, with a slope efficiency of 0.83 W/A and a horizon divergent angle of 6.3°. The maximum single mode output power of the device reached as high as 450 mW.

Polarization-maintaining, high-energy, wavelength-tunable, Er-doped ultrashort pulse fiber laser using carbon-nanotube polyimide film.

PubMed

Senoo, Y; Nishizawa, N; Sakakibara, Y; Sumimura, K; Itoga, E; Kataura, H; Itoh, K

2009-10-26

A high-energy, wavelength-tunable, all-polarization-maintaining Er-doped ultrashort fiber laser was demonstrated using a polyimide film dispersed with single-wall carbon nanotubes. A variable output coupler and wavelength filter were used in the cavity configuration, and high-power operation was demonstrated. The maximum average power was 12.6 mW and pulse energy was 585 pJ for stable single-pulse operation with an output coupling ratio as high as 98.3%. Wide wavelength-tunable operation at 1532-1562 nm was also demonstrated by controlling the wavelength filter. The RF amplitude noise characteristics were examined in terms of their dependence on output coupling ratio and oscillation wavelength.

Fiber optic microphone with large dynamic range based on bi-fiber Fabry-Perot cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Jin; Lu, Dan-feng; Gao, Ran; Qi, Zhi-mei

2017-10-01

In this paper, we report a fiber optic microphone with a large dynamic range. The probe of microphone consists of bi-fiber Fabry-Perot cavity architecture. The wavelength of the working laser is about 1552.05nm. At this wavelength, the interference spectroscopies of these two fiber Fabry-Perot cavities have a quadrature shift. So the outputs of these two fiber Fabry-Perot sensors are orthogonal signal. By using orthogonal signal demodulation method, this microphone can output a signal of acoustic wave. Due to no relationship between output signal and the linear region on interference spectroscopy, the microphones have a large maximum acoustic pressure above 125dB.

Squeezed light in an optical parametric oscillator network with coherent feedback quantum control.

PubMed

Crisafulli, Orion; Tezak, Nikolas; Soh, Daniel B S; Armen, Michael A; Mabuchi, Hideo

2013-07-29

We present squeezing and anti-squeezing spectra of the output from a degenerate optical parametric oscillator (OPO) network arranged in different coherent quantum feedback configurations. One OPO serves as a quantum plant, the other as a quantum controller. The addition of coherent feedback enables shaping of the output squeezing spectrum of the plant, and is found to be capable of pushing the frequency of maximum squeezing away from the optical driving frequency and broadening the spectrum over a wider frequency band. The experimental results are in excellent agreement with the developed theory, and illustrate the use of coherent quantum feedback to engineer the quantum-optical properties of the plant OPO output.

Cascaded a-cut Nd:YVO4 self-Raman with second-Stokes laser at 1313 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Zhi; Duan, Yanmin; Guo, Junhong; Huang, Xiaohong; Yan, Lifen; Zhu, Haiyong

2017-11-01

A diode-end-pumped, acousto-optic Q-switched second-Stokes self-Raman laser at 1313 nm was demonstrated in a common a-cut Nd:YVO4 crystal, with the primary Raman shift of 890 cm-1. At the incident pump power of 17.1 W, the maximum average output power up to 2.51 W and pulse width of 5 ns for second-Stokes were obtained with the pulse repetition frequency of 50 kHz. The slope efficiency and conversion efficiency with respect to the incident pump power are about 23.7% and 14.7%. The efficient output should be attributed to suitable transmittance of the output coupler used.

Modeling and simulation research on electromagnetic and energy-recycled damper based on Adams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, C. F.; Zhang, K.; Zhang, Pengfei

2018-05-01

In order to study the voltage and power output characteristics of the electromagnetic and energy-recycled damper which consists of gear, rack and generator, the Adams model of this damper and the Simulink model of generator are established, and the co-simulation is accomplished with these two models. The output indexes such as the gear speed and power of generator are obtained by the simulation, and the simulation results demonstrate that the voltage peak of the damper is 25 V; the maximum output power of the damper is 8 W. The above research provides a basis for the prototype development of electromagnetic and energy-recycled damper with gear and rack.

Sentence recognition in noise and perceived benefit of noise reduction on the receiver and transmitter sides of a BICROS hearing aid.

PubMed

Oeding, Kristi; Valente, Michael

2013-01-01

In the past, bilateral contralateral routing of signals (BICROS) amplification incorporated omnidirectional microphones on the transmitter and receiver sides and some models utilized noise reduction (NR) on the receiver side. Little research has examined the performance of BICROS amplification in background noise. However, previous studies examining contralateral routing of signals (CROS) amplification have reported that the presence of background noise on the transmitter side negatively affected speech recognition. Recently, NR was introduced as a feature on the receiver and transmitter sides of BICROS amplification, which has the potential to decrease the impact of noise on the wanted speech signal by decreasing unwanted noise directed to the transmitter side. The primary goal of this study was to examine differences in the reception threshold for sentences (RTS in dB) using the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) in a diffuse listening environment between unaided and three aided BICROS conditions (no NR, mild NR, and maximum NR) in the Tandem 16 BICROS. A secondary goal was to examine real-world subjective impressions of the Tandem 16 BICROS compared to unaided. A randomized block repeated measures single blind design was used to assess differences between no NR, mild NR, and maximum NR listening conditions. Twenty-one adult participants with asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss (ASNHL) and experience with BICROS amplification were recruited from Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine. Participants were fit with the National Acoustic Laboratories' Nonlinear version 1 prescriptive target (NAL-NL1) with the Tandem 16 BICROS at the initial visit and then verified using real-ear insertion gain (REIG) measures. Participants acclimatized to the Tandem 16 BICROS for 4 wk before returning for final testing. Participants were tested utilizing HINT sentences examining differences in RTS between unaided and three aided listening conditions. Subjective benefit was determined via the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) questionnaire between the Tandem 16 BICROS and unaided. A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized to analyze the results of the HINT and APHAB. Results revealed no significant differences in the RTS between unaided, no NR, mild NR, and maximum NR. Subjective impressions using the APHAB revealed statistically and clinically significant benefit with the Tandem 16 BICROS compared to unaided for the Ease of Communication (EC), Background Noise (BN), and Reverberation (RV) subscales. The RTS was not significantly different between unaided, no NR, mild NR, and maximum NR. None of the three aided listening conditions were significantly different from unaided performance as has been reported for previous studies examining CROS hearing aids. Further, based on comments from participants and previous research studies with conventional hearing aids, manufacturers of BICROS amplification should consider incorporating directional microphones and independent volume controls on the receiver and transmitter sides to potentially provide further improvement in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for patients with ASNHL. American Academy of Audiology.

Development of an Interactive Computer-Based Learning Strategy to Assist in Teaching Water Quality Modelling

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zigic, Sasha; Lemckert, Charles J.

2007-01-01

The following paper presents a computer-based learning strategy to assist in introducing and teaching water quality modelling to undergraduate civil engineering students. As part of the learning strategy, an interactive computer-based instructional (CBI) aid was specifically developed to assist students to set up, run and analyse the output from a…

Policy Directions for U. S. Agriculture; Long-Range Choices in Farming and Rural Living.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clawson, Marion

A comprehensive view of agriculture is presented in this volume written to aid critical re-examination of long-range agricultural policy. Farm people, rural institutions and services, rural towns, the spatial organization of agriculture, and its capital structure, in addition to the usual subjects of agricultural output, demand, trade, price, and…

Preliminary logging analysis system (PLANS): overview.

Treesearch

R.H. Twito; S.E. Reutebuch; R.J. McGaughey; C.N. Mann

1987-01-01

The paper previews a computer-aided design system, PLANS, that is useful for developing timber harvest and road network plans on large-scale topographic maps. Earlier planning techniques are reviewed, and the advantages are explained of using advanced planning systems like PLANS. There is a brief summary of the input, output, and function of each program in the PLANS...

Comparison of PECS and the Use of a VOCA: A Replication

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beck, Ann R.; Stoner, Julia B.; Bock, Stacey J.; Parton, Tom

2008-01-01

This study compares use of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and a Voice Output Communication Aide (VOCA) with four preschool children who were either non-speaking or limited in their ability to speak and did not use an AAC system to communicate functionally. An alternating treatment single subject design was used to measure…

PECS and VOCAs to Enable Students with Developmental Disabilities to Make Requests: An Overview of the Literature

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lancioni, Giulio E.; O'Reilly, Mark F.; Cuvo, Anthony J.; Singh, Nirbhay N.; Sigafoos, Jeff; Didden, Robert

2007-01-01

This paper provides an overview of the literature dealing with the use of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and voice output communication aids (VOCAs) for promoting the performance of requests by students with developmental disabilities. Computerized and manual searches were carried out to identify the studies published during the…

The Computer as a Teaching Aid for Eleventh Grade Mathematics: A Comparison Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kieren, Thomas Ervin

To determine the effect of learning computer programming and the use of a computer on mathematical achievement of eleventh grade students, for each of two years, average and above average students were randomly assigned to an experimental and control group. The experimental group wrote computer programs and used the output from the computer in…

Shewanella frigidimarina microbial fuel cells and the influence of divalent cations on current output.

PubMed

Fitzgerald, Lisa A; Petersen, Emily R; Leary, Dagmar H; Nadeau, Lloyd J; Soto, Carissa M; Ray, Richard I; Little, Brenda J; Ringeisen, Bradley R; Johnson, Glenn R; Vora, Gary J; Biffinger, Justin C

2013-02-15

The genes involved in the proposed pathway for Shewanella extracellular electron transfer (EET) are highly conserved. While extensive studies involving EET from a fresh water Shewanella microbe (S. oneidensis MR-1) to soluble and insoluble electron acceptors have been published, only a few reports have examined EET from marine strains of Shewanella. Thus, Shewanella frigidimarina (an isolate from Antarctic Sea ice) was used within miniature microbial fuel cells (mini-MFC) to evaluate potential power output. During the course of this study several distinct differences were observed between S. oneidensis MR-1 and S. frigidimarina under comparable conditions. The maximum power density with S. frigidimarina was observed when the anolyte was half-strength marine broth (1/2 MB) (0.28 μW/cm(2)) compared to Luria-Bertani (LB) (0.07 μW/cm(2)) or a defined growth minimal medium (MM) (0.02 μW/cm(2)). The systematic modification of S. frigidimarina cultured in 1/2 MB and LB with divalent cations shows that a maximum current output can be generated independent of internal ionic ohmic losses and the presence of external mediators. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Antibody-containing cell response in lymph of sheep after intra-intestinal infusion of ovalbumin with and without DEAE-dextran.

PubMed Central

Beh, K J

1979-01-01

The output of antibody-containing cells (ACC) was monitored in efferent ileal lymph after continuous infusion of ovalbumin into the ileum of sheep with and without the adjuvant DEAE-dextran. When ovalbumin was infused at the slow rate of 5 ml/h, maximum outputs of 2.9 x 10(5) and 2.4 x 10(5 ACC/h were observed on days 9 and 16 respectively. When infused at the faster rate of 15 ml/h, peak levels of 6.9 x 10(5) and 11.7 x 10(5) ACC/h were recorded on days 10 and 16 respectively. The maximum response was substantially enhanced when ovalbumin was infused simultaneously with DEAE-dextran when a mean output of 51.7 x 10(5) ACC/h occurred on day 10. With all treatments the distribution of ACC amongst various immunoglobulin classes was similar. During the first few days of the response IgM-specific ACC predominated and later IgG1-specific ACC were most abundant. Throughout the response a substantial proportion (10-81%) of ACC in efferent ileal lymph were IgA-specific. PMID:572818

Numerical analysis of 2.7 μm lasing in Er3+-doped tellurite fiber lasers

PubMed Central

Wang, Weichao; Li, Lixiu; Chen, Dongdan; Zhang, Qinyuan

2016-01-01

The laser performance of Er3+-doped tellurite fiber lasers operating at 2.7 μm due to 4I11/2 → 4I13/2 transition has been theoretically studied by using rate equations and propagation equations. The effects of pumping configuration and fiber length on the output power, slope efficiency, threshold, and intracavity pump and laser power distributions have been systematically investigated to optimize the performance of fiber lasers. When the pump power is 20 W, the maximum slope efficiency (27.62%), maximum output power (5.219 W), and minimum threshold (278.90 mW) are predicted with different fiber lengths (0.05–5 m) under three pumping configurations. It is also found that reasonable output power is expected for fiber loss below 2 dB/ m. The numerical modeling on the two- and three-dimensional laser field distributions are further analyzed to reveal the characteristics of this multimode step-index tellurite fiber. Preliminary simulation results show that this Er3+-doped tellurite fiber is an excellent alternative to conventional fluoride fiber for developing efficient 2.7 μm fiber lasers. PMID:27545663

Comparative study of high power Tm:YLF and Tm:LLF slab lasers in continuous wave regime.

PubMed

Berrou, Antoine; Collett, Oliver J P; Morris, Daniel; Esser, M J Daniel

2018-04-16

We report on Tm:YLF and Tm:LLF slab lasers (1.5 x 11 x 20 mm 3 ) end pumped from one end with a high-brightness 792 nm laser diode stack. These two lasers are compared under identical pump conditions in continuous-wave regime. A stronger negative thermal lens in Tm:LLF than in Tm:YLF is highlighted, making it more difficult to operate the Tm:LLF laser under stable lasing conditions. In a configuration where the high reflectivity cavity mirror has a radius of curvature of r = 150 mm, the Tm:YLF (Tm:LLF) laser produces a maximum output power of 150 W (143 W) for 428 W of incident pump power (respectively). For a second cavity configuration where the high reflectivity cavity mirror has a radius of curvature of r = 500 mm, the Tm:YLF laser produces a maximum output power of 164 W for 412 W of incident pump power and a 57% slope efficiency with respect to the absorbed pump power. The emitted wavelength of these two lasers are measured as a function of the output coupler reflectivity and it shows that Tm:LLF laser emits at a longer wavelength than Tm:YLF.

Comparison of soft-input-soft-output detection methods for dual-polarized quadrature duobinary system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Chun; Huang, Benxiong; Xu, Zhengguang; Li, Bin; Zhao, Nan

2018-02-01

Three soft-input-soft-output (SISO) detection methods for dual-polarized quadrature duobinary (DP-QDB), including maximum-logarithmic-maximum-a-posteriori-probability-algorithm (Max-log-MAP)-based detection, soft-output-Viterbi-algorithm (SOVA)-based detection, and a proposed SISO detection, which can all be combined with SISO decoding, are presented. The three detection methods are investigated at 128 Gb/s in five-channel wavelength-division-multiplexing uncoded and low-density-parity-check (LDPC) coded DP-QDB systems by simulations. Max-log-MAP-based detection needs the returning-to-initial-states (RTIS) process despite having the best performance. When the LDPC code with a code rate of 0.83 is used, the detecting-and-decoding scheme with the SISO detection does not need RTIS and has better bit error rate (BER) performance than the scheme with SOVA-based detection. The former can reduce the optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) requirement (at BER=10-5) by 2.56 dB relative to the latter. The application of the SISO iterative detection in LDPC-coded DP-QDB systems makes a good trade-off between requirements on transmission efficiency, OSNR requirement, and transmission distance, compared with the other two SISO methods.

User's Guide for Monthly Vector Wind Profile Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adelfang, S. I.

1999-01-01

The background, theoretical concepts, and methodology for construction of vector wind profiles based on a statistical model are presented. The derived monthly vector wind profiles are to be applied by the launch vehicle design community for establishing realistic estimates of critical vehicle design parameter dispersions related to wind profile dispersions. During initial studies a number of months are used to establish the model profiles that produce the largest monthly dispersions of ascent vehicle aerodynamic load indicators. The largest monthly dispersions for wind, which occur during the winter high-wind months, are used for establishing the design reference dispersions for the aerodynamic load indicators. This document includes a description of the computational process for the vector wind model including specification of input data, parameter settings, and output data formats. Sample output data listings are provided to aid the user in the verification of test output.

Output-Feedback Control of Unknown Linear Discrete-Time Systems With Stochastic Measurement and Process Noise via Approximate Dynamic Programming.

PubMed

Wang, Jun-Sheng; Yang, Guang-Hong

2017-07-25

This paper studies the optimal output-feedback control problem for unknown linear discrete-time systems with stochastic measurement and process noise. A dithered Bellman equation with the innovation covariance matrix is constructed via the expectation operator given in the form of a finite summation. On this basis, an output-feedback-based approximate dynamic programming method is developed, where the terms depending on the innovation covariance matrix are available with the aid of the innovation covariance matrix identified beforehand. Therefore, by iterating the Bellman equation, the resulting value function can converge to the optimal one in the presence of the aforementioned noise, and the nearly optimal control laws are delivered. To show the effectiveness and the advantages of the proposed approach, a simulation example and a velocity control experiment on a dc machine are employed.

Canadian crop calendars in support of the early warning project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trenchard, M. H.; Hodges, T. (Principal Investigator)

1980-01-01

The Canadian crop calendars for LACIE are presented. Long term monthly averages of daily maximum and daily minimum temperatures for subregions of provinces were used to simulate normal daily maximum and minimum temperatures. The Robertson (1968) spring wheat and Williams (1974) spring barley phenology models were run using the simulated daily temperatures and daylengths for appropriate latitudes. Simulated daily temperatures and phenology model outputs for spring wheat and spring barley are given.

Organic electroluminescent devices and method for improving energy efficiency and optical stability thereof

DOEpatents

Heller, Christian Maria

2004-04-27

An organic electroluminescent device ("OELD") has a controllable brightness, an improved energy efficiency, and stable optical output at low brightness. The OELD is activated with a series of voltage pulses, each of which has a maximum voltage value that corresponds to the maximum power efficiency when the OELD is activated. The frequency of the pulses, or the duty cycle, or both are chosen to provide the desired average brightness.

Resonantly pumped high efficiency Ho:YAG laser.

PubMed

Shen, Ying-Jie; Yao, Bao-Quan; Duan, Xiao-Ming; Dai, Tong-Yu; Ju, You-Lun; Wang, Yue-Zhu

2012-11-20

High-efficient CW and Q-switched Ho:YAG lasers resonantly dual-end-pumped by two diode-pumped Tm:YLF lasers at 1908 nm were investigated. A maximum slope efficiency of 74.8% in CW operation as well as a maximum output power of 58.7 W at 83.2 W incident pump power was achieved, which corresponded to an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 70.6%. The maximum pulse energy of 2.94 mJ was achieved, with a 31 ns FWHM pulse width and a peak power of approximately 94.7 kW.

A Fuzzy Rule Based Decision Support System for Identifying Location of Water Harvesting Technologies in Rainfed Agricultural Regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaubey, I.; Vema, V. K.; Sudheer, K.

2016-12-01

Site suitability evaluation of water conservation structures in water scarce rainfed agricultural areas consist of assessment of various landscape characteristics and various criterion. Many of these landscape characteristic attributes are conveyed through linguistic terms rather than precise numeric values. Fuzzy rule based system are capable of incorporating uncertainty and vagueness, when various decision making criteria expressed in linguistic terms are expressed as fuzzy rules. In this study a fuzzy rule based decision support system is developed, for optimal site selection of water harvesting technologies. Water conservation technologies like farm ponds, Check dams, Rock filled dams and percolation ponds aid in conserving water for irrigation and recharging aquifers and development of such a system will aid in improving the efficiency of the structures. Attributes and criteria involved in decision making are classified into different groups to estimate the suitability of the particular technology. The developed model is applied and tested on an Indian watershed. The input attributes are prepared in raster format in ArcGIS software and suitability of each raster cell is calculated and output is generated in the form of a thematic map showing the suitability of the cells pertaining to different technologies. The output of the developed model is compared against the already existing structures and results are satisfactory. This developed model will aid in improving the sustainability and efficiency of the watershed management programs aimed at enhancing in situ moisture content.

An optimal tuning strategy for tidal turbines

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Tuning wind and tidal turbines is critical to maximizing their power output. Adopting a wind turbine tuning strategy of maximizing the output at any given time is shown to be an extremely poor strategy for large arrays of tidal turbines in channels. This ‘impatient-tuning strategy’ results in far lower power output, much higher structural loads and greater environmental impacts due to flow reduction than an existing ‘patient-tuning strategy’ which maximizes the power output averaged over the tidal cycle. This paper presents a ‘smart patient tuning strategy’, which can increase array output by up to 35% over the existing strategy. This smart strategy forgoes some power generation early in the half tidal cycle in order to allow stronger flows to develop later in the cycle. It extracts enough power from these stronger flows to produce more power from the cycle as a whole than the existing strategy. Surprisingly, the smart strategy can often extract more power without increasing maximum structural loads on the turbines, while also maintaining stronger flows along the channel. This paper also shows that, counterintuitively, for some tuning strategies imposing a cap on turbine power output to limit loads can increase a turbine’s average power output. PMID:27956870

An optimal tuning strategy for tidal turbines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vennell, Ross

2016-11-01

Tuning wind and tidal turbines is critical to maximizing their power output. Adopting a wind turbine tuning strategy of maximizing the output at any given time is shown to be an extremely poor strategy for large arrays of tidal turbines in channels. This `impatient-tuning strategy' results in far lower power output, much higher structural loads and greater environmental impacts due to flow reduction than an existing `patient-tuning strategy' which maximizes the power output averaged over the tidal cycle. This paper presents a `smart patient tuning strategy', which can increase array output by up to 35% over the existing strategy. This smart strategy forgoes some power generation early in the half tidal cycle in order to allow stronger flows to develop later in the cycle. It extracts enough power from these stronger flows to produce more power from the cycle as a whole than the existing strategy. Surprisingly, the smart strategy can often extract more power without increasing maximum structural loads on the turbines, while also maintaining stronger flows along the channel. This paper also shows that, counterintuitively, for some tuning strategies imposing a cap on turbine power output to limit loads can increase a turbine's average power output.

An optimal tuning strategy for tidal turbines.

PubMed

Vennell, Ross

2016-11-01

Tuning wind and tidal turbines is critical to maximizing their power output. Adopting a wind turbine tuning strategy of maximizing the output at any given time is shown to be an extremely poor strategy for large arrays of tidal turbines in channels. This 'impatient-tuning strategy' results in far lower power output, much higher structural loads and greater environmental impacts due to flow reduction than an existing 'patient-tuning strategy' which maximizes the power output averaged over the tidal cycle. This paper presents a 'smart patient tuning strategy', which can increase array output by up to 35% over the existing strategy. This smart strategy forgoes some power generation early in the half tidal cycle in order to allow stronger flows to develop later in the cycle. It extracts enough power from these stronger flows to produce more power from the cycle as a whole than the existing strategy. Surprisingly, the smart strategy can often extract more power without increasing maximum structural loads on the turbines, while also maintaining stronger flows along the channel. This paper also shows that, counterintuitively, for some tuning strategies imposing a cap on turbine power output to limit loads can increase a turbine's average power output.

Open fitting: performance verification of receiver in the ear and receiver in the aid.

PubMed

Mondelli, Maria Fernanda Capoani Garcia; Garcia, Tatiana Manfrini; Hashimoto, Fabiana Midori Tokuhara; Rocha, Andressa Vital

2015-01-01

To verify the receiver in the ear and receiver in the aid adaptations by measuring in situ the speech perception and users' level of satisfaction. The study was approved by the research ethics committee (Process: 027/2011). Twenty subjects older than 18 years with audiological diagnosis of mild and moderate bilateral descending sensorineural hearing loss were evaluated. The subjects were divided into two groups, where G1 (group 1) was fitted with open-fit hearing aids with the built-in receiver unit (receiver in the ear) and G2 (group 2) was fitted with open-fit hearing aids with RITE. A probe microphone measurement was performed to check the gain and output provided by the amplification and for assessment of speech perception with Hearing in Noise Test with and without hearing aids. After a period of six weeks of use without interruption, the subjects returned for follow-up and answered the Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life questionnaire, and were again subjected to Hearing in Noise Test. Both groups presented better test results for speech recognition in the presence of noise. Groups 1 and 2 were satisfied with the use of hearing aids and improved speech recognition in silent and noisy situations with hearing aids. Copyright © 2014 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Improved thermoelectric power output from multilayered polyethylenimine doped carbon nanotube based organic composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hewitt, Corey A.; Montgomery, David S.; Barbalace, Ryan L.; Carlson, Rowland D.; Carroll, David L.

2014-05-01

By appropriately selecting the carbon nanotube type and n-type dopant for the conduction layers in a multilayered carbon nanotube composite, the total device thermoelectric power output can be increased significantly. The particular materials chosen in this study were raw single walled carbon nanotubes for the p-type layers and polyethylenimine doped single walled carbon nanotubes for the n-type layers. The combination of these two conduction layers leads to a single thermocouple Seebeck coefficient of 96 ± 4 μVK-1, which is 6.3 times higher than that previously reported. This improved Seebeck coefficient leads to a total power output of 14.7 nW per thermocouple at the maximum temperature difference of 50 K, which is 44 times the power output per thermocouple for the previously reported results. Ultimately, these thermoelectric power output improvements help to increase the potential use of these lightweight, flexible, and durable organic multilayered carbon nanotube based thermoelectric modules in low powered electronics applications, where waste heat is available.

Research on design feasibility of high-power light-weight dc-to-dc converters for space power application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, T. G.

1980-01-01

The development of 5 kW converters with 100 kHz switching frequencies, consisting of two submodules each capable of 2.5 kW of output power, is discussed. Two semiconductor advances allowed increased power levels. Field effect transistors with ratings of 11 A and 400 V were operated in parallel to provide a converter output power of approximately 2000 W. Secondly, bipolar power switching transistor was operated in conjunction with a turn-off snubber circuit to provide converter output power levels approaching 1000 W. The interrelationships between mass, switching frequency, and efficiency were investigated. Converters were constructed for operation at a maximum output power level of 200 W, and a comparison was made for operation under similar input/output conditions for conversion frequencies of 20 kilohertz and 100 kilohertz. The effects of nondissipative turn-off snubber circuitry were also examined. Finally, a computerized instrumentation system allowing the measurement of pertinent converter operating conditions as well as the recording of converter waveforms is described.

Effects of synthetic speech output in the learning of graphic symbols of varied iconicity.

PubMed

Koul, Rajinder; Schlosser, Ralf

To examine the effects of additional auditory feedback from synthetic speech on the learning of high translucent symbols versus low translucent symbols. Two adults with little or no functional speech and severe intellectual disabilities served as participants. A single-subject ABACA/ACABA design was used to study the relative effects of two treatments: symbol training in the presence and absence of synthetic speech output. The results clearly indicated that the two treatments, rather than extraneous variables were responsible for gains in the symbol learning. Both participants learned either more low translucent symbols or reached their maximum learning of low translucent symbols in the speech output condition. The results of this preliminary study replicate and extend the iconicity hypothesis to a new set of learning conditions involving speech output, and suggest that feedback from speech output may assist adults with profound intellectual disabilities in coding particularly those symbols whose association with their referent cannot be coded via their visual resemblance with the referent.

A diode-pumped Tm:CaYAlO4 laser at 1851 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lan, Jinglong; Guan, Xiaofeng; Xu, Bin; Moncorgé, Richard; Xu, Huiying; Cai, Zhiping

2017-07-01

Laser emission at ~1850 nm is of great interest for neural stimulation applications. In this letter, we report on the diode-pumped continuous-wave (CW) and Q-switched (QS) laser operation of Tm:CaYAlO4 at 1851 nm, for the first time to our knowledge. In the CW regime, a maximum output power up to 0.62 W is obtained with a laser slope efficiency of about 18.0%. Using a Cr:ZnSe saturable absorber, QS laser operation is achieved with a maximum average output power of 0.25 W, the narrowest pulse width of 107 ns and the highest repetition rate of 5.85 kHz. The corresponding pulse peak power and pulse energy are about 388 W and 42.8 µJ, respectively. In this Q-switched mode, wavelength tuning is also realized over about 3 nm by slightly tilting the saturable absorber.

AlGaAs 55Fe X-ray radioisotope microbattery

PubMed Central

Butera, S.; Whitaker, M. D. C.; Lioliou, G.; Barnett, A. M.

2016-01-01

This paper describes the performance of a fabricated prototype Al0.2Ga0.8As 55Fe radioisotope microbattery photovoltaic cells over the temperature range −20 °C to 50 °C. Two 400 μm diameter p+-i-n+ (3 μm i-layer) Al0.2Ga0.8As mesa photodiodes were used as conversion devices in a novel X-ray microbattery prototype. The changes of the key microbattery parameters were analysed in response to temperature: the open circuit voltage, the maximum output power and the internal conversion efficiency decreased when the temperature was increased. At −20 °C, an open circuit voltage and a maximum output power of 0.2 V and 0.04 pW, respectively, were measured per photodiode. The best internal conversion efficiency achieved for the fabricated prototype was only 0.95% at −20 °C. PMID:27922093

Comparison of P&O and INC Methods in Maximum Power Point Tracker for PV Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hesheng; Cui, Yuanhui; Zhao, Yue; Wang, Zhisen

2018-03-01

In the context of renewable energy, the maximum power point tracker (MPPT) is often used to increase the solar power efficiency, taking into account the randomness and volatility of solar energy due to changes in temperature and photovoltaic. In all MPPT techniques, perturb & observe and incremental conductance are widely used in MPPT controllers, because of their simplicity and ease of operation. According to the internal structure of the photovoltaic cell and the output volt-ampere characteristic, this paper established the circuit model and establishes the dynamic simulation model in Matlab/Simulink with the preparation of the s function. The perturb & observe MPPT method and the incremental conductance MPPT method were analyzed and compared by the theoretical analysis and digital simulation. The simulation results have shown that the system with INC MPPT method has better dynamic performance and improves the output power of photovoltaic power generation.

Efficient laser-diode end-pumped Nd:GGG lasers at 1054 and 1067 nm.

PubMed

Xu, Bin; Xu, Huiying; Cai, Zhiping; Camy, P; Doualan, J L; Moncorgé, R

2014-10-10

Efficient and compact laser-diode end-pumped Nd:GGG simultaneous multiwavelength continuous-wave lasers at ∼1059, ∼1060 and ∼1062  nm were first demonstrated in a free-running 30 mm plano-concave laser cavity. The maximum output power was up to 3.92 W with a slope efficiency of about 53.6% with respect to the absorbed pump power. By inserting a 0.1 mm optical glass plate acting as a Fabry-Pérot etalon, a single-wavelength laser at ∼1067  nm with a maximum output power of 1.95 W and a slope efficiency of 28.5% can be obtained. Multiwavelength lasers, including those at ∼1054 or ∼1067  nm, were also achievable by suitably tilting the glass etalon. These simultaneous multiwavelength lasers provide a potential source for terahertz wave generation.

16.7 W 885 nm diode-side-pumped actively Q-switched Nd:YAG/YVO4 intracavity Raman laser at 1176 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Pengbo; Zhang, Guizhong; Liu, Jian; Ding, Xin; Sheng, Quan; Yu, Xuanyi; Sun, Bing; Shi, Rui; Wu, Liang; Wang, Rui; Yao, Jianquan

2017-11-01

We proposed and experimentally demonstrated the generation of high-power 1176 nm Stokes wave by frequency shifting of a 885 nm diode-side-pumped Nd:YAG laser using a YVO4 crystal in a Z-shaped cavity configuration. Employing the 885 nm diode-side-pumped scheme and the Z-shaped cavity, for the first time to our knowledge, we realized the thermal management effectively, achieving excellent 1176 nm Stokes wave consequently. With an incident pump power of ~190.0 W, a maximum average output power of 16.7 W was obtained at the pulse repetition frequency of 10 kHz. The pulse duration and spectrum linewidth of the Stokes wave at the maximum output power were 20.3 ns and ~0.08 nm, respectively.

Effect of reduced graphene oxide on the energy harvesting performance of P(VDF-TrFE)-BaTiO3 nanocomposite devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yaqoob, Usman; Chung, Gwiy-Sang

2017-09-01

This study investigates the effect of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on the energy harvesting performance of poly(vinylidenefluoride-trifluoroethylene)-barium titanate (P(VDF-TrFE)-BTO) nanocomposite devices. Several piezoelectric nanogenerators with different rGO contents were prepared, among them PBR5-NG (rGO = 0.5%) exhibited maximum output performance. PBR5-NG showed a maximum open circuit voltage of 8.5 Vpk-pk and short circuit current of 2 μApk-pk at an applied force of 2 N. Moreover, PBR5-NG displayed an output power of 4.5 μW at 2 MΩ load resistance. To confirm device stability, the fabricated device was subjected to several pressing-releasing cycles. The device had excellent stability, even after 1000 pressing-releasing cycles. Together, our results indicate that our fabricated PBR5-NG is a promising energy source for future flexible electronics.

Temperature dependence of an AlInP 63Ni betavoltaic cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Butera, S.; Lioliou, G.; Krysa, A. B.; Barnett, A. M.

2016-10-01

In this paper, the performance of an Al0.52In0.48P 63Ni radioisotope cell is reported over the temperature range of -20 °C to 140 °C. A 400 μm diameter p+-i-n+ (2 μm i-layer) Al0.52In0.48P mesa photodiode was used as a conversion device in a novel betavoltaic cell. Dark current measurements on the Al0.52In0.48P detector showed that the saturation current increased increasing the temperature, while the ideality factor decreased. The effects of the temperature on the key cell parameters were studied in detail showing that the open circuit voltage, the maximum output power, and the internal conversion efficiency decreased when the temperature was increased. At -20 °C, an open circuit voltage and a maximum output power of 0.52 V and 0.28 pW, respectively, were measured.

Contribution of direct electron transfer mechanisms to overall electron transfer in microbial fuel cells utilising Shewanella oneidensis as biocatalyst.

PubMed

Fapetu, Segun; Keshavarz, Taj; Clements, Mark; Kyazze, Godfrey

2016-09-01

To investigate the contribution of direct electron transfer mechanisms to electricity production in microbial fuel cells by physically retaining Shewanella oneidensis cells close to or away from the anode electrode. A maximum power output of 114 ± 6 mWm(-2) was obtained when cells were retained close to the anode using a dialysis membrane. This was 3.5 times more than when the cells were separated away from the anode. Without the membrane the maximum power output was 129 ± 6 mWm(-2). The direct mechanisms of electron transfer contributed significantly to overall electron transfer from S. oneidensis to electrodes, a result that was corroborated by another experiment where S. oneidensis cells were entrapped in alginate gels. S. oneidensis transfers electrons primarily by direct electron transfer as opposed to mediated electron transfer.

408-fs SESAM mode locked Cr:ZnSe laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bu, Xiangbao; Shi, Yuhang; Xu, Jia; Li, Huijuan; Wang, Pu

2018-01-01

We report self-starting femtosecond operation of a 127-MHz SESAM mode locked Cr:ZnSe laser around 2420 nm. A thulium doped double clad fiber laser at 1908 nm was used as the pumping source. In the normal dispersion regime, stable pulse pairs with constant phase differences in the multipulse regime were observed. The maximum output power was 342 mW with respect to incident pump power of 4.8 W and the corresponding slope efficiency was 10.4%. By inserting a piece of sapphire plate, dispersion compensation was achieved and the intra-cavity dispersion was moved to the anomalous regime. A maximum output power of 403 mW was obtained and the corresponding slope efficiency was 12.2%. Pulse width was measured to be 408 fs by a collinear autocorrelator using two-photon absorption in an InGaAs photodiode. The laser spectrum in multipulse operation showed a clear periodic modulation.

Wavelength-tunable thulium-doped fiber laser by employing a self-made Fabry-Perot filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Y. P.; Ju, Y. L.; Wu, C. T.; Liu, W.; Yang, C.

2017-06-01

In this demonstration, we proposed a novel wavelength-tunable thulium-doped fiber laser (TDFL) with a self-made Fabry-Perot (F-P) filter. When the F-P filter was not inserted, the maximum output power of 11.1 W was achieved when the pump power was 70.2 W. The corresponding optical-to-optical conversion efficiency was 15.8% and the slope efficiency was 22.1%. When the F-P filter was inserted, the output wavelength could be tuned from 1952.9 to 1934.9 nm with the change of cavity length of F-P filter which was fixed on a piezoelectric ceramic transducer (PZT) controlled by the voltage applied to it. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) was no more than 0.19 nm. Furthermore, the wavelength fluctuations of the tunable fiber laser were kept within  ±0.2 nm.

Muscular outputs during dynamic bench press under stable versus unstable conditions.

PubMed

Koshida, Sentaro; Urabe, Yukio; Miyashita, Koji; Iwai, Kanzunori; Kagimori, Aya

2008-09-01

Previous studies have suggested that resistance training exercise under unstable conditions decreases the isometric force output, yet little is known about its influence on muscular outputs during dynamic movement. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of an unstable condition on power, force, and velocity outputs during the bench press. Twenty male collegiate athletes (mean age, 21.3 +/- 1.5 years; mean height, 167.7 +/- 7.7 cm; mean weight, 75.9 +/- 17.5 kg) participated in this study. Each subject attempted 3 sets of single bench presses with 50% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) under a stable condition with a flat bench and an unstable condition with a Swiss ball. Acceleration data were obtained with an accelerometer attached to the center of a barbell shaft, and peak outputs of power, force, and velocity were computed. Although significant loss of the peak outputs was found under the unstable condition (p < 0.017), their reduction rates remained relatively low, approximately 6% for force and 10% for power and velocity outputs, compared with previous findings. Such small reduction rates of muscular outputs may not compromise the training effect. Prospective studies are necessary to confirm whether the resistance training under an unstable condition permits the improvement of dynamic performance and trunk stability.

Design of a quasi-flat linear permanent magnet generator for pico-scale wave energy converter in south coast of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azhari, Budi; Prawinnetou, Wassy; Hutama, Dewangga Adhyaksa

2017-03-01

Indonesia has several potential ocean energies to utilize. One of them is tidal wave energy, which the potential is about 49 GW. To convert the tidal wave energy to electricity, linear permanent magnet generator (LPMG) is considered as the best appliance. In this paper, a pico-scale tidal wave power converter was designed using quasi-flat LPMG. The generator was meant to be applied in southern coast of Yogyakarta, Indonesia and was expected to generate 1 kW output. First, a quasi-flat LPMG was designed based on the expected output power and the wave characteristic at the placement site. The design was then simulated using finite element software of FEMM. Finally, the output values were calculated and the output characteristics were analyzed. The results showed that the designed power plant was able to produce output power of 725.78 Wp for each phase, with electrical efficiency of 64.5%. The output characteristics of the LPMG: output power would increase as the average wave height or wave period increases. Besides, the efficiency would increase if the external load resistance increases. Meanwhile the output power of the generator would be maximum at load resistance equals 11 Ω.

915MHz microwave ablation with high output power in in vivo porcine spleens.

PubMed

Gao, Yongyan; Wang, Yang; Duan, Yaqi; Li, Chunling; Sun, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Dakun; Lu, Tong; Liang, Ping

2010-07-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 915 MHz microwave (MW) ablation with high output power in in vivo porcine spleens. MW ablations were performed in 9 porcine spleens with an internally cooled 915 MHz antenna. Thermocouples were placed at 5, 10, 15, 20 mm away from the antenna to measure temperatures in real-time during MW emission. The energy was applied for 10 min at high output power of 60 W, 70 W or 80 W. Gross specimens were sectioned and measured to determine ablation size. Representative areas were examined by light microscopy and electron microscopy. Coagulation sizes and temperatures were compared among the three power groups. Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed irreversible necrosis in the splenic coagulation area after MW ablation. As the power was increased, long-axis diameter enlarged significantly (p<.05). Short-axis diameter also tended to increase, but there were no statistical difference (p>.05). The coagulation size of long-axis and short-axis diameter with 80 W in vivo spleen ablation was 6.43+/-0.52 and 4.95+/-0.30 cm, respectively. With the increase of output power, maximum temperatures at 5, 10, 15, 20 mm from the antenna were increased accordingly (p<.05). The maximum temperature with 80 W at 5 and 20 mm from the antenna reached 146.17+/-6.65 and 72.38+/-4.23 degrees C respectively. With internally cooled antenna and high output power, 915 MHz MW ablation in the spleen could produce irreversible tissue necrosis of clinical significance. MW ablation may be used as a promising minimally invasive method for the treatment of splenic diseases. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fatigue in repeated-sprint exercise is related to muscle power factors and reduced neuromuscular activity.

PubMed

Mendez-Villanueva, Alberto; Hamer, Peter; Bishop, David

2008-07-01

The purpose of this study was (1) to determine the relationship between each individual's anaerobic power reserve (APR) [i.e., the difference between the maximum anaerobic (Pana) and aerobic power (Paer)] and fatigability during repeated-sprint exercise and (2) to examine the acute effects of repeated sprints on neuromuscular activity, as evidenced by changes in the surface electromyogram (EMG) signals. Eight healthy males carried out tests to determine Pana (defined as the highest power output attained during a 6-s cycling sprint), Paer (defined as the highest power output achieved during a progressive, discontinuous cycling test to failure) and a repeated cycling sprint test (10 x 6-s max sprints with 30 s rest). Peak power output (PPO) and mean power output (MPO) were calculated for each maximal 6-s cycling bout. Root mean square (RMS) was utilized to quantify EMG activity from the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle of the right leg. Over the ten sprints, PPO and MPO decreased by 24.6 and 28.3% from the maximal value (i.e., sprint 1), respectively. Fatigue index during repeated sprints was significantly correlated with APR (R = 0.87; P < 0.05). RMS values decreased over the ten sprints by 14.6% (+/-6.3%). There was a strong linear relationship (R2 = 0.97; P < 0.05) between the changes in MPO and EMG RMS from the vastus lateralis muscle during the ten sprints. The individual advantage in fatigue-resistance when performing a repeated sprint task was related with a lower anaerobic power reserve. Additionally, a suboptimal net motor unit activity might also impair the ability to repeatedly generate maximum power outputs.

The effects of speech output technology in the learning of graphic symbols.

PubMed Central

Schlosser, R W; Belfiore, P J; Nigam, R; Blischak, D; Hetzroni, O

1995-01-01

The effects of auditory stimuli in the form of synthetic speech output on the learning of graphic symbols were evaluated. Three adults with severe to profound mental retardation and communication impairments were taught to point to lexigrams when presented with words under two conditions. In the first condition, participants used a voice output communication aid to receive synthetic speech as antecedent and consequent stimuli. In the second condition, with a nonelectronic communications board, participants did not receive synthetic speech. A parallel treatments design was used to evaluate the effects of the synthetic speech output as an added component of the augmentative and alternative communication system. The 3 participants reached criterion when not provided with the auditory stimuli. Although 2 participants also reached criterion when not provided with the auditory stimuli, the addition of auditory stimuli resulted in more efficient learning and a decreased error rate. Maintenance results, however, indicated no differences between conditions. Finding suggest that auditory stimuli in the form of synthetic speech contribute to the efficient acquisition of graphic communication symbols. PMID:14743828

Instrumental color control in textile printing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Connelly, Roland L., Sr.

1996-03-01

In textile printing there are several color outputs that need to be controlled. Just as important is the color coordination of these outputs. The types of color output are the video display on the textile design system (CATD for Computer Aided Textile Design), the color scanner, the color pattern printer, and the actual pattern printed on the textile substrate. Each of these systems has its own gamut(s) that is partially overlapping of the others and will require mapping and/or truncation to adequately represent the colors of the final print in the other systems. One of the goals of instrumentation systems is to control these devices so that the message of the pattern is the same on all four media. To accomplish this is a significant task that has yet to be completed to meet the rigorous requirements of the textile and apparel industries. Several of the major problems and directions for solving them will be discussed in this paper. These include getting good instrumental measurements, translation of data between systems, and specific problems related to the hard copy output.

Preliminary results and assessment of the MAR outputs over High Mountain Asia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linares, M.; Tedesco, M.; Margulis, S. A.; Cortés, G.; Fettweis, X.

2017-12-01

Lack of ground measurements has made the use of regional climate models (RCMs) over the High Mountain Asia (HMA) pivotal for understanding the impact of climate change on the hydrological cycle and on the cryosphere. Here, we show an analysis of the assessment of the outputs of Modèle Atmosphérique Régionale (MAR) model RCM over the HMA region as part of the NASA-funded project `Understanding and forecasting changes in High Mountain Asia snow hydrology via a novel Bayesian reanalysis and modeling approach'. The first step was to evaluate the impact of the different forcings on MAR outputs. To this aim, we performed simulations for the 2007 - 2008 and 2014 - 2015 years forcing MAR at its boundaries either with reanalysis data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) or from the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, version 2 (MERRA-2). The comparison between the outputs obtained with the two forcings indicates that the impact on MAR simulations depends on specific parameters. For example, in case of surface pressure the maximum percentage error is 0.09 % while the 2-m air temperature has a maximum percentage error of 103.7%. Next, we compared the MAR outputs with reanalysis data fields over the region of interest. In particular, we evaluated the following parameters: surface pressure, snow depth, total cloud cover, two meter temperature, horizontal wind speed, vertical wind speed, wind speed, surface new solar radiation, skin temperature, surface sensible heat flux, and surface latent heat flux. Lastly, we report results concerning the assessment of MAR surface albedo and surface temperature over the region through MODIS remote sensing products. Next steps are to determine whether RCMs and reanalysis datasets are effective at capturing snow and snowmelt runoff processes in the HMA region through a comparison with in situ datasets. This will help determine what refinements are necessary to improve RCM outputs.

Surface morphology and surface energy of anode materials influence power outputs in a multi-channel mediatorless bio-photovoltaic (BPV) system.

PubMed

Bombelli, Paolo; Zarrouati, Marie; Thorne, Rebecca J; Schneider, Kenneth; Rowden, Stephen J L; Ali, Akin; Yunus, Kamran; Cameron, Petra J; Fisher, Adrian C; Ian Wilson, D; Howe, Christopher J; McCormick, Alistair J

2012-09-21

Bio-photovoltaic cells (BPVs) are a new photo-bio-electrochemical technology for harnessing solar energy using the photosynthetic activity of autotrophic organisms. Currently power outputs from BPVs are generally low and suffer from low efficiencies. However, a better understanding of the electrochemical interactions between the microbes and conductive materials will be likely to lead to increased power yields. In the current study, the fresh-water, filamentous cyanobacterium Pseudanabaena limnetica (also known as Oscillatoria limnetica) was investigated for exoelectrogenic activity. Biofilms of P. limnetica showed a significant photo response during light-dark cycling in BPVs under mediatorless conditions. A multi-channel BPV device was developed to compare quantitatively the performance of photosynthetic biofilms of this species using a variety of different anodic conductive materials: indium tin oxide-coated polyethylene terephthalate (ITO), stainless steel (SS), glass coated with a conductive polymer (PANI), and carbon paper (CP). Although biofilm growth rates were generally comparable on all materials tested, the amplitude of the photo response and achievable maximum power outputs were significantly different. ITO and SS demonstrated the largest photo responses, whereas CP showed the lowest power outputs under both light and dark conditions. Furthermore, differences in the ratios of light : dark power outputs indicated that the electrochemical interactions between photosynthetic microbes and the anode may differ under light and dark conditions depending on the anodic material used. Comparisons between BPV performances and material characteristics revealed that surface roughness and surface energy, particularly the ratio of non-polar to polar interactions (the CQ ratio), may be more important than available surface area in determining biocompatibility and maximum power outputs in microbial electrochemical systems. Notably, CP was readily outperformed by all other conductive materials tested, indicating that carbon may not be an optimal substrate for microbial fuel cell operation.

Effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan acting from the cerebral ventricles on 5-hydroxytryptamine output and body temperature

PubMed Central

El Hawary, M. B. E.; Feldberg, W.

1966-01-01

1. In cats anaesthetized with intraperitoneal pentobarbitone sodium the third ventricle, the anterior or inferior horn of the left lateral ventricle, was perfused with 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) in different concentrations, and the effluent assayed for 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on the rat stomach strip preparation of Vane (1957). 2. On perfusion of the third ventricle with 5-HTP the output of 5-HT in effluent increased, the increase depending on the 5-HTP concentration: with 1/50,000 it increased 44-69 times (mean 55), with 1/25,000, 81-83 times (mean 82) and with 1/10,000, 71-200 times (mean 128). The 5-HT output depended also on the initial output during the preceding perfusion with artificial c.s.f. The greater this initial output the greater was the maximum output reached during the 5-HTP perfusion. 3. The increase in 5-HT output during perfusion of the third ventricle with 5-HTP was usually associated with shivering and a rise in rectal temperature. This association, however, was not invariably obtained, probably because of a central depressant effect of 5-HTP itself. 4. On perfusion of the anterior or inferior horn of the left lateral ventricle with 5-HTP, the output of 5-HT in the effluent also increased, but to a lesser extent than in the effluent from the third ventricle. There was no association with shivering nor with a rise in rectal temperature. 5. An injection of 1 or 2 mg 5—HTP into the cerebral ventricles of unanaesthetized cats produced a biphasic rise in temperature, shivering, constriction of the skin vessels followed by vasodilatation, tachypnoea, wiping and scratching movements, miaowing and long lasting sleep. 6. The biphasic rise in temperature is explained as the result of two opposing effects: increased formation of 5-HT which would raise body temperature, and a central depressant effect of 5-HTP itself or of one of its metabolites which would lower body temperature. 7. The initial rise in temperature and the shivering in response to an intraventricular injection of 5-HTP varied from cat to cat. In those in which these effects were strong the 5-HT output during a subsequent perfusion of the third ventricle with artificial c.s.f. was higher, and the maximum 5—HT output reached on perfusion with 5-HTP was greater than in those in which these effects had been weak. PMID:5298335

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

Petersen, T.; Diamond, J.; Liu, N.

The readout electronics for the resonant beam position monitors (BPMs) in the Fermilab Switchyard (SY) have been upgraded, utilizing a low noise amplifier transition board and Fermilab designed digitizer boards. The stripline BPMs are estimated to have an average signal output of between -110 dBm and -80 dBm, with an estimated peak output of -70 dBm. The external resonant circuit is tuned to the SY machine frequency of 53.10348 MHz. Both the digitizer and transition boards have variable gain in order to accommodate the large dynamic range and irregularity of the resonant extraction spill. These BPMs will aid in auto-tuningmore » of the SY beamline as well as enabling operators to monitor beam position through the spill.« less

A Monolithic CMOS Magnetic Hall Sensor with High Sensitivity and Linearity Characteristics

PubMed Central

Huang, Haiyun; Wang, Dejun; Xu, Yue

2015-01-01

This paper presents a fully integrated linear Hall sensor by means of 0.8 μm high voltage complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. This monolithic Hall sensor chip features a highly sensitive horizontal switched Hall plate and an efficient signal conditioner using dynamic offset cancellation technique. An improved cross-like Hall plate achieves high magnetic sensitivity and low offset. A new spinning current modulator stabilizes the quiescent output voltage and improves the reliability of the signal conditioner. The tested results show that at the 5 V supply voltage, the maximum Hall output voltage of the monolithic Hall sensor microsystem, is up to ±2.1 V and the linearity of Hall output voltage is higher than 99% in the magnetic flux density range from ±5 mT to ±175 mT. The output equivalent residual offset is 0.48 mT and the static power consumption is 20 mW. PMID:26516864

A Monolithic CMOS Magnetic Hall Sensor with High Sensitivity and Linearity Characteristics.

PubMed

Huang, Haiyun; Wang, Dejun; Xu, Yue

2015-10-27

This paper presents a fully integrated linear Hall sensor by means of 0.8 μm high voltage complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. This monolithic Hall sensor chip features a highly sensitive horizontal switched Hall plate and an efficient signal conditioner using dynamic offset cancellation technique. An improved cross-like Hall plate achieves high magnetic sensitivity and low offset. A new spinning current modulator stabilizes the quiescent output voltage and improves the reliability of the signal conditioner. The tested results show that at the 5 V supply voltage, the maximum Hall output voltage of the monolithic Hall sensor microsystem, is up to ±2.1 V and the linearity of Hall output voltage is higher than 99% in the magnetic flux density range from ±5 mT to ±175 mT. The output equivalent residual offset is 0.48 mT and the static power consumption is 20 mW.

Performance of continuous wave and acousto-optically Q-switched Tm, Ho: YAP laser pumped by diode laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Guoxing; Xie, Wenqiang; Yang, Xining; Zhang, Ziqiu; Zhang, Hongda; Zhang, Liang

2018-02-01

A two-end-pumped a-cut Tm(0.5%), Ho(0.5%):YAP laser output at 2119nm is reported under cryogenic temperature. The maximum output power reached to 7.76W with the incident pump power of 24.2W in CW mode. With the acousto-optically Q-switch, an average power of 7.3W can be obtained, when the pulse repetition frequency was 7.5 kHz. The corresponding optical-to-optical conversion efficiency was 30.2% and the slope efficiency was 31.4%. Then, the laser output characteristics in the repetition frequency of 7.5 kHz and 10kHz were researched. The output power, the optical-to-optical conversion efficiency and slope efficiency were increased with the increase of the repetition frequency. In the same repetition frequency, the pulse duration was decreasing with the growth of the incident pump power.

Variable camber wing based on pneumatic artificial muscles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Weilong; Liu, Libo; Chen, Yijin; Leng, Jinsong

2009-07-01

As a novel bionic actuator, pneumatic artificial muscle has high power to weight ratio. In this paper, a variable camber wing with the pneumatic artificial muscle is developed. Firstly, the experimental setup to measure the static output force of pneumatic artificial muscle is designed. The relationship between the static output force and the air pressure is investigated. Experimental result shows the static output force of pneumatic artificial muscle decreases nonlinearly with increasing contraction ratio. Secondly, the finite element model of the variable camber wing is developed. Numerical results show that the tip displacement of the trailing-edge increases linearly with increasing external load and limited with the maximum static output force of pneumatic artificial muscles. Finally, the variable camber wing model is manufactured to validate the variable camber concept. Experimental result shows that the wing camber increases with increasing air pressure and that it compare very well with the FEM result.

CONTROL AND FAULT DETECTOR CIRCUIT

DOEpatents

Winningstad, C.N.

1958-04-01

A power control and fault detectcr circuit for a radiofrequency system is described. The operation of the circuit controls the power output of a radio- frequency power supply to automatically start the flow of energizing power to the radio-frequency power supply and to gradually increase the power to a predetermined level which is below the point where destruction occurs upon the happening of a fault. If the radio-frequency power supply output fails to increase during such period, the control does not further increase the power. On the other hand, if the output of the radio-frequency power supply properly increases, then the control continues to increase the power to a maximum value. After the maximumn value of radio-frequency output has been achieved. the control is responsive to a ''fault,'' such as a short circuit in the radio-frequency system being driven, so that the flow of power is interrupted for an interval before the cycle is repeated.

An integrated prediction and optimization model of biogas production system at a wastewater treatment facility.

PubMed

Akbaş, Halil; Bilgen, Bilge; Turhan, Aykut Melih

2015-11-01

This study proposes an integrated prediction and optimization model by using multi-layer perceptron neural network and particle swarm optimization techniques. Three different objective functions are formulated. The first one is the maximization of methane percentage with single output. The second one is the maximization of biogas production with single output. The last one is the maximization of biogas quality and biogas production with two outputs. Methane percentage, carbon dioxide percentage, and other contents' percentage are used as the biogas quality criteria. Based on the formulated models and data from a wastewater treatment facility, optimal values of input variables and their corresponding maximum output values are found out for each model. It is expected that the application of the integrated prediction and optimization models increases the biogas production and biogas quality, and contributes to the quantity of electricity production at the wastewater treatment facility. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Flight performance of the Pioneer Venus Orbiter solar array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldhammer, L. J.; Powe, J. S.; Smith, Marcie

1987-01-01

The Pioneer Venus Orbiter (PVO) solar panel power output capability has degraded much more severely than has the power output capability of solar panels that have operated in earth-orbiting spacecraft for comparable periods of time. The incidence of solar proton events recorded by the spacecraft's scientific instruments accounts for this phenomenon only in part. It cannot explain two specific forms of anomalous behavior observed: 1) a variation of output per spin with roll angle, and 2) a gradual degradation of the maximum output. Analysis indicates that the most probable cause of the first anomaly is that the solar cells underneath the spacecraft's magnetometer boom have been damaged by a reverse biasing of the cells that occurs during pulsed shadowing of the cells by the boom as the spacecraft rotates. The second anomaly might be caused by the effects on the solar array of substances from the upper atmosphere of Venus.

High power passive mode-locked L-band fiber laser based on microfiber topological insulator saturable absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semaan, Georges; Meng, Yichang; Salhi, Mohamed; Niang, Alioune; Guesmi, Khmaies; Luo, Zhi-Chao; Sanchez, Francois

2016-04-01

In this communication, we demonstrate a passive mode-locked Er:Yb co-doped double-clad fiber laser using a tapered microfiber topological insulator (Bi2Se3) saturable absorber (TISA). The topological insulator is drop-casted onto the tapered fiber and optically deposited by optical tweezer effect. We use a ring laser setup including the fabricated TISA. By carefully optimizing the cavity losses and output coupling ratio, the mode-locked laser can operate in L-band with a high average output power. At a maximum pump power of 5 W, we obtain the 91st harmonic mode-locking of soliton bunches with a 3dB spectral bandwidth of 1.06nm, a repetition rate of 640.9 MHz and an average output power of 308mW. As far as we know, this is the highest output power yet reported of a mode-locked fiber laser operating with a TISA.

1.55-μm InGaAs/InGaAlAs MQW vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers with InGaAlAs/InP distributed Bragg reflectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Jinan; Hoan O, Beom; Gol Lee, Seung; Hang Lee, El

2005-03-01

High-performance InGaAs/InGaAlAs multiple-quantum-well vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) with InGaAlAs/InP distributed Bragg reflectors are proposed for operation at the wavelength of 1.55 μm. The lasers have good heat diffusion characteristic, large index contrast in DBRs, and weak temperature sensitivity. They could be fabricated either by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) or by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth. The laser light-current characteristics indicate that a suitable reflectivity of the DBR on the light output side in a laser makes its output power increase greatly and its lasing threshold current reduce significantly, and that a small VCSEL could output the power around its maximum for the output mirror at the reflectivity varying in a broader range than a large VCSEL does.

Use of Regional Climate Model Output for Hydrologic Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hay, L. E.; Clark, M. P.; Wilby, R. L.; Gutowski, W. J.; Leavesley, G. H.; Pan, Z.; Arritt, R. W.; Takle, E. S.

2001-12-01

Daily precipitation and maximum and minimum temperature time series from a Regional Climate Model (RegCM2) were used as input to a distributed hydrologic model for a rainfall-dominated basin (Alapaha River at Statenville, Georgia) and three snowmelt-dominated basins (Animas River at Durango, Colorado; East Fork of the Carson River near Gardnerville, Nevada; and Cle Elum River near Roslyn, Washington). For comparison purposes, spatially averaged daily data sets of precipitation and maximum and minimum temperature were developed from measured data. These datasets included precipitation and temperature data for all stations that are located within the area of the RegCM2 model output used for each basin, but excluded station data used to calibrate the hydrologic model. Both the RegCM2 output and station data capture the gross aspects of the seasonal cycles of precipitation and temperature. However, in all four basins, the RegCM2- and station-based simulations of runoff show little skill on a daily basis (Nash-Sutcliffe (NS) values ranging from 0.05-0.37 for RegCM2 and -0.08-0.65 for station). When the precipitation and temperature biases are corrected in the RegCM2 output and station data sets (Bias-RegCM2 and Bias-station, respectively) the accuracy of the daily runoff simulations improve dramatically for the snowmelt-dominated basins. In the rainfall-dominated basin, runoff simulations based on the Bias-RegCM2 output show no skill (NS value of 0.09) whereas Bias-All simulated runoff improves (NS value improved from -0.08 to 0.72). These results indicate that the resolution of the RegCM2 output is appropriate for basin-scale modeling, but RegCM2 model output does not contain the day-to-day variability needed for basin-scale modeling in rainfall-dominated basins. Future work is warranted to identify the causes for systematic biases in RegCM2 simulations, develop methods to remove the biases, and improve RegCM2 simulations of daily variability in local climate.

A prototype Knowledge-Based System to Aid Space System Restoration Management.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-12-01

Systems. ......... 122 Appendix B: Computation of Weights With AHP . . .. 132 Appendix C: ART Code .. ............... 138 Appendix D: Test Outputs...45 5.1 Earth Coverage With Geosynchronous Satellites 49 5.2 Space System Configurations ... ........... . 50 5.3 AHP Hierarchy...67 5.4 AHP Hierarchy With Weights .... ............ 68 6.1 TALK Schema Structure ..... .............. 75 6.2 ART Code for TALK Satellite C

Interim user's manual for boundary layer integral matrix procedure, version J

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Evans, R. M.; Morse, H. L.

1974-01-01

A computer program for analyzing two dimensional and axisymmetric nozzle performance with a variety of wall boundary conditions is described. The program has been developed for application to rocket nozzle problems. Several aids to usage of the program and two auxiliary subroutines are provided. Some features of the output are described and three sample cases are included.

Analysis and design of a 10 to 30 kW grid-connected solar power system for the JPL fire station and first aid station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Josephs, R. H.

1982-01-01

The design and performance of a modestly sized utility-connected power conditioning system and its supporting photovoltaic collector are described and estimated. Utility preparations and guidelines to conform with the output of a small generating station with that of a large power network are examined.

An analytical approach to thermal modeling of Bridgman type crystal growth: One dimensional analysis. Computer program users manual

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cothran, E. K.

1982-01-01

The computer program written in support of one dimensional analytical approach to thermal modeling of Bridgman type crystal growth is presented. The program listing and flow charts are included, along with the complete thermal model. Sample problems include detailed comments on input and output to aid the first time user.

The Educational Production Function: Implications for Educational Manpower Policy. Institute of Public Employment Monograph No. 4.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heim, John; Perl, Lewis

This monograph summarizes and evaluates "educational production function analyses"--studies of the relation between inputs and outputs in an education system--in order to aid in educational manpower policy making. In addition, data from New York state school districts and from a large national sample of high school students is subjected to…

Effects of Peer Assisted Communication Application Training on the Communicative and Social Behaviors of Children with Autism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Strasberger, Sean

2013-01-01

Non-verbal children with autism are candidates for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). One type of AAC device is a voice output communication aid (VOCA). The primary drawbacks of past VOCAs were their expense and portability. Newer iPod-based VOCAs alleviate these concerns. This dissertation sought to extend the iPod-based VOCA…

MoS2-based passively Q-switched diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser at 946 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Haifeng; Zhu, Wenzhang.; Xiong, Feibing; Cai, Lie

2017-06-01

We demonstrate a passively Q-switched Nd: YAG quasi-three-level laser operating at 946 nm using MoS2 as saturable absorber. A maximum average output power of 210 mW is achieved at an absorbed pump power of 6.67 W with a slope efficiency of about 5.8%. The shortest pulse width and maximum pulse repetition frequency are measured to be 280 ns and 609 kHz, respectively. The maximum pulse energy and maximum pulse peak power are therefore estimated to be about 0.35 μJ and 1.23 W, respectively. This work represents the first MoS2-based Q-switched laser operating at 0.9 μm spectral region.

Design principles and optimal performance for molecular motors under realistic constraints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tu, Yuhai; Cao, Yuansheng

2018-02-01

The performance of a molecular motor, characterized by its power output and energy efficiency, is investigated in the motor design space spanned by the stepping rate function and the motor-track interaction potential. Analytic results and simulations show that a gating mechanism that restricts forward stepping in a narrow window in configuration space is needed for generating high power at physiologically relevant loads. By deriving general thermodynamics laws for nonequilibrium motors, we find that the maximum torque (force) at stall is less than its theoretical limit for any realistic motor-track interactions due to speed fluctuations. Our study reveals a tradeoff for the motor-track interaction: while a strong interaction generates a high power output for forward steps, it also leads to a higher probability of wasteful spontaneous back steps. Our analysis and simulations show that this tradeoff sets a fundamental limit to the maximum motor efficiency in the presence of spontaneous back steps, i.e., loose-coupling. Balancing this tradeoff leads to an optimal design of the motor-track interaction for achieving a maximum efficiency close to 1 for realistic motors that are not perfectly coupled with the energy source. Comparison with existing data and suggestions for future experiments are discussed.

DSL prescriptive targets for bone conduction devices: adaptation and comparison to clinical fittings.

PubMed

Hodgetts, William E; Scollie, Susan D

2017-07-01

To develop an algorithm that prescribes targets for bone conduction frequency response shape, compression, and output limiting, along with a clinical method that ensures accurate transforms between assessment and verification stages of the clinical workflow. Technical report of target generation and validation. We recruited 39 adult users of unilateral percutaneous bone conduction hearing aids with a range of unilateral, bilateral, mixed and conductive hearing losses across the sample. The initial algorithm over-prescribed output compared to the user's own settings in the low frequencies, but provided a good match to user settings in the high frequencies. Corrections to the targets were derived and implemented as a low-frequency cut aimed at improving acceptance of the wearer's own voice during device use. The DSL-BCD prescriptive algorithm is compatible with verification of devices and fine-tuning to target for percutaneous bone conduction hearing devices that can be coupled to a skull simulator. Further study is needed to investigate the appropriateness of this prescriptive algorithm for other input levels, and for other clinical populations including those with single-sided deafness, bilateral devices, children and users of transcutaneous bone conduction hearing aids.

Discrete State Change Model of Manufacturing Quality to Aid Assembly Process Design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koga, Tsuyoshi; Aoyama, Kazuhiro

This paper proposes a representation model of the quality state change in an assembly process that can be used in a computer-aided process design system. In order to formalize the state change of the manufacturing quality in the assembly process, the functions, operations, and quality changes in the assembly process are represented as a network model that can simulate discrete events. This paper also develops a design method for the assembly process. The design method calculates the space of quality state change and outputs a better assembly process (better operations and better sequences) that can be used to obtain the intended quality state of the final product. A computational redesigning algorithm of the assembly process that considers the manufacturing quality is developed. The proposed method can be used to design an improved manufacturing process by simulating the quality state change. A prototype system for planning an assembly process is implemented and applied to the design of an auto-breaker assembly process. The result of the design example indicates that the proposed assembly process planning method outputs a better manufacturing scenario based on the simulation of the quality state change.

The Electrophysiology of Electric Organs of Marine Electric Fishes

PubMed Central

Bennett, M. V. L.; Wurzel, M.; Grundfest, H.

1961-01-01

Single electroplaques of Torpedo nobiliana have been studied with microelectrode recording. Direct evidence is presented that the only electrogenically reactive membrane of the cells is on the innervated surface and that this membrane is electrically inexcitable. Responses are not evoked by depolarizing currents applied to this membrane, but only by stimulating the innervating nerve fibers. The responses arise after a latency of 1 to 3 msec. This latency is not affected by large depolarizing or hyperpolarizing changes in membrane potential. Various properties that have been theoretically associated with electrically inexcitable responses have been also demonstrated to occur in the electroplaques. The neurally evoked response is not propagated actively in the membrane and may have different amplitudes and forms in closely adjacent regions. The maximal responses frequently are slightly larger than the recorded resting potential but the apparent small overshoot may be due to difficulty in recording the full resting potential. The responses are subject to electrochemical gradation and appear inverted in sign on applying strong outward currents across the innervated membrane. This membrane is cholinoceptive and shows marked desensitization. The membrane of the uninnervated surface has a very low resistance, a factor that aids maximum output of current during the discharge of the electric organ. PMID:19873534

Comparative Assessment of Particulate Air Pollution Exposure from Municipal Solid Waste Incinerator Emissions

PubMed Central

Ashworth, Danielle C.; Fuller, Gary W.; Toledano, Mireille B.; Font, Anna; Elliott, Paul; Hansell, Anna L.; de Hoogh, Kees

2013-01-01

Background. Research to date on health effects associated with incineration has found limited evidence of health risks, but many previous studies have been constrained by poor exposure assessment. This paper provides a comparative assessment of atmospheric dispersion modelling and distance from source (a commonly used proxy for exposure) as exposure assessment methods for pollutants released from incinerators. Methods. Distance from source and the atmospheric dispersion model ADMS-Urban were used to characterise ambient exposures to particulates from two municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs) in the UK. Additionally an exploration of the sensitivity of the dispersion model simulations to input parameters was performed. Results. The model output indicated extremely low ground level concentrations of PM10, with maximum concentrations of <0.01 μg/m3. Proximity and modelled PM10 concentrations for both MSWIs at postcode level were highly correlated when using continuous measures (Spearman correlation coefficients ~ 0.7) but showed poor agreement for categorical measures (deciles or quintiles, Cohen's kappa coefficients ≤ 0.5). Conclusion. To provide the most appropriate estimate of ambient exposure from MSWIs, it is essential that incinerator characteristics, magnitude of emissions, and surrounding meteorological and topographical conditions are considered. Reducing exposure misclassification is particularly important in environmental epidemiology to aid detection of low-level risks. PMID:23935644

Resource needs and gap analysis in achieving universal access to HIV/AIDS services: a data envelopment analysis of 45 countries.

PubMed

Zeng, Wu; Shepard, Donald S; Avila-Figueroa, Carlos; Ahn, Haksoon

2016-06-01

-To manage the human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic, international donors have pledged unprecedented commitments for needed services. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) projected that low- and middle-income countries needed $25 billion to meet the 2010 HIV/AIDS goal of universal access to AIDS prevention and care, using the resource needs model (RNM). -Drawing from the results from its sister study, which used a data envelopment analysis (DEA) and a Tobit model to evaluate and adjust the technical efficiency of 61 countries in delivering HIV/AIDS services from 2002 to 2007, this study extended the DEA and developed an approach to estimate resource needs and decompose the performance gap into efficiency gap and resource gap. In the DEA, we considered national HIV/AIDS spending as the input and volume of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) and antiretroviral treatment (ART) as the outputs. An input-oriented DEA model was constructed to project resource needs in achieving 2010 HIV/AIDS goal for 45 countries using the data in 2006, assuming that all study countries maximized efficiency. -The DEA approach demonstrated the potential to include efficiency of national HIV/AIDS programmes in resource needs estimation, using macro-level data. Under maximal efficiency, the annual projected resource needs for the 45 countries was $6.3 billion, ∼47% of their UNAIDS estimate of $13.5 billion. Given study countries' spending of $3.9 billion, improving efficiency could narrow the gap from $9.6 to $2.4 billion. The results suggest that along with continued financial commitment to HIV/AIDS, improving the efficiency of HIV/AIDS programmes would accelerate the pace to reach 2010 HIV/AIDS goals. The DEA approach provides a supplement to the AIDS RNM to inform policy making. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Simultaneous three-wavelength continuous wave laser at 946 nm, 1319 nm and 1064 nm in Nd:YAG

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lü, Yanfei; Zhao, Lianshui; Zhai, Pei; Xia, Jing; Fu, Xihong; Li, Shutao

2013-01-01

A continuous-wave (cw) diode-end-pumped Nd:YAG laser that generates simultaneous laser at the wavelengths 946 nm, 1319 nm and 1064 nm is demonstrated. The optimum oscillation condition for the simultaneous three-wavelength operation has been derived. Using the separation of the three output couplers, we obtained the maximum output powers of 0.24 W at 946 nm, 1.07 W at 1319 nm and 1.88 W at 1064 nm at the absorbed pump power of 11.2 W. A total output power of 3.19 W for the three-wavelength was achieved at the absorbed pump power of 11.2 W with optical conversion efficiency of 28.5%.

High-Power Single- and Dual-Wavelength Nd:GdVO4 Lasers with Potential Application for the Treatment of Telangiectasia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Lijuan; Wang, Zhengping; Yu, Haohai; Zhuang, Shidong; Han, Shuo; Zhao, Yongguang; Xu, Xinguang

2012-11-01

Diode-end-pumped high-power Nd:GdVO4 lasers at 1083 nm are presented. The maximum continuous-wave output power was 10.1 W with an optical conversion efficiency of 31.3%. For acoustooptic (AO) Q-switched operation, the largest pulse energy, shortest pulse width, and highest peak power were 111 µJ, 77 ns, and 1.44 kW, respectively. By decreasing the 1063 nm transmission of the output coupler, we also achieved efficient CW dual-wavelength operation at 1083 and 1063 nm. Their total output power reached 6.7 W, and the optical conversion efficiency reached 31.6%. These lasers have special requirements in the treatment of facial telangiectasia.

A 250 MHz, high power mode-locked Nd:GdVO4 oscillator with low timing jitter under 879 nm direct pumping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, F. F.; Zuo, J. W.; Wang, Z. M.; Yang, J.; Cheng, H. L.; Zong, N.; Yang, F.; Peng, Q. J.; Xu, Z. Y.

2013-04-01

We developed a high power mode-locked Nd:GdVO4 oscillator with low timing jitter directly pumped by an 879 nm diode. Under the absorbed pump power of 13.8 W, a maximum output power of 5.68 W at 1063 nm was obtained with a repetition rate of ˜250 MHz, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 78.7%. The measured pulse width and root mean square timing jitter at the output power of 5.35 W were 7.4 ps and 286 fs, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest output power for a picosecond Nd:GdVO4 oscillator with low timing jitter.

Improved output power of GaN-based light-emitting diodes grown on a nanopatterned sapphire substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chan, Chia-Hua; Hou, Chia-Hung; Tseng, Shao-Ze; Chen, Tsing-Jen; Chien, Hung-Ta; Hsiao, Fu-Li; Lee, Chien-Chieh; Tsai, Yen-Ling; Chen, Chii-Chang

2009-07-01

This letter describes the improved output power of GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) formed on a nanopatterned sapphire substrate (NPSS) prepared through etching with a self-assembled monolayer of 750-nm-diameter SiO2 nanospheres used as the mask. The output power of NPSS LEDs was 76% greater than that of LEDs on a flat sapphire substrate. Three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain calculation predicted a 40% enhancement in light extraction efficiency of NPSS LEDs. In addition, the reduction of full widths at half maximum in the ω-scan rocking curves for the (0 0 2) and (1 0 2) planes of GaN on NPSS suggested improved crystal quality.

Laser emission from flash ignition of Zr/Al nanoparticles.

PubMed

Yang, Fan; Kang, Xiaoli; Luo, Jiangshan; Sun, Laixi; Xia, Handing; Yi, Zao; Tang, Yongjian

2017-10-02

We report the first laser emission from flash ignition of Zr/Al nanoparticles with the addition of strong oxidizer KClO 4 using Nd: YAG as a laser medium. The mixture Zr/Al/Kp-45 (mass ratio = 33%Zr: 33%Al: 34%KClO 4 ) has the highest brightness temperature Tb = 4615 K and the adiabatic flame temperature Tf = 4194 K with the duration of 20 ms. At 1064 nm we measured a maximum output energy of 702.5 mJ with the duration of nearly 10 ms by using only 100 mg mixture with an output coupler (transmission T = 10%). Further optimizing the concentration cavity and increasing the mixture content will yield much higher efficiency and output energy.

Generation of subnanosecond electron beams in air at atmospheric pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kostyrya, I. D.; Tarasenko, V. F.; Baksht, E. Kh.; Burachenko, A. G.; Lomaev, M. I.; Rybka, D. V.

2009-11-01

Optimum conditions for the generation of runaway electron beams with maximum current amplitudes and densities in nanosecond pulsed discharges in air at atmospheric pressure are determined. A supershort avalanche electron beam (SAEB) with a current amplitude of ˜30 A, a current density of ˜20 A/cm2, and a pulse full width at half maximum (FWHM) of ˜100 ps has been observed behind the output foil of an air-filled diode. It is shown that the position of the SAEB current maximum relative to the voltage pulse front exhibits a time shift that varies when the small-size collector is moved over the foil surface.

High-power diode-side-pumped rod Tm:YAG laser at 2.07 μm.

PubMed

Wang, Caili; Niu, Yanxiong; Du, Shifeng; Zhang, Chao; Wang, Zhichao; Li, Fangqin; Xu, Jialin; Bo, Yong; Peng, Qinjun; Cui, Dafu; Zhang, Jingyuan; Xu, Zuyan

2013-11-01

We report a high-power diode-laser (LD) side-pumped rod Tm:YAG laser of around 2 μm. The laser was water-cooled at 8°C and yielded a maximum output power of 267 W at 2.07 μm, which is the highest output power for an all solid-state cw 2.07 μm rod Tm:YAG laser reported as far as we know. The corresponding optical-optical conversion efficiency was 20.7%, and the slope efficiency was about 29.8%, respectively.

General Description of the Compact Digital Ionospheric Sounder Digisonde 256. Revised

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-12-01

channels upper bit phases 1i 16 channels lower bit phases P3 Maximum Method Options = 0 No birdie, no channel toss-out, no ARTIST , no film = 1 bit Birdie... ARTIST output (without 14 and 15) = l bit 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15 Film output with 10 sec ,delayed start P4 Printer Cleaning Threshold * 0 No...function for the autoscaled foF2 parameter based on the evaluation of 256 non-spread ionograms from January 1980, Goose Bay, Labrador. For more than

Photon number amplification/duplication through parametric conversion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dariano, G. M.; Macchiavello, C.; Paris, M.

1993-01-01

The performance of parametric conversion in achieving number amplification and duplication is analyzed. It is shown that the effective maximum gains G(sub *) remain well below their integer ideal values, even for large signals. Correspondingly, one has output Fano factors F(sub *) which are increasing functions of the input photon number. On the other hand, in the inverse (deamplifier/recombiner) operating mode quasi-ideal gains G(sub *) and small factors F(sub *) approximately equal to 10 percent are obtained. Output noise and non-ideal gains are ascribed to spontaneous parametric emission.

Computer-aided diagnosis in radiological imaging: current status and future challenges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doi, Kunio

2009-10-01

Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) has become one of the major research subjects in medical imaging and diagnostic radiology. Many different types of CAD schemes are being developed for detection and/or characterization of various lesions in medical imaging, including conventional projection radiography, CT, MRI, and ultrasound imaging. Commercial systems for detection of breast lesions on mammograms have been developed and have received FDA approval for clinical use. CAD may be defined as a diagnosis made by a physician who takes into account the computer output as a "second opinion". The purpose of CAD is to improve the quality and productivity of physicians in their interpretation of radiologic images. The quality of their work can be improved in terms of the accuracy and consistency of their radiologic diagnoses. In addition, the productivity of radiologists is expected to be improved by a reduction in the time required for their image readings. The computer output is derived from quantitative analysis of radiologic images by use of various methods and techniques in computer vision, artificial intelligence, and artificial neural networks (ANNs). The computer output may indicate a number of important parameters, for example, the locations of potential lesions such as lung cancer and breast cancer, the likelihood of malignancy of detected lesions, and the likelihood of various diseases based on differential diagnosis in a given image and clinical parameters. In this review article, the basic concept of CAD is first defined, and the current status of CAD research is then described. In addition, the potential of CAD in the future is discussed and predicted.

SCI Identification (SCIDNT) program user's guide. [maximum likelihood method for linear rotorcraft models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

The computer program Linear SCIDNT which evaluates rotorcraft stability and control coefficients from flight or wind tunnel test data is described. It implements the maximum likelihood method to maximize the likelihood function of the parameters based on measured input/output time histories. Linear SCIDNT may be applied to systems modeled by linear constant-coefficient differential equations. This restriction in scope allows the application of several analytical results which simplify the computation and improve its efficiency over the general nonlinear case.

Red and orange laser operation of Pr:KYF4 pumped by a Nd:YAG/LBO laser at 469.1 nm and a InGaN laser diode at 444 nm.

PubMed

Xu, B; Starecki, F; Pabœuf, D; Camy, P; Doualan, J L; Cai, Z P; Braud, A; Moncorgé, R; Goldner, Ph; Bretenaker, F

2013-03-11

We report the basic luminescence properties and the continuous-wave (CW) laser operation of a Pr(3+)-doped KYF(4) single crystal in the Red and Orange spectral regions by using a new pumping scheme. The pump source is an especially developed, compact, slightly tunable and intra-cavity frequency-doubled diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser delivering a CW output power up to about 1.4 W around 469.1 nm. At this pump wavelength, red and orange laser emissions are obtained at about 642.3 and 605.5 nm, with maximum output powers of 11.3 and 1 mW and associated slope efficiencies of 9.3% and 3.4%, with respect to absorbed pump powers, respectively. For comparison, the Pr:KYF(4) crystal is also pumped by a InGaN blue laser diode operating around 444 nm. In this case, the same red and orange lasers are obtained, but with maximum output powers of 7.8 and 2 mW and the associated slope efficiencies of 7 and 5.8%, respectively. Wavelength tuning for the two lasers is demonstrated by slightly tilting the crystal. Orange laser operation and laser wavelength tuning are reported for the first time.

Kilohertz Pulse Repetition Frequency Slab Ti:sapphire Lasers with High Average Power (10 W)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wadsworth, William J.; Coutts, David W.; Webb, Colin E.

1999-11-01

High-average-power broadband 780-nm slab Ti:sapphire lasers, pumped by a kilohertz pulse repetition frequency copper vapor laser (CVL), were demonstrated. These lasers are designed for damage-free power scaling when pumped by CVL s configured for maximum output power (of order 100 W) but with poor beam quality ( M 2 300 ). A simple Brewster-angled slab laser side pumped by a CVL produced 10-W average power (1.25-mJ pulses at 8 kHz) with 4.2-ns FWHM pulse duration at an absolute efficiency of 15% (68-W pump power). Thermal lensing in the Brewster slab laser resulted in multitransverse mode output, and pump absorption was limited to 72% by the maximum doping level for commercially available Ti:sapphire (0.25%). A slab laser with a multiply folded zigzag path was therefore designed and implemented that produced high-beam-quality (TEM 00 -mode) output when operated with cryogenic cooling and provided a longer absorption path for the pump. Excessive scattering of the Ti:sapphire beam at the crystal surfaces limited the efficiency of operation for the zigzag laser, but fluorescence diagnostic techniques, gain measurement, and modeling suggest that efficient power extraction ( 15 W TEM 00 , 23% efficiency) from this laser would be possible for crystals with an optical quality surface polish.

A ring-type multi-DOF ultrasonic motor with four feet driving consistently.

PubMed

Shi, Shengjun; Xiong, Huaiyin; Liu, Yingxiang; Chen, Weishan; Liu, Junkao

2017-04-01

A new type of multiple-degree-of-freedom (multi-DOF) ultrasonic motor was developed aiming at high output torque and compact structure. To reach this purpose, a ring type composite stator was proposed with four driving feet uniformly arranged in the inner circumference of the ring stator. The stator employs two orthogonal axial bending modes and a radial bending mode, by exciting two of them simultaneously, to generate elliptic trajectories on driving feet tips and to push sphere rotor around x, y and z axis respectively. Based on the deduced criteria, a specific combination of the A(0,5) axial bending modes and R(0,2) radial bending mode were chosen to realize that the rotating directions of the elliptical driving trajectories on four feet tips can push the sphere rotor to spin in the same direction consistently, thus the efficiency and output performance will be improved by decreasing the slip between feet and rotor. FEM was used to design the motor including selecting key parameters to tune the resonant frequencies by sensitivity analysis, and a prototype was fabricated and tested. The experiment results showed that the maximum output torque of the motor is 0.118Nm and the maximum speed is 55r/min. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Older people's views on what they need to successfully adjust to life with a hearing aid.

PubMed

Kelly, Timothy B; Tolson, Debbie; Day, Tracy; McColgan, Gillian; Kroll, Thilo; Maclaren, William

2013-05-01

This article reports a study exploring what older people believe would enable them to adjust to and gain maximum benefit from wearing a hearing aid. A mixed methods approach was employed during 2006 involving interviews with key stakeholders, a survey across three Scottish health board areas and focus groups. Nine key stakeholders from six national and local organisations were interviewed about the needs of older people being fitted with hearing aids. In total, 240 older people belonging to three different types of hearing impaired older people were surveyed: long-term users of hearing aids, new hearing aid users, and those on a waiting list from urban and rural areas (response rate = 24%). A series of eight follow-up focus groups with 31 audiology patients was held. Health professionals appeared to neglect appropriate provision of information and overly rely on technological interventions. Of 154 older people already fitted with hearing aids, only 52% of hearing aid users reported receiving enough practical help post fitting and only 41% reported receiving enough support. Approximately 40% reported not feeling confident in the use of their aids or their controls. Older people wanted more information than they received both before and after hearing aid fitting. Information provision and attention to the psychosocial aspects of care are key to enabling older people to adjust and optimise hearing aid benefit. © 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

47 CFR 95.135 - Maximum authorized transmitting power.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... watts ERP. (d) A fixed station must transmit with no more than 15 watts output power. (e) A small base station must transmit with no more than 5 watts ERP. [48 FR 35237, Aug. 3, 1983, as amended at 53 FR 47717...

Improved thermoelectric power output from multilayered polyethylenimine doped carbon nanotube based organic composites

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

Hewitt, Corey A.; Montgomery, David S.; Barbalace, Ryan L.

2014-05-14

By appropriately selecting the carbon nanotube type and n-type dopant for the conduction layers in a multilayered carbon nanotube composite, the total device thermoelectric power output can be increased significantly. The particular materials chosen in this study were raw single walled carbon nanotubes for the p-type layers and polyethylenimine doped single walled carbon nanotubes for the n-type layers. The combination of these two conduction layers leads to a single thermocouple Seebeck coefficient of 96 ± 4 μVK{sup −1}, which is 6.3 times higher than that previously reported. This improved Seebeck coefficient leads to a total power output of 14.7 nW permore » thermocouple at the maximum temperature difference of 50 K, which is 44 times the power output per thermocouple for the previously reported results. Ultimately, these thermoelectric power output improvements help to increase the potential use of these lightweight, flexible, and durable organic multilayered carbon nanotube based thermoelectric modules in low powered electronics applications, where waste heat is available.« less

Effect of Cooling Units on the Performance of an Automotive Exhaust-Based Thermoelectric Generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, C. Q.; Zhu, D. C.; Deng, Y. D.; Wang, Y. P.; Liu, X.

2017-05-01

Currently, automotive exhaust-based thermoelectric generators (AETEGs) are a hot topic in energy recovery. In order to investigate the influence of coolant flow rate, coolant flow direction and cooling unit arrangement in the AETEG, a thermoelectric generator (TEG) model and a related test bench are constructed. Water cooling is adopted in this study. Due to the non-uniformity of the surface temperature of the heat source, the coolant flow direction would affect the output performance of the TEG. Changing the volumetric flow rate of coolant can increase the output power of multi-modules connected in series or/and parallel as it can improve the temperature uniformity of the cooling unit. Since the temperature uniformity of the cooling unit has a strong influence on the output power, two cooling units are connected in series or parallel to research the effect of cooling unit arrangements on the maximum output power of the TEG. Experimental and theoretical analyses reveal that the net output power is generally higher with cooling units connected in parallel than cooling units connected in series in the cooling system with two cooling units.

Measure Twice: The Impact on Graduation Rates of Serving Pell Grant Recipients. A Policy Bulletin for HEA Reauthorization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance, 2013

2013-01-01

There is growing interest in leveraging Title IV student aid to improve college completion. Advocates have proposed linking funding in the Pell and Campus-Based Programs to measures of college performance. However, to do so in an equitable and efficient manner, raw measures of college output, such as rates of graduation and academic progress, must…

Computer aided analysis and optimization of mechanical system dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haug, E. J.

1984-01-01

The purpose is to outline a computational approach to spatial dynamics of mechanical systems that substantially enlarges the scope of consideration to include flexible bodies, feedback control, hydraulics, and related interdisciplinary effects. Design sensitivity analysis and optimization is the ultimate goal. The approach to computer generation and solution of the system dynamic equations and graphical methods for creating animations as output is outlined.

A Systematic Approach to Human Factors Measurement

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-10-01

terms . of an actual or simulated mission goal. 4. Research studies must be validated (replicated) in or with operational systems. 5 . All system...Indeterminacy has significant impact on the measurement strategy adopted. SCha.pter Six - CRITERIA FOR SELECTING AND EVALUATING PSM RESEARCH - 1. The...machine outputs merely aid the presentation of stimuli and the researcher need not be overly concerned with 5 ~machine characteristics (except in

Candidacy for bilateral hearing aids: a retrospective multicenter study.

PubMed

Boymans, Monique; Goverts, S Theo; Kramer, Sophia E; Festen, Joost M; Dreschler, Wouter A

2009-02-01

The goal of this study was to find factors for refining candidacy criteria for bilateral hearing aid fittings. Clinical files of 1,000 consecutive hearing aid fittings were analyzed. Case history, audiometric, and rehabilitation data were collected from clinical files, and an extensive questionnaire on long-term outcome measures was conducted. After at least 2 years of hearing aid use, 505 questionnaires were returned. In order to compare differences in benefits between unilateral and bilateral fittings, two subgroups were composed in which most relevant variables (age, degree of hearing loss, and audiometric asymmetry) were matched for unilateral fittings (n=212) and bilateral fittings (n=477). The bilateral group had significantly higher benefit scores than the unilateral group for detection, speech intelligibility in reverberation, and localization, but poorer scores for comfort of loud sounds. The benefit of bilateral hearing aids was not significantly related to the level of technology of the hearing aids. The analysis of the relation between objective parameters and the subjective outcome measures showed that candidacy for a successful bilateral fitting could not be predicted from age, maximum speech intelligibility, employment, exposure to background noise, or social activities.

Stochastic control system parameter identifiability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, C. H.; Herget, C. J.

1975-01-01

The parameter identification problem of general discrete time, nonlinear, multiple input/multiple output dynamic systems with Gaussian white distributed measurement errors is considered. The knowledge of the system parameterization was assumed to be known. Concepts of local parameter identifiability and local constrained maximum likelihood parameter identifiability were established. A set of sufficient conditions for the existence of a region of parameter identifiability was derived. A computation procedure employing interval arithmetic was provided for finding the regions of parameter identifiability. If the vector of the true parameters is locally constrained maximum likelihood (CML) identifiable, then with probability one, the vector of true parameters is a unique maximal point of the maximum likelihood function in the region of parameter identifiability and the constrained maximum likelihood estimation sequence will converge to the vector of true parameters.

High-power CMUTs: design and experimental verification.

PubMed

Yamaner, F Yalçin; Olçum, Selim; Oğuz, H Kağan; Bozkurt, Ayhan; Köymen, Hayrettin; Atalar, Abdullah

2012-06-01

Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs) have great potential to compete with piezoelectric transducers in high-power applications. As the output pressures increase, nonlinearity of CMUT must be reconsidered and optimization is required to reduce harmonic distortions. In this paper, we describe a design approach in which uncollapsed CMUT array elements are sized so as to operate at the maximum radiation impedance and have gap heights such that the generated electrostatic force can sustain a plate displacement with full swing at the given drive amplitude. The proposed design enables high output pressures and low harmonic distortions at the output. An equivalent circuit model of the array is used that accurately simulates the uncollapsed mode of operation. The model facilities the design of CMUT parameters for high-pressure output, without the intensive need for computationally involved FEM tools. The optimized design requires a relatively thick plate compared with a conventional CMUT plate. Thus, we used a silicon wafer as the CMUT plate. The fabrication process involves an anodic bonding process for bonding the silicon plate with the glass substrate. To eliminate the bias voltage, which may cause charging problems, the CMUT array is driven with large continuous wave signals at half of the resonant frequency. The fabricated arrays are tested in an oil tank by applying a 125-V peak 5-cycle burst sinusoidal signal at 1.44 MHz. The applied voltage is increased until the plate is about to touch the bottom electrode to get the maximum peak displacement. The observed pressure is about 1.8 MPa with -28 dBc second harmonic at the surface of the array.

Effects of Climate Change on Flood Frequency in the Pacific Northwest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gergel, D. R.; Stumbaugh, M. R.; Lee, S. Y.; Nijssen, B.; Lettenmaier, D. P.

2014-12-01

A key concern about climate change as related to water resources is the potential for changes in hydrologic extremes, including flooding. We explore changes in flood frequency in the Pacific Northwest using downscaled output from ten Global Climate Models (GCMs) from the Coupled Model Inter-Comparison Project 5 (CMIP5) for historical forcings (1950-2005) and future Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 4.5 and 8.5 (2006-2100). We use archived output from the Integrated Scenarios Project (ISP) (http://maca.northwestknowledge.net/), which uses the Multivariate Adaptive Constructed Analogs (MACA) method for statistical downscaling. The MACA-downscaled GCM output was then used to force the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) hydrology model with a 1/16th degree spatial resolution and a daily time step. For each of the 238 HUC-08 areas within the Pacific Northwest (USGS Hydrologic Region 15), we computed, from the ISP archive, the series of maximum daily runoff values (surrogate for the annual maximum flood), and then the mean annual flood. Finally, we computed the ratios of the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 mean annual floods to their corresponding values for the historical period. We evaluate spatial patterns in the results. For snow-dominated watersheds, the changes are dominated by reductions in flood frequency in basins that currently have spring-dominant floods, and increases in snow affected basins with fall-dominant floods. In low elevation basins west of the Cascades, changes in flooding are more directly related to changes in precipitation extremes. We further explore the nature of these effects by evaluating the mean Julian day of the annual maximum flood for each HUC-08 and how this changes between the historical and RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios.

Optimized MPPT-based converter for TEG energy harvester to power wireless sensor and monitoring system in nuclear power plant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xing, Shaoxu; Anakok, Isil; Zuo, Lei

2017-04-01

Accidents like Fukushima Disasters push people to improve the monitoring systems for the nuclear power plants. Thus, various types of energy harvesters are designed to power these systems and the Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) energy harvester is one of them. In order to enhance the amount of harvested power and the system efficiency, the power management stage needs to be carefully designed. In this paper, a power converter with optimized Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is proposed for the TEG Energy Harvester to power the wireless sensor network in nuclear power plant. The TEG Energy Harvester is installed on the coolant pipe of the nuclear plant and harvests energy from its heat energy while the power converter with optimized MPPT can make the TEG Energy Harvester output the maximum power, quickly response to the voltage change and provide sufficient energy for wireless sensor system to monitor the operation of the nuclear power plant. Due to the special characteristics of the Single-Ended Primary Inductor Converter (SEPIC) when it is working in the Discontinuous Inductor Current Mode (DICM) and Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM), the MPPT method presented in this paper would be able to control the converter to achieve the maximum output power in any working conditions of the TEG system with a simple circuit. The optimized MPPT algorithm will significantly reduce the cost and simplify the system as well as achieve a good performance. Experiment test results have shown that, comparing to a fixed- duty-cycle SEPIC which is specifically designed for the working on the secondary coolant loop in nuclear power plant, the optimized MPPT algorithm increased the output power by 55%.

Cycling Power Outputs Predict Functional Threshold Power And Maximum Oxygen Uptake.

PubMed

Denham, Joshua; Scott-Hamilton, John; Hagstrom, Amanda D; Gray, Adrian J

2017-09-11

Functional threshold power (FTP) has emerged as a correlate of lactate threshold and is commonly assessed by recreational and professional cyclists for tailored exercise programing. To identify whether results from traditional aerobic and anaerobic cycling tests could predict FTP and V˙ O2max, we analysed the association between estimated FTP, maximum oxygen uptake (V˙ O2max [mlkgmin]) and power outputs obtained from a maximal cycle ergometry cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and a 30-s Wingate test in a heterogeneous cohort of cycle-trained and untrained individuals (N=40, mean±SD; age: 32.6±10.6 y; relative V˙ O2max: 46.8±9.1 mlkgmin). The accuracy and sensitivity of the prediction equations was also assessed in young men (N=11) before and after a 6-wk sprint interval training intervention.Moderate to strong positive correlations were observed between FTP, relative V˙ O2max and power outputs achieved during incremental and 30-s Wingate cycling tests (r=.39-.965, all P<.05). While maximum power achieved during incremental cycle testing (Pmax) and relative V˙ O2max were predictors of FTP (r =.93), age and FTP (Wkg) estimated relative V˙ O2max (r=.80). Our findings confirm that FTP predominantly relies on aerobic metabolism and indicate both prediction models are sensitive enough to detect meaningful exercise-induced changes in FTP and V˙ O2max. Thus, coaches should consider limiting the time and load demands placed on athletes by conducting a maximal cycle ergometry CPET to estimate FTP. Additionally, a 20-min FTP test is a convenient method to assess V˙ O2max and is particularly relevant for exercise professionals without access to expensive CPET equipment.

Measurement and analysis of force-time outputs of pyrotechnic nuts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neubert, V. H.

1973-01-01

The dynamic loadings produced by two standard pyrotechnic nuts were compared with loadings produced by four recently developed low-shock nuts. The nuts were manufactured by separate contractors. Each nut was given a number designation, the number having no special significance. The results show that the use of the Hopkinson bar to measure force-time outputs of the nuts at stud and housing sides aided greatly in understanding the events occurring in the nuts. Acceleration data appear to be dependable, for the most part, but of more limited value. The low-shock designs show considerable improvement over the standard designs above 4,000 Hz when the results are plotted in shock spectrum form. They involve some penalties with regard to weight and cost.

Application of earth resources technology satellite data to urban and regional planning: Test site, County of Los Angeles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raje, S.; Mcknight, J.; Willoughby, G.; Economy, R. (Principal Investigator)

1974-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. The County of Los Angeles photointerpreted ERTS film products to define problems of interest, coordinated ground truth over the complex test site including interfaces with secondary users as well as participated in on-line analyses of the GE multispectral information extraction systems. Interactive machine analyses were carried out, developing techniques and procedures as well as evaluating the outputs for community and regional planning. Extensive aircraft underflight coverage was provided that was valuable both in inputs preparation and outputs evaluation of the machine-aided analyses. One of the nonstandard ERTS images led to the discovery of a major new fault lineament on the northern slope of the Santa Monica Mountains.

The reach and impact of social marketing and reproductive health communication campaigns in Zambia.

PubMed

Van Rossem, Ronan; Meekers, Dominique

2007-12-18

Like many sub-Saharan African countries, Zambia is dealing with major health issues, including HIV/AIDS, family planning, and reproductive health. To address reproductive health problems and the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Zambia, several social marketing and health communication programs focusing on reproductive and HIV/AIDS prevention programs are being implemented. This paper describes the reach of these programs and assesses their impact on condom use. This paper assesses the reach of selected radio and television programs about family planning and HIV/AIDS and of communications about the socially marketed Maximum condoms in Zambia, as well as their impact on condom use, using data from the 2001-2002 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey. To control for self-selection and endogeneity, we use a two-stage regression model to estimate the effect of program exposure on the behavioural outcomes. Those who were exposed to radio and television programs about family planning and HIV/AIDS were more likely to have ever used a condom (OR = 1.16 for men and 1.06 for women). Men highly exposed to Maximum condoms social marketing communication were more likely than those with low exposure to the program to have ever used a condom (OR = 1.48), and to have used a condom at their last sexual intercourse (OR = 1.23). Findings suggest that the reproductive health and social marketing campaigns in Zambia reached a large portion of the population and had a significant impact on condom use. The results suggest that future reproductive health communication campaigns that invest in radio programming may be more effective than those investing in television programming, and that future campaigns should seek to increase their impact among women, perhaps by focusing on the specific constrains that prevent females from using condoms.

Evaluating a smartphone digits-in-noise test as part of the audiometric test battery.

PubMed

Potgieter, Jenni-Mari; Swanepoel, De Wet; Smits, Cas

2018-05-21

 Speech-in-noise tests have become a valuable part of the audiometric test battery providing an indication of a listener's ability to function in background noise. A simple digits-in-noise (DIN) test could be valuable to support diagnostic hearing assessments, hearing aid fittings and counselling for both paediatric and adult populations. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the South African English smartphone DIN test's performance as part of the audiometric test battery. Design: This descriptive study evaluated 109 adult subjects (43 male and 66 female subjects) with and without sensorineural hearing loss by comparing pure-tone air conduction thresholds, speech recognition monaural performance scores (SRS dB) and the DIN speech reception threshold (SRT). An additional nine adult hearing aid users (four male and five female subjects) were included in a subset to determine aided and unaided DIN SRTs. Results: The DIN SRT is strongly associated with the best ear 4 frequency pure-tone average (4FPTA) (rs = 0.81) and maximum SRS dB (r = 0.72). The DIN test had high sensitivity and specificity to identify abnormal pure-tone (0.88 and 0.88, respectively) and SRS dB (0.76 and 0.88, respectively) results. There was a mean signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvement in the aided condition that demonstrated an overall benefit of 0.84 SNR dB. Conclusion: The DIN SRT was significantly correlated with the best ear 4FPTA and maximum SRS dB. The DIN SRT provides a useful measure of speech recognition in noise that can evaluate hearing aid fittings, manage counselling and hearing expectations.

Gas-laser behavior in a low-gravity environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Owen, R. B.

1981-01-01

In connection with several experiments proposed for flight on the Space Shuttle, which involve the use of gas lasers, the behavior of a He-Ne laser in a low-gravity environment has been studied theoretically and experimentally in a series of flight tests using a low-gravity-simulation aircraft. No fluctuation in laser output above the noise level of the meter (1 part in 1000 for 1 hr) was observed during the low-gravity portion of the flight tests. The laser output gradually increased by 1.4% during a 1.5-hr test; at no time were rapid variations observed in the laser output. A maximum laser instability of 1 part in 100 was observed during forty low-gravity parabolic maneuvers. The beam remained Gaussian throughout the tests and no lobe patterns were observed.

Mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser oscillators pumped by wavelength-multiplexed laser diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sugiyama, Naoto; Tanaka, Hiroki; Kannari, Fumihiko

2018-05-01

We directly pumped a Ti:sapphire laser by combining 478 and 520 nm laser diodes to prevent the effect of absorption loss induced by the pump laser of shorter wavelengths (∼450 nm). We obtain a continuous-wave output power of 660 mW at a total incident pump power of 3.15 W. We demonstrate mode locking using a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror, and 126 fs pulses were obtained at a repetition rate of 192 MHz. At the maximum pump power, the average output power is 315 mW. Shorter mode-locked pulses of 42 and 48 fs were respectively achieved by Kerr-lens mode locking with average output powers of 280 and 360 mW at a repetition rate of 117 MHz.

Diode-pumped continuous-wave Nd:Gd3Ga5O12 lasers at 1406, 1415 and 1423 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Haifeng; Zhu, Wenzhang; Xiong, Feibing; Ruan, Jianjian

2018-05-01

We report a diode-pumped continuous-wave Nd:Gd3Ga5O12 (GGG) laser operating at 1.4 μm spectral region. A dual-wavelength laser at 1423 and 1406 nm is achieved with output power of about 2.59 W at absorbed pump power of 13.4 W. Further increasing the pump power, simultaneous tri-wavelength laser at 1423, 1415 and 1406 nm is also obtained with a maximum output power of 3.96 W at absorbed pump power of 18.9 W. Single-wavelength lasing is also realized at the three emission lines using an intracavity etalon. The laser result is believed to be the highest output power achieved in Nd:GGG crystal, at present, to the best of our knowledge.

Mathematical models of the simplest fuzzy PI/PD controllers with skewed input and output fuzzy sets.

PubMed

Mohan, B M; Sinha, Arpita

2008-07-01

This paper unveils mathematical models for fuzzy PI/PD controllers which employ two skewed fuzzy sets for each of the two-input variables and three skewed fuzzy sets for the output variable. The basic constituents of these models are Gamma-type and L-type membership functions for each input, trapezoidal/triangular membership functions for output, intersection/algebraic product triangular norm, maximum/drastic sum triangular conorm, Mamdani minimum/Larsen product/drastic product inference method, and center of sums defuzzification method. The existing simplest fuzzy PI/PD controller structures derived via symmetrical fuzzy sets become special cases of the mathematical models revealed in this paper. Finally, a numerical example along with its simulation results are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the simplest fuzzy PI controllers.

Diode-end-pumped continuously tunable single frequency Tm, Ho:LLF laser at 2.06 μm.

PubMed

Zhang, Xinlu; Zhang, Su; Xiao, Nana; Cui, Jinhui; Zhao, Jiaqun; Li, Li

2014-03-10

We report on a laser diode-end-pumped continuously tunable single frequency Tm, Ho:LLF laser near room temperature. For transmission of 5%, the maximum single frequency output power of 221 mW at 2064.4 nm was obtained by using two uncoated etalons. The single frequency Tm, Ho:LLF laser operated on the fundamental transverse mode with an M2 factor of 1.13, and the output frequency could be tuned continuously near 1.5 GHz by angle tuning only of the 1 mm thick etalon. Furthermore, the influence of output coupler transmission on the laser performance was also investigated. The single frequency laser can be used as a seed laser for coherent Doppler lidar and differential absorption lidar systems.

Characteristic analysis of a polarization output coupling Porro prism resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Hailong; Meng, Junqing; Chen, Weibiao

2015-02-01

An Electro-optical Q-switched Nd:YAG slab laser with a crossed misalignment Porro prism resonator for space applications has been theoretically and experimentally investigated. The phase shift induced by the combination of different wave plates and Porro prism azimuth angles have been studied for creating high loss condition prior to Q-switching. The relationship of the effective output coupling reflectivity and the employed Q-switch driving voltage is explored by using Jones matrix optics. In the experiment, the maximum output pulse energy of 93 mJ with 14-ns pulse duration is obtained at the repetition rate of 20 Hz and the optical-to-optical conversion efficiency is 16.8%. The beam quality factors are M 2 x = 2.5 and M 2y = 2.2, respectively.

High-power linearly polarized diode-side-pumped a-cut Nd:GdVO4 rod laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiaowen; Qian, Jianqiang; Zhang, Baitao

2017-03-01

An efficiently high-power diode-side-pumped Nd:GdVO4 rod laser system was successfully demonstrated, operating in continuous wave (CW) and acousto-optically (AO) Q-switched regime. With a 65 mm-long a-cut Nd:GdVO4 crystal, a maximum linearly polarized CW output power of 60 W at 1063.2 nm was obtained under an absorbed pump power of 180 W, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 50.6%. The output laser beam was linearly polarized with a degree of polarization of 98%. In AO Q-switched operation, the highest output power, minimum pulse width, and highest peak power were achieved to be 42 W, 36 ns, and 58 kW at the pulse repetition frequency of 20 kHz.

MEANS FOR CONTROLLING A NUCLEAR REACTOR

DOEpatents

Wilson, V.C.; Overbeck, W.P.; Slotin, L.; Froman, D.K.

1957-12-17

This patent relates to nuclear reactors of the type using a solid neutron absorbing material as a means for controlling the reproduction ratio of the system and thereby the power output. Elongated rods of neutron absorbing material, such as boron steel for example, are adapted to be inserted and removed from the core of tae reactor by electronic motors and suitable drive means. The motors and drive means are controlled by means responsive to the neutron density, such as ionization chambers. The control system is designed to be responsive also to the rate of change in neutron density to automatically maintain the total power output at a substantially constant predetermined value. A safety rod means responsive to neutron density is also provided for keeping the power output below a predetermined maximum value at all times.

Au nanocages/SiO2 as saturable absorbers for passively Q-switched all-solid-state laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Lili; Chen, Xiaohan; Bai, Jinxi; Liu, Binghai; Hu, Qiongyu; Li, Ping

2018-04-01

Based on Au nanocages/SiO2 (Au-NCs/SiO2) as saturable absorber (SA), passively Q-switched Nd:YVO4 lasers with the output couplers (OCs) with the transmittance (T) of 4% and 10.8% were demonstrated, respectively. Q-switched pulse with the shortest pulse duration of 154.2 ns was achieved at T = 4% under the pump power of 2.11 W with the corresponding repetition rate of 280.0 kHz and average output power of 140.6 mW. While the maximum average output power of 150.2 mW was obtained at T = 10.8% under the pump power of 2.42 W, corresponding to the pulse width and repetition rate of 222.0 ns and 279.1 kHz.

Thermal resistance of etched-pillar vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wipiejewski, Torsten; Peters, Matthew G.; Young, D. Bruce; Thibeault, Brian; Fish, Gregory A.; Coldren, Larry A.

1996-03-01

We discuss our measurements on thermal impedance and thermal crosstalk of etched-pillar vertical-cavity lasers and laser arrays. The average thermal conductivity of AlAs-GaAs Bragg reflectors is estimated to be 0.28 W/(cmK) and 0.35W/(cmK) for the transverse and lateral direction, respectively. Lasers with a Au-plated heat spreading layer exhibit a 50% lower thermal impedance compared to standard etched-pillar devices resulting in a significant increase of maximum output power. For an unmounted laser of 64 micrometer diameter we obtain an improvement in output power from 20 mW to 42 mW. The experimental results are compared with a simple analytical model showing the importance of heat sinking for maximizing the output power of vertical-cavity lasers.

System identification for Space Station Freedom using observer/Kalman filter Markov parameters. M.S. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Papadopoulos, Michael; Tolson, Robert H.

1993-01-01

The Modal Identification Experiment (MIE) is a proposed experiment to define the dynamic characteristics of Space Station Freedom. Previous studies emphasized free-decay modal identification. The feasibility of using a forced response method (Observer/Kalman Filter Identification (OKID)) is addressed. The interest in using OKID is to determine the input mode shape matrix which can be used for controller design or control-structure interaction analysis, and investigate if forced response methods may aid in separating closely spaced modes. A model of the SC-7 configuration of Space Station Freedom was excited using simulated control system thrusters to obtain acceleration output. It is shown that an 'optimum' number of outputs exists for OKID. To recover global mode shapes, a modified method called Global-Local OKID was developed. This study shows that using data from a long forced response followed by free-decay leads to the 'best' modal identification. Twelve out of the thirteen target modes were identified for such an output.

Projected role of advanced computational aerodynamic methods at the Lockheed-Georgia company

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lores, M. E.

1978-01-01

Experience with advanced computational methods being used at the Lockheed-Georgia Company to aid in the evaluation and design of new and modified aircraft indicates that large and specialized computers will be needed to make advanced three-dimensional viscous aerodynamic computations practical. The Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation Facility should be used to provide a tool for designing better aerospace vehicles while at the same time reducing development costs by performing computations using Navier-Stokes equations solution algorithms and permitting less sophisticated but nevertheless complex calculations to be made efficiently. Configuration definition procedures and data output formats can probably best be defined in cooperation with industry, therefore, the computer should handle many remote terminals efficiently. The capability of transferring data to and from other computers needs to be provided. Because of the significant amount of input and output associated with 3-D viscous flow calculations and because of the exceedingly fast computation speed envisioned for the computer, special attention should be paid to providing rapid, diversified, and efficient input and output.

Numerical study on the maximum small-signal gain coefficient in passively mode-locked fiber lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Xin; Wang, Jian; Chen, Zhaoyang; Lin, Chengyou; Ding, Yingchun

2017-06-01

Ultrashort pulses have been found to have important applications in many fields, such as ultrafast diagnosis, biomedical engineering, and optical imaging. Passively mode-locked fiber lasers have become a tool for generating picosecond and femtosecond pulses. In this paper, the evolution of a picosecond laser pulse in different stable passively mode-locked fiber laser is analyzed using nonlinear Schrödinger equation. Firstly, different mode-locked regimes are calculated with different net cavity dispersion (from -0.3 ps2 to +0.3 ps2 ). Then we calculate the maximum small-signal gain on the different net cavity dispersion conditions, and estimate the pulse width, 3 dB bandwidth and time bandwidth product (TBP) when the small-signal gain coefficient is selected as the maximum value. The results show that the small signal gain coefficient is approximately proportional to the net cavity. Moreover, when the small signal gain coefficient reaches the maximum value, the pulse width of the output pulse and their corresponding TBP show a trend of increase gradually, and 3dB bandwidth shows a trend of increase firstly and then decrease. In addition, in the case that the net dispersion is positive, because of the pulse with quite large frequency chirp, the revolution to dechirp the pulse is researched and the output of the pulse is compressed and its compression ratio reached more than 10 times. The results provide a reference for the optimization of passively mode-locked fiber lasers.

Effects of venting on wind noise levels measured at the eardrum.

PubMed

Chung, King

2013-01-01

Wind noise can be a nuisance to hearing aid users. With the advent of sophisticated feedback reduction algorithms, people with higher degrees of hearing loss are fit with larger vents than previously allowed, and more people with lesser degrees of hearing loss are fit with open hearing aids. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of venting on wind noise levels in the ear canal for hearing aids with omnidirectional and directional microphones. Two behind-the-ear hearing aids were programmed when they were worn on a Knowles Electronics Manikin for Acoustic Research. The hearing aid worn on the right ear was programmed to the omnidirectional microphone mode and the one on the left to the directional microphone mode. The hearing aids were adjusted to linear amplification with flat frequency response in an anechoic chamber. Gains below 10 dB were used to avoid output limiting of wind noise levels at low input levels. Wind noise samples were recorded at the eardrum location in a wind tunnel at wind velocities ranging from a gentle to a strong breeze. The hearing aids were coupled to #13 tubings (i.e., open vent), or conventional skeleton earmolds with no vent, pressure vents, or 3mm vents. Polar and spectral characteristics of wind noise were analyzed off-line using MatLab programs. Wind noise levels in the ear canals were mostly predicted by vent-induced frequency response changes in the conventional earmold conditions for both omnidirectional and directional hearing aids. The open vent condition, however, yielded the lowest levels, which could not be entirely predicted by the frequency response changes of the hearing aids. This indicated that a wind-related vent effect permitted an additional amount of sound reduction in the ear canal, which could not be explained by known vent effects. For the microphone location, form factor, and gain settings tested, open fit hearing aids yielded lower noise levels at the eardrum location than conventional behind-the-ear hearing aids.

76 FR 2892 - City of Ouray; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing, Ready for Environmental Analysis, and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-18

... feet of new pipeline to direct water to a new power plant. The power plant will house one Pelton turbine and induction motor generator with a maximum output of 20 kilowatt. g. Location: Ouray, Colorado...

FSA field test report, 1980 - 1982

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maxwell, H. G.; Grimmett, C. A.; Repar, J.; Frickland, P. O.; Amy, J. A.

1983-01-01

Photovoltaic modules made of new and developing materials were tested in a continuing study of weatherability, compatibility, and corrosion protection. Over a two-year period, 365 two-cell submodules have been exposed for various intervals at three outdoor sites in Southern California or subjected to laboratory acceptance tests. Results to date show little loss of maximum power output, except in two types of modules. In the first of these, failure is due to cell fracture from the stresses that arise as water is regained from the surrounding air by a hardboard substrate, which shrank as it dried during its encapsulation in plastic film at 150 C in vacuo. In the second, the glass superstrate is sensitive to cracking, which also damages the cells electrostatically bonded to it; inadequate bonding of interconnects to the cells is also a problem in these modules. In a third type of module, a polyurethane pottant has begun to yellow, though as yet without significant effect on maximum power output.

Implementation Learning and Forgetting Curve to Scheduling in Garment Industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muhamad Badri, Huda; Deros, Baba Md; Syahri, M.; Saleh, Chairul; Fitria, Aninda

2016-02-01

The learning curve shows the relationship between time and the cumulative number of units produced which using the mathematical description on the performance of workers in performing repetitive works. The problems of this study is level differences in the labors performance before and after the break which affects the company's production scheduling. The study was conducted in the garment industry, which the aims is to predict the company production scheduling using the learning curve and forgetting curve. By implementing the learning curve and forgetting curve, this paper contributes in improving the labors performance that is in line with the increase in maximum output 3 hours productive before the break are 15 unit product with learning curve percentage in the company is 93.24%. Meanwhile, the forgetting curve improving maximum output 3 hours productive after the break are 11 unit product with the percentage of forgetting curve in the company is 92.96%. Then, the obtained 26 units product on the productive hours one working day is used as the basic for production scheduling.

2.36 J, 50 Hz nanosecond pulses from a diode side-pumped Nd:YAG MOPA system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Chaoyang; Lu, Chengqiang; Li, Chuan; Yang, Ning; Li, Ye; Yang, Zhen; Han, Song; Shi, Junfeng; Zhou, Zewu

2017-07-01

We report on a high-energy high-repetition-rate nanosecond Nd:YAG main oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) system. Maximum output pulse energy of 2.36 J with duration of 9.4 ns at 50 Hz has been achieved. The master oscillator was a LD side-pumped electro-optical Q-switched Nd:YAG rod laser adopting unstable cavity with variable reflectivity mirror (VRM). It delivered a pulse train with energy up to 180 mJ and pulse duration of 10.7 ns. The near-field pattern demonstrated a nearly super Gaussian flat top profile. In the amplification stage, the pulse was boosted via double-pass two Nd:YAG rod amplifiers. Maximum pulse energy was obtained at the peak pump power of 37.5 kW, corresponding to an optical-optical conversion efficiency of 25.2%. The correlative peak power was deduced to be 251 MW. We also presented the result of 100 Hz nanosecond laser with average output power of >100 W.

Compact diode-pumped continuous-wave and passively Q-switched Nd:GYSO laser at 1.07 μm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Zhi; Huang, Xiaoxu; Lan, Jinglong; Cui, Shengwei; Wang, Yi; Xu, Bin; Luo, Zhengqian; Xu, Huiying; Cai, Zhiping; Xu, Xiaodong; Zhang, Xiaoyan; Wang, Jun; Xu, Jun

2016-08-01

We report diode-pumped continuous-wave (CW) and Q-switched Nd:GYSO lasers using a compact two-mirror linear laser cavity. Single-wavelength laser emissions at 1074.11 nm with 4.1-W power and at 1058.27 nm with 1.47-W power have been obtained in CW mode. The slope efficiencies with respect to the absorbed pump powers are 48.5% and 22.9%, respectively. Wavelength tunability is also demonstrated with range of about 8 nm. Using a MoS2 saturable absorber, maximum average output power up to 410 mW at 1074 nm can be yielded with absorbed pump power 6.41 W and the maximum pulse energy reaches 1.20 μJ with pulse repetition rate of 342.5 kHz and shortest pulse width of 810 ns. The CW laser results represent the best laser performance and the Q-switching also present the highest output power for Q-switched Nd3+ lasers with MoS2 as saturable absorber.

Jet impingement heat transfer enhancement for the GPU-3 Stirling engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, D. C.; Congdon, C. W.; Begg, L. L.; Britt, E. J.; Thieme, L. G.

1981-01-01

A computer model of the combustion-gas-side heat transfer was developed to predict the effects of a jet impingement system and the possible range of improvements available. Using low temperature (315 C (600 F)) pretest data in an updated model, a high temperature silicon carbide jet impingement heat transfer system was designed and fabricated. The system model predicted that at the theoretical maximum limit, jet impingement enhanced heat transfer can: (1) reduce the flame temperature by 275 C (500 F); (2) reduce the exhaust temperature by 110 C (200 F); and (3) increase the overall heat into the working fluid by 10%, all for an increase in required pumping power of less than 0.5% of the engine power output. Initial tests on the GPU-3 Stirling engine at NASA-Lewis demonstrated that the jet impingement system increased the engine output power and efficiency by 5% - 8% with no measurable increase in pumping power. The overall heat transfer coefficient was increased by 65% for the maximum power point of the tests.

Discrete multi-wavelength tuning of a continuous wave diode-pumped Nd:GdVO4 laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nadimi, Mohammad; Waritanant, Tanant; Major, Arkady

2018-05-01

Discrete multi-wavelength operation of a diode-pumped Nd:GdVO4 laser at four different wavelengths was demonstrated using a single birefringent filter plate. The laser achieved maximum output powers of 5.92 W, 5.66 W, 5.56 W and 3.98 W at 1063.2 nm, 1070.8 nm, 1082.5 nm and 1086.2 nm wavelengths, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, apart from achieving the maximum output powers at ~1071 nm and ~1086 nm and best efficiencies at ~1071 nm, ~1083 nm and ~1086 nm wavelengths for a Nd:GdVO4 laser, this is also the largest number of wavelengths from the 4F3/2  →  4I11/2 transition that was ever obtained in a controlled manner from a single laser setup based on any of the Nd-doped laser crystals.

Diminiode thermionic conversion with 111-iridium electrodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koeger, E. W.; Bair, V. L.; Morris, J. F.

1976-01-01

Preliminary data indicating thermionic-conversion potentialities for a 111-iridium emitter and collector spaced 0.2 mm apart are presented. These results comprise output densities of current and of power as functions of voltage for three sets of emitter, collector, and reservoir temperatures: 1553, 944, 561 K; 1605, 898, 533 K; and 1656, 1028, 586 K. For the 1605 K evaluation, estimates produced work-function values of 2.22 eV for the emitter and 1.63 eV for the collector with a 2.0-eV barrier index (collector work function plus interelectrode voltage drop) corresponding to the maximum output of 5.5 W/sq cm at 0.24 volt. The current, voltage curve for the 1656 K 111-iridium diminiode yields a 6.2 W/sq cm maximum at 0.25 volt and is comparable with the 1700 K envelope for a diode with an etched-rhenium emitter and a 0.025-mm electrode gap made by TECO and evaluated by NASA.