Assured crew return vehicle man-systems integration standards

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

This is Volume 6 of the Man-Systems Integration Standards (MSIS) family of documents, which is contained in several volumes and a relational database. Each volume has a specific purpose, and each has been assembled from the data contained in the relational database. Volume 6 serves as the Assured Crew Return Vehicle project man-systems integration design requirements. The data in this document is a subset of the data found in Volume 1 and defines the requirements which are pertinent to the Assured Crew Return Vehicle as defined in the SPRD. Additional data and guidelines are provided to assist in the design.

Dynamic analysis of space structures including elastic, multibody, and control behavior

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pinson, Larry; Soosaar, Keto

1989-01-01

The problem is to develop analysis methods, modeling stategies, and simulation tools to predict with assurance the on-orbit performance and integrity of large complex space structures that cannot be verified on the ground. The problem must incorporate large reliable structural models, multi-body flexible dynamics, multi-tier controller interaction, environmental models including 1g and atmosphere, various on-board disturbances, and linkage to mission-level performance codes. All areas are in serious need of work, but the weakest link is multi-body flexible dynamics.

Fatigue and fail-safe design features of the DC-10 airplane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stone, M. E.

1972-01-01

The philosophy and methods used in the design of the DC-10 aircraft to assure structural reliability against cracks under repeated service loads are described in detail. The approach consists of three complementary parts: (1) the structure is designed to be fatigue resistant for a crack-free life of 60,000 flight hours; (2) inasmuch as small undetected cracks could develop from other sources, such as material flaws and manufacturing preloads, the structure also is designed to arrest and control cracks within a reasonable service-inspection interval; and (3) a meaningful service-inspection program has been defined on the basis of analysis and test experience from the design development program. This service-inspection program closes the loop to assure the structural integrity of the DC-10 airframe. Selected materials, fasteners, and structural arrangements are used to achieve these design features with minimum structural weight and with economy in manufacturing and maintenance. Extensive analyses and testing were performed to develop and verify the design. The basic design considerations for fatigue-resistant structure are illustrated in terms of material selection, design loads spectra, methods for accurate stress and fatigue damage analysis, and proven concepts for efficient detail design.

Evaluation of a Standardized Method of Quality Assurance in Mental Health Records: A Pilot Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bradshaw, Kelsey M.; Donohue, Bradley; Fayeghi, Jasmine; Lee, Tiffany; Wilks, Chelsey R.; Ross, Brendon

2016-01-01

The widespread adoption of research-supported treatments by mental health providers has facilitated empirical development of quality assurance (QA) methods. Research in this area has focused on QA systems aimed at assuring the integrity of research-supported treatment implementation, while examination of QA systems to assure appropriate…

Argument-Based Airworthiness Assurance of Small UAS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Denney, Ewen; Pai, Ganesh

2015-01-01

Presently, there are three avenues by which Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operations are authorized in the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS): obtaining either (i) a certificate of authorization (COA), or (ii) a special airworthiness certificate (SAC) in either the experimental, or the restricted category, or (iii) an exemption from an airworthiness certificate together with a civil COA. The first is meant primarily for public entities, such as NASA; the remaining two are the only available means for civil UAS operations. Recently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also proposed a regulatory framework targeted for certain small UAS, specifically those weighing 55 pounds or less, although final rulemaking remains pending. We have previously shown how an assurance case can aggregate heterogeneous reasoning and safety evidence, with application to UAS safety. In this paper, we describe how assurance cases can serve as a common framework to justify overall system safety, unifying both operational aspects and airworthiness, in particular system design assurance. We also show how this approach can coexist with, and augment, existing safety analysis processes and best-practices, by transforming the artifacts they produce into structured assurance arguments. To illustrate the applicability and utility of our approach, we have been applying it for the design assurance of an unmanned rotorcraft system, intended for precision agriculture operations, as part of the NASA Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Integration in the National Airspace System (NAS) project.

Lightning Mapper Sensor Lens Assembly S.O. 5459: Project Management Plan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zeidler, Janet

1999-01-01

Kaiser Electro-Optics, Inc. (KEO) has developed this Project Management Plan for the Lightning Mapper Sensor (LMS) program. KEO has integrated a team of experts in a structured program management organization to meet the needs of the LMS program. The project plan discusses KEO's approach to critical program elements including Program Management, Quality Assurance, Configuration Management, and Schedule.

General relativity in two dimensions: A Hamilton-Jacobi analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bertin, M. C.; Pimentel, B. M.; Pompeia, P. J.

2010-11-01

We analyzed the constraint structure of the Einstein-Hilbert first-order action in two dimensions using the Hamilton-Jacobi approach. We were able to find a set of involutive, as well as a set of non-involutive constraints. Using generalized brackets we showed how to assure integrability of the theory, to eliminate the set of non-involutive constraints and how to build the field equations.

Integrating Quality Assurance Systems in a Merged Higher Education Institution

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kistan, Chandru

2005-01-01

Purpose: This article seeks to highlight the challenges and issues that face merging higher education institutions and also to outline some of the challenges in integrating the quality assurance systems during the pre-, interim and post-merger phases in a merged university. Design/methodology/approach: Case studies of merged and merging…

Quality Enhancement on E-Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ossiannilsson, E. S. I.

2012-01-01

Purpose: Benchmarking, a method for quality assurance has not been very commonly used in higher education with regard to e-learning. Today, e-learning is an integral part of higher education, and so should also be an integral part of quality assurance systems. However, quality indicators, benchmarks and critical success factors on e-learning have…

Managing safety and quality through the red meat chain.

PubMed

Desmarchelier, P; Fegan, N; Smale, N; Small, A

2007-09-01

To successfully manage food safety and quality risks in meat production, a holistic approach is required. The ideal would be a fully integrated assurance system, with effective controls applied at all stages. However, the red meat industry is by nature somewhat fragmented, and a truly integrated system is not at present achievable in all but a few operations. This paper describes a variety of assurance initiatives, and explores how targeted research and development can be used to augment assurance programmes by providing underpinning knowledge, using the Australian beef and lamb industry as an example.

Quality Assurance in Engineering Education: Comparison of Accreditation Schemes and ISO 9001.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karapetrovic, Stanislav; Rajamani, Divakar; Willborn, Walter

1998-01-01

Outlines quality assurance schemes for distance-education technologies that are based on the ISO 9000 family of international quality-assurance standards. Argues that engineering faculties can establish such systems on the basis of and integrated with accreditation schemes. Contains 34 references. (DDR)

Partners | Integrated Energy Solutions | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Develops Off-Grid Energy Access through Quality Assurance Framework for Mini-Grids NREL has teamed with the Africa to develop a Quality Assurance Framework for isolated mini-grids. NREL Enhances Energy Resiliency Partnership Develops Off-Grid Energy Access through Quality Assurance Framework for Mini-Grids NREL has teamed

NREL Partnership Develops Off-Grid Energy Access through Quality Assurance

Science.gov Websites

Framework for Mini-Grids | Integrated Energy Solutions | NREL Partnership Develops Off-Grid Energy Access through Quality Assurance Framework for Mini-Grids NREL Partnership Develops Off-Grid Energy Access through Quality Assurance Framework for Mini-Grids NREL has teamed with the Global Lighting

Integrated Quality Enhancement and Review of Higher Education in Further Education Colleges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davies, Philip; Simmons, Jonathan

2012-01-01

Integrated Quality Enhancement and Review (IQER) was introduced as quality assurance designed specifically for Higher Education (HE) in Further Education Colleges (FEC) in 2008. Following a historical account of the quality assurance systems applied to HE in FECs prior to this date, we analyse the first 64 IQER Summative Review reports produced…

Quality Assurance in Educational Administration in the Teaching of Farm Mathematics for National Integration in Nigeria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Enemali, I. A.; Adah, Obe Christopher

2015-01-01

Farm mathematics, an aspect of agricultural science education is being taught in our educational institutions in the country. This effort is to enhance agricultural productivity and quality of agricultural science education for national integration. For the realization of this, a quality assured educational administration is vital. The paper…

Developing Tomorrow's Integrated Community Health Systems: A Leadership Challenge for Public Health and Primary Care

PubMed Central

Welton, William E.; Kantner, Theodore A.; Katz, Sheila Moriber

1997-01-01

As the nation's health system moves away from earlier models to one grounded in population health and market-based systems of care, new challenges arise for public health professionals, primary care practitioners, health plan and institutional managers, and community leaders. Among the challenges are the need to develop creative concepts of organization and accountability and to assure that dynamic, system-oriented structures support the new kind of leadership that is required. Developing tomorrow's integrated community health systems will challenge the leadership skills and integrative abilities of public health professionals, primary care practitioners, and managers. These leaders and their new organizations must, in turn, assume increased accountability for improving community health. PMID:9184684

Integration of XNAT/PACS, DICOM, and Research Software for Automated Multi-modal Image Analysis.

PubMed

Gao, Yurui; Burns, Scott S; Lauzon, Carolyn B; Fong, Andrew E; James, Terry A; Lubar, Joel F; Thatcher, Robert W; Twillie, David A; Wirt, Michael D; Zola, Marc A; Logan, Bret W; Anderson, Adam W; Landman, Bennett A

2013-03-29

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an increasingly important public health concern. While there are several promising avenues of intervention, clinical assessments are relatively coarse and comparative quantitative analysis is an emerging field. Imaging data provide potentially useful information for evaluating TBI across functional, structural, and microstructural phenotypes. Integration and management of disparate data types are major obstacles. In a multi-institution collaboration, we are collecting electroencephalogy (EEG), structural MRI, diffusion tensor MRI (DTI), and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) from a large cohort of US Army service members exposed to mild or moderate TBI who are undergoing experimental treatment. We have constructed a robust informatics backbone for this project centered on the DICOM standard and eXtensible Neuroimaging Archive Toolkit (XNAT) server. Herein, we discuss (1) optimization of data transmission, validation and storage, (2) quality assurance and workflow management, and (3) integration of high performance computing with research software.

Integration of XNAT/PACS, DICOM, and research software for automated multi-modal image analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Yurui; Burns, Scott S.; Lauzon, Carolyn B.; Fong, Andrew E.; James, Terry A.; Lubar, Joel F.; Thatcher, Robert W.; Twillie, David A.; Wirt, Michael D.; Zola, Marc A.; Logan, Bret W.; Anderson, Adam W.; Landman, Bennett A.

2013-03-01

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an increasingly important public health concern. While there are several promising avenues of intervention, clinical assessments are relatively coarse and comparative quantitative analysis is an emerging field. Imaging data provide potentially useful information for evaluating TBI across functional, structural, and microstructural phenotypes. Integration and management of disparate data types are major obstacles. In a multi-institution collaboration, we are collecting electroencephalogy (EEG), structural MRI, diffusion tensor MRI (DTI), and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) from a large cohort of US Army service members exposed to mild or moderate TBI who are undergoing experimental treatment. We have constructed a robust informatics backbone for this project centered on the DICOM standard and eXtensible Neuroimaging Archive Toolkit (XNAT) server. Herein, we discuss (1) optimization of data transmission, validation and storage, (2) quality assurance and workflow management, and (3) integration of high performance computing with research software.

Integration of XNAT/PACS, DICOM, and Research Software for Automated Multi-modal Image Analysis

PubMed Central

Gao, Yurui; Burns, Scott S.; Lauzon, Carolyn B.; Fong, Andrew E.; James, Terry A.; Lubar, Joel F.; Thatcher, Robert W.; Twillie, David A.; Wirt, Michael D.; Zola, Marc A.; Logan, Bret W.; Anderson, Adam W.; Landman, Bennett A.

2013-01-01

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an increasingly important public health concern. While there are several promising avenues of intervention, clinical assessments are relatively coarse and comparative quantitative analysis is an emerging field. Imaging data provide potentially useful information for evaluating TBI across functional, structural, and microstructural phenotypes. Integration and management of disparate data types are major obstacles. In a multi-institution collaboration, we are collecting electroencephalogy (EEG), structural MRI, diffusion tensor MRI (DTI), and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) from a large cohort of US Army service members exposed to mild or moderate TBI who are undergoing experimental treatment. We have constructed a robust informatics backbone for this project centered on the DICOM standard and eXtensible Neuroimaging Archive Toolkit (XNAT) server. Herein, we discuss (1) optimization of data transmission, validation and storage, (2) quality assurance and workflow management, and (3) integration of high performance computing with research software. PMID:24386548

Quality Assurance in Chinese Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Yuan

2010-01-01

Quality assurance has been integrated into the fabric of higher education in China, with the issue of quality in higher education--how to evaluate it and how to enhance it--now taking centre stage in Chinese higher education. In the past decade, the development of quality assurance in Chinese higher education has covered a broad spectrum of…

Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan for the Tallahassee Office, U.S. Geological Survey

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tomlinson, Stewart A.

2006-01-01

This Tallahassee Office Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan documents the standards, policies, and procedures used by the Tallahassee Office for activities related to the collection, processing, storage, analysis, and publication of surface-water data. This plan serves as a guide to all Tallahassee Office personnel involved in surface-water data activities, and changes as the needs and requirements of the Tallahassee Office, Florida Integrated Science Center, and Water Discipline change. Reg-ular updates to this Plan represent an integral part of the quality-assurance process. In the Tallahassee Office, direct oversight and responsibility by the employee(s) assigned to a surface-water station, combined with team approaches in all work efforts, assure high-quality data, analyses, reviews, and reports for cooperating agencies and the public.

Quality Assurance and Risk Management: A Survey of Dental Schools and Recommendations for Integrated Program Management.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fredekind, Richard E.; Cuny, Eve J.; Nadershahi, Nader A.

2002-01-01

Surveyed U.S. and Canadian dental schools about integration of quality assurance (QA) and risk management (RM) and what mechanisms have been most effective in measuring accomplishments. Main findings included that a majority of schools had a written QA program and committee and many reported significant changes resulting from the program; over…

24 CFR 50.3 - Environmental policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... approach shall be used to assure the integrated use of the natural and social sciences and the... must occur before the applicant's selection of properties, the application shall contain an assurance...

Synthesis of styrene/isoprene/butadiene integrated rubber with wide glass transition temperature by reactive extrusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Tianhua; Zheng, Anna; Zhan, Pengfei; Shi, Han; Li, Xiang; Guan, Yong; Wei, Dafu

2018-05-01

In this work, styrene/isoprene/butadiene integrated rubber (SIBR) was synthesized with n-butyllithium as the initiator and tetrahydrofuran as structure modifier in a co-rotating intermeshing twin-screw extruder. The content of diene in these terpolymers reached a surprising 70 wt% by feeding the monomers in two different sites of the twin-screw extruder. 1H-NMR, GPC and TEM results showed that the molecular structures of terpolymers changed with the variation of feeding site. Dynamic mechanical analysis of the vulcanized SIBR showed that the terpolymer had a wide glass transition region, which assured an excellent combination of high antiskid properties and low rolling resistance. Different from traditional solution polymerization, the present work provides a green approach to prepare the SIBR via bulk polymerization without solvent.

Structural integrity of wind tunnel wooden fan blades

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, Clarence P., Jr.; Wingate, Robert T.; Rooker, James R.; Mort, Kenneth W.; Zager, Harold E.

1991-01-01

Information is presented which was compiled by the NASA Inter-Center Committee on Structural Integrity of Wooden Fan Blades and is intended for use as a guide in design, fabrication, evaluation, and assurance of fan systems using wooden blades. A risk assessment approach for existing NASA wind tunnels with wooden fan blades is provided. Also, state of the art information is provided for wooden fan blade design, drive system considerations, inspection and monitoring methods, and fan blade repair. Proposed research and development activities are discussed, and recommendations are provided which are aimed at future wooden fan blade design activities and safely maintaining existing NASA wind tunnel fan blades. Information is presented that will be of value to wooden fan blade designers, fabricators, inspectors, and wind tunnel operations personnel.

Low voltage 30-cm ion thruster development. [including performance and structural integrity (vibration) tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

King, H. J.

1974-01-01

The basic goal was to advance the development status of the 30-cm electron bombardment ion thruster from a laboratory model to a flight-type engineering model (EM) thruster. This advancement included the more conventional aspects of mechanical design and testing for launch loads, weight reduction, fabrication process development, reliability and quality assurance, and interface definition, as well as a relatively significant improvement in thruster total efficiency. The achievement of this goal was demonstrated by the successful completion of a series of performance and structural integrity (vibration) tests. In the course of the program, essentially every part and feature of the original 30-cm Thruster was critically evaluated. These evaluations, led to new or improved designs for the ion optical system, discharge chamber, cathode isolator vaporizer assembly, main isolator vaporizer assembly, neutralizer assembly, packaging for thermal control, electrical terminations and structure.

Design and Calibration of a Flowfield Survey Rake for Inlet Flight Research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flynn, Darin C.; Ratnayake, Nalin A.; Frederick, Michael

2009-01-01

Flowfield rake was designed to quantify the flowfield for inlet research underneath NASA DFRC s F-15B airplane. Detailed loads and stress analysis performed using CFD and empirical methods to assure structural integrity. Calibration data were generated through wind tunnel testing of the rake. Calibration algorithm was developed to determine the local Mach and flow angularity at each probe. RAGE was flown November, 2008. Data is currently being analyzed.

Annual Conference on Nuclear and Space Radiation Effects, 21st, Colorado Springs, CO, July 23-25, 1984, Proceedings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Winokur, P. S. (Editor)

1984-01-01

Radiation effects on electronic systems and devices (particularly spacecraft systems) are examined with attention given to such topics as radiation transport, energy deposition, and charge collection; single-event phenomena; basic mechanisms of radiation effects in structures and materials; and EMP phenomena. Also considered are radiation effects in integrated circuits, spacecraft charging and space radiation effects, hardness assurance for devices and systems, and SGEMP/IEMP phenomena.

GPHS-RTGs in support of the Cassini mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1994-04-01

This report is organized by the program task structure as follows: (1) spacecraft integration and liaison; (2) engineering support; (3) safety; (4) qualified unicouple fabrication; (5) ETG fabrication, assembly, and test; (6) ground support equipment (GSE); (7) RTG shipping and launch support; (8) designs, reviews, and mission applications; (9) project management, quality assurance and reliability, contract changes, noncapital contractor acquired government owned property (CAGO) acquisition, and CAGO maintenance; and (10) CAGO acquisition.

Intensive Quality Assurance of Therapist Adherence to Behavioral Interventions for Adolescent Substance Use Problems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holth, Per; Torsheim, Torbjorn; Sheidow, Ashli J.; Ogden, Terje; Henggeler, Scott W.

2011-01-01

This study was a cross-cultural replication of a study that investigated therapist adherence to behavioral interventions as a result of an intensive quality assurance system which was integrated into Multisystemic Therapy (MST). Thirty-three therapists and eight supervisors were block randomized to either an Intensive Quality Assurance or a…

LABORATORY AND FIELD AUDITS AS PART OF THE EPA (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY) HAZARDOUS WASTE ENGINEERING RESEARCH LABORATORY (HWERL) QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM

EPA Science Inventory

Audits are an important and integral part of the EPA Hazardous Waste Engineering Research Laboratory (HWERL) Quality Assurance (QA) Program. As part of the overall QA program, audits are used to determine contractor compliance with quality assurance plans and to assess the overal...

On the Problems of Cracking and the Question of Structural Integrity of Engineering Composite Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beaumont, Peter W. R.

2014-02-01

Predicting precisely where a crack will develop in a material under stress and exactly when in time catastrophic fracture of the component will occur is one the oldest unsolved mysteries in the design and building of large engineering structures. Where human life depends upon engineering ingenuity, the burden of testing to prove a "fracture safe design" is immense. For example, when human life depends upon structural integrity as an essential design requirement, it takes ten thousand material test coupons per composite laminate configuration to evaluate an airframe plus loading to ultimate failure tails, wing boxes, and fuselages to achieve a commercial aircraft airworthiness certification. Fitness considerations for long-life implementation of aerospace composites include understanding phenomena such as impact, fatigue, creep, and stress corrosion cracking that affect reliability, life expectancy, and durability of structure. Structural integrity analysis treats the design, the materials used, and figures out how best components and parts can be joined. Furthermore, SI takes into account service duty. However, there are conflicting aims in the complete design process of designing simultaneously for high efficiency and safety assurance throughout an economically viable lifetime with an acceptable level of risk.

Role of nondestructive evaluation in civil aviation: historical development, current status, future challenges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weber, Hans J.

1995-07-01

Nondestructive evaluation has been used in civil aviation for 50 years. Until the arrival of the jet era it was mostly applied to component inspection. Since the damage-tolerant design philosophy was introduced by mandate for large transport aircraft, it has become an integral part of their design and maintenance. In the near future its role in the maintenance of aging small transport aircraft is expected to grow significantly. The most important factor contributing to the growing importance of NDE is the fact that the industry has been operating its aircraft much longer than originally envisioned, making it necessary to carefully monitor their structural condition to assure their airworthiness. NDE is helping making it economically feasible to operate aircraft for extended life times. Another major factor is the increased use of advanced materials, such as composites. Again, monitoring has to assure integrity. More recently, in an industry which has become highly competitive, NDE is becoming an important tool in the quest for reducing maintenance costs. The importance of NDE is expected to grow further.

Quality assurance of data collection in the multi-site community randomized trial and prevalence survey of the children's healthy living program.

PubMed

Yamanaka, Ashley; Fialkowski, Marie Kainoa; Wilkens, Lynne; Li, Fenfang; Ettienne, Reynolette; Fleming, Travis; Power, Julianne; Deenik, Jonathan; Coleman, Patricia; Leon Guerrero, Rachael; Novotny, Rachel

2016-09-02

Quality assurance plays an important role in research by assuring data integrity, and thus, valid study results. We aim to describe and share the results of the quality assurance process used to guide the data collection process in a multi-site childhood obesity prevalence study and intervention trial across the US Affiliated Pacific Region. Quality assurance assessments following a standardized protocol were conducted by one assessor in every participating site. Results were summarized to examine and align the implementation of protocol procedures across diverse settings. Data collection protocols focused on food and physical activity were adhered to closely; however, protocols for handling completed forms and ensuring data security showed more variability. Quality assurance protocols are common in the clinical literature but are limited in multi-site community-based studies, especially in underserved populations. The reduction in the number of QA problems found in the second as compared to the first data collection periods for the intervention study attest to the value of this assessment. This paper can serve as a reference for similar studies wishing to implement quality assurance protocols of the data collection process to preserve data integrity and enhance the validity of study findings. NIH clinical trial #NCT01881373.

A system for the management, display and integration of pre-hospital healthcare activity in the deployed environment.

PubMed

Grant, Simon; Wheatley, R J

2014-12-01

To create and implement a system through which pre-hospital healthcare activity across an entire operational theatre could be made available in real-time to support healthcare delivery, governance and assurance activity. An IT-based system was created that could display, manage and integrate the pre-hospital healthcare activity on Op HERRICK 18. The system was based on the Defence Medical Services Common Assurance Framework and run through Microsoft Office SharePoint. Pre-hospital healthcare activity was made available and visible across an operational theatre. This supported delivery, assurance and governance at any time. Activity from each medical facility could be integrated and display automatically improving theatre wide situational awareness. The availability of information resulted in a shift towards a more continuous process of assurance and governance rather than reliance on inherently threatening and increasingly intermittent inspection regimes. The ability to review healthcare activity remotely at anytime significantly improves the validity of assurance possible for a deployed force. Governance activity can be more responsive and less reliant on the fixed timescale and datasets of reports from outlying medical facilities. However, assurance and governance authorities must not allow such a wealth of information to impact local leadership and innovation through a perception of, or actual, micro-management. 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.

43 CFR 17.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... accompanied by, an assurance that the program will be conducted or the facility operated in compliance with... to provide or is in the form of personal property, or real property or interest therein or structures thereon, or improvement of real property or structures, the assurance shall obligate the recipient, or, in...

43 CFR 17.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... accompanied by, an assurance that the program will be conducted or the facility operated in compliance with... to provide or is in the form of personal property, or real property or interest therein or structures thereon, or improvement of real property or structures, the assurance shall obligate the recipient, or, in...

43 CFR 17.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... accompanied by, an assurance that the program will be conducted or the facility operated in compliance with... to provide or is in the form of personal property, or real property or interest therein or structures thereon, or improvement of real property or structures, the assurance shall obligate the recipient, or, in...

43 CFR 17.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... accompanied by, an assurance that the program will be conducted or the facility operated in compliance with... to provide or is in the form of personal property, or real property or interest therein or structures thereon, or improvement of real property or structures, the assurance shall obligate the recipient, or, in...

NASA Electrical, Electronic and Electromechanical (EEE) Parts Assurance, An Overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Label, Kenneth A.; Sampson, Michael J.

2017-01-01

This presentation will cover NASA Electrical, Electronic and Electromechanical (EEE) Parts Assurance Structure, NASA Electronic Parts and Packaging (NEPP) Program, NASA Electronic Parts Assurance Group (NEPAG), examples of assurance challenges, and future challenges.

Effective information management and assurance for a modern organisation during a crisis.

PubMed

MacLeod, Andrew

2015-01-01

During a crisis, organisations face a major unpredictable event with potentially negative consequences. Effective information management and assurance can assist the organisation in making sure that they have the correct information in a secure format to make decisions to recover their operations. The main elements of effective information management and assurance are confidentiality, integrity and availability, combined with non-repudiation. Should an element of effective information management or assurance be removed it can have a detrimental effect on the other elements and render the information management and assurance practices of the organisation ineffectual.

Overview of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Generazio, Edward R.

2002-01-01

NASA's Office of Safety and Mission Assurance sponsors an Agency-wide NDE Program that supports Aeronautics and Space Transportation Technology, Human Exploration and Development of Space, Earth Science, and Space Science Enterprises. For each of these Enterprises, safety is the number one priority. Development of the next generation aero-space launch and transportation vehicles, satellites, and deep space probes have highlighted the enabling role that NDE plays in these advanced technology systems. Specific areas of advanced component development, component integrity, and structural heath management are critically supported by NDE technologies. The simultaneous goals of assuring safety, maintaining overall operational efficiency, and developing and utilizing revolutionary technologies to expand human activity and space-based commerce in the frontiers of air and space places increasing demands on the Agencies NDE infrastructure and resources. In this presentation, an overview of NASA's NDE Program will be presented, that includes a background and status of current Enterprise NDE issues, and the NDE investment areas being developed to meet Enterprise safety and mission assurance needs through the year 2009 and beyond.

Quality and security - They work together

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carr, Richard; Tynan, Marie; Davis, Russell

1991-01-01

This paper describes the importance of considering computer security as part of software quality assurance practice. The intended audience is primarily those professionals involved in the design, development, and quality assurance of software. Many issues are raised which point to the need ultimately for integration of quality assurance and computer security disciplines. To address some of the issues raised, the NASA Automated Information Security program is presented as a model which may be used for improving interactions between the quality assurance and computer security community of professionals.

10 CFR 63.141 - Scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... its structures, systems, or components will perform satisfactorily in service. Quality assurance includes quality control, which comprises those quality assurance actions related to the physical..., NEVADA Quality Assurance § 63.141 Scope. As used in this part, quality assurance comprises all those...

LIHE Spectral Dynamics and Jaguar Data Acquisition System Measurement Assurance Results 2014.

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

Covert, Timothy T.; Willis, Michael David; Radtke, Gregg Arthur

2015-06-01

The Light Initiated High Explosive (LIHE) facility performs high rigor, high consequence impulse testing for the nuclear weapons (NW) community. To support the facility mission, LIHE's extensive data acquisition system (DAS) is comprised of several discrete components as well as a fully integrated system. Due to the high consequence and high rigor of the testing performed at LIHE, a measurement assurance plan (MAP) was developed in collaboration with NW system customers to meet their data quality needs and to provide assurance of the robustness of the LIHE DAS. While individual components of the DAS have been calibrated by the SNLmore » Primary Standards Laboratory (PSL), the integrated nature of this complex system requires verification of the complete system, from end-to-end. This measurement assurance plan (MAP) report documents the results of verification and validation procedures used to ensure that the data quality meets customer requirements.« less

Investigation of an expert health monitoring system for aeronautical structures based on pattern recognition and acousto-ultrasonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tibaduiza-Burgos, Diego Alexander; Torres-Arredondo, Miguel Angel

2015-08-01

Aeronautical structures are subjected to damage during their service raising the necessity for periodic inspection and maintenance of their components so that structural integrity and safe operation can be guaranteed. Cost reduction related to minimizing the out-of-service time of the aircraft, together with the advantages offered by real-time and safe-life service monitoring, have led to a boom in the design of inexpensive and structurally integrated transducer networks comprising actuators, sensors, signal processing units and controllers. These kinds of automated systems are normally referred to as smart structures and offer a multitude of new solutions to engineering problems and multi-functional capabilities. It is thus expected that structural health monitoring (SHM) systems will become one of the leading technologies for assessing and assuring the structural integrity of future aircraft. This study is devoted to the development and experimental investigation of an SHM methodology for the detection of damage in real scale complex aeronautical structures. The work focuses on each aspect of the SHM system and highlights the potentialities of the health monitoring technique based on acousto-ultrasonics and data-driven modelling within the concepts of sensor data fusion, feature extraction and pattern recognition. The methodology is experimentally demonstrated on an aircraft skin panel and fuselage panel for which several damage scenarios are analysed. The detection performance in both structures is quantified and presented.

Goal Structuring Notation in a Radiation Hardening Assurance Case for COTS-Based Spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Witulski, A.; Austin, R.; Evans, J.; Mahadevan, N.; Karsai, G.; Sierawski, B.; LaBel, K.; Reed, R.; Schrimpf, R.

2016-01-01

A systematic approach is presented to constructing a radiation assurance case using Goal Structuring Notation (GSN) for spacecraft containing COTS parts. The GSN paradigm is applied to an SRAM single-event upset experiment board designed to fly on a CubeSat in January 2017. A custom software language for development of a GSN assurance case is under development at Vanderbilt. Construction of a radiation assurance case without use of hardened parts or extensive radiation testing is discussed.

Research environments that promote integrity.

PubMed

Jeffers, Brenda Recchia; Whittemore, Robin

2005-01-01

The body of empirical knowledge about research integrity and the factors that promote research integrity in nursing research environments remains small. To propose an internal control model as an innovative framework for the design and structure of nursing research environments that promote integrity. An internal control model is adapted to illustrate its use for conceptualizing and designing research environments that promote integrity. The internal control model integrates both the organizational elements necessary to promote research integrity and the processes needed to assess research environments. The model provides five interrelated process components within which any number of research integrity variables and processes may be used and studied: internal control environment, risk assessment, internal control activities, monitoring, and information and communication. The components of the proposed research integrity internal control model proposed comprise an integrated conceptualization of the processes that provide reasonable assurance that research integrity will be promoted within the nursing research environment. Schools of nursing can use the model to design, implement, and evaluate systems that promote research integrity. The model process components need further exploration to substantiate the use of the model in nursing research environments.

Small satellite product assurance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demontlivault, J.; Cadelec, Jacques

1993-01-01

In order to increase the interest in small satellites, their cost must be reduced; reducing product assurance costs induced by quality requirements is a major objective. For a logical approach, small satellites are classified in three main categories: satellites for experimental operations with a short lifetime, operational satellites manufactured in small mass with long lifetime requirements, operational satellites (long lifetime required), of which only a few models are produced. The various requirements as regards the product assurance are examined for each satellite category: general requirements for space approach, reliability, electronic components, materials and processes, quality assurance, documentation, tests, and management. Ideal product assurance system integrates quality teams and engineering teams.

NASA guidelines for assuring the adequacy and appropriateness of security safeguards in sensitive applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tompkins, F. G.

1984-01-01

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-71, transmittal Memorandum No. 1, requires that each agency establish a management control process to assure that appropriate administrative, physical and technical safeguards are incorporated into all new computer applications. In addition to security specifications, the management control process should assure that the safeguards are adequate for the application. The security activities that should be integral to the system development process are examined. The software quality assurance process to assure that adequate and appropriate controls are incorporated into sensitive applications is also examined. Security for software packages is also discussed.

Long life assurance study for manned spacecraft long life hardware. Volume 2: Long life assurance studies of EEE parts and packaging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

Guidelines for the design, development, and fabrication of electronic components and circuits for use in spacecraft construction are presented. The subjects discussed involve quality control procedures and test methodology for the following subjects: (1) monolithic integrated circuits, (2) hybrid integrated circuits, (3) transistors, (4) diodes, (5) tantalum capacitors, (6) electromechanical relays, (7) switches and circuit breakers, and (8) electronic packaging.

[Integrated quality assurance].

PubMed

Bögel, K; Stöhr, K

1994-07-01

The definition of terms and connotation of "Quality", "Quality Assurance" and "Integration" lead to an analysis and understanding of inhibiting and fostering factors of the "Health Triad" of people, animals and environment. Although "Quality" is largely or ultimately determined by the consumer, there are considerable differences as this term is applied by (a) the individual consumer, (b) the dynamic producer defending or gaining markets, (c) those engaged in traditional product manufacturing, or (d) governments setting (minimum) requirements for the sake of free trade. "Quality Assurance" offers cooperation of partners all along the food chain from "pasture to table". The managerial process turned into a continuum of responsibility and agreement on processes and product characteristics. This overcomes the disadvantages of strategies stressing distinct defense barriers. In practice this philosophy of a predominant role of defence barriers proved largely partnership destructive, in that it permitted to shift responsibilities for failures and to claim administrative competence according to momentary situations and interests. "Integrated Quality Assurance" means mutual agreement of two or more partners along the food chain (e. g. feed producers, farmers, animal health industry, veterinarians and food processors) on product characteristics and production methods. It involves essential system elements including facilities, materials, manpower, information, transport, management etc. Different principles and procedures of quality assurance have been introduced in practice, including agriculture and food processing. These different approaches are not mutually exclusive but largely of complementary nature.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Autonomous Preference-Aware Information Services Integration for High Response in Integrated Faded Information Field Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Xiaodong; Mori, Kinji

The market and users' requirements have been rapidly changing and diversified. Under these heterogeneous and dynamic situations, not only the system structure itself, but also the accessible information services would be changed constantly. To cope with the continuously changing conditions of service provision and utilization, Faded Information Field (FIF) has been proposed, which is a agent-based distributed information service system architecture. In the case of a mono-service request, the system is designed to improve users' access time and preserve load balancing through the information structure. However, with interdependent requests of multi-service increasing, adaptability and timeliness have to be assured by the system. In this paper, the relationship that exists among the correlated services and the users' preferences for separate and integrated services is clarified. Based on these factors, the autonomous preference-aware information services integration technology to provide one-stop service for users multi-service requests is proposed. As compared to the conventional system, we show that proposed technology is able to reduce the total access time.

Analysis of a Real-Time Separation Assurance System with Integrated Time-in-Trail Spacing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aweiss, Arwa S.; Farrahi, Amir H.; Lauderdale, Todd A.; Thipphavong, Adam S.; Lee, Chu H.

2010-01-01

This paper describes the implementation and analysis of an integrated ground-based separation assurance and time-based metering prototype system into the Center-TRACON Automation System. The integration of this new capability accommodates constraints in four-dimensions: position (x-y), altitude, and meter-fix crossing time. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of the integrated system and its ability to handle traffic levels up to twice that of today. Results suggest that the integrated system reduces the number and magnitude of time-in-trail spacing violations. This benefit was achieved without adversely affecting the resolution success rate of the system. Also, the data suggest that the integrated system is relatively insensitive to an increase in traffic of twice the current levels.

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Integrated Science Instruments Module (ISIM) Electronics Compartment (IEC) Conformal Shields Composite Bond Structure Qualification Test Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yew, Calinda; Stephens, Matt

2015-01-01

The JWST IEC conformal shields are mounted onto a composite frame structure that must undergo qualification testing to satisfy mission assurance requirements. The composite frame segments are bonded together at the joints using epoxy, EA 9394. The development of a test method to verify the integrity of the bonded structure at its operating environment introduces challenges in terms of requirements definition and the attainment of success criteria. Even though protoflight thermal requirements were not achieved, the first attempt in exposing the structure to cryogenic operating conditions in a thermal vacuum environment resulted in approximately 1 bonded joints failure during mechanical pull tests performed at 1.25 times the flight loads. Failure analysis concluded that the failure mode was due to adhesive cracks that formed and propagated along stress concentrated fillets as a result of poor bond squeeze-out control during fabrication. Bond repairs were made and the structures successfully re-tested with an improved LN2 immersion test method to achieve protoflight thermal requirements.

MEMS Reliability Assurance Activities at JPL

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kayali, S.; Lawton, R.; Stark, B.

2000-01-01

An overview of Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) reliability assurance and qualification activities at JPL is presented along with the a discussion of characterization of MEMS structures implemented on single crystal silicon, polycrystalline silicon, CMOS, and LIGA processes. Additionally, common failure modes and mechanisms affecting MEMS structures, including radiation effects, are discussed. Common reliability and qualification practices contained in the MEMS Reliability Assurance Guideline are also presented.

Risk-based requirements management framework with applications to assurance cases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, D.; Eyster, C.

The current regulatory approach for assuring device safety primarily focuses on compliance with prescriptive safety regulations and relevant safety standards. This approach, however, does not always lead to a safe system design even though safety regulations and standards have been met. In the medical device industry, several high profile recalls involving infusion pumps have prompted the regulatory agency to reconsider how device safety should be managed, reviewed and approved. An assurance case has been cited as a promising tool to address this growing concern. Assurance cases have been used in safety-critical systems for some time. Most assurance cases, if not all, in literature today are developed in an ad hoc fashion, independent from risk management and requirement development. An assurance case is a resource-intensive endeavor that requires additional effort and documentation from equipment manufacturers. Without a well-organized requirements infrastructure in place, such “ additional effort” can be substantial, to the point where the cost of adoption outweighs the benefit of adoption. In this paper, the authors present a Risk-Based Requirements and Assurance Management (RBRAM) methodology. The RBRAM is an elaborate framework that combines Risk-Based Requirements Management (RBRM) with assurance case methods. Such an integrated framework can help manufacturers leverage an existing risk management to present a comprehensive assurance case with minimal additional effort while providing a supplementary means to reexamine the integrity of the system design in terms of the mission objective. Although the example used is from the medical industry, the authors believe that the RBRAM methodology underlines the fundamental principle of risk management, and offers a simple, yet effective framework applicable to aerospace industry, perhaps, to any industry.

Novel cost controlled materials and processing for primary structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dastin, S. J.

1993-01-01

Textile laminates, developed a number of years ago, have recently been shown to be applicable to primary aircraft structures for both small and large components. Such structures have the potential to reduce acquisition costs but require advanced automated processing to keep costs controlled while verifying product reliability and assuring structural integrity, durability and affordable life-cycle costs. Recently, resin systems and graphite-reinforced woven shapes have been developed that have the potential for improved RTM processes for aircraft structures. Ciba-Geigy, Brochier Division has registered an RTM prepreg reinforcement called 'Injectex' that has shown effectivity for aircraft components. Other novel approaches discussed are thermotropic resins producing components by injection molding and ceramic polymers for long-duration hot structures. The potential of such materials and processing will be reviewed along with initial information/data available to date.

Product Assurance Targeted to Meet Mission Objectives

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mclaughlin, Diane

1991-01-01

Topics concerning the Common Lunar Lander for the Space Exploration Initiative are covered and include the following: product assurance tools and supports; project goals; and product assurance structured for optimal payback.

Quality assurance planning for lunar Mars exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Myers, Kay

1991-01-01

A review is presented of the tools and techniques required to meet the challenge of total quality in the goal of traveling to Mars and returning to the moon. One program used by NASA to ensure the integrity of baselined requirements documents is configuration management (CM). CM is defined as an integrated management process that documents and identifies the functional and physical characteristics of a facility's systems, structures, computer software, and components. It also ensures that changes to these characteristics are properly assessed, developed, approved, implemented, verified, recorded, and incorporated into the facility's documentation. Three principal areas are discussed that will realize significant efficiencies and enhanced effectiveness, change assessment, change avoidance, and requirements management.

International Space Station (ISS) Accommodation of a Single US Assured Crew Return Vehicle (ACRV)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mazanek, Daniel D.; Garn, Michelle A.; Troutman, Patrick A.; Wang, Yuan; Kumar, Renjith; Heck, Michael L.

1997-01-01

The following report was generated to give the International Space Station (ISS) Program some additional insight into the operations and issues associated with accommodating a single U.S. developed Assured Crew Return Vehicle (ACRV). During the generation of this report, changes in both the ISS and ACRV programs were factored into the analysis with the realization that most of the work performed will eventually need to be repeated once the two programs become more integrated. No significant issues associated with the ISS accommodating the ACRV were uncovered. Kinematic analysis of ACRV installation showed that there are viable methods of using Shuttle and Station robotic manipulators. Separation analysis demonstrated that the ACRV departure path clears the Station structure for all likely contingency scenarios. The payload bay packaging analysis identified trades that can be made between payload bay location, Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS) reach and eventual designs of de-orbit stages and docking adapters.

Quality control and quality assurance plan for bridge channel-stability assessments in Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Parker, Gene W.; Pinson, Harlow

1993-01-01

A quality control and quality assurance plan has been implemented as part of the Massachusetts bridge scour and channel-stability assessment program. This program is being conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, Massachusetts-Rhode Island District, in cooperation with the Massachusetts Highway Department. Project personnel training, data-integrity verification, and new data-management technologies are being utilized in the channel-stability assessment process to improve current data-collection and management techniques. An automated data-collection procedure has been implemented to standardize channel-stability assessments on a regular basis within the State. An object-oriented data structure and new image management tools are used to produce a data base enabling management of multiple data object classes. Data will be reviewed by assessors and data base managers before being merged into a master bridge-scour data base, which includes automated data-verification routines.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration in the National Airspace System (NAS) Project Subcommittee Final

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Chuck; Griner, James H.; Hayhurst, Kelly J.; Shively, Robert J.; Consiglio, Maria; Muller, Eric; Murphy, James; Kim, Sam

2012-01-01

UAS Integration in the NAS Project overview with details from each of the subprojects. Subprojects include: Communications, Certification, Integrated Test and Evaluation, Human Systems Integration, and Separation Assurance/Sense and Avoid Interoperability.

New getter configuration at wafer level for assuring long term stability of MEMs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moraja, Marco; Amiotti, Marco; Kullberg, Richard C.

2003-01-01

The evolution from ceramic packages to wafer to wafer hermetic sealing poses tremendous technical challenges to integrate a proper getter inside the MEMs to assure a long term stability and reliability of the devices. The state of the art solution to integrate a getter inside the MEMs of the last generation consists in patterning the getter material with a specific geometry onto the Si cap wafer. The practical implementation of this solution consists in a 4" or 6" Si wafers with grooves or particular incisures, where the getter material is placed in form of a thick film. The typical thickness of these thick films is in the range of few microns, depending on the gas load to be handled during the lifetime of the device. The structure of the thick getter film is highly porous in order to improve sorption performances, but at the same time there are no loose particles thanks to a proprietary manufacturing method. The getter thick film is composed of a Zr special alloy with a proper composition to optimize the sorption performances. The getter thick film can be placed selectively into grooves without affecting the lateral regions, surrounding the grooves where the hermetic sealing is performed.

Theme 3: Mechanical Integrity - Pre & Post Well Integrity Methods for Hydraulically Fractured/Stimulated Wells

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This presentation looks into wellbore design and monitoring techniques that are critical in assuring that wellbore integrity is maintained in conjunction with hydraulic fracturing/stimulation completion practices.

Assessing the practice of biomedical ontology evaluation: Gaps and opportunities.

PubMed

Amith, Muhammad; He, Zhe; Bian, Jiang; Lossio-Ventura, Juan Antonio; Tao, Cui

2018-04-01

With the proliferation of heterogeneous health care data in the last three decades, biomedical ontologies and controlled biomedical terminologies play a more and more important role in knowledge representation and management, data integration, natural language processing, as well as decision support for health information systems and biomedical research. Biomedical ontologies and controlled terminologies are intended to assure interoperability. Nevertheless, the quality of biomedical ontologies has hindered their applicability and subsequent adoption in real-world applications. Ontology evaluation is an integral part of ontology development and maintenance. In the biomedicine domain, ontology evaluation is often conducted by third parties as a quality assurance (or auditing) effort that focuses on identifying modeling errors and inconsistencies. In this work, we first organized four categorical schemes of ontology evaluation methods in the existing literature to create an integrated taxonomy. Further, to understand the ontology evaluation practice in the biomedicine domain, we reviewed a sample of 200 ontologies from the National Center for Biomedical Ontology (NCBO) BioPortal-the largest repository for biomedical ontologies-and observed that only 15 of these ontologies have documented evaluation in their corresponding inception papers. We then surveyed the recent quality assurance approaches for biomedical ontologies and their use. We also mapped these quality assurance approaches to the ontology evaluation criteria. It is our anticipation that ontology evaluation and quality assurance approaches will be more widely adopted in the development life cycle of biomedical ontologies. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

7 CFR 735.402 - Providers of other electronic documents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... and maximum deductible amounts and applicability of other forms of financial assurances as set forth...) Submit a current review or an audit level financial statement prepared according to generally accepted...) Financial requirements; (9) Terms of insurance policies or assurances; (10) Provider's integrity statement...

Are We Monitoring the Quality of Cataract Surgery Services? A Qualitative Situation Analysis of Attitudes and Practices in a Large City in South Africa

PubMed Central

Haastrup, Oluwatosin O. O.; Buchan, John C.; Cassels-Brown, Andy; Cook, Colin

2015-01-01

Purpose: To evaluate the current quality “assurance” and “improvement” mechanisms, the knowledge, attitudes and practices of cataract surgeons in a large South African city. Methodology: A total of 17 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with ophthalmologists in June 2012 at 2 tertiary institutions in the Republic of South Africa. Recruitment of the purposive sample was supplemented by snowball sampling. The study participants were 5 general ophthalmologists and 2 pediatric ophthalmologists; 4 senior and 4 junior registrars and a medical officer. Participants were interviewed by a trained qualitative interviewer. The interview lasted between 20 and 60 min. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed for thematic content. Results: Mechanisms for quality assurance were trainee logbooks and subjective senior staff observation. Clinicians were encouraged, but not obliged to self-audit. Quality improvement is incentivized by personal integrity and ambition. Poorly performing departments are inconspicuous, especially nationally, and ophthalmologists rely on the impression to gauge the quality of service provided by colleagues. Currently, word of mouth is the method for determining the better cataract surgical centers. Conclusion: The quality assurance mechanisms were dependent on insight and integrity of the individual surgeons. No structures were described that would ensure the detection of surgeons with higher than expected complication rates. Currently, audits are not enforced, and surgical outcomes are not well monitored due to concerns that this may lead to lack of openness among ophthalmologists. PMID:25949081

Goal Structuring Notation in a Radiation Hardening Assurance Case for COTS-Based Spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Witulski, Arthur; Austin, Rebekah; Evans, John; Mahadevan, Nag; Karsai, Gabor; Sierawski, Brian; LaBel, Ken; Reed, Robert; Schrimpf, Ron

2016-01-01

A systematic approach is presented to constructing a radiation assurance case using Goal Structuring Notation (GSN) for spacecraft containing commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) parts. The GSN paradigm is applied to an SRAM single-event upset experiment board designed to fly on a CubeSat November 2016. Construction of a radiation assurance case without use of hardened parts or extensive radiation testing is discussed.

Assurance Arguments for the Non-Graphically-Inclined: Two Approaches

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heavner, Emily; Holloway, C. Michael

2017-01-01

We introduce and discuss two approaches to presenting assurance arguments. One approach is based on a monograph structure, while the other is based on a tabular structure. In today's research and academic setting, assurance cases often use a graphical notation; however for people who are not graphically inclined, these notations can be difficult to read. This document proposes, outlines, explains, and presents examples of two non-graphical assurance argument notations that may be appropriate for non-graphically-inclined readers and also provide argument writers with freedom to add details and manipulate an argument in multiple ways.

Earth Observing System (EOS)/Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A) software assurance plan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwantje, Robert; Smith, Claude

1994-01-01

This document defines the responsibilities of Software Quality Assurance (SOA) for the development of the flight software installed in EOS/AMSU-A instruments, and the ground support software used in the test and integration of the EOS/AMSU-A instruments.

Gulf of Mexico dissolved oxygen model (GoMDOM) research and quality assurance project plan

EPA Science Inventory

An integrated high resolution mathematical modeling framework is being developed that will link hydrodynamic, atmospheric, and water quality models for the northern Gulf of Mexico. This Research and Quality Assurance Project Plan primarily focuses on the deterministic Gulf of Me...

Carbon nanotube-based structural health monitoring for fiber reinforced composite materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hao; Liu, Kan; Mardirossian, Aris; Heider, Dirk; Thostenson, Erik

2017-04-01

In fiber reinforced composite materials, the modes of damage accumulation, ranging from microlevel to macro-level (matrix cracks development, fiber breakage, fiber-matrix de-bonding, delamination, etc.), are complex and hard to be detected through conventional non-destructive evaluation methods. Therefore, in order to assure the outstanding structural performance and high durability of the composites, there has been an urgent need for the design and fabrication smart composites with self-damage sensing capabilities. In recent years, the macroscopic forms of carbon nanotube materials have been maturely investigated, which provides the opportunity for structural health monitoring based on the carbon nanotubes that are integrated in the inter-laminar areas of advanced fiber composites. Here in this research, advanced fiber composites embedded with laminated carbon nanotube layers are manufactured for damage detection due to the relevant spatial electrical property changes once damage occurs. The mechanical-electrical coupling response is recorded and analyzed during impact test. The design and manufacturing of integrating the carbon nanotubes intensely affect the detecting sensitivity and repeatability of the integrated multifunctional sensors. The ultimate goal of the reported work is to develop a novel structural health monitoring method with the capability of reporting information on the damage state in a real-time way.

Meeting of Experts on NASA's Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Integration in the National Airspace Systems (NAS) Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wolfe, Jean; Bauer, Jeff; Bixby, C.J.; Lauderdale, Todd; Shively, Jay; Griner, James; Hayhurst, Kelly

2010-01-01

Topics discussed include: Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate Integrated Systems Research Program (ISRP) and UAS Integration in the NAS Project; UAS Integration into the NAS Project; Separation Assurance and Collision Avoidance; Pilot Aircraft Interface Objectives/Rationale; Communication; Certification; and Integrated Tests and Evaluations.

The CHPRC Groundwater and Technical Integration Support (Master Project) Quality Assurance Management Plan

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

Fix, N. J.

The scope of the CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Company, LLC (CHPRC) Groundwater and Technical Integration Support (Master Project) is for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory staff to provide technical and integration support to CHPRC. This work includes conducting investigations at the 300-FF-5 Operable Unit and other groundwater operable units, and providing strategic integration, technical integration and assessments, remediation decision support, and science and technology. The projects under this Master Project will be defined and included within the Master Project throughout the fiscal year, and will be incorporated into the Master Project Plan. This Quality Assurance Management Plan provides the quality assurancemore » requirements and processes that will be followed by the CHPRC Groundwater and Technical Integration Support (Master Project) and all releases associated with the CHPRC Soil and Groundwater Remediation Project. The plan is designed to be used exclusively by project staff.« less

Assuring Quality in Large-Scale Online Course Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parscal, Tina; Riemer, Deborah

2010-01-01

Student demand for online education requires colleges and universities to rapidly expand the number of courses and programs offered online while maintaining high quality. This paper outlines two universities respective processes to assure quality in large-scale online programs that integrate instructional design, eBook custom publishing, Quality…

Quality Assurance, Open and Distance Learning, and Australian Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reid, Ian C.

2005-01-01

Open and distance education has integrated quality assurance processes since its inception. Recently, the increased use of distance teaching systems, technologies, and pedagogies by universities without a distance education heritage has enabled them to provide flexible learning opportunities. They have done this in addition to, or instead of,…

Program Environmental Assurance: Shuttle Environmental Assurance and the Future

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glover, Steve E.

2008-01-01

Material availability continues to be impacted by domestic and international environmental health and safety (EH&S) regulations, industrial pollution prevention goals and related vendor economics. SEA is an integrated team that works to identify, communicate and address safety and environmentally driven materials obsolescence issues and pollution prevention opportunities.

All-Optical Wavelength-Path Service With Quality Assurance by Multilayer Integration System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yagi, Mikio; Tanaka, Shinya; Satomi, Shuichi; Ryu, Shiro; Asano, Shoichiro

2006-09-01

In the future all-optical network controlled by generalized multiprotocol label switching (GMPLS), the wavelength path between end nodes will change dynamically. This inevitably means that the fiber parameters along the wavelength path will also vary. This variation in fiber parameters influences the signal quality of high-speed-transmission system (bit rates over 40 Gb/s). Therefore, at a path setup, the fiber-parameter effect should be adequately compensated. Moreover, the path setup must be completed fast enough to meet the network-application demands. To realize the rapid setup of adequate paths, a multilayer integration system for all-optical wavelength-path quality assurance is proposed. This multilayer integration system is evaluated in a field trial. In the trial, the GMPLS control plane, measurement plane, and data plane coordinated to maintain the quality of a 40-Gb/s wavelength path that would otherwise be degraded by the influence of chromatic dispersion. It is also demonstrated that the multilayer integration system can assure the signal quality in the face of not only chromatic dispersion but also degradation in the optical signal-to-noise ratio by the use of a 2R regeneration system. Our experiments confirm that the proposed multilayer integration system is an essential part of future all-optical networks.

Quality assurance and stability reference (QUASAR) monitoring concept for calibration/validation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teillet, Philippe M.; Horler, D. N.; O'Neill, Norman T.

1997-12-01

The paper introduces the concept that calibration/validation (cal/val) can play an essential role in bringing remote sensing to mainstream consumers in an information-based society, provided that cal/val is an integral part of a quality-assurance strategy. A market model for remote sensing is introduced and used to demonstrate that quality assurance is the key to bridging the gap between early adopters of technology and mainstream markets. The paper goes on to propose the semi-continuous monitoring of quality assurance and stability reference (QUASAR) sites as an important first step towards a cal/val infrastructure beneficial to mainstream users. Prospective QUASAR test sites are described.

Surveillance and Datalink Communication Performance Analysis for Distributed Separation Assurance System Architectures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chung, William W.; Linse, Dennis J.; Alaverdi, Omeed; Ifarraguerri, Carlos; Seifert, Scott C.; Salvano, Dan; Calender, Dale

2012-01-01

This study investigates the effects of two technical enablers: Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) and digital datalink communication, of the Federal Aviation Administration s Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) under two separation assurance (SA) system architectures: ground-based SA and airborne SA, on overall separation assurance performance. Datalink performance such as successful reception probability in both surveillance and communication messages, and surveillance accuracy are examined in various operational conditions. Required SA performance is evaluated as a function of subsystem performance, using availability, continuity, and integrity metrics to establish overall required separation assurance performance, under normal and off-nominal conditions.

DoD Veterinary Service Activity Role in DoD Food Safety.

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-01-01

medical research and development; zoonotic disease prevention and control; and food safety and quality assurance. The latter mission is not all encompassing...within DoD. This paper reviews the division of responsibilities, within DoD, for food safety and quality assurance. The complexity of the division...and the problem it causes joint operations planners are explored. A proposal for integrating overall strategic responsibility for food safety and quality assurance into the DoD Veterinary Service Activity is developed.

Integrated deterministic and probabilistic safety analysis for safety assessment of nuclear power plants

DOE PAGES

Di Maio, Francesco; Zio, Enrico; Smith, Curtis; ...

2015-07-06

The present special issue contains an overview of the research in the field of Integrated Deterministic and Probabilistic Safety Assessment (IDPSA) of Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs). Traditionally, safety regulation for NPPs design and operation has been based on Deterministic Safety Assessment (DSA) methods to verify criteria that assure plant safety in a number of postulated Design Basis Accident (DBA) scenarios. Referring to such criteria, it is also possible to identify those plant Structures, Systems, and Components (SSCs) and activities that are most important for safety within those postulated scenarios. Then, the design, operation, and maintenance of these “safety-related” SSCs andmore » activities are controlled through regulatory requirements and supported by Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PSA).« less

An overview of fatigue failures at the Rocky Flats Wind System Test Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waldon, C. A.

1981-01-01

Potential small wind energy conversion (SWECS) design problems were identified to improve product quality and reliability. Mass produced components such as gearboxes, generators, bearings, etc., are generally reliable due to their widespread uniform use in other industries. The likelihood of failure increases, though, in the interfacing of these components and in SWECS components designed for a specific system use. Problems relating to the structural integrity of such components are discussed and analyzed with techniques currently used in quality assurance programs in other manufacturing industries.

Structured Analysis of the Logistic Support Analysis (LSA) Task, and Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) Element, LSA Subtask 301.2.4.2, Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM)

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-06-01

Di’Lt. ibu601’. I j I o; DTIC Qt.ALTTY I ,2,1 4 AMERICAN POWER JET COMPANY RIDGEFIELD, NJ FALLS CHURCH...The logic is applied to each reparable item in the system/equipment. When the components have been analyzed, an overall system/equipment analysis is...in the AMSDL as applicable to the referenced DIDs of interest. 5. Apply staff experience in logistics support analysis to assure that the intent of the

We Can't Go Home Again: Insights from a Quarter Century of Experiments in External Academic Quality Assurance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dill, David D.

2010-01-01

What have we learned from 25 years of experience with external academic quality assurance that can help design more effective framework conditions for assuring academic standards? The key elements appear to be the structure and means of evaluating national academic quality assurance agencies, the nature of academic quality information mandated by…

A new quality assurance package for hospital palliative care teams: the Trent Hospice Audit Group model.

PubMed

Hunt, J; Keeley, V L; Cobb, M; Ahmedzai, S H

2004-07-19

Cancer patients in hospitals are increasingly cared for jointly by palliative care teams, as well as oncologists and surgeons. There has been a considerable growth in the number and range of hospital palliative care teams (HPCTs) in the United Kingdom. HPCTs can include specialist doctors and nurses, social workers, chaplains, allied health professionals and pharmacists. Some teams work closely with existing cancer multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) while others are less well integrated. Quality assurance and clinical governance requirements have an impact on the monitoring of such teams, but so far there is no standardised way of measuring the amount and quality of HPCTs' workload. Trent Hospice Audit Group (THAG) is a multiprofessional research group, which has been developing standards and audit tools for palliative care since the 1990s. These follow a format of structure-process-outcome for standards and measures. We describe a collaborative programme of work with HPCTs that has led to a new set of standards and audit tools. Nine HPCTs participated in three rounds of consultation, piloting and modification of standard statements and tools. The final pack of HPCT quality assurance tools covers: policies and documentation; medical notes review; questionnaires for ward-based staff. The tools measure the HPCT workload and casemix; the views of ward-based staff on the supportive role of the HPCT and the effectiveness of HPCT education programmes, particularly in changing practice. The THAG HPCT quality assurance pack is now available for use in cancer peer review.

Integration of structural health monitoring solutions onto commercial aircraft via the Federal Aviation Administration structural health monitoring research program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swindell, Paul; Doyle, Jon; Roach, Dennis

2017-02-01

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) started a research program in structural health monitoring (SHM) in 2011. The program's goal was to understand the technical gaps of implementing SHM on commercial aircraft and the potential effects on FAA regulations and guidance. The program evolved into a demonstration program consisting of a team from Sandia National Labs Airworthiness Assurance NDI Center (AANC), the Boeing Corporation, Delta Air Lines, Structural Monitoring Systems (SMS), Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing Corp (AEM) and the FAA. This paper will discuss the program from the selection of the inspection problem, the SHM system (Comparative Vacuum Monitoring-CVM) that was selected as the inspection solution and the testing completed to provide sufficient data to gain the first approved use of an SHM system for routine maintenance on commercial US aircraft.

Life sciences flight experiments program, life sciences project division, procurement quality provisions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

House, G.

1980-01-01

Methods are defined for implementing quality assurance policy and requirements for life sciences laboratory equipment, experimental hardware, integration and test support equipment, and integrated payloads.

The Assessment of Business Knowledge and Integration for Assurance of Learning: An Application

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hawkins, Alfred G., Jr.

2010-01-01

AACSB has mandated that the documentation of student learning will become increasingly important in decisions regarding initial accreditation and reaffirmation. Assurance of learning is a major part of the accreditation and reaffirmation process. All universities will need to develop a set of learning goals for all their programs. These learning…

MODEL EVALUATION SCIENCE TO MEET TODAY'S QUALITY ASSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR REGULATORY USE: ADDRESSING UNCERTAINTY, SENSITIVITY, AND PARAMETERIZATION

EPA Science Inventory

The EPA/ORD National Exposure Research Lab's (NERL) UA/SA/PE research program addresses both tactical and strategic needs in direct support of ORD's client base. The design represents an integrated approach in achieving the highest levels of quality assurance in environmental de...

MEETING IN TUCSON: MODEL EVALUATION SCIENCE TO MEET TODAY'S QUALITY ASSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR REGULATORY USE: ADDRESSING UNCERTAINTY, SENSITIVITY, AND PARAMETERIZATION

EPA Science Inventory

The EPA/ORD National Exposure Research Lab's (NERL) UA/SA/PE research program addresses both tactical and strategic needs in direct support of ORD's client base. The design represents an integrated approach in achieving the highest levels of quality assurance in environmental dec...

Strategy and Quality Maps in Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kettunen, Juha

2011-01-01

The purpose of this study is to investigate the integration of strategic management and quality assurance in higher education. The study presents how the value chain can be described in the strategy and quality maps, which are, respectively graphical representations of the strategic plan and the quality assurance system. The quality map is a new…

Quality assurance program requirements, Amendment 5 (9-26-79) to August 1973 issue

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

Not Available

This standard sets forth general requirements for planning, managing, conducting, and evaluating quality assurance programs for reactor development and test facility projects and associated processes, structures, components, and systems. These quality assurance requirements are based on proven practices and provide the means of control and verification whereby those responsible fo poject management can assure that the quality required for safe, reliable, and economical operation will be achieved. The objective of the program of the programs covered by this standard is to assure that structures, components, systems, and facilities are designed, developed, manufactured, constructed, operated, and maintained in compliance with establishedmore » engineering criteria. To achieve this objective, controls are to be established and implemented at predetermined points, and necessary action taken to prevent, detect, and correct any deficiencies.« less

Printed Circuit Board Quality Assurance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sood, Bhanu

2016-01-01

PCB Assurance Summary: PCB assurance actives are informed by risk in context of the Project. Lessons are being applied across Projects for continuous improvements. Newer component technologies, smaller/high pitch devices: tighter and more demanding PCB designs: Identifying new research areas. New materials, designs, structures and test methods.

32 CFR 195.6 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... will be conducted or the facility operated in compliance with all requirements imposed by or pursuant... of personal property, or real property or interest therein or structures thereon, the assurance shall... enforcement. (2) In the case of real property, structures or improvements thereon, or interest therein, which...

32 CFR 195.6 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... will be conducted or the facility operated in compliance with all requirements imposed by or pursuant... of personal property, or real property or interest therein or structures thereon, the assurance shall... enforcement. (2) In the case of real property, structures or improvements thereon, or interest therein, which...

32 CFR 195.6 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... will be conducted or the facility operated in compliance with all requirements imposed by or pursuant... of personal property, or real property or interest therein or structures thereon, the assurance shall... enforcement. (2) In the case of real property, structures or improvements thereon, or interest therein, which...

32 CFR 195.6 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... will be conducted or the facility operated in compliance with all requirements imposed by or pursuant... of personal property, or real property or interest therein or structures thereon, the assurance shall... enforcement. (2) In the case of real property, structures or improvements thereon, or interest therein, which...

32 CFR 195.6 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... will be conducted or the facility operated in compliance with all requirements imposed by or pursuant... of personal property, or real property or interest therein or structures thereon, the assurance shall... enforcement. (2) In the case of real property, structures or improvements thereon, or interest therein, which...

Assurance of Fault Management: Risk-Significant Adverse Condition Awareness

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fitz, Rhonda

2016-01-01

Fault Management (FM) systems are ranked high in risk-based assessment of criticality within flight software, emphasizing the importance of establishing highly competent domain expertise to provide assurance for NASA projects, especially as spaceflight systems continue to increase in complexity. Insight into specific characteristics of FM architectures seen embedded within safety- and mission-critical software systems analyzed by the NASA Independent Verification Validation (IVV) Program has been enhanced with an FM Technical Reference (TR) suite. Benefits are aimed beyond the IVV community to those that seek ways to efficiently and effectively provide software assurance to reduce the FM risk posture of NASA and other space missions. The identification of particular FM architectures, visibility, and associated IVV techniques provides a TR suite that enables greater assurance that critical software systems will adequately protect against faults and respond to adverse conditions. The role FM has with regard to overall asset protection of flight software systems is being addressed with the development of an adverse condition (AC) database encompassing flight software vulnerabilities.Identification of potential off-nominal conditions and analysis to determine how a system responds to these conditions are important aspects of hazard analysis and fault management. Understanding what ACs the mission may face, and ensuring they are prevented or addressed is the responsibility of the assurance team, which necessarily should have insight into ACs beyond those defined by the project itself. Research efforts sponsored by NASAs Office of Safety and Mission Assurance defined terminology, categorized data fields, and designed a baseline repository that centralizes and compiles a comprehensive listing of ACs and correlated data relevant across many NASA missions. This prototype tool helps projects improve analysis by tracking ACs, and allowing queries based on project, mission type, domain component, causal fault, and other key characteristics. The repository has a firm structure, initial collection of data, and an interface established for informational queries, with plans for integration within the Enterprise Architecture at NASA IVV, enabling support and accessibility across the Agency. The development of an improved workflow process for adaptive, risk-informed FM assurance is currently underway.

Model Based Mission Assurance: Emerging Opportunities for Robotic Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Evans, John W.; DiVenti, Tony

2016-01-01

The emergence of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) in a Model Based Engineering framework has created new opportunities to improve effectiveness and efficiencies across the assurance functions. The MBSE environment supports not only system architecture development, but provides for support of Systems Safety, Reliability and Risk Analysis concurrently in the same framework. Linking to detailed design will further improve assurance capabilities to support failures avoidance and mitigation in flight systems. This also is leading new assurance functions including model assurance and management of uncertainty in the modeling environment. Further, the assurance cases, a structured hierarchal argument or model, are emerging as a basis for supporting a comprehensive viewpoint in which to support Model Based Mission Assurance (MBMA).

Smart Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel - Integrated Structural Health Monitoring System to Meet Space Exploration and International Space Station Mission Assurance Needs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saulsberry, Regor; Nichols, Charles; Waller, Jess

2012-01-01

Currently there are no integrated NDE methods for baselining and monitoring defect levels in fleet for Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs) or related fracture critical composites, or for performing life-cycle maintenance inspections either in a traditional remove-and-inspect mode or in a more modern in situ inspection structural health monitoring (SHM) mode. Implicit in SHM and autonomous inspection is the existence of quantitative accept-reject criteria. To be effective, these criteria must correlate with levels of damage known to cause composite failure. Furthermore, implicit in SHM is the existence of effective remote sensing hardware and automated techniques and algorithms for interpretation of SHM data. SHM of facture critical composite structures, especially high pressure COPVs, is critical to the success of nearly every future NASA space exploration program as well as life extension of the International Space Station. It has been clearly stated that future NASA missions may not be successful without SHM [1]. Otherwise, crews will be busy addressing subsystem health issues and not focusing on the real NASA mission

Comparative analysis of structural concrete quality assurance practices on nine nuclear power plant construction projects. Final report

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

Willenbrock, J.H.; Thomas, H.R. Jr.; Burati, J.L. Jr.

1978-06-01

The basic objective of this research effort was to perform a comparative analysis of the Quality Assurance practices related to the structural concrete phase on nine nuclear power plant projects which are (or have been) under construction in the United States in the past ten years. This analysis identified the response of each Quality Assurance program to the applicable criteria of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B as well as to the pertinent regulatory requirements and industry standards. The major emphasis was placed on the construction aspects of the structural concrete phase of each project. The engineering and design aspectsmore » were examined whenever they interfaced with the construction aspects. For those aspects of the Quality Assurance system which can be considered managerial in nature (i.e., organizational relationships, types of Quality Assurance programs, corrective action procedures, etc.) an attempt has been made to present the alternative approaches that were identified. For those aspects of the Quality Assurance system which are technical in nature (i.e., the frequency of testing for slump, compressive strength, etc.) an attempt has been made to present a comparative analysis between projects and in relation to the recommended or mandated practices presented in the appropriate industry codes and standards.« less

Integration of laboratory and process testing data

PubMed Central

Tyszkiewicz, Michael

1995-01-01

The author describes ACS Inc.'s Pro-LIMS system which integrates laboratory and process procedures. The system has been shown to be an important toolfor quality assurance in the process manufacturing industry. PMID:18924782

Spacelab Data Processing Facility (SLDPF) quality assurance expert systems development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Basile, Lisa R.; Kelly, Angelita C.

1987-01-01

The Spacelab Data Processing Facility (SLDPF) is an integral part of the Space Shuttle data network for missions that involve attached scientific payloads. Expert system prototypes were developed to aid in the performance of the quality assurance function of the Spacelab and/or Attached Shuttle Payloads processed telemetry data. The Spacelab Input Processing System (SIPS) and the Spacelab Output Processing System (SOPS), two expert systems, were developed to determine their feasibility and potential in the quality assurance of processed telemetry data. The capabilities and performance of these systems are discussed.

Enhanced Low Dose Rate Effects in Bipolar Circuits: A New Hardness Assurance Problem for NASA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, A.; Barnes, C.

1995-01-01

Many bipolar integrated circuits are much more susceptible to ionizing radiation at low dose rates than they are at high dose rates typically used for radiation parts testing. Since the low dose rate is equivalent to that seen in space, the standard lab test no longer can be considered conservative and has caused the Air Force to issue an alert. Although a reliable radiation hardness assurance test has not yet been designed, possible mechanisms for low dose rate enhancement and hardness assurance tests are discussed.

Quality Assurance in Sub-Saharan Africa

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Materu, Peter; Righetti, Petra

2010-01-01

This article assesses the status and practice of higher education quality assurance in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on degree-granting tertiary institutions. A main finding is that structured national-level quality assurance processes in African higher education are a very recent phenomenon and that most countries face major capacity constraints.…

Goal Structuring Notation in a Radiation Hardening Assurance Case for COTS-Based Spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Witulski, A.; Austin, R.; Evans, J.; Mahadevan, N.; Karsai, G.; Sierawski, B.; LaBel, K.; Reed, R.

2016-01-01

The attached presentation is a summary of how mission assurance is supported by model-based representations of spacecraft systems that can define sub-system functionality and interfacing, reliability parameters, as well as detailing a new paradigm for assurance, a model-centric and not document-centric process.

Faculty Workshops for Teaching Information Assurance through Hands-On Exercises and Case Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yuan, Xiaohong; Williams, Kenneth; Yu, Huiming; Rorrer, Audrey; Chu, Bei-Tseng; Yang, Li; Winters, Kathy; Kizza, Joseph

2017-01-01

Though many Information Assurance (IA) educators agree that hands-on exercises and case studies improve student learning, hands-on exercises and case studies are not widely adopted due to the time needed to develop them and integrate them into curricula. Under the support of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Scholarship for Service program, we…

European and U.S. Accreditation Standards and Globalization: View from a U.S. Regional Public Business School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Porterfield, Rebecca I.; Clark, Lawrence; Keating, Robert J.

2014-01-01

Business schools around the world are seeking partner relationships that will support the growing need for well-educated business professionals. The dilemma for many U.S. regional business schools is the trade-off between establishing international partnerships while ensuring educational integrity through quality assurance. This assurance can be…

Examining the Use of the ASSURE Model by K-12 Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kim, Daesang; Downey, Steve

2016-01-01

Heinich et al. (1999) introduced the ASSURE model to guide teachers in how to plan and deliver lessons that effectively integrate technology into their classroom teaching. Its straightforward, practical approach has made it one of the most widely taught instructional models in the education arena. However, for all of its widespread use, there is…

Integrating Safety and Mission Assurance in Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cianciola, Chris; Crane, Kenneth

2008-01-01

This presentation describes how the Ares Projects are learning from the successes and failures of previous launch systems in order to maximize safety and reliability while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The Ares Projects are integrating Safety and Mission Assurance into design activities and embracing independent assessments by Quality experts in thorough reviews of designs and processes. Incorporating Lean thinking into the design process, Ares is also streamlining existing processes and future manufacturing flows which will yield savings during production. Understanding the value of early involvement of Quality experts, the Ares Projects are leading launch vehicle development into the 21st century.

Case study in health information management: strategic planning.

PubMed

Homan, C V

1992-08-01

The strategic planning process has proven to be invaluable to Riverside Hospital's success. Involvement of all levels of the organization and integration of plans solidifies organizational commitments and provides a framework that assures accomplishment of overall goals. With major developments in computerization of medical records and other systems that support patient care data analysis on the horizon, Riverside's integrated plans are defining crucial information system projects. As the pool of available resources for projects continues to shrink, the planning format described assures funding of information system needs that will secure a position for Riverside in the health care marketplace of the future.

45 CFR 1110.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... accompanied by an assurance that the program will be conducted or the facility operated in compliance with all... provide or is in the form of personal property, or real property or interest therein or structures thereon... enforcement. (2) In the case of real property, structures or improvements thereon, or interests therein, which...

45 CFR 1110.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... accompanied by an assurance that the program will be conducted or the facility operated in compliance with all... provide or is in the form of personal property, or real property or interest therein or structures thereon... enforcement. (2) In the case of real property, structures or improvements thereon, or interests therein, which...

45 CFR 1110.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... accompanied by an assurance that the program will be conducted or the facility operated in compliance with all... provide or is in the form of personal property, or real property or interest therein or structures thereon... enforcement. (2) In the case of real property, structures or improvements thereon, or interests therein, which...

45 CFR 1110.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... accompanied by an assurance that the program will be conducted or the facility operated in compliance with all... provide or is in the form of personal property, or real property or interest therein or structures thereon... enforcement. (2) In the case of real property, structures or improvements thereon, or interests therein, which...

45 CFR 1110.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... accompanied by an assurance that the program will be conducted or the facility operated in compliance with all... provide or is in the form of personal property, or real property or interest therein or structures thereon... enforcement. (2) In the case of real property, structures or improvements thereon, or interests therein, which...

1985 Annual Conference on Nuclear and Space Radiation Effects, 22nd, Monterey, CA, July 22-24, 1985, Proceedings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, C. W. (Editor)

1985-01-01

Basic mechanisms of radiation effects in structures and materials are discussed, taking into account the time dependence of interface state production, process dependent build-up of interface states in irradiated N-channel MOSFETs, bias annealing of radiation and bias induced positive charges in n- and p-type MOS capacitors, hole removal in thin-gate MOSFETs by tunneling, and activation energies of oxide charge recovery in SOS or SOI structures after an ionizing pulse. Other topics investigated are related to radiation effects in devices, radiation effects in integrated circuits, spacecraft charging and space radiation effects, single-event phenomena, hardness assurance and radiation sources, SGEMP/IEMP phenomena, EMP phenomena, and dosimetry and energy-dependent effects. Attention is given to a model of the plasma wake generated by a large object, gate charge collection and induced drain current in GaAs FETs, simulation of charge collection in a multilayer device, and time dependent dose enhancement effects on integrated circuit transient response mechanisms.

Improving the implementation of marine monitoring in the northeast Atlantic.

PubMed

Turrell, W R

2018-03-01

Marine monitoring in the northeast Atlantic is delivered within identifiable monitoring themes, established through time and defined by the geographical area and policy drivers they serve, the sampling methodologies they use, their assessment methodologies, their funding and governance structures and the people or organisations involved in their implementation. Within a monitoring theme, essential components for effective monitoring are governance, strategy and work plan, sampling protocols, quality assurance, and data and assessment structures. This simple framework is used to analyse two monitoring theme case studies; national ecosystem health monitoring, and regional fish stock monitoring. Such essential component analyses, within marine monitoring themes, can help improve monitoring implementation by identifying gaps and overlaps. Once monitoring themes are recognised, explicitly defined and streamlined, travel towards integrated monitoring may be made easier as the current lack of clarity in thematic marine monitoring implementation is one barrier to integration at both national and regional scales. Copyright © 2018 The Author. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

1985 Annual Conference on Nuclear and Space Radiation Effects, 22nd, Monterey, CA, July 22-24, 1985, Proceedings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, C. W.

1985-12-01

Basic mechanisms of radiation effects in structures and materials are discussed, taking into account the time dependence of interface state production, process dependent build-up of interface states in irradiated N-channel MOSFETs, bias annealing of radiation and bias induced positive charges in n- and p-type MOS capacitors, hole removal in thin-gate MOSFETs by tunneling, and activation energies of oxide charge recovery in SOS or SOI structures after an ionizing pulse. Other topics investigated are related to radiation effects in devices, radiation effects in integrated circuits, spacecraft charging and space radiation effects, single-event phenomena, hardness assurance and radiation sources, SGEMP/IEMP phenomena, EMP phenomena, and dosimetry and energy-dependent effects. Attention is given to a model of the plasma wake generated by a large object, gate charge collection and induced drain current in GaAs FETs, simulation of charge collection in a multilayer device, and time dependent dose enhancement effects on integrated circuit transient response mechanisms.

An innovative approach for distributed and integrated resources planning for the Space Station Freedom

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hornstein, Rhoda S.; Shinkle, Gerald L.; Weiler, Jerry D.; Willoughby, John K.

1990-01-01

This paper presents a planning approach to the Space Station Freedom program which takes into account the widely distributed nature of that program. The program management structure is organized into three major levels: a strategic level, a tactical level, and an execution level. For each level, resource availabilities are determined, the resources are distributed, schedules are built independently within the resource limits, the schedules are integrated into a single schedule, and conflicts are resolved by negotiating requirements and/or relaxing contraints. This approach distributes resources to multiple planning entities in such a way that when the multiple plans are collected, they fit together with minimal modification. The up-front distribution is planned in such a way and to a sufficient degree that a fit is virtually assured.

Design studies of Laminar Flow Control (LFC) wing concepts using superplastics forming and diffusion bonding (SPF/DB)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, V. E.

1980-01-01

Alternate concepts and design approaches were developed for suction panels and techniques were defined for integrating these panel designs into a complete LFC 200R wing. The design concepts and approaches were analyzed to assure that they would meet the strength, stability, and internal volume requirements. Cost and weight comparisions of the concepts were also made. Problems of integrating the concepts into a complete aircraft system were addressed. Methods for making splices both chordwise and spanwise, fuel light joints, and internal duct installations were developed. Manufacturing problems such as slot aligment, tapered slot spacing, production methods, and repair techniques were addressed. An assessment of the program was used to developed recommendations for additional research in the development of SPF/DB for LFC structure.

Annual Conference on Nuclear and Space Radiation Effects, Gatlinburg, TN, July 18-21, 1983, Proceedings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1983-01-01

Topics discussed include radiation effects in devices; the basic mechanisms of radiation effects in structures and materials; radiation effects in integrated circuits; spacecraft charging and space radiation effects; hardness assurance for devices and systems; and radiation transport, energy deposition and charge collection. Papers are presented on the mechanisms of small instabilities in irradiated MOS transistors, on the radiation effects on oxynitride gate dielectrics, on the discharge characteristics of a simulated solar cell array, and on latchup in CMOS devices from heavy ions. Attention is also given to proton upsets in orbit, to the modeling of single-event upset in bipolar integrated circuits, to high-resolution studies of the electrical breakdown of soil, and to a finite-difference solution of Maxwell's equations in generalized nonorthogonal coordinates.

Quantitative nondestructive evaluation: Requirements for tomorrow's reliability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heyman, Joseph S.

1991-01-01

Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation (QNDE) is the technology of measurement, analysis, and prediction of the state of material/structural systems for safety, reliability, and mission assurance. QNDE has impact on everyday life from the cars we drive, the planes we fly, the buildings we work or live in, literally to the infrastructure of our world. Here, researchers highlight some of the new sciences and technologies that are part of a safer, cost effective tomorrow. Specific technologies that are discussed are thermal QNDE of aircraft structural integrity, ultrasonic QNDE for materials characterization, and technology spinoffs from aerospace to the medical sector. In each case, examples are given of how new requirements result in enabling measurement technologies, which in turn change the boundaries of design/practice.

Institutionalisation of Internal Quality Assurance: Focusing on Institutional Work and the Significance of Disciplinary Differences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vukasovic, Martina

2014-01-01

The study suggests that institutionalisation of a comprehensive and systematic approach to internal quality assurance of higher education institutions inspired by the Bologna Process has regulative, normative and cultural-cognitive dimensions. It includes development of structures and procedures for quality assurance, as well as boosting of the…

Surface-water quality-assurance plan for the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mastin, Mark C.

2016-02-19

This Surface-Water Quality-Assurance Plan documents the standards, policies, and procedures used by the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center (WAWSC) for activities related to the collection, processing, storage, analysis, and publication of surface-water data. This plan serves as a guide to all WAWSC personnel involved in surface-water data activities, and changes as the needs and requirements of the WAWSC change. Regular updates to this plan represent an integral part of the quality-assurance process. In the WAWSC, direct oversight and responsibility by the hydrographer(s) assigned to a surface-water station, combined with team approaches in all work efforts, assure highquality data, analyses, reviews, and reports for cooperating agencies and the public.

Design verification and fabrication of active control systems for the DAST ARW-2 high aspect ratio wing, part 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcgehee, C. R.

1986-01-01

A study was conducted under Drones for Aerodynamic and Structural Testing (DAST) program to accomplish the final design and hardware fabrication for four active control systems compatible with and ready for installation in the NASA Aeroelastic Research Wing No. 2 (ARW-2) and Firebee II drone flight test vehicle. The wing structure was designed so that Active Control Systems (ACS) are required in the normal flight envelope by integrating control system design with aerodynamics and structure technologies. The DAST ARW-2 configuration uses flutter suppression, relaxed static stability, and gust and maneuver load alleviation ACS systems, and an automatic flight control system. Performance goals and criteria were applied to individual systems and the systems collectively to assure that vehicle stability margins, flutter margins, flying qualities and load reductions are achieved.

Food fortification: issues on quality assurance and impact evaluation in developing countries.

PubMed

Florentino, R

2003-01-01

Quality assurance and impact evaluation are essential components of a food fortification program and should be integrated in the fortification process. Quality assurance will ensure that the micronutrient meant to be delivered is indeed reaching the target population at the correct level. Impact evaluation will determine the effectiveness of food fortification as a strategy in controlling micronutrient deficiency and enable program planners to make decisions on the future of the program. In developing countries, both quality assurance and impact evaluation are often constrained not only by inadequacy of facilities as well as financial and manpower resources, but by unclear definition of objectives and inappropriate design. It is therefore necessary to consider the target audience for the quality assurance monitoring and impact evaluation in order to clearly define their objectives and in turn suit the design to these objectives, at the same time as the limitations in financial and manpower resources are considered.

Commissioning and quality assurance of an integrated system for patient positioning and setup verification in particle therapy.

PubMed

Pella, A; Riboldi, M; Tagaste, B; Bianculli, D; Desplanques, M; Fontana, G; Cerveri, P; Seregni, M; Fattori, G; Orecchia, R; Baroni, G

2014-08-01

In an increasing number of clinical indications, radiotherapy with accelerated particles shows relevant advantages when compared with high energy X-ray irradiation. However, due to the finite range of ions, particle therapy can be severely compromised by setup errors and geometric uncertainties. The purpose of this work is to describe the commissioning and the design of the quality assurance procedures for patient positioning and setup verification systems at the Italian National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO). The accuracy of systems installed in CNAO and devoted to patient positioning and setup verification have been assessed using a laser tracking device. The accuracy in calibration and image based setup verification relying on in room X-ray imaging system was also quantified. Quality assurance tests to check the integration among all patient setup systems were designed, and records of daily QA tests since the start of clinical operation (2011) are presented. The overall accuracy of the patient positioning system and the patient verification system motion was proved to be below 0.5 mm under all the examined conditions, with median values below the 0.3 mm threshold. Image based registration in phantom studies exhibited sub-millimetric accuracy in setup verification at both cranial and extra-cranial sites. The calibration residuals of the OTS were found consistent with the expectations, with peak values below 0.3 mm. Quality assurance tests, daily performed before clinical operation, confirm adequate integration and sub-millimetric setup accuracy. Robotic patient positioning was successfully integrated with optical tracking and stereoscopic X-ray verification for patient setup in particle therapy. Sub-millimetric setup accuracy was achieved and consistently verified in daily clinical operation.

(CICT) Computing, Information, and Communications Technology Overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

VanDalsem, William R.

2003-01-01

The goal of the Computing, Information, and Communications Technology (CICT) program is to enable NASA's Scientific Research, Space Exploration, and Aerospace Technology Missions with greater mission assurance, for less cost, with increased science return through the development and use of advanced computing, information and communications technologies. This viewgraph presentation includes diagrams of how the political guidance behind CICT is structured. The presentation profiles each part of the NASA Mission in detail, and relates the Mission to the activities of CICT. CICT's Integrated Capability Goal is illustrated, and hypothetical missions which could be enabled by CICT are profiled. CICT technology development is profiled.

Reducing Bolt Preload Variation with Angle-of-Twist Bolt Loading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, Bryce; Nayate, Pramod; Smith, Doug; McCool, Alex (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Critical high-pressure sealing joints on the Space Shuttle reusable solid rocket motor require precise control of bolt preload to ensure proper joint function. As the reusable solid rocket motor experiences rapid internal pressurization, correct bolt preloads maintain the sealing capability and structural integrity of the hardware. The angle-of-twist process provides the right combination of preload accuracy, reliability, process control, and assembly-friendly design. It improves significantly over previous methods. The sophisticated angle-of-twist process controls have yielded answers to all discrepancies encountered while the simplicity of the root process has assured joint preload reliability.

Product assurance technology efforts: Technical accomplishments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

Product assurance technology topics addressed include: wafer acceptance procedures, test chips, test structures, test chip methodology, fault models, and the Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite test chip.

An Exploration of Professional Culture Differentials and Their Potential Impact on the Information Assurance Component of Optical Transmission Networks Design

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cuthrell, Michael Gerard

2011-01-01

Optical transmission networks are an integral component of the critical infrastructures for many nations. Many people believe that optical transmission networks are impenetrable. In actuality, these networks possess weaknesses that can be exploited to bring about harm. An emerging Information Assurance (IA) industry has as its goals: to…

Software Assurance Curriculum Project Volume 2: Undergraduate Course Outlines

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-01

Contents Acknowledgments iii Abstract v 1 An Undergraduate Curriculum Focus on Software Assurance 1 2 Computer Science I 7 3 Computer Science II...confidence that can be integrated into traditional software development and acquisition process models . Thus, in addition to a technology focus...testing throughout the software development life cycle ( SDLC ) AP Security and complexity—system development challenges: security failures

Maintaining High Assurance in Asynchronous Messaging

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-24

Assurance in Asynchronous Messaging Kevin E. Foltz and William R. Simpson Abstract—Asynchronous messaging is the delivery of a message without... integrity , and confidentiality guarantees. End-to-end security for asynchronous messaging must be provided by the asynchronous messaging layer itself... continuing its processing. At the completion of message transmission, the sender does not know when or whether the receiver received it. The message

Framework of Quality Assurance of TEL Integration into an Educational Organization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Volungeviciene, Airina; Tereseviciene, Margarita; Tait, Alan

2014-01-01

This research paper addresses the issues of integration of technology enhanced learning (TEL) into an educational organization. Good practice experience cannot be directly transferred to new organisations due to different contextual conditions. The TEL integration depends significantly upon a very rapid development of services and information…

The Concordat to Support Research Integrity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Universities UK, 2012

2012-01-01

The concordat to support research integrity sets out five commitments that will provide assurances to government, the wider public and the international community that research in the UK continues to be underpinned by the highest standards of rigour and integrity. Developed in collaboration with the funding and research councils, the Wellcome…

Where Are the Quantum Jumps in Quality Assurance? Developments of a Decade of Research on a Heavy Particle.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Westerheijden, Don F.

2000-01-01

Reviews the literature on developments in quality assurance in European higher education over the last decade. Applies the metaphor of sub-atomic structure to order the literature, moving from publications closely related to the practice of quality assurance methods to more theoretical publications. Identifies some seminal publications as…

Quality Assurance Processes in Finnish Universities: Direct and Indirect Outcomes and Organisational Conditions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haapakorpi, Arja

2011-01-01

In Finland, quality assurance related to the Bologna process has been adapted to existing systems of higher education at the national level and a form of implementation is also recognised at the level of the higher education institution. In universities, varied outcomes of quality assurance are based on interaction of organisational structures,…

Comparative analysis of structural concrete Quality Assurance practices on nine nuclear and three fossil fuel power plant construction projects. Final summary report

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

Willenbrock, J.H.; Thomas, H.R. Jr.; Burati, J.J. Jr.

1978-12-01

A summary of two reports, COO/4120-1 and COO/4120-2, is given. A comparative analysis was made of the Quality Assurance practices related to the structural concrete phase on nine nuclear and three fossil fuel power plant projects which are (or have been) under construction in the United States in the past ten years. For the nuclear projects the analysis identified the response of each Quality Assurance program to the applicable criteria of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B as well as to the pertinent regulatory requirements and industry standards. For the fossil projects the analysis identified the response of each Qualitymore » Assurance program to criteria similar to those which were applicable in the nuclear situation. The major emphasis was placed on the construction aspects of the structural concrete phase of each project. The engineering and design aspects were examined whenever they interfaced with the construction aspects.« less

Fronting Integrated Scientific Web Applications: Design Features and Benefits for Regulatory Environments

EPA Science Inventory

Integrated decision support systems for regulatory applications benefit from standardindustry practices such as code reuse, test-driven development, and modularization. Theseapproaches make meeting the federal government’s goals of transparency, efficiency, and quality assurance ...

Ship to Shore Data Communication and Prioritization

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-12-01

First Out FTP File Transfer Protocol GCCS-M Global Command and Control System Maritime HAIPE High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryptor HTTP Hypertext...Transfer Protocol (world wide web protocol ) IBS Integrated Bar Code System IDEF0 Integration Definition IER Information Exchange Requirements...INTEL Intelligence IP Internet Protocol IPT Integrated Product Team ISEA In-Service Engineering Agent ISNS Integrated Shipboard Network System IT

Quality assurance for kilo- and megavoltage in-room imaging and localization for off- and online setup error correction.

PubMed

Balter, James M; Antonuk, Larry E

2008-01-01

In-room radiography is not a new concept for image-guided radiation therapy. Rapid advances in technology, however, have made this positioning method convenient, and thus radiograph-based positioning has propagated widely. The paradigms for quality assurance of radiograph-based positioning include imager performance, systems integration, infrastructure, procedure documentation and testing, and support for positioning strategy implementation.

Rapid interferometric imaging of printed drug laden multilayer structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandler, Niklas; Kassamakov, Ivan; Ehlers, Henrik; Genina, Natalja; Ylitalo, Tuomo; Haeggstrom, Edward

2014-02-01

The developments in printing technologies allow fabrication of micron-size nano-layered delivery systems to personal specifications. In this study we fabricated layered polymer structures for drug-delivery into a microfluidic channel and aimed to interferometrically assure their topography and adherence to each other. We present a scanning white light interferometer (SWLI) method for quantitative assurance of the topography of the embedded structure. We determined rapidly in non-destructive manner the thickness and roughness of the structures and whether the printed layers containing polymers or/and active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) adhere to each other. This is crucial in order to have predetermined drug release profiles. We also demonstrate non-invasive measurement of a polymer structure in a microfluidic channel. It shown that traceable interferometric 3D microscopy is a viable technique for detailed structural quality assurance of layered drug-delivery systems. The approach can have impact and find use in a much broader setting within and outside life sciences.

A Framework for Integrating Environmental Justice in Regulatory Analysis

PubMed Central

Nweke, Onyemaechi C.

2011-01-01

With increased interest in integrating environmental justice into the process for developing environmental regulations in the United States, analysts and decision makers are confronted with the question of what methods and data can be used to assess disproportionate environmental health impacts. However, as a first step to identifying data and methods, it is important that analysts understand what information on equity impacts is needed for decision making. Such knowledge originates from clearly stated equity objectives and the reflection of those objectives throughout the analytical activities that characterize Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA), a process that is traditionally used to inform decision making. The framework proposed in this paper advocates structuring analyses to explicitly provide pre-defined output on equity impacts. Specifically, the proposed framework emphasizes: (a) defining equity objectives for the proposed regulatory action at the onset of the regulatory process, (b) identifying specific and related sub-objectives for key analytical steps in the RIA process, and (c) developing explicit analytical/research questions to assure that stated sub-objectives and objectives are met. In proposing this framework, it is envisioned that information on equity impacts informs decision-making in regulatory development, and that this is achieved through a systematic and consistent approach that assures linkages between stated equity objectives, regulatory analyses, selection of policy options, and the design of compliance and enforcement activities. PMID:21776235

Developing and Implementing a Quality Assurance Strategy for Electroconvulsive Therapy.

PubMed

Hollingsworth, Jessa; Baliko, Beverly; McKinney, Selina; Rosenquist, Peter

2018-04-17

The literature provides scant guidance in effective quality assurance strategies concerning the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for the treatment of psychiatric conditions. Numerous guidelines are published that provide guidance in the delivery of care; however, little has been done to determine how a program or facility might ensure compliance to best practice for safety, tolerability, and efficacy in performing ECT. The objective of this project was to create a quality assurance strategy specific to ECT. Determining standards for quality care and clarifying facility policy were key outcomes in establishing an effective quality assurance strategy. An audit tool was developed utilizing quality criteria derived from a systematic review of ECT practice guidelines, peer review, and facility policy. All ECT procedures occurring over a 2-month period of May to June 2017 were retrospectively audited and compared against target compliance rates set for the facility's ECT program. Facility policy was adapted to reflect quality standards, and audit findings were used to inform possible practice change initiatives, were used to create benchmarks for continuous quality monitoring, and were integrated into regular hospital quality meetings. Clarification on standards of care and the use of clinical auditing in ECT was an effective starting point in the development of a quality assurance strategy. Audit findings were successfully integrated into the hospital's overall quality program, and recognition of practice compliance informed areas for future quality development and policy revision in this small community-based hospital in the southeastern United States. This project sets the foundation for a quality assurance strategy that can be used to help monitor procedural safety and guide future improvement efforts in delivering ECT. Although it is just the first step in creating meaningful quality improvement, setting clear standards and identifying areas of greatest clinical need were crucial beginning for this hospital's growing program.

Intensive Quality Assurance of Therapist Adherence to Behavioral Interventions for Adolescent Substance Use Problems.

PubMed

Holth, Per; Torsheim, Torbjørn; Sheidow, Ashli J; Ogden, Terje; Henggeler, Scott W

2011-01-01

This study was a crosscultural replication of a study that investigated therapist adherence to behavioral interventions as a result of an intensive quality assurance system which was integrated into Multisystemic Therapy. Thirty-three therapists and eight supervisors participated in the study and were block randomized to either an Intensive Quality Assurance or a Workshop Only condition. Twenty-one of these therapists treated 41 cannabis-abusing adolescents and their families. Therapist adherence and youth drug screens were collected during a five-month baseline period prior to the workshop on contingency management and during 12 months post workshop. The results replicated the previous finding that therapist adherence to the cognitive-behavioral interventions, but not to contingency management, showed a strong positive difference in trend in favor of the intensive quality assurance condition. While the clinical impact of such quality assurance may be delayed and remains to be demonstrated, cannabis abstinence increased as a function of time in therapy, and was more likely with stronger therapy adherence to contingency management, but did not differ across quality assurance interventions.

A Quality Assurance Initiative for Commercial-Scale Production in High-Throughput Cryopreservation of Blue Catfish Sperm

PubMed Central

Hu, E; Liao, T. W.; Tiersch, T. R.

2013-01-01

Cryopreservation of fish sperm has been studied for decades at a laboratory (research) scale. However, high-throughput cryopreservation of fish sperm has recently been developed to enable industrial-scale production. This study treated blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) sperm high-throughput cryopreservation as a manufacturing production line and initiated quality assurance plan development. The main objectives were to identify: 1) the main production quality characteristics; 2) the process features for quality assurance; 3) the internal quality characteristics and their specification designs; 4) the quality control and process capability evaluation methods, and 5) the directions for further improvements and applications. The essential product quality characteristics were identified as fertility-related characteristics. Specification design which established the tolerance levels according to demand and process constraints was performed based on these quality characteristics. Meanwhile, to ensure integrity throughout the process, internal quality characteristics (characteristics at each quality control point within process) that could affect fertility-related quality characteristics were defined with specifications. Due to the process feature of 100% inspection (quality inspection of every fish), a specific calculation method, use of cumulative sum (CUSUM) control charts, was applied to monitor each quality characteristic. An index of overall process evaluation, process capacity, was analyzed based on in-control process and the designed specifications, which further integrates the quality assurance plan. With the established quality assurance plan, the process could operate stably and quality of products would be reliable. PMID:23872356

The 300 Area Integrated Field Research Challenge Quality Assurance Project Plan

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

Fix, N. J.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and a group of expert collaborators are using the U.S. Department of Energy Hanford Site 300 Area uranium plume within the footprint of the 300-FF-5 groundwater operable unit as a site for an Integrated Field-Scale Subsurface Research Challenge (IFRC). The IFRC is entitled Multi-Scale Mass Transfer Processes Controlling Natural Attenuation and Engineered Remediation: An IFRC Focused on the Hanford Site 300 Area Uranium Plume Project. The theme is investigation of multi-scale mass transfer processes. A series of forefront science questions on mass transfer are posed for research that relate to the effect of spatial heterogeneities; themore » importance of scale; coupled interactions between biogeochemical, hydrologic, and mass transfer processes; and measurements/approaches needed to characterize and model a mass transfer-dominated system. This Quality Assurance Project Plan provides the quality assurance requirements and processes that will be followed by the 300 Area IFRC Project. This plan is designed to be used exclusively by project staff.« less

Microbiological, Geochemical and Hydrologic Processes Controlling Uranium Mobility: An Integrated Field-Scale Subsurface Research Challenge Site at Rifle, Colorado, Quality Assurance Project Plan

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

Fix, N. J.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is cleaning up and/or monitoring large, dilute plumes contaminated by metals, such as uranium and chromium, whose mobility and solubility change with redox status. Field-scale experiments with acetate as the electron donor have stimulated metal-reducing bacteria to effectively remove uranium [U(VI)] from groundwater at the Uranium Mill Tailings Site in Rifle, Colorado. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and a multidisciplinary team of national laboratory and academic collaborators has embarked on a research proposed for the Rifle site, the object of which is to gain a comprehensive and mechanistic understanding of the microbial factors andmore » associated geochemistry controlling uranium mobility so that DOE can confidently remediate uranium plumes as well as support stewardship of uranium-contaminated sites. This Quality Assurance Project Plan provides the quality assurance requirements and processes that will be followed by the Rifle Integrated Field-Scale Subsurface Research Challenge Project.« less

Effective drinking water collaborations are not accidental: interagency relationships in the international water utility sector.

PubMed

Jalba, D I; Cromar, N J; Pollard, S J T; Charrois, J W; Bradshaw, R; Hrudey, S E

2014-02-01

The role that deficient institutional relationships have played in aggravating drinking water incidents over the last 30 years has been identified in several inquiries of high profile drinking water safety events, peer-reviewed articles and media reports. These indicate that collaboration between water utilities and public health agencies (PHAs) during normal operations, and in emergencies, needs improvement. Here, critical elements of these interagency collaborations, that can be integrated within the corporate risk management structures of water utilities and PHAs alike, were identified using a grounded theory approach and 51 semi-structured interviews with utility and PHA staff. Core determinants of effective interagency relationships are discussed. Intentionally maintained functional relationships represent a key ingredient in assuring the delivery of safe, high quality drinking water. © 2013.

Seismic isolation systems with distinct multiple frequencies

DOEpatents

Wu, Ting-shu; Seidensticker, Ralph W.

1990-01-01

A method and apparatus for isolating a building or other structure from smic vibratory motion which provides increased assurance that large horizontal motion of the structure will not occur than is provided by other isolation systems. Increased assurance that large horizontal motion will not occur is achieved by providing for change of the natural frequency of the support and structure system in response to displacement of the structure beyond a predetermined value. The natural frequency of the support and structure system may be achieved by providing for engaging and disengaging of the structure and some supporting members in response to motion of the supported structure.

Design verification and fabrication of active control systems for the DAST ARW-2 high aspect ratio wing. Part 2: Appendices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcgehee, C. R.

1986-01-01

This is Part 2-Appendices of a study conducted under Drones for Aerodynamic and Structural Testing (DAST) Program to accomplish the final design and hardware fabrication for four active control systems compatible with and ready for installation in the NASA Aeroelastic Research Wing No. 2 (ARW-2) and Firebee II drone flight test vehicle. The wing structure was designed so that Active Control Systems (ACS) are required in the normal flight envelope by integrating control system design with aerodynamics and structure technologies. The DAST ARW-2 configuration uses flutter suppression, relaxed static stability, and gust and maneuver load alleviation ACS systems, and an automatic flight control system. Performance goals and criteria were applied to individual systems and the systems collectively to assure that vehicle stability margins, flutter margins, flying qualities, and load reductions were achieved.

Implementation of Programmatic Quality and the Impact on Safety

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huls, Dale Thomas; Meehan, Kevin

2005-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the implementation of a programmatic quality assurance discipline within the International Space Station Program and the resulting impact on safety. NASA culture has continued to stress safety at the expense of quality when both are extremely important and both can equally influence the success or failure of a Program or Mission. Although safety was heavily criticized in the media after Colimbiaa, strong case can be made that it was the failure of quality processes and quality assurance in all processes that eventually led to the Columbia accident. Consequently, it is possible to have good quality processes without safety, but it is impossible to have good safety processes without quality. The ISS Program quality assurance function was analyzed as representative of the long-term manned missions that are consistent with the President s Vision for Space Exploration. Background topics are as follows: The quality assurance organizational structure within the ISS Program and the interrelationships between various internal and external organizations. ISS Program quality roles and responsibilities with respect to internal Program Offices and other external organizations such as the Shuttle Program, JSC Directorates, NASA Headquarters, NASA Contractors, other NASA Centers, and International Partner/participants will be addressed. A detailed analysis of implemented quality assurance responsibilities and functions with respect to NASA Headquarters, the JSC S&MA Directorate, and the ISS Program will be presented. Discussions topics are as follows: A comparison of quality and safety resources in terms of staffing, training, experience, and certifications. A benchmark assessment of the lessons learned from the Columbia Accident Investigation (CAB) Report (and follow-up reports and assessments), NASA Benchmarking, and traditional quality assurance activities against ISS quality procedures and practices. The lack of a coherent operational and sustaining quality assurance strategy for long-term manned space flight. An analysis of the ISS waiver processes and the Problem Reporting and Corrective Action (PRACA) process implemented as quality functions. Impact of current ISS Program procedures and practices with regards to operational safety and risk A discussion regarding a "defense-in-depth" approach to quality functions will be provided to address the issue of "integration vs independence" with respect to the roles of Programs, NASA Centers, and NASA Headquarters. Generic recommendations are offered to address the inadequacies identified in the implementation of ISS quality assurance. A reassessment by the NASA community regarding the importance of a "quality culture" as a component within a larger "safety culture" will generate a more effective and value-added functionality that will ultimately enhance safety.

SFINX-a drug-drug interaction database designed for clinical decision support systems.

PubMed

Böttiger, Ylva; Laine, Kari; Andersson, Marine L; Korhonen, Tuomas; Molin, Björn; Ovesjö, Marie-Louise; Tirkkonen, Tuire; Rane, Anders; Gustafsson, Lars L; Eiermann, Birgit

2009-06-01

The aim was to develop a drug-drug interaction database (SFINX) to be integrated into decision support systems or to be used in website solutions for clinical evaluation of interactions. Key elements such as substance properties and names, drug formulations, text structures and references were defined before development of the database. Standard operating procedures for literature searches, text writing rules and a classification system for clinical relevance and documentation level were determined. ATC codes, CAS numbers and country-specific codes for substances were identified and quality assured to ensure safe integration of SFINX into other data systems. Much effort was put into giving short and practical advice regarding clinically relevant drug-drug interactions. SFINX includes over 8,000 interaction pairs and is integrated into Swedish and Finnish computerised decision support systems. Over 31,000 physicians and pharmacists are receiving interaction alerts through SFINX. User feedback is collected for continuous improvement of the content. SFINX is a potentially valuable tool delivering instant information on drug interactions during prescribing and dispensing.

Infrared thermal integrity testing quality assurance test method to detect drilled shaft defects.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-06-01

Thermal integrity profiling uses the measured temperature generated in curing concrete to assess the quality of cast in place concrete foundations (i.e. drilled shafts or ACIP piles) which can include effective shaft size (diameter and length), anoma...

Quality control of EUVE databases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

John, L. M.; Drake, J.

1992-01-01

The publicly accessible databases for the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer include: the EUVE Archive mailserver; the CEA ftp site; the EUVE Guest Observer Mailserver; and the Astronomical Data System node. The EUVE Performance Assurance team is responsible for verifying that these public EUVE databases are working properly, and that the public availability of EUVE data contained therein does not infringe any data rights which may have been assigned. In this poster, we describe the Quality Assurance (QA) procedures we have developed from the approach of QA as a service organization, thus reflecting the overall EUVE philosophy of Quality Assurance integrated into normal operating procedures, rather than imposed as an external, post facto, control mechanism.

Information Technology Management: DoD Organization Information Assurance Management of Information Technology Goods and Services Acquired Through Interagency Agreements

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-02-23

Information Technology Management Department of Defense Office of Inspector General February 23, 2006 AccountabilityIntegrityQuality DoD...Organization Information Assurance Management of Information Technology Goods and Services Acquired Through Interagency Agreements (D-2006-052) Report...REPORT TYPE 3. DATES COVERED 00-00-2006 to 00-00-2006 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Information Technology Management: DoD Organization Information

Overcoming Barriers to Family Planning through Integration: Perspectives of HIV-Positive Men in Nyanza Province, Kenya

PubMed Central

Steinfeld, Rachel L.; Newmann, Sara J.; Onono, Maricianah; Cohen, Craig R.; Bukusi, Elizabeth A.; Grossman, Daniel

2013-01-01

This study explored barriers to and facilitators of using family planning services among HIV-positive men in Nyanza Province, Kenya. From May to June 2010, in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 men receiving care at 15 HIV clinics. The key barriers to the use of family planning included concerns about side effects of contraceptives, lack of knowledge about contraceptive methods, myths and misconceptions including fear of infertility, structural barriers such as staffing shortages at HIV clinics, and a lack of male focus in family planning methods and service delivery. The integration of family planning into HIV clinics including family planning counseling and education was cited as an important strategy to improve family planning receptivity among men. Integrating family planning into HIV services is a promising strategy to facilitate male involvement in family planning. Integration needs to be rigorously evaluated in order to measure its impact on unmet need for contraception among HIV-positive women and their partners and assure that it is implemented in a manner that engages both men and women. PMID:23738057

AdvoCATE - User Guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Denney, Ewen W.

2015-01-01

The basic vision of AdvoCATE is to automate the creation, manipulation, and management of large-scale assurance cases based on a formal theory of argument structures. Its main purposes are for creating and manipulating argument structures for safety assurance cases using the Goal Structuring Notation (GSN), and as a test bed and proof-of-concept for the formal theory of argument structures. AdvoCATE is available for Windows 7, Macintosh OSX, and Linux. Eventually, AdvoCATE will serve as a dashboard for safety related information and provide an infrastructure for safety decisions and management.

Quality assurance: Importance of systems and standard operating procedures

PubMed Central

Manghani, Kishu

2011-01-01

It is mandatory for sponsors of clinical trials and contract research organizations alike to establish, manage and monitor their quality control and quality assurance systems and their integral standard operating procedures and other quality documents to provide high-quality products and services to fully satisfy customer needs and expectations. Quality control and quality assurance systems together constitute the key quality systems. Quality control and quality assurance are parts of quality management. Quality control is focused on fulfilling quality requirements, whereas quality assurance is focused on providing confidence that quality requirements are fulfilled. The quality systems must be commensurate with the Company business objectives and business model. Top management commitment and its active involvement are critical in order to ensure at all times the adequacy, suitability, effectiveness and efficiency of the quality systems. Effective and efficient quality systems can promote timely registration of drugs by eliminating waste and the need for rework with overall financial and social benefits to the Company. PMID:21584180

Quality assurance: Importance of systems and standard operating procedures.

PubMed

Manghani, Kishu

2011-01-01

It is mandatory for sponsors of clinical trials and contract research organizations alike to establish, manage and monitor their quality control and quality assurance systems and their integral standard operating procedures and other quality documents to provide high-quality products and services to fully satisfy customer needs and expectations. Quality control and quality assurance systems together constitute the key quality systems. Quality control and quality assurance are parts of quality management. Quality control is focused on fulfilling quality requirements, whereas quality assurance is focused on providing confidence that quality requirements are fulfilled. The quality systems must be commensurate with the Company business objectives and business model. Top management commitment and its active involvement are critical in order to ensure at all times the adequacy, suitability, effectiveness and efficiency of the quality systems. Effective and efficient quality systems can promote timely registration of drugs by eliminating waste and the need for rework with overall financial and social benefits to the Company.

NASA's Approach to Software Assurance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wetherholt, Martha

2015-01-01

NASA defines software assurance as: the planned and systematic set of activities that ensure conformance of software life cycle processes and products to requirements, standards, and procedures via quality, safety, reliability, and independent verification and validation. NASA's implementation of this approach to the quality, safety, reliability, security and verification and validation of software is brought together in one discipline, software assurance. Organizationally, NASA has software assurance at each NASA center, a Software Assurance Manager at NASA Headquarters, a Software Assurance Technical Fellow (currently the same person as the SA Manager), and an Independent Verification and Validation Organization with its own facility. An umbrella risk mitigation strategy for safety and mission success assurance of NASA's software, software assurance covers a wide area and is better structured to address the dynamic changes in how software is developed, used, and managed, as well as it's increasingly complex functionality. Being flexible, risk based, and prepared for challenges in software at NASA is essential, especially as much of our software is unique for each mission.

Data Requirement (DR) MA-03: Payload missions integration. [Spacelab payloads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

Project management and payload integration requirements definition activities are reported. Mission peculiar equipment; systems integration; ground operations analysis and requirement definition; safety and quality assurance; and support systems development are examined for payloads planned for the following missions: EOM-1; SL-2; Sl-3 Astro-1; MSL-2; EASE/ACCESS; MPESS; and the middeck ADSF flight.

Annual Conference on Nuclear and Space Radiation Effects, 14th, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Va., July 12-15, 1977, Proceedings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stahl, R. H.

1977-01-01

Topics related to processing and hardness assurance are considered, taking into account the radiation hardening of CMOS technologies, technological advances in the manufacture of radiation-hardened CMOS integrated circuits, CMOS hardness assurance through process controls and optimized design procedures, the application of operational amplifiers to hardened systems, a hard off-the-shelf SG1524 pulse width modulator, and the gamma-induced voltage breakdown anomaly in a Schottky diode. Basic mechanisms are examined, giving attention to chemical and structural aspects of the irradiation behavior of SiO2 films on silicon, experimental observations of the chemistry of the SiO2/Si interface, leakage current phenomena in irradiated SOS devices, the avalanche injection of holes into SiO2, the low-temperature radiation response of Al2O3 gate insulators, and neutron damage mechanisms in silicon at 10 K. Other subjects discussed are related to radiation effects in devices and circuits, space radiation effects, and aspects of simulation, energy deposition, and dosimetry.

Safety and Mission Assurance for In-House Design Lessons Learned from Ares I Upper Stage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, Joel M.

2011-01-01

This viewgraph presentation identifies lessons learned in the course of the Ares I Upper Stage design and in-house development effort. The contents include: 1) Constellation Organization; 2) Upper Stage Organization; 3) Presentation Structure; 4) Lesson-Importance of Systems Engineering/Integration; 5) Lesson-Importance of Early S&MA Involvement; 6) Lesson-Importance of Appropriate Staffing Levels; 7) Lesson-Importance S&MA Team Deployment; 8) Lesson-Understanding of S&MA In-Line Engineering versus Assurance; 9) Lesson-Importance of Close Coordination between Supportability and Reliability/Maintainability; 10) Lesson-Importance of Engineering Data Systems; 11) Lesson-Importance of Early Development of Supporting Databases; 12) Lesson-Importance of Coordination with Safety Assessment/Review Panels; 13) Lesson-Implementation of Software Reliability; 14) Lesson-Implementation of S&MA Technical Authority/Chief S&MA Officer; 15) Lesson-Importance of S&MA Evaluation of Project Risks; 16) Lesson-Implementation of Critical Items List and Government Mandatory Inspections; 17) Lesson-Implementation of Critical Items List Mandatory Inspections; 18) Lesson-Implementation of Test Article Safety Analysis; and 19) Lesson-Importance of Procurement Quality.

Safety Assurance in NextGen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

HarrisonFleming, Cody; Spencer, Melissa; Leveson, Nancy; Wilkinson, Chris

2012-01-01

The generation of minimum operational, safety, performance, and interoperability requirements is an important aspect of safely integrating new NextGen components into the Communication Navigation Surveillance and Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) system. These requirements are used as part of the implementation and approval processes. In addition, they provide guidance to determine the levels of design assurance and performance that are needed for each element of the new NextGen procedures, including aircraft, operator, and Air Navigation and Service Provider. Using the enhanced Airborne Traffic Situational Awareness for InTrail Procedure (ATSA-ITP) as an example, this report describes some limitations of the current process used for generating safety requirements and levels of required design assurance. An alternative process is described, as well as the argument for why the alternative can generate more comprehensive requirements and greater safety assurance than the current approach.

KSC-00pp1371

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-09-15

STS-92 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata of Japan (center) gets help from United Space Alliance Mechanical Technician Vinny Difranzo (left) and NASA Quality Assurance Specialist Danny Wyatt (right) in suiting up in the White Room. Wakata and other crew members are taking part in a simulated countdown KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program

KSC00pp1371

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-09-15

STS-92 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata of Japan (center) gets help from United Space Alliance Mechanical Technician Vinny Difranzo (left) and NASA Quality Assurance Specialist Danny Wyatt (right) in suiting up in the White Room. Wakata and other crew members are taking part in a simulated countdown KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program

Quality-of-care research in mental health: responding to the challenge.

PubMed

McGlynn, E A; Norquist, G S; Wells, K B; Sullivan, G; Liberman, R P

1988-01-01

Quality-of-care research in mental health is in the developmental stages, which affords an opportunity to take an integrative approach, building on principles from efficacy, effectiveness, quality assessment, and quality assurance research. We propose an analytic strategy for designing research on the quality of mental health services using an adaptation of the structure, process, and outcome classification scheme. As a concrete illustration of our approach, we discuss research on a particular target population-patients with chronic schizophrenia. Future research should focus on developing models of treatment, establishing criteria and standards for outcomes and processes, and gathering data on community practices.

Rationale for windshield glass system specification requirements for shuttle orbiter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hayashida, K.; King, G. L.; Tesinsiky, J.; Wittenburg, D. R.

1972-01-01

A preliminary procurement specification for the space shuttle orbiter windshield pane, and some of the design considerations and rationale leading to its development are presented. The windshield designer is given the necessary methods and procedures for assuring glass pane structural integrity by proof test. These methods and procedures are fully developed for annealed and thermally tempered aluminosilicate, borosilicate, and soda lime glass and for annealed fused silica. Application of the method to chemically tempered glass is considered. Other considerations are vision requirements, protection against bird impact, hail, frost, rain, and meteoroids. The functional requirements of the windshield system during landing, ferrying, boost, space flight, and entry are included.

Report: Recommendation to Strengthen Management Integrity Processes Affecting Recovery Act Activities

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Report #09-X-0145, April 27, 2009. The EPA OIG has completed a review of the Agency’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 Management Integrity guidance for reporting on internal control reviews and preparing the annual assurance letters sent to the Administrator.

Thermal integrity profiling for augered cast-in-place piles - implementation plan.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-08-01

This study was the second in a two-part research program focused on assessing the feasibility of using thermal integrity profiling (TIP) as a quality assurance tool for Augered Cast-In-Place (ACIP) piles. This was made possible by coordinating with t...

43 CFR 2.51 - Assuring integrity of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... on those recommended in the National Bureau of Standard's booklet “Computer Security Guidelines for..., technical and physical safeguards to insure the security and confidentiality of records and to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to their security or integrity which could result in...

43 CFR 2.51 - Assuring integrity of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... on those recommended in the National Bureau of Standard's booklet “Computer Security Guidelines for..., technical and physical safeguards to insure the security and confidentiality of records and to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to their security or integrity which could result in...

43 CFR 2.51 - Assuring integrity of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... on those recommended in the National Bureau of Standard's booklet “Computer Security Guidelines for..., technical and physical safeguards to insure the security and confidentiality of records and to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to their security or integrity which could result in...

43 CFR 2.226 - Assuring integrity of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... on those recommended in the National Bureau of Standard's booklet “Computer Security Guidelines for..., technical and physical safeguards to insure the security and confidentiality of records and to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to their security or integrity which could result in...

43 CFR 2.226 - Assuring integrity of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... on those recommended in the National Bureau of Standard's booklet “Computer Security Guidelines for..., technical and physical safeguards to insure the security and confidentiality of records and to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to their security or integrity which could result in...

Secretaries' role in EHR Documentation and the Implications of Establishing a Structured EHR System.

PubMed

Johansen, Monika Alise; Pedersen, Åse-Merete; Ellingsen, Gunnar

2015-01-01

Secretaries play an important quality assurance role in today's medical record production. This study aimed to identify quality assurance tasks that a future system cannot easily compensate for when developing a new structured EHR in which the physicians do the writing themselves. The study identified two tasks, which we suggest should also be performed by secretaries in the future.

Goal Structured Notation in a Radiation Hardening Safety Case for COTS-Based Spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Witulski, Arthur; Austin, Rebekah; Reed, Robert; Karsai, Gabor; Mahadevan, Nag; Sierawski, Brian; Evans, John; LaBel, Ken

2016-01-01

A systematic approach is presented to constructing a radiation assurance case using Goal Structured Notation (GSN) for spacecraft containing COTS parts. The GSN paradigm is applied to an SRAM single-event upset experiment board designed to fly on a CubeSat November 2016. Construction of a radiation assurance case without use of hardened parts or extensive radiation testing is discussed.

Online trust, trustworthiness, or assurance?

PubMed

Cheshire, Coye

2011-01-01

Every day, individuals around the world retrieve, share, and exchange information on the Internet. We interact online to share personal information, find answers to questions, make financial transactions, play social games, and maintain professional and personal relationships. Sometimes our online interactions take place between two or more humans. In other cases, we rely on computers to manage information on our behalf. In each scenario, risk and uncertainty are essential for determining possible actions and outcomes. This essay highlights common deficiencies in our understanding of key concepts such as trust, trustworthiness, cooperation, and assurance in online environments. Empirical evidence from experimental work in computer-mediated environments underscores the promises and perils of overreliance on security and assurance structures as replacements for interpersonal trust. These conceptual distinctions are critical because the future shape of the Internet will depend on whether we build assurance structures to limit and control ambiguity or allow trust to emerge in the presence of risk and uncertainty.

Visit from JAXA to NASA MSFC: The Engines Element & Ideas for Collaboration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greene, William D.

2013-01-01

System Design, Development, and Fabrication: Design, develop, and fabricate or procure MB-60 component hardware compliant with the imposed technical requirements and in sufficient quantities to fulfill the overall MB-60 development effort. System Development, Assembly, and Test: Manage the scope of the development, assembly, and test-related activities for MB-60 development. This scope includes engine-level development planning, engine assembly and disassembly, test planning, engine testing, inspection, anomaly resolution, and development of necessary ground support equipment and special test equipment. System Integration: Provide coordinated integration in the realms of engineering, safety, quality, and manufacturing disciplines across the scope of the MB-60 design and associated products development Safety and Mission Assurance, structural design, fracture control, materials and processes, thermal analysis. Systems Engineering and Analysis: Manage and perform Systems Engineering and Analysis to provide rigor and structure to the overall design and development effort for the MB-60. Milestone reviews, requirements management, system analysis, program management support Program Management: Manage, plan, and coordinate the activities across all portions of the MB-60 work scope by providing direction for program administration, business management, and supplier management.

Integrated otpical monitoring of MEMS for closed-loop control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dawson, Jeremy M.; Wang, Limin; McCormick, W. B.; Rittenhouse, S. A.; Famouri, Parviz F.; Hornak, Lawrence A.

2003-01-01

Robust control and failure assessment of MEMS employed in physically demanding, mission critical applications will allow for higher degrees of quality assurance in MEMS operation. Device fault detection and closed-loop control require detailed knowledge of the operational states of MEMS over the lifetime of the device, obtained by a means decoupled from the system. Preliminary through-wafer optical monitoring research efforts have shown that through-wafer optical probing is suitable for characterizing and monitoring the behavior of MEMS, and can be implemented in an integrated optical monitoring package for continuous in-situ device monitoring. This presentation will discuss research undertaken to establish integrated optical device metrology for closed-loop control of a MUMPS fabricated lateral harmonic oscillator. Successful linear closed-loop control results using a through-wafer optical microprobe position feedback signal will be presented. A theoretical optical output field intensity study of grating structures, fabricated on the shuttle of the resonator, was performed to improve the position resolution of the optical microprobe position signal. Through-wafer microprobe signals providing a positional resolution of 2 μm using grating structures will be shown, along with initial binary Fresnel diffractive optical microelement design layout, process development, and testing results. Progress in the design, fabrication, and test of integrated optical elements for multiple microprobe signal delivery and recovery will be discussed, as well as simulation of device system model parameter changes for failure assessment.

Integrative platform based on the mechatronics model for educational technologies focused on competence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vlaşin, I.; Greta, S.; Dache, L.; Mătieş, V.

2016-08-01

Mechatronics is a model of transdisciplinary integration, entirely functional, with remarkable results for mankind. The incredible progress that the global economy has taken in the last decades is based on this new approach, the integrative type, which is present at the foundation of mechatronics. This kind of integrative approach is necessary for building a quality education focused on competence. The requirements from the social and economic environment, the needs of the young people who prepare themselves for an active life and the offers of the education providers are still not too interconnected to offer a satisfying education. This is the reason why the efforts to balance the demand, the needs and the offer are essential to ensure a better integration of students into society. Using a transcultural perspective, we can achieve a constructive approach. The education providers, together with the socio-economic environment, establish a clear structure of competence in multiple domains and of the instruments which can assure it. The scientific demarche, in the spirit of this paper approach the, answers the natural questions from the educational process: „Why, How and What do I learn?”.

[Development of methods and instruments for external quality assurance in inpatient parent-child rehabilitation and prevention].

PubMed

Neuderth, S; Lukasczik, M; Musekamp, G; Gerlich, C; Saupe-Heide, M; Löbmann, R; Vogel, H

2013-02-01

There so far is no standardized program for external quality assurance in inpatient parent-child prevention and rehabilitation in Germany. Therefore, instruments and methods of external quality assurance were developed and evaluated on behalf of the federal-level health insurance institutions. On the level of structure quality, a modular questionnaire for assessing structural features of rehabilitation/prevention centers, basic and allocation criteria as well as a checklist for visitations were developed. Structural data were collected in a nationwide survey of parent-child prevention and rehabilitation centers. Process and outcome quality data were collected in n=38 centers. Process quality was assessed using multiple methods (process-related structural features, case-related routine documentation, and incident-related patient questionnaires). Outcome quality was measured via patient questionnaires (n=1 799 patients). We used a multi-level modelling approach by adjusting relevant confounders on institutional and patient levels. The methods, instruments and analyzing procedures developed for measuring quality on the level of structure, processes and outcomes were adjusted in cooperation with all relevant stakeholders. Results are exemplarily presented for all quality assurance tools. For most of the risk-adjusted outcome parameters, we found no significant differences between institutions. For the first time, a comprehensive, standardized and generally applicable set of methods and instruments for routine use in comparative quality measurement of inpatient parent-child prevention and rehabilitation is available. However, it should be considered that the very heterogeneous field of family-oriented measures can not be covered entirely by an external quality assurance program. Therefore, methods and instruments have to be adapted continuously to the specifics of this area of health care and to new developments. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Fault tolerance techniques to assure data integrity in high-volume PACS image archives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Yutao; Huang, Lu J.; Valentino, Daniel J.; Wingate, W. Keith; Avizienis, Algirdas

1995-05-01

Picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) perform the systematic acquisition, archiving, and presentation of large quantities of radiological image and text data. In the UCLA Radiology PACS, for example, the volume of image data archived currently exceeds 2500 gigabytes. Furthermore, the distributed heterogeneous PACS is expected to have near real-time response, be continuously available, and assure the integrity and privacy of patient data. The off-the-shelf subsystems that compose the current PACS cannot meet these expectations; therefore fault tolerance techniques had to be incorporated into the system. This paper is to report our first-step efforts towards the goal and is organized as follows: First we discuss data integrity and identify fault classes under the PACS operational environment, then we describe auditing and accounting schemes developed for error-detection and analyze operational data collected. Finally, we outline plans for future research.

25 CFR 700.263 - Assuring integrity of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... safeguards to insure the security and confidentiality of records and to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to their security or integrity which could result in substantial harm, embarrassment..., subject to safeguards based on those recommended in the National Bureau of Standards booklet “Computer...

25 CFR 700.263 - Assuring integrity of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... safeguards to insure the security and confidentiality of records and to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to their security or integrity which could result in substantial harm, embarrassment..., subject to safeguards based on those recommended in the National Bureau of Standards booklet “Computer...

25 CFR 700.263 - Assuring integrity of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... safeguards to insure the security and confidentiality of records and to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to their security or integrity which could result in substantial harm, embarassment..., subject to safeguards based on those recommended in the National Bureau of Standards booklet “Computer...

25 CFR 700.263 - Assuring integrity of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... safeguards to insure the security and confidentiality of records and to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to their security or integrity which could result in substantial harm, embarassment..., subject to safeguards based on those recommended in the National Bureau of Standards booklet “Computer...

25 CFR 700.263 - Assuring integrity of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... safeguards to insure the security and confidentiality of records and to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to their security or integrity which could result in substantial harm, embarrassment..., subject to safeguards based on those recommended in the National Bureau of Standards booklet “Computer...

25 CFR 43.22 - Assuring integrity of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

..., “Computer Security Guidelines for Implementing the Privacy Act of 1974” (May 30, 1975), and any supplements... appropriate administrative, technical and physical safeguards to insure the security and confidentiality of records and to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to their security or integrity which...

Publications | Integrated Energy Solutions | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Publications 2018 Federal Tax Incentives for Energy Storage Systems Solar Plus: Optimization of Distributed Resiliency REopt: A Platform for Energy System Integration and Optimization Solar Plus: A Holistic Approach Barriers for Residential Solar Photovoltaics with Energy Storage 2016 Quality Assurance Framework for Mini

[External quality assurance in inpatient medical rehabilitation and prevention centers for mothers, fathers and children: development of instruments for assessing structural quality].

PubMed

Saupe-Heide, M; Gerlich, C; Lukasczik, M; Musekamp, G; Neuderth, S; Vogel, H

2013-12-01

As required by German law, inpatient institutions offering prevention and rehabilitation measures for mothers, fathers and children are obliged to implement external quality assurance measures. In 2 pilot projects funded by the German federal association of health insurance funds, external quality assurance procedures for in-hospital prevention and rehabilitation of mothers and fathers were analyzed with the aim of developing a set of instruments for the description of structural characteristics in this area of health care and to evaluate its appropriateness. Concerning structure-related quality, the project included a) designing and evaluating a questionnaire, b) the definition of assessment criteria for subsequent comparative data analyses, and c) the description and documentation of the current state in the field of rehabilitation and prevention for mothers, fathers and children. To document structural quality comprehensively, a modular questionnaire was developed and tested in a survey of 115 inpatient prevention and rehabilitation institutions for mothers, fathers and children. Involving an expert panel, preliminary basic and selection criteria were defined in order to assure a conducive assessment with regard to structural attributes. The majority of institutions had provider agreements for both prevention and rehabilitation. Measures for mothers/fathers with children were predominant; only 7 institutions exclusively treated mothers and fathers. Institution sizes varied strongly. Major indications included psychosomatics, dermatology, and pneumology. Overall, structural conditions of the institutions showed a high standard. Potential for development was found with regard to some aspects of the conceptual framework of institutional practice and the implementation of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in diagnostics. In this article, the degrees of fulfillment with relation to the structural dimensions are presented, referring to the analysis of the preliminary basic criteria. The developed modular questionnaire tapping structural features of inpatient mother/father-child institutions has proven to be a useful instrument to describe the structural quality in future routine practice of quality assurance. In addition, the data can be used for the definition of the final set of criteria. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

[Human resources for local health systems].

PubMed

Linger, C

1989-01-01

The economic and social crises affecting Latin America have had a profound social and political effect on its structures. This paper analyzes this impact from 2 perspectives: 1) the impact on the apparatus of the state, in particular on its health infra-structures; and 2) the direction of the democratic process in the continent and the participatory processes of civil societies. The institutionalization of the Local Health Systems (SILOS) is an effort to analyze the problem from within the health sector and propose solutions. This paper discusses the issues of human resource development in health systems; training in human resource development and human resource development in local health care systems. There are 3 strategies used to change health systems: 1) The judicial-political system: The state's apparatus 2) The political-administrative system: the national health care system; and 3) the political-operative system: local health care systems. To assure implementation of SILOS there are 4 steps to be followed: 1) create political conditions that allow the transformation and development of local health systems; 2) development of high-level institutional and political initiatives to develop health care networks; 3) offer key players institutional space and social action to develop the SILOS process; 4) rapidly develop SILOS in regions to assure its integration with other development efforts. The labor force in the health sector and organized communities play critical roles in proposing and institutionalizing health programs.

A Pilot Project Demonstrating that Combat Medics Can Safely Administer Parenteral Medications in the Emergency Department.

PubMed

Schauer, Steven G; Cunningham, Cord W; Fisher, Andrew D; DeLorenzo, Robert A

2017-12-01

Introduction Select units in the military have improved combat medic training by integrating their functions into routine clinical care activities with measurable improvements in battlefield care. This level of integration is currently limited to special operations units. It is unknown if regular Army units and combat medics can emulate these successes. The goal of this project was to determine whether US Army combat medics can be integrated into routine emergency department (ED) clinical care, specifically medication administration. Project Design This was a quality assurance project that monitored training of combat medics to administer parenteral medications and to ensure patient safety. Combat medics were provided training that included direct supervision during medication administration. Once proficiency was demonstrated, combat medics would prepare the medications under direct supervision, followed by indirect supervision during administration. As part of the quality assurance and safety processes, combat medics were required to document all medication administrations, supervising provider, and unexpected adverse events. Additional quality assurance follow-up occurred via complete chart review by the project lead. Data During the project period, the combat medics administered the following medications: ketamine (n=13), morphine (n=8), ketorolac (n=7), fentanyl (n=5), ondansetron (n=4), and other (n=6). No adverse events or patient safety events were reported by the combat medics or discovered during the quality assurance process. In this limited case series, combat medics safely administered parenteral medications under indirect provider supervision. Future research is needed to further develop this training model for both the military and civilian setting. Schauer SG , Cunningham C W, Fisher AD , DeLorenzo RA . A pilot project demonstrating that combat medics can safely administer parenteral medications in the emergency department. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(6):679-681.

NDE in aerospace-requirements for science, sensors and sense.

PubMed

Heyman, J S

1989-01-01

The complexity of modern NDE (nondestructive evaluation) arises from four main factors: quantitative measurement, science, physical models for computational analysis, realistic interfacing with engineering decisions, and direct access to management priorities. Recent advances in the four factors of NDE are addressed. Physical models of acoustic propagation are presented that have led to the development of measurement technologies advancing the ability to assure that materials and structures will perform a design. In addition, a brief discussion is given of current research for future mission needs such as smart structures that sense their own health. Such advances permit projects to integrate design for inspection into their plans, bringing NDE into engineering and management priorities. The measurement focus is on ultrasonics with generous case examples. Problem solutions highlighted include critical stress in fasteners, residual stress in steel, NDE laminography, and solid rocket motor NDE.

NDE in aerospace - Requirements for science, sensors and sense

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heyman, Joseph S.

1989-01-01

The complexity of modern nondestructive evaluation (NDE) arises from four main factors: quantitative measurement science, physical models for computational analysis, realistic interfacing with engineering decisions, and direct access to management priorities. Recent advances in the four factors of NDE are addressed. Physical models of acoustic propagation are presented that have led to the development of measurement technologies advancing the ability to assure that materials and structures will perform as designed. In addition, a brief discussion is given of current research for future mission needs such as smart structures that sense their own health. Such advances permit projects to integrate design for inspection into their plans, bringing NDE into engineering and management priorities. The measurement focus is on ultrasonics with generous case examples. Problem solutions highlighted include critical stress in fasteners, residual stress in steel, NDE laminography, and solid rocket motor NDE.

Multi-Stage Open Peer Review: Scientific Evaluation Integrating the Strengths of Traditional Peer Review with the Virtues of Transparency and Self-Regulation

PubMed Central

Pöschl, Ulrich

2012-01-01

The traditional forms of scientific publishing and peer review do not live up to all demands of efficient communication and quality assurance in today’s highly diverse and rapidly evolving world of science. They need to be advanced and complemented by interactive and transparent forms of review, publication, and discussion that are open to the scientific community and to the public. The advantages of open access, public peer review, and interactive discussion can be efficiently and flexibly combined with the strengths of traditional scientific peer review. Since 2001 the benefits and viability of this approach are clearly demonstrated by the highly successful interactive open access journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP, www.atmos-chem-phys.net) and a growing number of sister journals launched and operated by the European Geosciences Union (EGU, www.egu.eu) and the open access publisher Copernicus (www.copernicus.org). The interactive open access journals are practicing an integrative multi-stage process of publication and peer review combined with interactive public discussion, which effectively resolves the dilemma between rapid scientific exchange and thorough quality assurance. Key features and achievements of this approach are: top quality and impact, efficient self-regulation and low rejection rates, high attractivity and rapid growth, low costs, and financial sustainability. In fact, ACP and the EGU interactive open access sister journals are by most if not all standards more successful than comparable scientific journals with traditional or alternative forms of peer review (editorial statistics, publication statistics, citation statistics, economic costs, and sustainability). The high efficiency and predictive validity of multi-stage open peer review have been confirmed in a series of dedicated studies by evaluation experts from the social sciences, and the same or similar concepts have recently also been adopted in other disciplines, including the life sciences and economics. Multi-stage open peer review can be flexibly adjusted to the needs and peculiarities of different scientific communities. Due to the flexibility and compatibility with traditional structures of scientific publishing and peer review, the multi-stage open peer review concept enables efficient evolution in scientific communication and quality assurance. It has the potential for swift replacement of hidden peer review as the standard of scientific quality assurance, and it provides a basis for open evaluation in science. PMID:22783183

An institutional review board-based clinical research quality assurance program.

PubMed

Lad, Pramod M; Dahl, Rebecca

2013-01-01

Despite the acknowledged importance of quality assurance in the clinical research process, the problem of how such a program should be implemented at the level of an academic teaching hospital or a similar institution has not been addressed in the literature. Despite the fact that quality assurance is expected in programs which certify and accredit Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), very little is known about the role of the IRB in programs of clinical research quality assurance. In this article we consider the definition of clinical research quality assurance, and describe a program designed to achieve it. The key elements of such a program are education at the site level, which has both mandatory and voluntary components, and an auditing and monitoring program, which reinforces the education on quality assurance. The role of the IRB in achieving the program goals and the organizational placement of the quality assurance program within the IRB structure and function are important items of discussion.

Imaging and Data Acquisition in Clinical Trials for Radiation Therapy

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

FitzGerald, Thomas J., E-mail: Thomas.Fitzgerald@umassmed.edu; Bishop-Jodoin, Maryann; Followill, David S.

2016-02-01

Cancer treatment evolves through oncology clinical trials. Cancer trials are multimodal and complex. Assuring high-quality data are available to answer not only study objectives but also questions not anticipated at study initiation is the role of quality assurance. The National Cancer Institute reorganized its cancer clinical trials program in 2014. The National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN) was formed and within it was established a Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Therapy Quality Assurance Organization. This organization is Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core, the Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core Group, consisting of 6 quality assurance centers that provide imaging and radiation therapy qualitymore » assurance for the NCTN. Sophisticated imaging is used for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management as well as for image-driven technologies to plan and execute radiation treatment. Integration of imaging and radiation oncology data acquisition, review, management, and archive strategies are essential for trial compliance and future research. Lessons learned from previous trials are and provide evidence to support diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy data acquisition in NCTN trials.« less

Metrology: Measurement Assurance Program Guidelines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eicke, W. G.; Riley, J. P.; Riley, K. J.

1995-01-01

The 5300.4 series of NASA Handbooks for Reliability and Quality Assurance Programs have provisions for the establishment and utilization of a documented metrology system to control measurement processes and to provide objective evidence of quality conformance. The intent of these provisions is to assure consistency and conformance to specifications and tolerances of equipment, systems, materials, and processes procured and/or used by NASA, its international partners, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. This Measurement Assurance Program (MAP) guideline has the specific objectives to: (1) ensure the quality of measurements made within NASA programs; (2) establish realistic measurement process uncertainties; (3) maintain continuous control over the measurement processes; and (4) ensure measurement compatibility among NASA facilities. The publication addresses MAP methods as applied within and among NASA installations and serves as a guide to: control measurement processes at the local level (one facility); conduct measurement assurance programs in which a number of field installations are joint participants; and conduct measurement integrity (round robin) experiments in which a number of field installations participate to assess the overall quality of particular measurement processes at a point in time.

Assessment of the State-of-the-Art of System-Wide Safety and Assurance Technologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roychoudhury, Indranil; Reveley, Mary S.; Phojanamongkolkij, Nipa; Leone, Karen M.

2017-01-01

Since its initiation, the System-wide Safety Assurance Technologies (SSAT) Project has been focused on developing multidisciplinary tools and techniques that are verified and validated to ensure prevention of loss of property and life in NextGen and enable proactive risk management through predictive methods. To this end, four technical challenges have been listed to help realize the goals of SSAT, namely (i) assurance of flight critical systems, (ii) discovery of precursors to safety incidents, (iii) assuring safe human-systems integration, and (iv) prognostic algorithm design for safety assurance. The objective of this report is to provide an extensive survey of SSAT-related research accomplishments by researchers within and outside NASA to get an understanding of what the state-of-the-art is for technologies enabling each of the four technical challenges. We hope that this report will serve as a good resource for anyone interested in gaining an understanding of the SSAT technical challenges, and also be useful in the future for project planning and resource allocation for related research.

SOI-silicon as structural layer for NEMS applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Villarroya, Maria; Figueras, Eduard; Perez-Murano, Francesc; Campabadal, Francesca; Esteve, Jaume; Barniol, Nuria

2003-04-01

The objective of this paper is to present the compatibilization between a standard CMOS on bulk silicon process and the fabrication of nanoelectromechanical systems using Silicon On Insulator (SOI) wafers as substrate. This compatibilization is required as first step to fabricate a very high sensitive mass sensor based on a resonant cantilever with nanometer dimensions using the crystal silicon COI layer as the structural layer. The cantilever is driven electrostatically to its resonance frequency by an electrode placed parallel to the cantilever. A capacitive readout is performed. To achieve very high resolution, very small dimensions of the cantilever (nanometer range) are needed. For this reason, the control and excitation circuitry has to be integrated on the same substrate than the cantilever. Prior to the development of this sensor, it is necessary to develop a substrate able to be used first to integrate a standard CMOS circuit and afterwards to fabricate the nano-resonator. Starting from a SOI wafer and using very simple processes, the SOI silicon layer is removed, except from the areas in which nano-structures will be fabricated; obtaining a silicon substrate with islands with a SOI structure. The CMOS circuitry will be integrated on the bulk silicon region, while the remainder SOI region will be used for the nanoresonator. The silicon oxide of this SOI region is used as insulator; and as sacrificial layer, etched to release the cantilever from the substrate. To assure the cover of the different CMOS layers over the step of the islands, it is essential to avoid very sharp steps.

Comparative evaluation of shear bond strength of metallic brackets bonded with two different bonding agents under dry conditions and with saliva contamination.

PubMed

Khanehmasjedi, Mashallah; Naseri, Mohammad Ali; Khanehmasjedi, Samaneh; Basir, Leila

2017-02-01

This study compared the shear bond strength of metallic brackets bonded with Single Bond and Assure bonding agents under dry and saliva-contamination conditions. Sixty sound premolar teeth were selected, and stainless-steel brackets were bonded on enamel surfaces with Single Bond and Assure bonding agents under dry condition or with saliva contamination. Shear bond strength values of brackets were measured in a universal testing machine. The adhesive remnant index scores were determined after debonding of the brackets under a stereomicroscope. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze bond strength. Two-by-two comparisons were made with post hoc Tukey tests (p<0.001). Frequencies of adhesive remnant index scores were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test. Bond strength values of brackets to tooth structure were 9.29±8.56 MPa and 21.25±8.93 MPa with the use of Assure resin bonding agent under saliva-contamination and dry conditions, respectively. These values were 10.13±6.69 MPa and 14.09±6.6 MPa, respectively, under the same conditions with the use of Single Bond adhesive. Contamination with saliva resulted in a significant decrease in the bond strength of brackets to tooth structure with the application of Assure adhesive resin (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in the adhesive remnant index scores between the study groups. Application of Single Bond and Assure bonding agents resulted in adequate bond strength of brackets to tooth structures. Contamination with saliva significantly decreased the bond strength of Assure bonding agent compared with dry conditions. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC.

Multidisciplinary Modeling Software for Analysis, Design, and Optimization of HRRLS Vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spradley, Lawrence W.; Lohner, Rainald; Hunt, James L.

2011-01-01

The concept for Highly Reliable Reusable Launch Systems (HRRLS) under the NASA Hypersonics project is a two-stage-to-orbit, horizontal-take-off / horizontal-landing, (HTHL) architecture with an air-breathing first stage. The first stage vehicle is a slender body with an air-breathing propulsion system that is highly integrated with the airframe. The light weight slender body will deflect significantly during flight. This global deflection affects the flow over the vehicle and into the engine and thus the loads and moments on the vehicle. High-fidelity multi-disciplinary analyses that accounts for these fluid-structures-thermal interactions are required to accurately predict the vehicle loads and resultant response. These predictions of vehicle response to multi physics loads, calculated with fluid-structural-thermal interaction, are required in order to optimize the vehicle design over its full operating range. This contract with ResearchSouth addresses one of the primary objectives of the Vehicle Technology Integration (VTI) discipline: the development of high-fidelity multi-disciplinary analysis and optimization methods and tools for HRRLS vehicles. The primary goal of this effort is the development of an integrated software system that can be used for full-vehicle optimization. This goal was accomplished by: 1) integrating the master code, FEMAP, into the multidiscipline software network to direct the coupling to assure accurate fluid-structure-thermal interaction solutions; 2) loosely-coupling the Euler flow solver FEFLO to the available and proven aeroelasticity and large deformation (FEAP) code; 3) providing a coupled Euler-boundary layer capability for rapid viscous flow simulation; 4) developing and implementing improved Euler/RANS algorithms into the FEFLO CFD code to provide accurate shock capturing, skin friction, and heat-transfer predictions for HRRLS vehicles in hypersonic flow, 5) performing a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes computation on an HRRLS configuration; 6) integrating the RANS solver with the FEAP code for coupled fluid-structure-thermal capability; and 7) integrating the existing NASA SRGULL propulsion flow path prediction software with the FEFLO software for quasi-3D propulsion flow path predictions, 8) improving and integrating into the network, an existing adjoint-based design optimization code.

Middeck Active Control Experiment (MACE), phase A

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crawley, Edward F.; Deluis, Javier; Miller, David W.

1989-01-01

A rationale to determine which structural experiments are sufficient to verify the design of structures employing Controlled Structures Technology was derived. A survey of proposed NASA missions was undertaken to identify candidate test articles for use in the Middeck Active Control Experiment (MACE). The survey revealed that potential test articles could be classified into one of three roles: development, demonstration, and qualification, depending on the maturity of the technology and the mission the structure must fulfill. A set of criteria was derived that allowed determination of which role a potential test article must fulfill. A review of the capabilities and limitations of the STS middeck was conducted. A reference design for the MACE test article was presented. Computing requirements for running typical closed-loop controllers was determined, and various computer configurations were studied. The various components required to manufacture the structure were identified. A management plan was established for the remainder of the program experiment development, flight and ground systems development, and integration to the carrier. Procedures for configuration control, fiscal control, and safety, reliabilty, and quality assurance were developed.

[Quality assurance in oncology: experiences of an ISO certification].

PubMed

Szentirmay, Zoltán; Cseh, Lujza; Ottó, Szabolcs; Kásler, Miklós

2002-01-01

The ISO 9001 quality assurance of the National Institute of Oncology has been achieved successfully. We give an account of the brief history and the structure of the assurance system of the Institute, the process of setting our goals, and also the experience gained from drafting ISO 9001 handbook and flowcharts. Apart from the bureaucratic nature of quality assurance, it is a good opportunity for us to investigate our everyday work, put it into orderly manner and work more reliably. Experience has shown that the introduction of a quality assurance system increases the level of patient care, the documentation helps the Institute or some of its departments, or even individuals prevent law suits, and serves as a sound basis for proposing promotion, salary increases and bonuses, or even honors.

Automated Conflict Resolution, Arrival Management and Weather Avoidance for ATM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Erzberger, H.; Lauderdale, Todd A.; Chu, Yung-Cheng

2010-01-01

The paper describes a unified solution to three types of separation assurance problems that occur in en-route airspace: separation conflicts, arrival sequencing, and weather-cell avoidance. Algorithms for solving these problems play a key role in the design of future air traffic management systems such as NextGen. Because these problems can arise simultaneously in any combination, it is necessary to develop integrated algorithms for solving them. A unified and comprehensive solution to these problems provides the foundation for a future air traffic management system that requires a high level of automation in separation assurance. The paper describes the three algorithms developed for solving each problem and then shows how they are used sequentially to solve any combination of these problems. The first algorithm resolves loss-of-separation conflicts and is an evolution of an algorithm described in an earlier paper. The new version generates multiple resolutions for each conflict and then selects the one giving the least delay. Two new algorithms, one for sequencing and merging of arrival traffic, referred to as the Arrival Manager, and the other for weather-cell avoidance are the major focus of the paper. Because these three problems constitute a substantial fraction of the workload of en-route controllers, integrated algorithms to solve them is a basic requirement for automated separation assurance. The paper also reviews the Advanced Airspace Concept, a proposed design for a ground-based system that postulates redundant systems for separation assurance in order to achieve both high levels of safety and airspace capacity. It is proposed that automated separation assurance be introduced operationally in several steps, each step reducing controller workload further while increasing airspace capacity. A fast time simulation was used to determine performance statistics of the algorithm at up to 3 times current traffic levels.

Development of methodologies and procedures for identifying STS users and uses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Archer, J. L.; Beauchamp, N. A.; Macmichael, D. C.

1974-01-01

A study was conducted to identify new uses and users of the new Space Transporation System (STS) within the domestic government sector. The study develops a series of analytical techniques and well-defined functions structured as an integrated planning process to assure efficient and meaningful use of the STS. The purpose of the study is to provide NASA with the following functions: (1) to realize efficient and economic use of the STS and other NASA capabilities, (2) to identify new users and uses of the STS, (3) to contribute to organized planning activities for both current and future programs, and (4) to air in analyzing uses of NASA's overall capabilities.

Integration of Innovative Technologies for Enhancing Students' Motivation for Science Learning and Career

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Xie, Yichun; Reider, David

2014-01-01

This paper analyzes the outcomes of an innovative technology experience for students and teachers (ITEST) project, Mayor's Youth Technology Corps (MYTCs) in Detroit, MI, which was funded by the NSF ITEST program. The MYTC project offered an integration of two technologies, geographic information system (GIS) and information assurance (IA), to…

Integrated Sustainability Reporting at HNE Eberswalde--A Practice Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kräusche, Kerstin; Pilz, Stefanie

2018-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the development of an integrated sustainability reporting. In this paper success criteria are named and empirical values when dealingwith specific challenges are formulated. The focus is on the development of criteria for reporting, the involvement of university members and quality assurance.…

Modelling Student Satisfaction and Motivation in the Integrated Educational Environment: An Empirical study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stukalina, Yulia

2016-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore some issues related to enhancing the quality of educational services provided by a university in the agenda of integrating quality assurance activities and strategic management procedures. Design/methodology/approach: Employing multiple regression analysis the author has examined some factors that…

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

Hamlet, Jason; Pierson, Lyndon; Bauer, Todd

Supply chain security to detect, deter, and prevent the counterfeiting of networked and stand-alone integrated circuits (ICs) is critical to cyber security. Sandia National Laboratory researchers have developed IC ID to leverage Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs) and strong cryptographic authentication to create a unique fingerprint for each integrated circuit. IC ID assures the authenticity of ICs to prevent tampering or malicious substitution.

30 CFR 250.1902 - What must I include in my SEMS program?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false What must I include in my SEMS program? 250.1902 Section 250.1902 Mineral Resources BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT, REGULATION, AND ENFORCEMENT... § 250.1915) (8) Mechanical Integrity (Assurance of Quality and Mechanical Integrity of Critical...

The Concordat to Support Research Integrity: A Progress Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Contracts

2016-01-01

Published in July 2012, "The Concordat to Support Research Integrity" set out five broad commitments to be made by institutions in receipt of public research funding, to help assure the government and the public that UK research meets the highest ethical, legal and professional standards. This progress report explores the impact and…

Quality-assurance plan for the analysis of fluvial sediment by the U.S. Geological Survey Kentucky Water Science Center Sediment Laboratory

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shreve, Elizabeth A.; Downs, Aimee C.

2005-01-01

This report describes laboratory procedures used by the U.S. Geological Survey Kentucky Water Science Center Sediment Laboratory for the processing and analysis of fluvial-sediment samples for concentration of sand and finer material. The report details the processing of a sediment sample through the laboratory from receiving the sediment sample, through the analytical process, to compiling results of the requested analysis. Procedures for preserving sample integrity, calibrating and maintaining of laboratory and field instruments and equipment, analyzing samples, internal quality assurance and quality control, and validity of the sediment-analysis results also are described. The report includes a list of references cited and a glossary of sediment and quality-assurance terms.

A Review of Quality Assurance Methods to Assist Professional Record Keeping: Implications for Providers of Interpersonal Violence Treatment

PubMed Central

Bradshaw, Kelsey M.; Donohue, Brad; Wilks, Chelsey

2014-01-01

Errors have been found to frequently occur in the management of case records within mental health service systems. In cases involving interpersonal violence, such errors have been found to negatively impact service implementation and lead to significant trauma and fatalities. In an effort to ensure adherence to specified standards of care, quality assurance programs (QA) have been developed to monitor and enhance service implementation. These programs have generally been successful in facilitating record management. However, these systems are rarely disseminated, and not well integrated. Therefore, within the context of interpersonal violence, we provide an extensive review of evidence supported record keeping practices, and methods to assist in assuring these practices are implemented with adherence. PMID:24976786

Underground Test Area Fiscal Year 2013 Annual Quality Assurance Report Nevada National Security Site, Nevada, Revision 0

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

Krenzien, Susan; Marutzky, Sam

This report is required by the Underground Test Area (UGTA) Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) and identifies the UGTA quality assurance (QA) activities for fiscal year (FY) 2013. All UGTA organizations—U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Field Office (NNSA/NFO); Desert Research Institute (DRI); Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL); Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL); Navarro-Intera, LLC (N-I); National Security Technologies, LLC (NSTec); and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)—conducted QA activities in FY 2013. The activities included conducting assessments, identifying findings and completing corrective actions, evaluating laboratory performance, and publishing documents. In addition, integrated UGTA required reading and correctivemore » action tracking was instituted.« less

NASA Space Shuttle Program: Shuttle Environmental Assurance (SEA) Initiative

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glover, Steve E.; McCool, Alex (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The first Space Shuttle flight was in 1981 and the fleet was originally expected to be replaced with a new generation vehicle in the early 21st century. Space Shuttle Program (SSP) elements proactively address environmental and obsolescence concerns and continue to improve safety and supportability. The SSP manager created the Shuttle Environmental Assurance (SEA) Initiative in 2000. SEA is to provide an integrated approach for the SSP to promote environmental excellence, proactively manage materials obsolescence, and optimize associated resources.

[The evolution of nursing record-keeping].

PubMed

Didry, Pascale

2017-05-01

Nursing record-keeping forms an integral part of the provision of care. It helps to assure its traceability and monitoring. It also contributes to the circulation of information among the different players involved in the patient's treatment, thereby helping to assure the quality and safety of care. For nurses, whose professional history has its roots in a culture of oral communication, record-keeping represents the affirmation of a real nursing way of thinking. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

A model for a drug distribution system in remote Australia as a social determinant of health using event structure analysis.

PubMed

Rovers, John P; Mages, Michelle D

2017-09-25

The social determinants of health include the health systems under which people live and utilize health services. One social determinant, for which pharmacists are responsible, is designing drug distribution systems that ensure patients have safe and convenient access to medications. This is critical for settings with poor access to health care. Rural and remote Australia is one example of a setting where the pharmacy profession, schools of pharmacy, and regulatory agencies require pharmacists to assure medication access. Studies of drug distribution systems in such settings are uncommon. This study describes a model for a drug distribution system in an Aboriginal Health Service in remote Australia. The results may be useful for policy setting, pharmacy system design, health professions education, benchmarking, or quality assurance efforts for health system managers in similarly remote locations. The results also suggest that pharmacists can promote access to medications as a social determinant of health. The primary objective of this study was to propose a model for a drug procurement, storage, and distribution system in a remote region of Australia. The secondary objective was to learn the opinions and experiences of healthcare workers under the model. Qualitative research methods were used. Semi-structured interviews were performed with a convenience sample of 11 individuals employed by an Aboriginal health service. Transcripts were analyzed using Event Structure Analysis (ESA) to develop the model. Transcripts were also analyzed to determine the opinions and experiences of health care workers. The model was comprised of 24 unique steps with seven distinct components: choosing a supplier; creating a list of preferred medications; budgeting and ordering; supply and shipping; receipt and storage in the clinic; prescribing process; dispensing and patient counseling. Interviewees described opportunities for quality improvement in choosing suppliers, legal issues and staffing, cold chain integrity, medication shortages and wastage, and adherence to policies. The model illustrates how pharmacists address medication access as a social determinant of health, and may be helpful for policy setting, system design, benchmarking, and quality assurance by health system designers. ESA is an effective and novel method of developing such models.

Risk management and lessons learned solutions for satellite product assurance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larrère, Jean-Luc

2004-08-01

The historic trend of the space industry towards lower cost programmes and more generally a better economic efficiency raises a difficult question to the quality assurance community: how to achieve the same—or better—mission success rate while drastically reducing the cost of programmes, hence the cost and level of quality assurance activities. EADS Astrium Earth Observation and Science (France) Business Unit have experimented Risk Management and Lessons Learned on their satellite programmes to achieve this goal. Risk analysis and management are deployed from the programme proposal phase through the development and operations phases. Results of the analysis and the corresponding risk mitigation actions are used to tailor the product assurance programme and activities. Lessons learned have been deployed as a systematic process to collect positive and negative experience from past and on-going programmes and feed them into new programmes. Monitoring and justification of their implementation in programmes is done under supervision from the BU quality assurance function. Control of the system is ensured by the company internal review system. Deployment of these methods has shown that the quality assurance function becomes more integrated in the programme team and development process and that its tasks gain focus and efficiency while minimising the risks associated with new space programmes.

7 CFR 15.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... assurance that the applicant's program or activity will be conducted or the facility operated in compliance... where the Federal financial assistance is to provide or is in the form of personal property, or real... enforcement. (2) In the case of real property, structures, or improvements thereon, or interests therein...

7 CFR 15.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... assurance that the applicant's program or activity will be conducted or the facility operated in compliance... where the Federal financial assistance is to provide or is in the form of personal property, or real... enforcement. (2) In the case of real property, structures, or improvements thereon, or interests therein...

7 CFR 15.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... assurance that the applicant's program or activity will be conducted or the facility operated in compliance... where the Federal financial assistance is to provide or is in the form of personal property, or real... enforcement. (2) In the case of real property, structures, or improvements thereon, or interests therein...

7 CFR 15.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... assurance that the applicant's program or activity will be conducted or the facility operated in compliance... where the Federal financial assistance is to provide or is in the form of personal property, or real... enforcement. (2) In the case of real property, structures, or improvements thereon, or interests therein...

7 CFR 15.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... assurance that the applicant's program or activity will be conducted or the facility operated in compliance... where the Federal financial assistance is to provide or is in the form of personal property, or real... enforcement. (2) In the case of real property, structures, or improvements thereon, or interests therein...

Liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight and ion trap mass spectrometry for qualitative analysis of herbal medicines.

PubMed

Chen, Xiao-Fei; Wu, Hai-Tang; Tan, Guang-Guo; Zhu, Zhen-Yu; Chai, Yi-Feng

2011-11-01

With the expansion of herbal medicine (HM) market, the issue on how to apply up-to-date analytical tools on qualitative analysis of HMs to assure their quality, safety and efficacy has been arousing great attention. Due to its inherent characteristics of accurate mass measurements and multiple stages analysis, the integrated strategy of liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) and ion trap mass spectrometry (IT-MS) is well-suited to be performed as qualitative analysis tool in this field. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview on the potential of this integrated strategy, including the review of general features of LC-IT-MS and LC-TOF-MS, the advantages of their combination, the common procedures for structure elucidation, the potential of LC-hybrid-IT-TOF/MS and also the summary and discussion of the applications of the integrated strategy for HM qualitative analysis (2006-2011). The advantages and future developments of LC coupled with IT and TOF-MS are highlighted.

EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE AND ENVIRONMENT ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF TWO CHOPPED-FIBER AUTOMOTIVE STRUCTURAL COMPOSITES

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

Ruggles-Wrenn, M.B.

2003-10-06

The Durability of Lightweight Composite Structures Project was established at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) by the U.S. Department of Energy to provide the experimentally-based, durability-driven design guidelines necessary to assure long-term structural integrity of automotive composite components. The initial focus of the ORNL Durability Project was on composite materials consisting of polyurethane reinforced with E-glass. Current focus of the project is on composite materials reinforced with carbon fibers. The primary purpose of this report is to provide the individual specimen test date. Basic mechanical property testing and results for two chopped-fiber composite materials, one reinforced with glass- and themore » other with carbon fiber are provided. Both materials use the same polyurethane matrix. Preforms for both materials were produced using the P4 process. Behavioral trends, effects of temperature and environment, and corresponding design knockdown factors are established for both materials. Effects of prior short-time loads and of prior thermal cycling are discussed.« less

Damage Tolerance Applied to Design of Mid-Size Aircraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaves, Carlos Eduardo

Most of the mid-size aircraft are certified according to FAA Part 25 requirements, and in order to comply with these requirements the majority of the aircraft structure must be damage tolerant. To assure damage tolerance, despite the overall structural behavior, one should look at the details. There is a great amount of analysis tasks and tests that must be carried out in order to guarantee the aircraft structural integrity. This paper presents an overview of Embraer experience with design and analysis for damage tolerance during the last 30 years. Aspects like DT analysis for metallic and composite structures, selection of appropriate materials, loads, definition of limits of validity and definition of inspection intervals will be addressed along this work. Selected structural tests that have been performed for validation of modeling predictions will be presented. Some aspects to be discussed are related to the design differences between commercial jets, which are usually subjected to high usage conditions, business jets and military aircraft. Further, the application of future technologies, such as structural health monitoring, and also of new materials and manufacturing processes that have been evaluated in order to improve the damage tolerance capability of the aircraft structures will be discussed.

Quality Assurance of Cancer Study Common Data Elements Using A Post-Coordination Approach

PubMed Central

Jiang, Guoqian; Solbrig, Harold R.; Prud’hommeaux, Eric; Tao, Cui; Weng, Chunhua; Chute, Christopher G.

2015-01-01

Domain-specific common data elements (CDEs) are emerging as an effective approach to standards-based clinical research data storage and retrieval. A limiting factor, however, is the lack of robust automated quality assurance (QA) tools for the CDEs in clinical study domains. The objectives of the present study are to prototype and evaluate a QA tool for the study of cancer CDEs using a post-coordination approach. The study starts by integrating the NCI caDSR CDEs and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data dictionaries in a single Resource Description Framework (RDF) data store. We designed a compositional expression pattern based on the Data Element Concept model structure informed by ISO/IEC 11179, and developed a transformation tool that converts the pattern-based compositional expressions into the Web Ontology Language (OWL) syntax. Invoking reasoning and explanation services, we tested the system utilizing the CDEs extracted from two TCGA clinical cancer study domains. The system could automatically identify duplicate CDEs, and detect CDE modeling errors. In conclusion, compositional expressions not only enable reuse of existing ontology codes to define new domain concepts, but also provide an automated mechanism for QA of terminological annotations for CDEs. PMID:26958201

A coverage and slicing dependencies analysis for seeking software security defects.

PubMed

He, Hui; Zhang, Dongyan; Liu, Min; Zhang, Weizhe; Gao, Dongmin

2014-01-01

Software security defects have a serious impact on the software quality and reliability. It is a major hidden danger for the operation of a system that a software system has some security flaws. When the scale of the software increases, its vulnerability has becoming much more difficult to find out. Once these vulnerabilities are exploited, it may lead to great loss. In this situation, the concept of Software Assurance is carried out by some experts. And the automated fault localization technique is a part of the research of Software Assurance. Currently, automated fault localization method includes coverage based fault localization (CBFL) and program slicing. Both of the methods have their own location advantages and defects. In this paper, we have put forward a new method, named Reverse Data Dependence Analysis Model, which integrates the two methods by analyzing the program structure. On this basis, we finally proposed a new automated fault localization method. This method not only is automation lossless but also changes the basic location unit into single sentence, which makes the location effect more accurate. Through several experiments, we proved that our method is more effective. Furthermore, we analyzed the effectiveness among these existing methods and different faults.

22 CFR 141.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... operated in compliance with all requirements imposed by or pursuant to this part. The assurance shall... property, or real property or structures or any interest therein, or such property is acquired as a result... paragraph (a)(1) of this section, with respect to any elementary or secondary school or school system shall...

22 CFR 141.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... operated in compliance with all requirements imposed by or pursuant to this part. The assurance shall... property, or real property or structures or any interest therein, or such property is acquired as a result... paragraph (a)(1) of this section, with respect to any elementary or secondary school or school system shall...

42 CFR 423.128 - Dissemination of Part D plan information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... tiered formulary structure and utilization management procedures used) functions; (iii) The process for... under § 423.564 et. seq. (8) Quality assurance policies and procedures. A description of the quality assurance policies and procedures required under § 423.153(c), as well as the medication therapy management...

Quality Assurance Program Description

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

Halford, Vaughn Edward; Ryder, Ann Marie

Effective May 1, 2017, led by a new executive leadership team, Sandia began operating within a new organizational structure. National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia (Sandia’s) Quality Assurance Program (QAP) was established to assign responsibilities and authorities, define workflow policies and requirements, and provide for the performance and assessment of work.

Engaging in Enhancement: Implications of Participatory Approaches in Higher Education Quality Assurance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Groen, Jovan F.

2017-01-01

Stemming from increased levels of participation and diversity of the student base and from growing scrutiny on the quality of university degrees, governments have begun establishing mechanisms to monitor and support quality in higher education. Faced with administrative quality assurance structures, academics often complain that little is…

Strengthening Internal Quality Assurance Processes: Facilitating Student Evaluation Committees to Contribute

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stalmeijer, Renée; Whittingham, Jill; de Grave, Willem; Dolmans, Diana

2016-01-01

Student evaluation committees play a crucial role in internal quality assurance processes as representatives of the student body. However, the students on these committees sometimes experience difficulty in providing constructive and structured feedback to faculty in an environment characterised by a strong power differential between student and…

System Model for MEMS based Laser Ultrasonic Receiver

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, William C.

2002-01-01

A need has been identified for more advanced nondestructive Evaluation technologies for assuring the integrity of airframe structures, wiring, etc. Laser ultrasonic inspection instruments have been shown to detect flaws in structures. However, these instruments are generally too bulky to be used in the confined spaces that are typical of aerospace vehicles. Microsystems technology is one key to reducing the size of current instruments and enabling increased inspection coverage in areas that were previously inaccessible due to instrument size and weight. This paper investigates the system modeling of a Micro OptoElectroMechanical System (MOEMS) based laser ultrasonic receiver. The system model is constructed in software using MATLAB s dynamical simulator, Simulink. The optical components are modeled using geometrical matrix methods and include some image processing. The system model includes a test bench which simulates input stimuli and models the behavior of the material under test.

An evaluation of the pressure proof test concept for 2024-T3 aluminium alloy sheet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dawicke, D. S.; Poe, C. C., Jr.; Newman, J. C.; Harris, C. E.

1991-01-01

The concept of pressure proof testing of fuselage structures with fatigue cracks to insure structural integrity was evaluated from a fracture mechanics viewpoint. A generic analytical and experimental investigation was conducted on uniaxially loaded flat panels with crack configurations and stress levels typical of longitudinal lap splice joints in commercial transport aircraft fuselages. The results revealed that the remaining fatigue life after a proof cycle was longer than that without the proof cycle because of crack growth retardation due to increased crack closure. However, based on a crack length that is slightly less than the critical value at the maximum proof stress, the minimum assured life or proof test interval must be no more than 550 pressure cycles for a 1.33 proof factor and 1530 pressure cycles for a 1.5 proof factor to prevent in-flight failures.

An evaluation of the pressure proof test concept for thin sheet 2024-T3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dawicke, D. S.; Poe, C. C., Jr.; Newman, J. C., Jr.; Harris, C. E.

1990-01-01

The concept of pressure proof testing of fuselage structures with fatigue cracks to insure structural integrity was evaluated from a fracture mechanics viewpoint. A generic analytical and experimental investigation was conducted on uniaxially loaded flat panels with crack configurations and stress levels typical of longitudinal lap-splice joints in commercial transport aircraft fuselage. The results revealed that the remaining fatigue life after a proof test was longer than that without the proof test because of crack growth retardation due to increased crack closure. However, based on a crack length that is slightly less than the critical value at the maximum proof test stress, the minimum assured life or proof test interval must be no more than 550 pressure cycles for a 1.33 proof factor and 1530 pressure cycles for a 1.5 proof factor to prevent in-flight failures.

An evaluation of the pressure proof test concept for thin sheet 2024-T3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dawicke, D. S.; Poe, C. C., Jr.; Newman, James C., Jr.; Harris, Charles E.

1990-01-01

The concept of pressure proof testing of fuselage structures with fatigue cracks to insure structural integrity was evaluated from a fracture mechanics viewpoint. A generic analytical and experimental investigation was conducted on uniaxially loaded flat panels with crack configurations and stress levels typical of longitudinal lap splice joints in commercial transport aircraft fuselages. The results revealed that the remaining fatigue life after a proof test was longer than that without the proof test because of crack growth retardation due to increased crack closure. However, based on a crack length that is slightly less than the critical value at the maximum proof test stress, the minimum assured life or proof test interval must be no more than 550 pressure cycles for a 1.33 proof factor and 1530 pressure cycles for a 1.5 proof factor to prevent in-flight failures.

[Quality assurance of rehabilitation by the German pension insurance: an overview].

PubMed

Klosterhuis, H; Baumgarten, E; Beckmann, U; Erbstösser, S; Lindow, B; Naumann, B; Widera, T; Zander, J

2010-12-01

The German pension insurance has in recent years developed a comprehensive programme for quality assurance in rehabilitation, and has implemented the programme into routine practice. Different aspects of rehabilitation are evaluated with differentiated instruments. Issues dealt with inter alia include the quality of rehabilitative care in a narrower sense, the structure and organisation of the rehabilitation centres, as well as quality from the patients' perspective. On the whole, positive results predominate. Big differences in quality however have been found between the rehabilitation centres. The data collections and data evaluations carried out make a continuous process of quality assurance reporting possible for use by rehabilitation centres and pension insurance agencies. This will enable targeted initiatives for quality improvement. The methods and procedures of quality assurance are enhanced at regular intervals, and the scope of quality assurance is extended. Thus, rehab quality assurance is also expanded to cover ambulant rehabilitation or rehabilitation of children and young people. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Development of the supply chain oriented quality assurance system for aerospace manufacturing SMEs and its implementation perspectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussein, Abdullahi; Cheng, Kai

2016-10-01

Aerospace manufacturing SMEs are continuously facing the challenge on managing their supply chain and complying with the aerospace manufacturing quality standard requirement due to their lack of resources and the nature of business. In this paper, the ERP system based approach is presented to quality control and assurance work in light of seamless integration of in-process production data and information internally and therefore managing suppliers more effectively and efficiently. The Aerospace Manufacturing Quality Assurance Standard (BS/EN9100) is one of the most recognised and essential protocols for developing the industry-operated-and-driven quality assurance systems. The research investigates using the ERP based system as an enabler to implement BS/EN9100 quality management system at manufacturing SMEs and the associated implementation and application perspectives. An application case study on a manufacturing SME is presented by using the SAP based implementation, which helps further evaluate and validate the approach and application system development.

24 CFR 50.3 - Environmental policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... approach shall be used to assure the integrated use of the natural and social sciences and the environmental design arts in making decisions. (e) Environmental impacts shall be evaluated on as comprehensive...

Defense Business Transformation: A Comprehensive Plan, Integrated Efforts, and Sustained Leadership are Needed to Assure Success

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-11-16

most of DOD’s major business operations. DOD’s failure to effectively resolve these high-risk areas has resulted in billions of dollars of waste each...integrated, enterprise-wide business transformation plan and its related leadership approach, and (2) comply with legislation that addresses business systems

Ares Project Overview - Quality in Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cianciola, Chris; Crane, Kenneth

2008-01-01

This presentation introduces the audience to the overall goals of the Ares Project, which include providing human access to low-Earth orbit, the Moon, and beyond. The presentation also provides an overview of with the vehicles that will execute those goals and progress made on the vehicles to date. The briefing will provide an introduction to Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen practices Ares will use to improve the overall effectiveness and quality of its efforts. Finally, the briefing includes a summary of Safety and Mission Assurance practices being implemented within[Ares to ensure safety and quality early in the design process. Integrating Safety and Mission Assurance in Design: This presentation describes how the Ares Projects are learning from the successes and failures of previous launch systems in order to maximize safety and reliability while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The Ares Projects are integrating Safer T and Mission Assurance into design activities and embracing independent assessments by Quality experts in thorough reviews of designs and processes. Incorporating Lean thinking into the design process, Ares is also streamlining existing processes and future manufacturing flows which will yield savings during production. Understanding the value of early involvement of Quality experts, the Ares Projects are leading launch vehicle development into the 21st century.

Metrics for Analyzing Quantifiable Differentiation of Designs with Varying Integrity for Hardware Assurance

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-01

proposed. Expected profiles can incorporate a level of overdesign. Finally, the Design Integrity measuring techniques are applied to five Test Article ...Inserted into Test System Table 2 presents the results of the analysis applied to each of the test article designs. Each of the domains are...the lowest integrities. Based on the analysis, the DI metric shows measurable differentiation between all five Test Article Error Location Error

Integral edge seals for phosphoric acid fuel cells

DOEpatents

Granata, Jr., Samuel J.; Woodle, Boyd M.; Dunyak, Thomas J.

1992-01-01

A phosphoric acid fuel cell having integral edge seals formed by an elastomer permeating an outer peripheral band contiguous with the outer peripheral edges of the cathode and anode assemblies and the matrix to form an integral edge seal which is reliable, easy to manufacture and has creep characteristics similar to the anode, cathode and matrix assemblies inboard of the seals to assure good electrical contact throughout the life of the fuel cell.

A Survey and Evaluation of Software Quality Assurance.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-09-01

activities; 2. Cryptologic activities related to national security; 3. Command and control of military forces; 4. Equipment that is an integral part of a...Testing and Integration , and Performance or Operation (6). Figure 3 shows the software life cycle and the key outputs of the phases. The first phase to...defects. This procedure is considered the Checkout (13:09-91). Once coding is complete, the Testing and Integration Phase begins. Here the developed

Implementing a High-Assurance Smart-Card OS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karger, Paul A.; Toll, David C.; Palmer, Elaine R.; McIntosh, Suzanne K.; Weber, Samuel; Edwards, Jonathan W.

Building a high-assurance, secure operating system for memory constrained systems, such as smart cards, introduces many challenges. The increasing power of smart cards has made their use feasible in applications such as electronic passports, military and public sector identification cards, and cell-phone based financial and entertainment applications. Such applications require a secure environment, which can only be provided with sufficient hardware and a secure operating system. We argue that smart cards pose additional security challenges when compared to traditional computer platforms. We discuss our design for a secure smart card operating system, named Caernarvon, and show that it addresses these challenges, which include secure application download, protection of cryptographic functions from malicious applications, resolution of covert channels, and assurance of both security and data integrity in the face of arbitrary power losses.

The organizational structure and governing principles of the Food and Drug Administration's Mini-Sentinel pilot program.

PubMed

Forrow, Susan; Campion, Daniel M; Herrinton, Lisa J; Nair, Vinit P; Robb, Melissa A; Wilson, Marcus; Platt, Richard

2012-01-01

The US Food and Drug Administration's Mini-Sentinel pilot program is developing an organizational structure as well as principles and policies to govern its operations. These will inform the structure and function of the eventual Sentinel System. Mini-Sentinel is a collaboration that includes 25 participating institutions. We describe the program's current organizational structure and its major principles and policies. The organization includes a coordinating center with program leadership provided by a principal investigator; a planning board and subcommittees; an operations center; and data, methods, and protocol cores. Ad hoc workgroups are created as needed. A privacy panel advises about protection of individual health information. Principles and policies are intended to ensure that Mini-Sentinel conforms to the principles of fair information practices, protects the privacy of individual health information, maintains the security and integrity of data, assures the confidentiality of proprietary information, provides accurate and timely communications, prevents or manages conflicts of interest, and preserves respect for intellectual property rights. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

36 CFR 1008.6 - Assuring integrity of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... shall be maintained in a secure manner commensurate with the sensitivity of the information contained in the system of records. The Privacy Act Officer will periodically review these security measures to...

36 CFR 1008.6 - Assuring integrity of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... shall be maintained in a secure manner commensurate with the sensitivity of the information contained in the system of records. The Privacy Act Officer will periodically review these security measures to...

36 CFR 1008.6 - Assuring integrity of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... shall be maintained in a secure manner commensurate with the sensitivity of the information contained in the system of records. The Privacy Act Officer will periodically review these security measures to...

Addressing disparities and achieving equity: cultural competence, ethics, and health-care transformation.

PubMed

Betancourt, Joseph R; Corbett, James; Bondaryk, Matthew R

2014-01-01

The passage of health-care reform and current efforts in payment reform signal the beginning of a significant transformation of the US health-care system. An entire new set of structures is being developed to facilitate increased access to care that is cost-effective and of high quality. As described in The Institute of Medicine report "Crossing the Quality Chasm," our nation is charting a path toward quality health care that aims to be safe, efficient, effective, timely, patient-centered, and equitable. As our health-care system rapidly undergoes dramatic transformation, several truths-and challenges-remain. First, racial and ethnic disparities in health care persist and are a clear sign of inequality in quality. Second, although the root causes for these disparities are complex, there exists a well-developed set of evidence-based approaches to address them; among these is improving the cultural competence of health-care providers and the health-care system. Third, as part of our care redesign, we must assure that we are prepared to meet the ethical challenges ahead and reassert the importance of equity, fairness, and caring as key building blocks of a new care delivery system. As we move ahead, it is critical to assure that our health-care system is culturally competent and has the capacity to deliver high-quality care for all, while eliminating disparities and assuring equity. Disparities are unjust, unethical, costly, and unacceptable-and integrating strategies to achieve equity as part of our health-care system's transformation will give us an incredible opportunity to comprehensively address them.

Residual Strength Analysis Methodology: Laboratory Coupons to Structural Components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dawicke, D. S.; Newman, J. C., Jr.; Starnes, J. H., Jr.; Rose, C. A.; Young, R. D.; Seshadri, B. R.

2000-01-01

The NASA Aircraft Structural Integrity (NASIP) and Airframe Airworthiness Assurance/Aging Aircraft (AAA/AA) Programs have developed a residual strength prediction methodology for aircraft fuselage structures. This methodology has been experimentally verified for structures ranging from laboratory coupons up to full-scale structural components. The methodology uses the critical crack tip opening angle (CTOA) fracture criterion to characterize the fracture behavior and a material and a geometric nonlinear finite element shell analysis code to perform the structural analyses. The present paper presents the results of a study to evaluate the fracture behavior of 2024-T3 aluminum alloys with thickness of 0.04 inches to 0.09 inches. The critical CTOA and the corresponding plane strain core height necessary to simulate through-the-thickness effects at the crack tip in an otherwise plane stress analysis, were determined from small laboratory specimens. Using these parameters, the CTOA fracture criterion was used to predict the behavior of middle crack tension specimens that were up to 40 inches wide, flat panels with riveted stiffeners and multiple-site damage cracks, 18-inch diameter pressurized cylinders, and full scale curved stiffened panels subjected to internal pressure and mechanical loads.

Quality Assurance in UK Higher Education: Issues of Trust, Control, Professional Autonomy and Accountability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoecht, Andreas

2006-01-01

This article explores the issues of trust, control, professional autonomy and accountability in higher education quality assurance in the UK. The main part of this article is conceptual, but it includes results from semi-structured interviews with academic staff that were conducted at two "new university" business schools. Both…

10 CFR Appendix B to Part 50 - Quality Assurance Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants and Fuel Reprocessing Plants

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... related to the design, fabrication, construction, and testing of the structures, systems, and components... components. The pertinent requirements of this appendix apply to all activities affecting the safety-related..., which comprises those quality assurance actions related to the physical characteristics of a material...

GEOSPATIAL QA

EPA Science Inventory

Geospatial Science is increasingly becoming an important tool in making Agency decisions. Quality Control and Quality Assurance are required to be integrated during the planning, implementation and assessment of geospatial databases, processes and products. In order to ensure Age...

36 CFR § 1008.6 - Assuring integrity of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Privacy Act shall be maintained in a secure manner commensurate with the sensitivity of the information contained in the system of records. The Privacy Act Officer will periodically review these security measures...

Evidence Arguments for Using Formal Methods in Software Certification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Denney, Ewen W.; Pai, Ganesh

2013-01-01

We describe a generic approach for automatically integrating the output generated from a formal method/tool into a software safety assurance case, as an evidence argument, by (a) encoding the underlying reasoning as a safety case pattern, and (b) instantiating it using the data produced from the method/tool. We believe this approach not only improves the trustworthiness of the evidence generated from a formal method/tool, by explicitly presenting the reasoning and mechanisms underlying its genesis, but also provides a way to gauge the suitability of the evidence in the context of the wider assurance case. We illustrate our work by application to a real example-an unmanned aircraft system- where we invoke a formal code analysis tool from its autopilot software safety case, automatically transform the verification output into an evidence argument, and then integrate it into the former.

Assuring Software Cost Estimates: Is it an Oxymoron?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hihn, Jarius; Tregre, Grant

2013-01-01

The software industry repeatedly observes cost growth of well over 100% even after decades of cost estimation research and well-known best practices, so "What's the problem?" In this paper we will provide an overview of the current state oj software cost estimation best practice. We then explore whether applying some of the methods used in software assurance might improve the quality of software cost estimates. This paper especially focuses on issues associated with model calibration, estimate review, and the development and documentation of estimates as part alan integrated plan.

Integrating research, policy, and practice in juvenile justice education.

PubMed

Blomberg, Thomas G; Waldo, Gordon P

2002-06-01

This article provides an overview of the history and context leading to Florida's efforts to implement an evaluation-driven research and associated quality assurance system for its juvenile justice education policies and practices. The Juvenile Justice Educational Enhancement Program began implementing Florida's evaluation research and quality assurance system to juvenile justice education in 1998. The article includes a brief summary of articles comprising this special issue of Evaluation Review that address the Juvenile Justice Educational Enhancement Program's various functions, methodological components, data, preliminary findings, continuing evaluation research efforts, and impediments.

3D MEMS in Standard Processes: Fabrication, Quality Assurance, and Novel Measurement Microstructures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, Gisela; Lawton, Russell A.

2000-01-01

Three-dimensional MEMS microsystems that are commercially fabricated require minimal post-processing and are easily integrated with CMOS signal processing electronics. Measurements to evaluate the fabrication process (such as cross-sectional imaging and device performance characterization) provide much needed feedback in terms of reliability and quality assurance. MEMS technology is bringing a new class of microscale measurements to fruition. The relatively small size of MEMS microsystems offers the potential for higher fidelity recordings compared to macrosize counterparts, as illustrated in the measurement of muscle cell forces.

The role of veterinary research laboratories in the provision of veterinary services.

PubMed

Verwoerd, D W

1998-08-01

Veterinary research laboratories play an essential role in the provision of veterinary services in most countries. These laboratories are the source of new knowledge, innovative ideas and improved technology for the surveillance, prevention and control of animal diseases. In addition, many laboratories provide diagnostic and other services. To ensure the optimal integration of various veterinary activities, administrators must understand the functions and constraints of research laboratories. Therefore, a brief discussion is presented of the following: organisational structures methods for developing research programmes outputs of research scientists and how these are measured the management of quality assurance funding of research. Optimal collaboration can only be attained by understanding the environment in which a research scientist functions and the motivational issues at stake.

Design assurance test of the Thiokol Te-M-521-5 apogee kick motor tested in the spin mode at simulated altitude conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cimino, A. A.

1973-01-01

One Thiokol Chemical Corporation TE-M-521-5 solid-propellant apogee rocket motor was successfully fired at an average simulated altitude of about 108,000 ft while spinning at 46 rpm. The general program objectives were to verify compliance of motor performance with the manufacturer's specifications. Specific primary objectives were to determine vacuum ballistic performance of the motor after prefire vibration conditioning and temperature conditioning at 40F, altitude ignition characteristics, motor structural integrity, and motor temperature-time history during and after motor operation. Additional objectives were to measure the lateral (nonaxial) thrust component during motor operation and to measure radiation heat flux in the vicinity of the nozzle exit plane.

Development tests for the 2.5 megawatt Mod-2 wind turbine generator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andrews, J. S.; Baskin, J. M.

1982-01-01

The 2.5 megawatt MOD-2 wind turbine generator test program is discussed. The development of the 2.5 megawatt MOD-2 wind turbine generator included an extensive program of testing which encompassed verification of analytical procedures, component development, and integrated system verification. The test program was to assure achievement of the thirty year design operational life of the wind turbine system as well as to minimize costly design modifications which would otherwise have been required during on site system testing. Computer codes were modified, fatigue life of structure and dynamic components were verified, mechanical and electrical component and subsystems were functionally checked and modified where necessary to meet system specifications, and measured dynamic responses of coupled systems confirmed analytical predictions.

Stakeholder experiences with general practice pharmacist services: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Tan, Edwin C K; Stewart, Kay; Elliott, Rohan A; George, Johnson

2013-09-11

To explore general practice staff, pharmacist and patient experiences with pharmacist services in Australian general practice clinics within the Pharmacists in Practice Study. Qualitative study. Two general practice clinics in Melbourne, Australia, in which pharmacists provided medication reviews, patient and staff education, medicines information and quality assurance services over a 6-month period. Patients, practice staff and pharmacists. Semi-structured telephone interviews with patients, focus groups with practice staff and semi-structured interviews and periodic narrative reports with practice pharmacists. Data were analysed thematically and theoretical frameworks used to explain the findings. 34 participants were recruited: 18 patients, 14 practice staff (9 general practitioners, 4 practice nurses, 1 practice manager) and 2 practice pharmacists. Five main themes emerged: environment; professional relationships and integration; pharmacist attributes; staff and patient benefits and logistical challenges. Participants reported that colocation and the interdisciplinary environment of general practice enabled better communication and collaboration compared to traditional community and consultant pharmacy services. Participants felt that pharmacists needed to possess certain attributes to ensure successful integration, including being personable and proactive. Attitudinal, professional and logistical barriers were identified but were able to be overcome. The findings were explained using D'Amour's structuration model of collaboration and Roger's diffusion of innovation theory. This is the first qualitative study to explore the experiences of general practice staff, pharmacists and patients on their interactions within the Australian general practice environment. Participants were receptive of colocated pharmacist services, and various barriers and facilitators to integration were identified. Future research should investigate the feasibility and sustainability of general practice pharmacist roles.

R&D100: IC ID

ScienceCinema

Hamlet, Jason; Pierson, Lyndon; Bauer, Todd

2018-06-25

Supply chain security to detect, deter, and prevent the counterfeiting of networked and stand-alone integrated circuits (ICs) is critical to cyber security. Sandia National Laboratory researchers have developed IC ID to leverage Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs) and strong cryptographic authentication to create a unique fingerprint for each integrated circuit. IC ID assures the authenticity of ICs to prevent tampering or malicious substitution.

Toward the Development of Integrative Risk-Adjusted Measures of Quality Using Large Clinical Data Bases: The Case of Anesthesia Services.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fleming, Steven T.

1992-01-01

The concept of risk-adjusted measures of quality is discussed, and a methodology is proposed for risk-adjusting and integrating multiple adverse outcomes of anesthesia services into measures for quality assurance and quality improvement programs. Although designed for a new anesthesiology database, the methods should apply to other health…

Training the Research Integrity Officers (RIO): The Federally Funded "RIO Boot Camps" Backward Design to Train for the Future

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wright, David E.; Schneider, Paige P.

2010-01-01

Research institutions receiving U. S. Public Health Service (PHS) funding must assure the Office of Research Integrity (ORI/OPHS/DHHS) that policies and procedures are in place conforming to 42 CFR 93 to investigate allegations of Misconduct in Research, defined as fabrication or falsification of research data, or plagiarism. An institutional…

Creating a provider network: fact, fantasy, and future.

PubMed

Meeks, J S

1997-09-01

Integrated delivery systems should consider multiple options through which to affiliate, with primary care physicians and advanced practice nurses. Caution should be employed to assure that system alignment occurs in an efficient, effective manner.

GEOSPATIAL QUALITY COUNCIL

EPA Science Inventory

Geospatial Science is increasingly becoming an important tool in making Agency decisions. QualIty Control and Quality Assurance are required to be integrated during the planning, implementation and assessment of geospatial databases, processes and products. In order to ensure Age...

Human factors in mission assurance: cultural influence on mission success and risk

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baroff, Lynn E.

2004-01-01

This paper takes the next step in the analysis, and integrates the work of organization development practitioners and experts who focus on the cultural imperatives that guide behavior in organizations.

Probabilistic Multi-Scale, Multi-Level, Multi-Disciplinary Analysis and Optimization of Engine Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chamis, Christos C.; Abumeri, Galib H.

2000-01-01

Aircraft engines are assemblies of dynamically interacting components. Engine updates to keep present aircraft flying safely and engines for new aircraft are progressively required to operate in more demanding technological and environmental requirements. Designs to effectively meet those requirements are necessarily collections of multi-scale, multi-level, multi-disciplinary analysis and optimization methods and probabilistic methods are necessary to quantify respective uncertainties. These types of methods are the only ones that can formally evaluate advanced composite designs which satisfy those progressively demanding requirements while assuring minimum cost, maximum reliability and maximum durability. Recent research activities at NASA Glenn Research Center have focused on developing multi-scale, multi-level, multidisciplinary analysis and optimization methods. Multi-scale refers to formal methods which describe complex material behavior metal or composite; multi-level refers to integration of participating disciplines to describe a structural response at the scale of interest; multidisciplinary refers to open-ended for various existing and yet to be developed discipline constructs required to formally predict/describe a structural response in engine operating environments. For example, these include but are not limited to: multi-factor models for material behavior, multi-scale composite mechanics, general purpose structural analysis, progressive structural fracture for evaluating durability and integrity, noise and acoustic fatigue, emission requirements, hot fluid mechanics, heat-transfer and probabilistic simulations. Many of these, as well as others, are encompassed in an integrated computer code identified as Engine Structures Technology Benefits Estimator (EST/BEST) or Multi-faceted/Engine Structures Optimization (MP/ESTOP). The discipline modules integrated in MP/ESTOP include: engine cycle (thermodynamics), engine weights, internal fluid mechanics, cost, mission and coupled structural/thermal, various composite property simulators and probabilistic methods to evaluate uncertainty effects (scatter ranges) in all the design parameters. The objective of the proposed paper is to briefly describe a multi-faceted design analysis and optimization capability for coupled multi-discipline engine structures optimization. Results are presented for engine and aircraft type metrics to illustrate the versatility of that capability. Results are also presented for reliability, noise and fatigue to illustrate its inclusiveness. For example, replacing metal rotors with composites reduces the engine weight by 20 percent, 15 percent noise reduction, and an order of magnitude improvement in reliability. Composite designs exist to increase fatigue life by at least two orders of magnitude compared to state-of-the-art metals.

Quality of Care Assessment: The Role of Faculty at Academic Medical Centers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brook, Robert H.

Currently, there is not a single university medical center in which an acceptable routine system to assure quality of care has been established. This may result from reliance on the structure of the medical education process as a proxy measure to assure that physicians perform appropriately in their role. Several studies have been conducted to…

Technology and Tool Development to Support Safety and Mission Assurance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Denney, Ewen; Pai, Ganesh

2017-01-01

The Assurance Case approach is being adopted in a number of safety-mission-critical application domains in the U.S., e.g., medical devices, defense aviation, automotive systems, and, lately, civil aviation. This paradigm refocuses traditional, process-based approaches to assurance on demonstrating explicitly stated assurance goals, emphasizing the use of structured rationale, and concrete product-based evidence as the means for providing justified confidence that systems and software are fit for purpose in safely achieving mission objectives. NASA has also been embracing assurance cases through the concepts of Risk Informed Safety Cases (RISCs), as documented in the NASA System Safety Handbook, and Objective Hierarchies (OHs) as put forth by the Agency's Office of Safety and Mission Assurance (OSMA). This talk will give an overview of the work being performed by the SGT team located at NASA Ames Research Center, in developing technologies and tools to engineer and apply assurance cases in customer projects pertaining to aviation safety. We elaborate how our Assurance Case Automation Toolset (AdvoCATE) has not only extended the state-of-the-art in assurance case research, but also demonstrated its practical utility. We have successfully developed safety assurance cases for a number of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations, which underwent, and passed, scrutiny both by the aviation regulator, i.e., the FAA, as well as the applicable NASA boards for airworthiness and flight safety, flight readiness, and mission readiness. We discuss our efforts in expanding AdvoCATE capabilities to support RISCs and OHs under a project recently funded by OSMA under its Software Assurance Research Program. Finally, we speculate on the applicability of our innovations beyond aviation safety to such endeavors as robotic, and human spaceflight.

Quality-assurance plan for water-resources activities of the U. S. Geological Survey in Montana--1991

USGS Publications Warehouse

Moreland, Joe A.

1991-01-01

As the Nation's principal earth-science information agency, the U.S. Geological Survey has developed a worldwide reputation for collecting accurate data and producing factual, impartial interpretive reports. To ensure continued confidence in the pro- ducts, the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey has implemented a policy that all scientific work will be performed in accordance with a centrally managed quality-assurance program. The formal policy for quality assurance within the Montana District was established and documented in USGS Open-File Report 91-194. This report has been revised to reflect changes in personnel and organi- zational structure that have occurred since 1991. Quality assurance is formalized by describing organization and operational responsibilities, the quality-assurance policy, and the quality- assurance responsibilities for performing District functions. The District conducts its work through offices in Helena, Billings, Kalispell, and Fort Peck. Data-collection programs and interpretive studies are conducted by three operating sections and four support units. Discipline specialists provide technical advice and assistance. Management advisors provide guidance on various personnel issues and support functions.

Quality-assurance plan for water-resources activities of the U.S. Geological Survey in Montana--1995

USGS Publications Warehouse

Moreland, Joe A.

1995-01-01

As the Nation's principal earth-science information agency, the U.S. Geological Survey has developed a worldwide reputation for collecting accurate data and producing factual, impartial interpretive reports. To ensure continued confidence in the pro- ducts, the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey has implemented a policy that all scientific work will be performed in accordance with a centrally managed quality-assurance program. The formal policy for quality assurance within the Montana District was established and documented in USGS Open-File Report 91-194. This report has been revised to reflect changes in personnel and organi- zational structure that have occurred since 1991. Quality assurance is formalized by describing organization and operational responsibilities, the quality-assurance policy, and the quality- assurance responsibilities for performing District functions. The District conducts its work through offices in Helena, Billings, Kalispell, and Fort Peck. Data-collection programs and interpretive studies are conducted by three operating sections and four support units. Discipline specialists provide technical advice and assistance. Management advisors provide guidance on various personnel issues and support functions.

Time and Space Efficient Algorithms for Two-Party Authenticated Data Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papamanthou, Charalampos; Tamassia, Roberto

Authentication is increasingly relevant to data management. Data is being outsourced to untrusted servers and clients want to securely update and query their data. For example, in database outsourcing, a client's database is stored and maintained by an untrusted server. Also, in simple storage systems, clients can store very large amounts of data but at the same time, they want to assure their integrity when they retrieve them. In this paper, we present a model and protocol for two-party authentication of data structures. Namely, a client outsources its data structure and verifies that the answers to the queries have not been tampered with. We provide efficient algorithms to securely outsource a skip list with logarithmic time overhead at the server and client and logarithmic communication cost, thus providing an efficient authentication primitive for outsourced data, both structured (e.g., relational databases) and semi-structured (e.g., XML documents). In our technique, the client stores only a constant amount of space, which is optimal. Our two-party authentication framework can be deployed on top of existing storage applications, thus providing an efficient authentication service. Finally, we present experimental results that demonstrate the practical efficiency and scalability of our scheme.

Quality assurance for respiratory care services: a computer-assisted program.

PubMed

Elliott, C G

1993-01-01

At present, the principal advantage of computer-assisted quality assurance is the acquisition of quality assurance date without resource-consuming chart reviews. A surveillance program like the medical director's alert may reduce morbidity and mortality. Previous research suggests that inadequate oxygen therapy or failures in airway management are important causes of preventable deaths in hospitals. Furthermore, preventable deaths tend to occur among patients who have lower severity-of-illness scores and who are not in ICUs. Thus, surveillance of the entire hospital, as performed by the HIS medical director's alert, may significantly impact hospital mortality related to respiratory care. Future research should critically examine the potential of such computerized systems to favorably change the morbidity and mortality of hospitalized patients. The departments of respiratory care and medical informatics at LDS Hospital have developed a computer-assisted approach to quality assurance monitoring of respiratory care services. This system provides frequent and consistent samples of a variety of respiratory care data. The immediate needs of patients are addressed through a daily surveillance system (medical director's alert). The departmental quality assurance program utilizes a separate program that monitors clinical indicators of staff performance in terms of stated departmental policies and procedures (rate-based clinical indicators). The availability of an integrated patient database allows these functions to be performed without labor-intensive chart audits.

Techniques for control of long-term reliability of complex integrated circuits. I - Reliability assurance by test vehicle qualification.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Van Vonno, N. W.

1972-01-01

Development of an alternate approach to the conventional methods of reliability assurance for large-scale integrated circuits. The product treated is a large-scale T squared L array designed for space applications. The concept used is that of qualification of product by evaluation of the basic processing used in fabricating the product, providing an insight into its potential reliability. Test vehicles are described which enable evaluation of device characteristics, surface condition, and various parameters of the two-level metallization system used. Evaluation of these test vehicles is performed on a lot qualification basis, with the lot consisting of one wafer. Assembled test vehicles are evaluated by high temperature stress at 300 C for short time durations. Stressing at these temperatures provides a rapid method of evaluation and permits a go/no go decision to be made on the wafer lot in a timely fashion.

Practice-Based Research Network Infrastructure Design for Institutional Review Board Risk Assessment and Generalizability of Clinical Results.

PubMed

Curro, Frederick; Thompson, Van P; Naftolin, Frederick; Grill, Ashley; Vena, Don; Terracio, Louis; Hashimoto, Mariko; Buchholz, Matthew; McKinstry, Andrea; Cannon, Diane; Alfano, Vincent; Gooden, Thalia; Vernillo, Anthony; Czeisler, Elan

2013-01-01

Data from clinical studies generated by Practice Based Research Networks should be generalizable to the profession. For nationally representative data a broad recruitment of practitioners may pose added risks to IRB's. Infrastructure must assure data integrity while minimizing risk to assure that the clinical results are generalizable. The PEARL Network is an interdisciplinary dental/medical PBRN conducting a broad range of clinical studies. The infrastructure is designed to support the principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and create a data audit trail to ensure data integrity for generalizability. As the PBRN concept becomes of greater interest, membership may expand beyond the local community, and the issue of geography versus risk management becomes of concern to the IRB. The PEARL Network describes how it resolves many of the issues related to recruiting on a National basis while maintaining study compliance to ensure patient safety and minimize risk to the IRB.

Improving robot arm control for safe and robust haptic cooperation in orthopaedic procedures.

PubMed

Cruces, R A Castillo; Wahrburg, J

2007-12-01

This paper presents the ongoing results of an effort to achieve the integration of a navigated cooperative robotic arm into computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery. A seamless integration requires the system acting in direct cooperation with the surgeon instead of replacing him. Two technical issues are discussed to improve the haptic operating modes for interactive robot guidance. The concept of virtual fixtures is used to restrict the range of motion of the robot according to pre-operatively defined constraints, and methodologies to assure a robust and accurate motion through singular arm configurations are investigated. A new method for handling singularities is proposed, which is superior to the commonly used damped-least-squares method. It produces no deviations of the end-effector in relation to the virtually constrained path. A solution to assure a good performance of a hands-on robotic arm at singularity configurations is proposed. (c) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

ICAROUS - Integrated Configurable Algorithms for Reliable Operations Of Unmanned Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Consiglio, María; Muñoz, César; Hagen, George; Narkawicz, Anthony; Balachandran, Swee

2016-01-01

NASA's Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) project aims at enabling near-term, safe operations of small UAS vehicles in uncontrolled airspace, i.e., Class G airspace. A far-term goal of UTM research and development is to accommodate the expected rise in small UAS traffic density throughout the National Airspace System (NAS) at low altitudes for beyond visual line-of-sight operations. This paper describes a new capability referred to as ICAROUS (Integrated Configurable Algorithms for Reliable Operations of Unmanned Systems), which is being developed under the UTM project. ICAROUS is a software architecture comprised of highly assured algorithms for building safety-centric, autonomous, unmanned aircraft applications. Central to the development of the ICAROUS algorithms is the use of well-established formal methods to guarantee higher levels of safety assurance by monitoring and bounding the behavior of autonomous systems. The core autonomy-enabling capabilities in ICAROUS include constraint conformance monitoring and contingency control functions. ICAROUS also provides a highly configurable user interface that enables the modular integration of mission-specific software components.

ICAROUS: Integrated Configurable Architecture for Unmanned Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Consiglio, Maria C.

2016-01-01

NASA's Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) project aims at enabling near-term, safe operations of small UAS vehicles in uncontrolled airspace, i.e., Class G airspace. A far-term goal of UTM research and development is to accommodate the expected rise in small UAS traffic density throughout the National Airspace System (NAS) at low altitudes for beyond visual line-of-sight operations. This video describes a new capability referred to as ICAROUS (Integrated Configurable Algorithms for Reliable Operations of Unmanned Systems), which is being developed under the auspices of the UTM project. ICAROUS is a software architecture comprised of highly assured algorithms for building safety-centric, autonomous, unmanned aircraft applications. Central to the development of the ICAROUS algorithms is the use of well-established formal methods to guarantee higher levels of safety assurance by monitoring and bounding the behavior of autonomous systems. The core autonomy-enabling capabilities in ICAROUS include constraint conformance monitoring and autonomous detect and avoid functions. ICAROUS also provides a highly configurable user interface that enables the modular integration of mission-specific software components.

[Factors of successful integrated care settings for total knee and hip arthroplasty: findings of a qualitative process analysis].

PubMed

Bartel, S; Bethge, M; Streibelt, M; Thren, K; Lassahn, C

2010-06-01

In Germany, introduction of the law on Integrated Health Care (IC) (section sign 140a-d SGB V) opened up the possibility of cross-sectoral health care settings and new forms of remuneration, and improved the conditions for a closer cooperation between health care providers. However, cross-institutional and interdisciplinary work contexts demand new organizational structures in order to assure the coordination of different competences, resources and interests. This study aims at identifying factors of successful integrated care settings for total hip and knee arthroplasty. Using the example of an integrated care setting between an orthopaedic hospital and a rehabilitation clinic it will be examined which factors lead to successful implementation of the services and measures designed. A qualitative research design was developed comprising different methods of data assessment (participant observation, guided expert interviews, document analyses) enabling a comprehensive exploration. Overall, data were derived from six consultations with patients, two integrated care information sessions and various documents (17 patient files, information material, patient lists, etc.). First of all, the different phases of development and implementation of integrated care settings were described. In this context, clearly defined aims, structures and appropriate measures seem to be crucial for an ideal long-term cooperation. Furthermore, the staff perspective on the effects of the IC programme on their daily routines proved an essential basis for process reconstruction. The staff members pointed out four main aspects regarding IC settings, i. e., improved image, increased knowledge, intensity of relationship, and less and more work effort. Against this background, factors of successful IC settings could be generated such as the need for central coordination, a regular staff information systems as well as accompanying process monitoring. Several key factors of successful integrated care settings in arthroplasty could be generated which provide important clues for shaping future interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral cooperation settings in health care services in general. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart New York.

An Optimized Integrator Windup Protection Technique Applied to a Turbofan Engine Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watts, Stephen R.; Garg, Sanjay

1995-01-01

This paper introduces a new technique for providing memoryless integrator windup protection which utilizes readily available optimization software tools. This integrator windup protection synthesis provides a concise methodology for creating integrator windup protection for each actuation system loop independently while assuring both controller and closed loop system stability. The individual actuation system loops' integrator windup protection can then be combined to provide integrator windup protection for the entire system. This technique is applied to an H(exp infinity) based multivariable control designed for a linear model of an advanced afterburning turbofan engine. The resulting transient characteristics are examined for the integrated system while encountering single and multiple actuation limits.

An integrated system for the online monitoring of particle therapy treatment accuracy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fiorina, E.; INSIDE Collaboration

2016-07-01

Quality assurance in hadrontherapy remains an open issue that can be addressed with reliable monitoring of treatment accuracy. The INSIDE (INnovative SolutIons for DosimEtry in hadrontherapy) project aims to develop an integrated online monitoring system based on two dedicated PET panels and a tracking system, called Dose Profiler. The proposed solution is designed to operate in-beam and provide an immediate feedback on the particle range acquiring both photons produced by β+ decays and prompt secondary particle signals. Monte Carlo simulations cover an important role both in the system development, by confirming the design feasibility, and in the system operation, by understanding data. A FLUKA-based integrated simulation was developed taking into account the hadron beam structure, the phantom/patient features and the PET detector and Dose Profiler specifications. In addition, to reduce simulation time in signal generation on PET detectors, a two-step technique has been implemented and validated. The first PET modules were tested in May 2015 at the Centro Nazionale Adroterapia Oncologica (CNAO) in Pavia (Italy) with very satisfactory results: in-spill, inter-spill and post-treatment PET images were reconstructed and a quantitative agreement between data and simulation was found.

Providing integrity and authenticity in DICOM images: a novel approach.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Luiz Octavio Massato; Furuie, Sergio Shiguemi; Barreto, Paulo Sergio Licciardi Messeder

2009-07-01

The increasing adoption of information systems in healthcare has led to a scenario where patient information security is more and more being regarded as a critical issue. Allowing patient information to be in jeopardy may lead to irreparable damage, physically, morally, and socially to the patient, potentially shaking the credibility of the healthcare institution. Medical images play a crucial role in such context, given their importance in diagnosis, treatment, and research. Therefore, it is vital to take measures in order to prevent tampering and determine their provenance. This demands adoption of security mechanisms to assure information integrity and authenticity. There are a number of works done in this field, based on two major approaches: use of metadata and use of watermarking. However, there still are limitations for both approaches that must be properly addressed. This paper presents a new method using cryptographic means to improve trustworthiness of medical images, providing a stronger link between the image and the information on its integrity and authenticity, without compromising image quality to the end user. Use of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine structures is also an advantage for ease of development and deployment.

A rapid communication from the AAPM Task Group 201: recommendations for the QA of external beam radiotherapy data transfer. AAPM TG 201: quality assurance of external beam radiotherapy data transfer.

PubMed

Siochi, R Alfredo; Balter, Peter; Bloch, Charles D; Santanam, Lakshmi; Blodgett, Kurt; Curran, Bruce H; Engelsman, Martijn; Feng, Wenzheng; Mechalakos, Jim; Pavord, Dan; Simon, Tom; Sutlieff, Steven; Zhu, X Ronald

2010-12-04

The transfer of radiation therapy data among the various subsystems required for external beam treatments is subject to error. Hence, the establishment and management of a data transfer quality assurance program is strongly recommended. It should cover the QA of data transfers of patient specific treatments, imaging data, manually handled data and historical treatment records. QA of the database state (logical consistency and information integrity) is also addressed to ensure that accurate data are transferred.

Assuring the required spectroradiometric characteristics of the Fragment multispectral system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogdanov, A. A.; Kuzmin, V. I.; Mosevnina, L. G.; Popkov, A. V.; Sychev, A. G.; Tarnopolskii, V. I.

The paper examines methods and equipment for assuring the required spectroradiometric characteristics of the satellite-borne Fragment multispectral scanning system during development, fabrication, and autonomous and complex testing. These characteristics comprise: (1) the integrated sensitivity of the measuring channels to the spectral density of brightness (SDB): (2) the relative spectral sensitivity of the channels; (3) the effective spectral width of the sensitivity intervals and their position in the spectral range; (4) maximum values of SDB measured by the system in each spectral interval of sensitivity; (5) the SNR in each measuring channel; and (6) the relative rms of SDB measurements.

Safe teleradiology: information assurance as project planning methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Collmann, Jeff R.; Alaoui, Adil; Nguyen, Dan; Lindisch, David

2003-05-01

This project demonstrates use of OCTAVE, an information security risk assessment method, as an approach to the safe design and planning of a teleradiology system. By adopting this approach to project planning, we intended to provide evidence that including information security as an intrinsic component of project planning improves information assurance and that using information assurance as a planning tool produces and improves the general system management plan. Several considerations justify this approach to planning a safe teleradiology system. First, because OCTAVE was designed as a method for retrospectively assessing and proposing enhancements for the security of existing information management systems, it should function well as a guide to prospectively designing and deploying a secure information system such as teleradiology. Second, because OCTAVE provides assessment and planning tools for use primarily by interdisciplinary teams from user organizations, not consultants, it should enhance the ability of such teams at the local level to plan safe information systems. Third, from the perspective of sociological theory, OCTAVE explicitly attempts to enhance organizational conditions identified as necessary to safely manage complex technologies. Approaching information system design from the perspective of information security risk management proactively integrates health information assurance into a project"s core. This contrasts with typical approaches that perceive "security" as a secondary attribute to be "added" after designing the system and with approaches that identify information assurance only with security devices and user training. The perspective of health information assurance embraces so many dimensions of a computerized health information system"s design that one may successfully deploy a method for retrospectively assessing information security risk as a prospective planning tool. From a sociological perspective, this approach enhances the general conditions as well as establishes specific policies and procedures for reliable performance of health information assurance.

Space Radiation Effects and Hardness Assurance for Linear Integrated Circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, A. H.

2000-01-01

New effects that complicate the application of linear devices in space are discussed, including enhanced damage at low dose rate and proton damage, which cause permanent degradation. Transients produced by protons and heavy ions are also discussed.

GPHS-RTG's in support of the Cassini mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1993-10-01

The following tasks were reported: Spacecraft integration and liaison; engineering support; safety; qualified unicouple fabrication; ETG fabrication/assembly/test; ground support equipment; RTG shipping and launch support; designs/reviews/mission applications; and project management/quality assurance/contract changes.

Band gap engineering of BC2N for nanoelectronic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Wei Hong; Hamzah, Afiq; Ahmadi, Mohammad Taghi; Ismail, Razali

2017-12-01

The BC2N as an example of boron-carbon-nitride (BCN), has the analogous structure as the graphene and boron nitride. It is predicted to have controllable electronic properties. Therefore, the analytical study on the engineer-able band gap of the BC2N is carried out based on the schematic structure of BC2N. The Nearest Neighbour Tight Binding (NNTB) model is employed with the dispersion relation and the density of state (DOS) as the main band gap analysing parameter. The results show that the hopping integrals having the significant effect on the band gap, band structure and DOS of BC2N nanowire (BC2NNW) need to be taken into consideration. The presented model indicates consistent trends with the published computational results around the Dirac points with the extracted band gap of 0.12 eV. Also, it is distinguished that wide energy gap of boron nitride (BN) is successfully narrowed by this carbon doped material which assures the application of BC2N on the nanoelectronics and optoelectronics in the near future.

Quality assurance of the university medical education, hospital services and traditional pharmaceutical products of the Bhutanese So-wa-rig-pa health care system.

PubMed

Wangchuk, Phurpa; Tashi, ᅟ

2016-08-12

The Bhutanese So-wa-rig-pa medicine (BSM) was integrated with the allopathic (modern) health care system in 1967. Ever since the health care integration policy was implemented, the BSM has gone through many phases of quality improvement and changes including the establishment of one university-based institute, 58 hospitals and Basic Health Units (BHU)-based health care services, and one traditional medicine factory. The BSM provides primary health care services to more than 20-30 % of patients who visit hospitals and BHU on a daily basis. However, there has been no study covering the quality assurance system of BSM. Our paper addresses this information gap. This study was an observational ethnographic study supported by phenomenological understanding and content analysis of the data. The information was triangulated through consultation with the BSM practitioners (discussion (N = 8)) and personalized in-depth question-answer sessions using electronic protocols (N = 5). These participants comprised BSM educationists, clinical physicians, researchers, production and the quality assurance staff who were selected using convenience and purposive sampling method. The relevant So-wa-rig-pa information and literature were obtained from the government policy documents, official websites, scientific papers and the traditional medical texts. This study is enhanced by our practical observations and first-hand experience with BSM while working as the researchers at the Ministry of Health in Bhutan. In addition, the information in this paper is crosschecked and authenticated by five So-wa-rig-pa practitioners of Bhutan. The study highlights the following: a) The BSM receives both the government and people's support, b) The quality assurance system have been developed by integrating the traditional empirical knowledge and modern scientific protocols, c) There exist three administrative and functional organizations responsible for providing the quality BSM health care services in Bhutan, d) Extensive standard treatment guidelines and Quality documentation system exist for BSM as required by the regulatory bodies in Bhutan. The paper also recommends appropriate future directions for BSM. The BSM plays significant role in the primary health care system of the country. Consequently, the quality, safety and efficacy of BSM has been given priority by the Bhutan government. Many scientific protocols were integrated with the traditional quality approaches and further scientific studies are still required to improve its quality.

[Quality assurance and quality improvement in medical practice. Part 1. Definition and importance of quality in medical practice].

PubMed

Godény, Sándor

2012-01-22

In Hungary, financing of healthcare has decreased relative to the GDP, while the health status of the population is still ranks among the worst in the European Union. Since healthcare financing is not expected to increase, the number of practicing doctors per capita is continuously decreasing. In the coming years, it is an important question that in this situation what methods can be used to prevent further deterioration of the health status of the Hungarian population, and within this is the role of the quality approach, and different methods of quality management. In the present and the forthcoming two articles those standpoints will be summarized which support the need for the integration of quality assurance in the everyday medical practice. In the first part the importance of quality thinking, quality management, quality assurance, necessity of quality measurement and improvement, furthermore, advantages of the quality systems will be discussed.

Procuring interoperability at the expense of usability: a case study of UK National Programme for IT assurance process.

PubMed

Krause, Paul; de Lusignan, Simon

2010-01-01

The allure of interoperable systems is that they should improve patient safety and make health services more efficient. The UK's National Programme for IT has made great strides in achieving interoperability; through linkage to a national electronic spine. However, there has been criticism of the usability of the applications in the clinical environment. Analysis of the procurement and assurance process to explore whether they predetermine usability. Processes separate developers from users, and test products against theoretical assurance models of use rather than simulate or pilot in a clinical environment. The current process appears to be effective for back office systems and high risk applications, but too inflexible for developing applications for the clinical setting. For clinical applications agile techniques are more appropriate. Usability testing should become an integrated part of the contractual process and be introduced earlier in the development process.

Evolution of Quality Assurance for Clinical Immunohistochemistry in the Era of Precision Medicine - Part 2: Immunohistochemistry Test Performance Characteristics.

PubMed

Torlakovic, Emina E; Cheung, Carol C; D'Arrigo, Corrado; Dietel, Manfred; Francis, Glenn D; Gilks, C Blake; Hall, Jacqueline A; Hornick, Jason L; Ibrahim, Merdol; Marchetti, Antonio; Miller, Keith; van Krieken, J Han; Nielsen, Soren; Swanson, Paul E; Vyberg, Mogens; Zhou, Xiaoge; Taylor, Clive R

2017-02-01

All laboratory tests have test performance characteristics (TPCs), whether or not they are explicitly known to the laboratorian or the pathologist. TPCs are thus also an integral characteristic of immunohistochemistry (IHC) tests and other in situ, cell-based molecular assays such as DNA or RNA in situ hybridization or aptamer-based testing. Because of their descriptive, in situ, cell-based nature, IHC tests have a limited repertoire of appropriate TPCs. Although only a few TPCs are relevant to IHC, proper selection of informative TPCs is nonetheless essential for the development of and adherence to appropriate quality assurance measures in the IHC laboratory. This paper describes the TPCs that are relevant to IHC testing and emphasizes the role of TPCs in the validation of IHC tests. This is part 2 of the 4-part series "Evolution of Quality Assurance for Clinical Immunohistochemistry in the Era of Precision Medicine."

Beef and pork packing industries.

PubMed

MacDonald, James M

2003-07-01

A remarkable transformation of the meatpacking industry occurred in the last 25 years. That transformation consolidated the industry into one that could deliver large volumes of meat at low costs. Slaughter plants grew much larger and realized economies of scale from their size, and operations within plants were rationalized to emphasize the delivery of a small set of consistent major products (boxed beef, cut-up pork, and by-products) to retailers, wholesalers, and other processors. Similar developments occurred in livestock feeding whereby the industry realized significant cost reductions by consolidating production in very large cattle feedlots and hog farms. Gains from scale have largely been met (absent the development of new technologies that are not yet on the horizon); therefore, we are unlikely to see similar shifts in plant sizes in the next 25 years. The major forces affecting meatpacking and livestock feeding in the near future are more likely to revolve around tighter coordination among livestock production, meatpacking, wholesaling, and retailing. Although much of the recent response to food safety concerns took the form of investments in equipment, testing, and training within meatpacking plants, packers and retailers are likely to focus more on assurance of livestock production quality and methods in the future. Such assurance can be met through vertical integration or through a greater reliance on tightly drawn contracts; producers who attempt to provide the assurance while still selling through cash markets will need to develop paper trails of testing and quality assurance that will move through the marketing chain with livestock. Similarly, because of likely increased future demand for meats of assured consumer qualities, such as organically grown products or branded meat products with very specific traits, producers will likely need to provide similar indicators of assurance throughout the marketing chain. Finally, the funding offered through federal environmental assistance programs such as the USDA's Environmental Quality Incentives Program along with related regulations governing waste management will likely lead to greater control over livestock production practices by investors, financiers, integrators, and packers through contractual design. Shifts toward tighter vertical coordination will force continuing changes in traditional ways of doing business in livestock production and in meatpacking. In turn, public policy discussions and corporate strategies in meatpacking are likely to focus continuing attention on the particulars of contract design: how to meet consumers', retailers', and regulators' requirements for quality assurance while ensuring efficient low-cost production without retarding competition in the industry.

A low-mass faraday cup experiment for the solar wind

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lazarus, A. J.; Steinberg, J. T.; Mcnutt, R. L., Jr.

1993-01-01

Faraday cups have proven to be very reliable and accurate instruments capable of making 3-D velocity distribution measurements on spinning or 3-axis stabilized spacecraft. Faraday cup instrumentation continues to be appropriate for heliospheric missions. As an example, the reductions in mass possible relative to the solar wind detection system about to be flown on the WIND spacecraft were estimated. Through the use of technology developed or used at the MIT Center for Space Research but were not able to utilize for WIND: surface-mount packaging, field-programmable gate arrays, an optically-switched high voltage supply, and an integrated-circuit power converter, it was estimated that the mass of the Faraday Cup system could be reduced from 5 kg to 1.8 kg. Further redesign of the electronics incorporating hybrid integrated circuits as well as a decrease in the sensor size, with a corresponding increase in measurement cycle time, could lead to a significantly lower mass for other mission applications. Reduction in mass of the entire spacecraft-experiment system is critically dependent on early and continual collaborative efforts between the spacecraft engineers and the experimenters. Those efforts concern a range of issues from spacecraft structure to data systems to the spacecraft power voltage levels. Requirements for flight qualification affect use of newer, lighter electronics packaging and its implementation; the issue of quality assurance needs to be specifically addressed. Lower cost and reduced mass can best be achieved through the efforts of a relatively small group dedicated to the success of the mission. Such a group needs a fixed budget and greater control over quality assurance requirements, together with a reasonable oversight mechanism.

Integrating International Space Station payload operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noneman, Steven R.

1996-01-01

The payload operations support for the International Space Station (ISS) payload is reported on, describing payload activity planning, payload operations control, payload data management and overall operations integration. The operations concept employed is based on the distribution of the payload operations responsibility between the researchers and ISS partners. The long duration nature of the ISS mission dictates the geographical distribution of the payload operations activities between the different national centers. The coordination and integration of these operations will be assured by NASA's Payload Operations Integration Center (POIC). The prime objective of the POIC is the achievement of unified operations through communication and collaboration.

Stabilisation of discrete-time polynomial fuzzy systems via a polynomial lyapunov approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasiri, Alireza; Nguang, Sing Kiong; Swain, Akshya; Almakhles, Dhafer

2018-02-01

This paper deals with the problem of designing a controller for a class of discrete-time nonlinear systems which is represented by discrete-time polynomial fuzzy model. Most of the existing control design methods for discrete-time fuzzy polynomial systems cannot guarantee their Lyapunov function to be a radially unbounded polynomial function, hence the global stability cannot be assured. The proposed control design in this paper guarantees a radially unbounded polynomial Lyapunov functions which ensures global stability. In the proposed design, state feedback structure is considered and non-convexity problem is solved by incorporating an integrator into the controller. Sufficient conditions of stability are derived in terms of polynomial matrix inequalities which are solved via SOSTOOLS in MATLAB. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.

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

Trujillo, Angelina Michelle

Strategy, Planning, Acquiring- very large scale computing platforms come and go and planning for immensely scalable machines often precedes actual procurement by 3 years. Procurement can be another year or more. Integration- After Acquisition, machines must be integrated into the computing environments at LANL. Connection to scalable storage via large scale storage networking, assuring correct and secure operations. Management and Utilization – Ongoing operations, maintenance, and trouble shooting of the hardware and systems software at massive scale is required.

A multi-instructor, team-based, active-learning exercise to integrate basic and clinical sciences content.

PubMed

Kolluru, Srikanth; Roesch, Darren M; Akhtar de la Fuente, Ayesha

2012-03-12

To introduce a multiple-instructor, team-based, active-learning exercise to promote the integration of basic sciences (pathophysiology, pharmacology, and medicinal chemistry) and clinical sciences in a doctor of pharmacy curriculum. A team-based learning activity that involved pre-class reading assignments, individual-and team-answered multiple-choice questions, and evaluation and discussion of a clinical case, was designed, implemented, and moderated by 3 faculty members from the pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacy practice departments. Student performance was assessed using a multiple-choice examination, an individual readiness assurance test (IRAT), a team readiness assurance test (TRAT), and a subjective, objective, assessment, and plan (SOAP) note. Student attitudes were assessed using a pre- and post-exercise survey instrument. Students' understanding of possible correct treatment strategies for depression improved. Students were appreciative of this true integration of basic sciences knowledge in a pharmacotherapy course and to have faculty members from both disciplines present to answer questions. Mean student score on the on depression module for the examination was 80.4%, indicating mastery of the content. An exercise led by multiple instructors improved student perceptions of the importance of team-based teaching. Integrated teaching and learning may be achieved when instructors from multiple disciplines work together in the classroom using proven team-based, active-learning exercises.

Benchmark matrix and guide: Part II.

PubMed

1991-01-01

In the last issue of the Journal of Quality Assurance (September/October 1991, Volume 13, Number 5, pp. 14-19), the benchmark matrix developed by Headquarters Air Force Logistics Command was published. Five horizontal levels on the matrix delineate progress in TQM: business as usual, initiation, implementation, expansion, and integration. The six vertical categories that are critical to the success of TQM are leadership, structure, training, recognition, process improvement, and customer focus. In this issue, "Benchmark Matrix and Guide: Part II" will show specifically how to apply the categories of leadership, structure, and training to the benchmark matrix progress levels. At the intersection of each category and level, specific behavior objectives are listed with supporting behaviors and guidelines. Some categories will have objectives that are relatively easy to accomplish, allowing quick progress from one level to the next. Other categories will take considerable time and effort to complete. In the next issue, Part III of this series will focus on recognition, process improvement, and customer focus.

Personalized Guideline-Based Treatment Recommendations Using Natural Language Processing Techniques.

PubMed

Becker, Matthias; Böckmann, Britta

2017-01-01

Clinical guidelines and clinical pathways are accepted and proven instruments for quality assurance and process optimization. Today, electronic representation of clinical guidelines exists as unstructured text, but is not well-integrated with patient-specific information from electronic health records. Consequently, generic content of the clinical guidelines is accessible, but it is not possible to visualize the position of the patient on the clinical pathway, decision support cannot be provided by personalized guidelines for the next treatment step. The Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine - Clinical Terms (SNOMED CT) provides common reference terminology as well as the semantic link for combining the pathways and the patient-specific information. This paper proposes a model-based approach to support the development of guideline-compliant pathways combined with patient-specific structured and unstructured information using SNOMED CT. To identify SNOMED CT concepts, a software was developed to extract SNOMED CT codes out of structured and unstructured German data to map these with clinical pathways annotated in accordance with the systematized nomenclature.

Evaluation of shear-compressive strength properties for laminated GFRP composites in electromagnet system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Jun Hee; Kim, Hak Kun; Kim, Sam Yeon

2014-07-01

Laminated fiber-reinforced composites can be applied to an insulating structure of a nuclear fusion device. It is necessary to investigate the interlaminar fracture characteristics of the laminated composites for the assurance of design and structural integrity. The three methods used to prepare the glass fiber reinforced plastic composites tested in this study were vacuum pressure impregnation, high pressure laminate (HPL), and prepreg laminate. We discuss the design criteria for safe application of composites and the shear-compressive test methods for evaluating mechanical properties of the material. Shear-compressive tests could be performed successfully using series-type test jigs that were inclined 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 75° to the normal axis. Shear strength depends strongly on the applied compressive stress. The design range of allowable shear stress was extended by use of the appropriate composite fabrication method. HPL had the largest design range, and the allowable interlaminar shear stress was 0.254 times the compressive stress.

Interpretation of Gamma Index for Quality Assurance of Simultaneously Integrated Boost (SIB) IMRT Plans for Head and Neck Carcinoma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atiq, Maria; Atiq, Atia; Iqbal, Khalid; Shamsi, Quratul ain; Andleeb, Farah; Buzdar, Saeed Ahmad

2017-12-01

Objective: The Gamma Index is prerequisite to estimate point-by-point difference between measured and calculated dose distribution in terms of both Distance to Agreement (DTA) and Dose Difference (DD). This study aims to inquire what percentage of pixels passing a certain criteria assure a good quality plan and suggest gamma index as efficient mechanism for dose verification of Simultaneous Integrated Boost Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy plans. Method: In this study, dose was calculated for 14 head and neck patients and IMRT Quality Assurance was performed with portal dosimetry using the Eclipse treatment planning system. Eclipse software has a Gamma analysis function to compare measured and calculated dose distribution. Plans of this study were deemed acceptable when passing rate was 95% using tolerance for Distance to agreement (DTA) as 3mm and Dose Difference (DD) as 5%. Result and Conclusion: Thirteen cases pass tolerance criteria of 95% set by our institution. Confidence Limit for DD is 9.3% and for gamma criteria our local CL came out to be 2.0% (i.e., 98.0% passing). Lack of correlation was found between DD and γ passing rate with R2 of 0.0509. Our findings underline the importance of gamma analysis method to predict the quality of dose calculation. Passing rate of 95% is achieved in 93% of cases which is adequate level of accuracy for analyzed plans thus assuring the robustness of SIB IMRT treatment technique. This study can be extended to investigate gamma criteria of 5%/3mm for different tumor localities and to explore confidence limit on target volumes of small extent and simple geometry.

7 CFR 2610.2 - Headquarters organization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

...) for Investigations. The staff also provides an integrated approach to fraud prevention and detection... to assure that OIG investigative reports have been properly acted upon; monitor the quality of... Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL, DEPARTMENT...

7 CFR 2610.2 - Headquarters organization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

...) for Investigations. The staff also provides an integrated approach to fraud prevention and detection... to assure that OIG investigative reports have been properly acted upon; monitor the quality of... Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL, DEPARTMENT...

7 Processes that Enable NASA Software Engineering Technologies: Value-Added Process Engineering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Housch, Helen; Godfrey, Sally

2011-01-01

The presentation reviews Agency process requirements and the purpose, benefits, and experiences or seven software engineering processes. The processes include: product integration, configuration management, verification, software assurance, measurement and analysis, requirements management, and planning and monitoring.

FORTRAN tools

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Presser, L.

1978-01-01

An integrated set of FORTRAN tools that are commercially available is described. The basic purpose of various tools is summarized and their economic impact highlighted. The areas addressed by these tools include: code auditing, error detection, program portability, program instrumentation, documentation, clerical aids, and quality assurance.

Towards vertical integration in general practice education: literature review and discussion paper.

PubMed

O'Regan, A; Culhane, A; Dunne, C; Griffin, M; Meagher, D; McGrath, D; O'Dwyer, P; Cullen, W

2013-09-01

Medical education policy in Ireland has enabled an increase in undergraduate and postgraduate education activity in general practice. Internationally, 'vertical integration in general practice education' is suggested as a key strategy to support the implementation of this policy development. To review the emerging literature on vertical integration in GP education, specifically to define the concept of 'vertical integration' with regard to education in general practice and to describe its benefits and challenges. We searched 'Pubmed', 'Academic Search Complete', 'Google', and 'MEDLINE' databases using multiple terms related to 'vertical integration' and 'general practice education' for relevant articles published since 2001. Discussion papers, reports, policy documents and position statements were identified from reference lists and retrieved through internet searches. The key components of 'vertical integration' in GP education include continuous educational pathway, all stages in GP education, supporting the continuing educational/professional development needs of learners at each stage and effective curriculum planning and delivery. Many benefits (for GPs, learners and the community) and many challenges (for GPs/practices, learners and GPs in training) have been described. Characteristics of successful implementation include role sharing and collaborative organisational structures. Recent developments in medical education in Ireland, such as the increase in medical school clinical placements in general practice and postgraduate GP training and the introduction of new competence assurance requirements offer an important opportunity to further inform how vertical integration can support increased educational activity in general practice. Describing this model, recognising its benefits and challenges and supporting its implementation in practice are priorities for medical education in Ireland.

40 CFR 300.205 - Planning and coordination structure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 29 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Planning and coordination structure... POLLUTION CONTINGENCY PLAN Planning and Preparedness § 300.205 Planning and coordination structure. (a... assure pre-planning of joint response efforts, including appropriate procedures for mechanical recovery...

40 CFR 300.205 - Planning and coordination structure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 28 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Planning and coordination structure... POLLUTION CONTINGENCY PLAN Planning and Preparedness § 300.205 Planning and coordination structure. (a... assure pre-planning of joint response efforts, including appropriate procedures for mechanical recovery...

40 CFR 300.205 - Planning and coordination structure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 28 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Planning and coordination structure... POLLUTION CONTINGENCY PLAN Planning and Preparedness § 300.205 Planning and coordination structure. (a... assure pre-planning of joint response efforts, including appropriate procedures for mechanical recovery...

40 CFR 300.205 - Planning and coordination structure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 29 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Planning and coordination structure... POLLUTION CONTINGENCY PLAN Planning and Preparedness § 300.205 Planning and coordination structure. (a... assure pre-planning of joint response efforts, including appropriate procedures for mechanical recovery...

James Webb Space Telescope: Frequently Asked Questions for Scientists and Engineers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gardner, Jonathan P.

2008-01-01

JWST will be tested incrementally during its construction, starting with individual mirrors and instruments (including cameras and spectrometers) and building up to the full observatory. JWST's mirrors and the telescope structure are first each tested individually, including optical testing of the mirrors and alignment testing of the structure inside a cold thermal-vacuum chamber. The mirrors are then installed on the telescope structure in a clean room at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). In parallel to the telescope assembly and alignment, the instruments are being built and tested, again first individually, and then as part of an integrated instrument assembly. The integrated instrument assembly will be tested in a thermal-vacuum chamber at GSFC using an optical simulator of the telescope. This testing makes sure the instruments are properly aligned relative to each other and also provides an independent check of the individual tests. After both the telescope and the integrated instrument module are successfully assembled, the integrated instrument module will be installed onto the telescope, and the combined system will be sent to Johnson Space Flight Center (JSC) where it will be optically tested in one of the JSC chambers. The process includes testing the 18 primary mirror segments acting as a single primary mirror, and testing the end-to-end system. The final system test will assure that the combined telescope and instruments are focused and aligned properly, and that the alignment, once in space, will be within the range of the actively controlled optics. In general, the individual optical tests of instruments and mirrors are the most accurate. The final system tests provide a cost-effective check that no major problem has occurred during assembly. In addition, independent optical checks of earlier tests will be made as the full system is assembled, providing confidence that there are no major problems.

MSFC Skylab corollary experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

The evolution of the development and integration of Skylab experiments from initial concepts through mission operations is documented. All experiment systems are covered as well as management controls which were developed and exercised to assure acceptable operational capability and optimize data acquisition for final scientific results.

36 CFR 1008.6 - Assuring integrity of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... subject to the Privacy Act be maintained with appropriate administrative, technical and physical...) Records security. Whether maintained in physical or electronic form, records subject to the Privacy Act... the system of records. The Privacy Act Officer will periodically review these security measures to...

ARES - A New Airborne Reflective Emissive Spectrometer

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-10-01

Information and Management System (DIMS), an automated processing environment with robot archive interface as established for the handling of satellite data...consisting of geocoded ground reflectance data. All described processing steps will be integrated in the automated processing environment DIMS to assure a

GEOSPATIAL IT/IM QA CHECKLIST

EPA Science Inventory

Quality assurance (QA) of information technology (IT) and Information Management (IM) systems help to ensure that the end product is of known quality and integrity. As the complexity of IT & IM processes increase, so does the need for regular QA evaluation.

The areas revi...

Waveshaping electronic circuit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harper, T. P.

1971-01-01

Circuit provides output signal with sinusoidal function in response to bipolar transition of input signal. Instantaneous transition shapes into linear rate of change and linear rate of change shapes into sinusoidal rate of change. Circuit contains only active components; therefore, compatibility with integrated circuit techniques is assured.

Design and Evaluation of Nextgen Aircraft Separation Assurance Concepts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Walter; Ho, Nhut; Arutyunov, Vladimir; Laue, John-Luke; Wilmoth, Ian

2012-01-01

To support the development and evaluation of future function allocation concepts for separation assurance systems for the Next Generation Air Transportation System, this paper presents the design and human-in-the-loop evaluation of three feasible function allocation concepts that allocate primary aircraft separation assurance responsibilities and workload to: 1) pilots; 2) air traffic controllers (ATC); and 3) automation. The design of these concepts also included rules of the road, separation assurance burdens for aircraft of different equipage levels, and utilization of advanced weather displays paired with advanced conflict detection and resolution automation. Results of the human-in-the-loop simulation show that: a) all the concepts are robust with respect to weather perturbation; b) concept 1 (pilots) had highest throughput, closest to assigned spacing, and fewest violations of speed and altitude restrictions; c) the energy of the aircraft during the descent phase was better managed in concepts 1 and 2 (pilots and ATC) than in concept 3 (automation), in which the situation awareness of pilots and controllers was lowest, and workload of pilots was highest. The paper also discusses further development of these concepts and their augmentation and integration with future air traffic management tools and systems that are being considered for NextGen.

[Quality assurance and quality improvement in medical practice. Part 3: Clinical audit in medical practice].

PubMed

Godény, Sándor

2012-02-05

The first two articles in the series were about the definition of quality in healthcare, the quality approach, the importance of quality assurance, the advantages of quality management systems and the basic concepts and necessity of evidence based medicine. In the third article the importance and basic steps of clinical audit are summarised. Clinical audit is an integral part of quality assurance and quality improvement in healthcare, that is the responsibility of any practitioner involved in medical practice. Clinical audit principally measures the clinical practice against clinical guidelines, protocols and other professional standards, and sometimes induces changes to ensure that all patients receive care according to principles of the best practice. The clinical audit can be defined also as a quality improvement process that seeks to identify areas for service improvement, develop and carry out plans and actions to improve medical activity and then by re-audit to ensure that these changes have an effect. Therefore, its aims are both to stimulate quality improvement interventions and to assess their impact in order to develop clinical effectiveness. At the end of the article key points of quality assurance and improvement in medical practice are summarised.

Use of alumni and employer surveys for internal quality assurance of the DVM program at the University of Montreal.

PubMed

Doucet, Michèle Y; Vrins, André

2010-01-01

Annual alumni and employer surveys, initially designed as outcomes assessment tools, were integrated into a new internal quality assurance strategy to improve the doctor of veterinary medicine program at the University of Montreal's Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire. Data collected annually from the classes of 2004-2007 indicated that alumni and their employers were generally satisfied with their level of preparation after one year of professional activity. Specific weaknesses were found in non-technical skills such as communication and resource management. These data were used in support of other forms of feedback to guide curricular reform.

International Expert Panel Consensus Guidelines for Structure and Delivery of Qigong Exercise for Cancer Care Programming

PubMed Central

Klein, Penelope; Picard, George; Schneider, Roger; Oh, Byeongsang

2017-01-01

Integrative oncology, including Qigong, is a relatively new concept in modern healthcare. Evidence of benefits of Qigong in cancer survivors is emerging. As such, several cancer centers, world-wide, have introduced Qigong as part of integrative medicine within supportive cancer care programming. Qigong exercise programming content and quality varies among institutions due to lack of standard guidelines and, at present, relies solely on the instructor’s skills, knowledge, personal preferences and clinical experience. Development of consensus guidelines recommending the basic structure and delivery of Qigong programming in cancer care can potentiate quality assurance and reduce risk of harm. This applied qualitative research utilized a modified Delphi approach to formulate consensus guidelines. Guidelines were developed through discussions among an international expert panel (N = 13) with representation from Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the United States. Panel communication was predominantly conducted by email and occurred from November 2016 through February 2017. Expert panel work resulted in the generation of a work product: Qigong in Cancer Care Guidelines: A Working Paper including: (a) Consensus Guidelines for structure and delivery of Qigong exercise for Cancer care programming; (b) Consensus guidelines for instructor competence for teaching Qigong exercise for cancer care classes; (c) Screening tool for safe participation in Qigong exercise; (d) Class participant instructions for maintaining safety during Qigong exercise; and (e) Advice from the field. Generation of these resources is the first step in establishing recommendations for ‘best practice’ in the area of Qigong for cancer care programming.

A unified software framework for deriving, visualizing, and exploring abstraction networks for ontologies

PubMed Central

Ochs, Christopher; Geller, James; Perl, Yehoshua; Musen, Mark A.

2016-01-01

Software tools play a critical role in the development and maintenance of biomedical ontologies. One important task that is difficult without software tools is ontology quality assurance. In previous work, we have introduced different kinds of abstraction networks to provide a theoretical foundation for ontology quality assurance tools. Abstraction networks summarize the structure and content of ontologies. One kind of abstraction network that we have used repeatedly to support ontology quality assurance is the partial-area taxonomy. It summarizes structurally and semantically similar concepts within an ontology. However, the use of partial-area taxonomies was ad hoc and not generalizable. In this paper, we describe the Ontology Abstraction Framework (OAF), a unified framework and software system for deriving, visualizing, and exploring partial-area taxonomy abstraction networks. The OAF includes support for various ontology representations (e.g., OWL and SNOMED CT's relational format). A Protégé plugin for deriving “live partial-area taxonomies” is demonstrated. PMID:27345947

A unified software framework for deriving, visualizing, and exploring abstraction networks for ontologies.

PubMed

Ochs, Christopher; Geller, James; Perl, Yehoshua; Musen, Mark A

2016-08-01

Software tools play a critical role in the development and maintenance of biomedical ontologies. One important task that is difficult without software tools is ontology quality assurance. In previous work, we have introduced different kinds of abstraction networks to provide a theoretical foundation for ontology quality assurance tools. Abstraction networks summarize the structure and content of ontologies. One kind of abstraction network that we have used repeatedly to support ontology quality assurance is the partial-area taxonomy. It summarizes structurally and semantically similar concepts within an ontology. However, the use of partial-area taxonomies was ad hoc and not generalizable. In this paper, we describe the Ontology Abstraction Framework (OAF), a unified framework and software system for deriving, visualizing, and exploring partial-area taxonomy abstraction networks. The OAF includes support for various ontology representations (e.g., OWL and SNOMED CT's relational format). A Protégé plugin for deriving "live partial-area taxonomies" is demonstrated. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Web-based electronic patient record as an instrument for quality assurance within an integrated care concept].

PubMed

Händel, A; Jünemann, A G M; Prokosch, H-U; Beyer, A; Ganslandt, T; Grolik, R; Klein, A; Mrosek, A; Michelson, G; Kruse, F E

2009-03-01

A prerequisite for integrated care programmes is the implementation of a communication network meeting quality assurance standards. Against this background the main objective of the integrated care project between the University Eye Hospital Erlangen and the health insurance company AOK Bayern was to evaluate the potential and the acceptance of a web-based electronic patient record in the context of cataract and retinal surgery. Standardised modules for capturing pre-, intra- and post-operative data on the basis of clinical pathway guidelines for cataract- and retinal surgery have been developed. There are 6 data sets recorded per patient (1 pre-operative, 1 operative, 4-6 post-operative). For data collection, a web-based communication system (Soarian Integrated Care) has been chosen which meets the high requirements in data security, as well as being easy to handle. This teleconsultation system and the embedded electronic patient record are independent of the software used by respective offices and hospitals. Data transmission and storage were carried out in real-time. At present, 101 private ophthalmologists are taking part in the IGV contract with the University Eye Hospital Erlangen. This corresponds to 52% of all private ophthalmologists in the region. During the period from January 1st 2006 to December 31st 2006, 1844 patients were entered. Complete documentation was achieved in 1390 (75%) of all surgical procedures. For evaluation of this data, a multidimensional report and analysis tool (Cognos) was used. The deviation from target refraction as one quality indicator was in the mean 0.09 diopter. The web-based patient record used in this project was highly accepted by the private ophthalmologists. However there are still general concerns against the exchange of medical data via the internet. Nevertheless, the web-based patient record is an essential tool for a functional integration between the ambulatory and stationary health-care units. In addition to the telemedicine functions of the system, we achieved the export of the data to a data warehouse system in order to provide a flexible and powerful tool for quality assurance analysis and reporting.

Avionics Integrity Program (AVIP). Volume 1. Procurement Phase Issues - Design, Manufacturing, and Integration

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-03-01

Engineering initiative to develop an orderly plan and procedure to assure that USAF acquire reliable, high quality, supportable avionics with a higher avail...susceptibility te~t~ (radiated and conducted), and emission of radio frequency energy tests."l6) Other electrical stresses can include over/under voltage...jo ints, poor welds, and dielectric defects. Also, instruments with components unable to endu very high temperatures can be safely tested. 1-19

Assured Information Flow Capping Architecture.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-05-01

Air Control System Deployment, ESD-TR-71-371, AD 733 584, Electronic Systems Division, AFSC, Hanscom Air Force Base, MA, November 1971. 3. I. Gitman and...H. Frank, "Economic Analysis of Integrated Voice and Data Networks: A Case Study," Proceedings of the IEEE, November 1978. 4. H. Frank and I. Gitman ... Gitman , "Study Shows Packet Switching Best for Voice Traffic, Too," Data Communications, March 1979. ___ "Economic Analysis of Integrated Voice and

Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act: FY 1993 Statement of Assurance

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-01-01

BASED ON YOUR MANAGEMENT REVIEWS AND NOT JUST AUDIT RESULTS, THAT OUR SYSTEMS OF INTERNAL CONTROL AM EFECTIVE IN9 SA.EGUARDING OUR ASSETS AND...coordinating the development and integration of the two processes/programs using the principles of Total Quality Leadership . A prototype was designed...Inventories. Department of the Navy (DON) activities did not screen non-Defense Business Operations Fund (DBOF) ("sponsor") material on receipt, purge

Space station System Engineering and Integration (SE and I). Volume 2: Study results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1987-01-01

A summary of significant study results that are products of the Phase B conceptual design task are contained. Major elements are addressed. Study results applicable to each major element or area of design are summarized and included where appropriate. Areas addressed include: system engineering and integration; customer accommodations; test and program verification; product assurance; conceptual design; operations and planning; technical and management information system (TMIS); and advanced development.

Formal Foundations for Hierarchical Safety Cases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Denney, Ewen; Pai, Ganesh; Whiteside, Iain

2015-01-01

Safety cases are increasingly being required in many safety-critical domains to assure, using structured argumentation and evidence, that a system is acceptably safe. However, comprehensive system-wide safety arguments present appreciable challenges to develop, understand, evaluate, and manage, partly due to the volume of information that they aggregate, such as the results of hazard analysis, requirements analysis, testing, formal verification, and other engineering activities. Previously, we have proposed hierarchical safety cases, hicases, to aid the comprehension of safety case argument structures. In this paper, we build on a formal notion of safety case to formalise the use of hierarchy as a structuring technique, and show that hicases satisfy several desirable properties. Our aim is to provide a formal, theoretical foundation for safety cases. In particular, we believe that tools for high assurance systems should be granted similar assurance to the systems to which they are applied. To this end, we formally specify and prove the correctness of key operations for constructing and managing hicases, which gives the specification for implementing hicases in AdvoCATE, our toolset for safety case automation. We motivate and explain the theory with the help of a simple running example, extracted from a real safety case and developed using AdvoCATE.

Assured Mission Support Space Architecture (AMSSA) study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hamon, Rob

1993-01-01

The assured mission support space architecture (AMSSA) study was conducted with the overall goal of developing a long-term requirements-driven integrated space architecture to provide responsive and sustained space support to the combatant commands. Although derivation of an architecture was the focus of the study, there are three significant products from the effort. The first is a philosophy that defines the necessary attributes for the development and operation of space systems to ensure an integrated, interoperable architecture that, by design, provides a high degree of combat utility. The second is the architecture itself; based on an interoperable system-of-systems strategy, it reflects a long-range goal for space that will evolve as user requirements adapt to a changing world environment. The third product is the framework of a process that, when fully developed, will provide essential information to key decision makers for space systems acquisition in order to achieve the AMSSA goal. It is a categorical imperative that military space planners develop space systems that will act as true force multipliers. AMSSA provides the philosophy, process, and architecture that, when integrated with the DOD requirements and acquisition procedures, can yield an assured mission support capability from space to the combatant commanders. An important feature of the AMSSA initiative is the participation by every organization that has a role or interest in space systems development and operation. With continued community involvement, the concept of the AMSSA will become a reality. In summary, AMSSA offers a better way to think about space (philosophy) that can lead to the effective utilization of limited resources (process) with an infrastructure designed to meet the future space needs (architecture) of our combat forces.

Technical Excellence and Communication: The Cornerstones for Successful Safety and Mission Assurance Programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malone, Roy W.; Livingston, John M.

2010-01-01

The paper describes the role of technical excellence and communication in the development and maintenance of safety and mission assurance programs. The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Safety and Mission Assurance (S&MA) organization is used to illustrate philosophies and techniques that strengthen safety and mission assurance efforts and that contribute to healthy and effective organizational cultures. The events and conditions leading to the development of the MSFC S&MA organization are reviewed. Historic issues and concerns are identified. The adverse effects of resource limitations and risk assessment roles are discussed. The structure and functions of the core safety, reliability, and quality assurance functions are presented. The current organization s mission and vision commitments serve as the starting points for the description of the current organization. The goals and objectives are presented that address the criticisms of the predecessor organizations. Additional improvements are presented that address the development of technical excellence and the steps taken to improve communication within the Center, with program customers, and with other Agency S&MA organizations.

Read Code Quality Assurance

PubMed Central

Schulz, Erich; Barrett, James W.; Price, Colin

1998-01-01

As controlled clinical vocabularies assume an increasing role in modern clinical information systems, so the issue of their quality demands greater attention. In order to meet the resulting stringent criteria for completeness and correctness, a quality assurance system comprising a database of more than 500 rules is being developed and applied to the Read Thesaurus. The authors discuss the requirement to apply quality assurance processes to their dynamic editing database in order to ensure the quality of exported products. Sources of errors include human, hardware, and software factors as well as new rules and transactions. The overall quality strategy includes prevention, detection, and correction of errors. The quality assurance process encompasses simple data specification, internal consistency, inspection procedures and, eventually, field testing. The quality assurance system is driven by a small number of tables and UNIX scripts, with “business rules” declared explicitly as Structured Query Language (SQL) statements. Concurrent authorship, client-server technology, and an initial failure to implement robust transaction control have all provided valuable lessons. The feedback loop for error management needs to be short. PMID:9670131

Technical Excellence and Communication, the Cornerstones for Successful Safety and Mission Assurance Programs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malone, Roy W.; Livingston, John M.

2010-09-01

The paper describes the role of technical excellence and communication in the development and maintenance of safety and mission assurance programs. The Marshall Space Flight Center(MSFC) Safety and Mission Assurance(S&MA) organization is used to illustrate philosophies and techniques that strengthen safety and mission assurance efforts and that contribute to healthy and effective organizational cultures. The events and conditions leading to the development of the MSFC S&MA organization are reviewed. Historic issues and concerns are identified. The adverse effects of resource limitations and risk assessment roles are discussed. The structure and functions of the core safety, reliability, and quality assurance functions are presented. The current organization’s mission and vision commitments serve as the starting points for the description of the current organization. The goals and objectives are presented that address the criticisms of the predecessor organizations. Additional improvements are presented that address the development of technical excellence and the steps taken to improve communication within the Center, with program customers, and with other Agency S&MA organizations.

Read Code quality assurance: from simple syntax to semantic stability.

PubMed

Schulz, E B; Barrett, J W; Price, C

1998-01-01

As controlled clinical vocabularies assume an increasing role in modern clinical information systems, so the issue of their quality demands greater attention. In order to meet the resulting stringent criteria for completeness and correctness, a quality assurance system comprising a database of more than 500 rules is being developed and applied to the Read Thesaurus. The authors discuss the requirement to apply quality assurance processes to their dynamic editing database in order to ensure the quality of exported products. Sources of errors include human, hardware, and software factors as well as new rules and transactions. The overall quality strategy includes prevention, detection, and correction of errors. The quality assurance process encompasses simple data specification, internal consistency, inspection procedures and, eventually, field testing. The quality assurance system is driven by a small number of tables and UNIX scripts, with "business rules" declared explicitly as Structured Query Language (SQL) statements. Concurrent authorship, client-server technology, and an initial failure to implement robust transaction control have all provided valuable lessons. The feedback loop for error management needs to be short.

The Hyper-X Flight Systems Validation Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Redifer, Matthew; Lin, Yohan; Bessent, Courtney Amos; Barklow, Carole

2007-01-01

For the Hyper-X/X-43A program, the development of a comprehensive validation test plan played an integral part in the success of the mission. The goal was to demonstrate hypersonic propulsion technologies by flight testing an airframe-integrated scramjet engine. Preparation for flight involved both verification and validation testing. By definition, verification is the process of assuring that the product meets design requirements; whereas validation is the process of assuring that the design meets mission requirements for the intended environment. This report presents an overview of the program with emphasis on the validation efforts. It includes topics such as hardware-in-the-loop, failure modes and effects, aircraft-in-the-loop, plugs-out, power characterization, antenna pattern, integration, combined systems, captive carry, and flight testing. Where applicable, test results are also discussed. The report provides a brief description of the flight systems onboard the X-43A research vehicle and an introduction to the ground support equipment required to execute the validation plan. The intent is to provide validation concepts that are applicable to current, follow-on, and next generation vehicles that share the hybrid spacecraft and aircraft characteristics of the Hyper-X vehicle.

Morphology in the Digital Age: Integrating High Resolution Description of Structural Alterations with Phenotypes and Genotypes

PubMed Central

Nast, Cynthia C.; Lemley, Kevin V.; Hodgin, Jeffrey B.; Bagnasco, Serena; Avila-Casado, Carmen; Hewitt, Stephen M; Barisoni, Laura

2015-01-01

Conventional light microscopy (CLM) has been used to characterize and classify renal diseases, evaluate histopathology in studies and trials, and educate renal pathologists and nephrologists. The advent of digital pathology, in which a glass slide can be scanned to create whole slide images (WSI) for viewing and manipulating on a computer monitor, provides real and potential advantages over CLM. Software tools such as annotation, morphometry and image analysis can be applied to WSIs for studies or educational purposes, and the digital images are globally available to clinicians, pathologists and investigators. New ways of assessing renal pathology with observational data collection may allow better morphologic correlations and integration with molecular and genetic signatures, refinements of classification schema, and understanding of disease pathogenesis. In multicenter studies, WSI, which require additional quality assurance steps, provide efficiencies by reducing slide shipping and consensus conference costs, and allowing anytime anywhere slide viewing. While validation studies for the routine diagnostic use of digital pathology still are needed, this is a powerful tool currently available for translational research, clinical trials and education in renal pathology. PMID:26215864

Portable Holographic Interferometry Testing System: Application to crack patching quality control

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

Heslehurst, R.B.; Baird, J.P.; Williamson, H.M.

Over recent years the repair of metallic structures has been improved through the use of patches fabricated from composite materials and adhesively bonded to the damaged area. This technology is termed crack patching, and has been successfully and extensively used by the RAAF and the USAF. However, application of the technology to civilian registered aircraft has had limited success due to the apparent lack of suitable quality assurance testing methods and the airworthiness regulators concern overpatch adhesion integrity. Holographic interferometry has previously shown the advantages of detecting out-of-plane deformations of the order of the wavelength of light (1{mu}). Evidence willmore » be presented that holography is able to detect changes in load path due to debonds and weakened adhesion in an adhesively bonded patch. A Portable Holographic Interferometry Testing System (PHITS) which overcomes the vibration isolation problem associated with conventional holography techniques has been developed. The application of PHITS to crack patching technology now provides a suitable method to verify the integrity of bonded patches in-situ.« less

Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program: Evaluation of Localized Cable Test Methods for Nuclear Power Plant Cable Aging Management Programs

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

Glass, Samuel W.; Fifield, Leonard S.; Hartman, Trenton S.

This Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) milestone report describes progress to date on the investigation of nondestructive test (NDE) methods focusing particularly on local measurements that provide key indicators of cable aging and damage. The work includes a review of relevant literature as well as hands-on experimental verification of inspection capabilities. As NPPs consider applying for second, or subsequent, license renewal (SLR) to extend their operating period from 60 years to 80 years, it important to understand how the materials installed in plant systems and components will age during that time and develop aging management programs (AMPs) to assure continuedmore » safe operation under normal and design basis events (DBE). Normal component and system tests typically confirm the cables can perform their normal operational function. The focus of the cable test program is directed toward the more demanding challenge of assuring the cable function under accident or DBE. Most utilities already have a program associated with their first life extension from 40 to 60 years. Regrettably, there is neither a clear guideline nor a single NDE that can assure cable function and integrity for all cables. Thankfully, however, practical implementation of a broad range of tests allows utilities to develop a practical program that assures cable function to a high degree. The industry has adopted 50% elongation at break (EAB) relative to the un-aged cable condition as the acceptability standard. All tests are benchmarked against the cable EAB test. EAB is a destructive test so the test programs must apply an array of other NDE tests to assure or infer the overall set of cable’s system integrity. These cable NDE programs vary in rigor and methodology. As the industry gains experience with the efficacy of these programs, it is expected that implementation practice will converge to a more common approach. This report addresses the range of local NDE cable tests that are or could be practically implemented in a field test situation. These tests include: visual, infrared thermography, interdigital capacitance, indenter, relaxation time indenter, dynamic mechanical analyzer, infrared/near-infrared spectrometry, ultrasound, and distributed fiber optic temperature measurement.« less

High-Assurance System Support through 3-D Integration

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-11-09

algorithms ), tagging, and in selected systems, offensive mecha- nisms. For example, we can exploit the control plane to tag all traffic traveling...October 2005. [35] D. Page. Theoretical use of cache memory as a cryptanalytic side-channel. Technical Report CSTR - 02-003, Department of Computer

Disrupted Small-World Networks in Schizophrenia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liu, Yong; Liang, Meng; Zhou, Yuan; He, Yong; Hao, Yihui; Song, Ming; Yu, Chunshui; Liu, Haihong; Liu, Zhening; Jiang, Tianzi

2008-01-01

The human brain has been described as a large, sparse, complex network characterized by efficient small-world properties, which assure that the brain generates and integrates information with high efficiency. Many previous neuroimaging studies have provided consistent evidence of "dysfunctional connectivity" among the brain regions in…

44 CFR 10.4 - Policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... approach that will ensure the integrated use of the natural and social sciences, and environmental... GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS General § 10.4 Policy. (a) FEMA shall act with care to assure that... mitigation and flood insurance, it does so in a manner consistent with national environmental policies. Care...

44 CFR 10.4 - Policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... approach that will ensure the integrated use of the natural and social sciences, and environmental... GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS General § 10.4 Policy. (a) FEMA shall act with care to assure that... mitigation and flood insurance, it does so in a manner consistent with national environmental policies. Care...

28 CFR 20.1 - Purpose.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFORMATION SYSTEMS General Provisions § 20.1 Purpose. It is the purpose of these regulations to assure that criminal history record information wherever it..., integrity, and security of such information and to protect individual privacy. [Order No. 2258-99, 64 FR...

Turbine blade root design concept promises superior alignment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

King, O. D.

1966-01-01

Blade-to-hub mounting concept assures excellent alignment integrity and results in elimination of some welding problems associated with designs. With this design, if rework is required, blade removal and replacement may be readily accomplished without damage to blade positioning media on the wheel hub.

Integrating a flexible modeling framework (FMF) with the network security assessment instrument to reduce software security risk

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gilliam, D. P.; Powell, J. D.

2002-01-01

This paper presents a portion of an overall research project on the generation of the network security assessment instrument to aid developers in assessing and assuring the security of software in the development and maintenance lifecycles.

High Assurance Models for Secure Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Almohri, Hussain M. J.

2013-01-01

Despite the recent advances in systems and network security, attacks on large enterprise networks consistently impose serious challenges to maintaining data privacy and software service integrity. We identify two main problems that contribute to increasing the security risk in a networked environment: (i) vulnerable servers, workstations, and…

Modular space station phase B extension preliminary system design. Volume 2: Operations and crew analyses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meston, R. D.; Schall, M. R., Jr.; Brockman, C. L.; Bender, W. H.

1972-01-01

All analyses and tradeoffs conducted to establish the MSS operations and crew activities are discussed. The missions and subsystem integrated analyses that were completed to assure compatibility of program elements and consistency with program objectives are presented.

The Future of Gero-Oncology Nursing.

PubMed

Kagan, Sarah H

2016-02-01

To project the future of gero-oncology nursing as a distinct specialty, framed between analysis of current challenges and explication of prospective solutions. Peer-reviewed literature, policy directives, web-based resources, and author expertise. Oncology nursing faces several challenges in meeting the needs of older people living with cancer. Realigning cancer nursing education, practice, and research to match demographic and epidemiological realities mandates redesign. Viewing geriatric oncology as an optional sub-specialty limits oncology nursing, where older people represent the majority of oncology patients and cancer survivors. The future of gero-oncology nursing lies in transforming oncology nursing itself. Specific goals to achieve transformation of oncology nursing into gero-oncology nursing include assuring integrated foundational aging and cancer content across entry-level nursing curricula; assuring a gero-competent oncology nursing workforce with integrated continuing education; developing gero-oncology nurse specialists in advanced practice roles; and cultivating nurse leadership in geriatric oncology program development and administration along with expanding the scope and sophistication of gero-oncology nursing science. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Guaranteeing the quality and integrity of pork - An Australian case study.

PubMed

Channon, H A; D'Souza, D N; Jarrett, R G; Lee, G S H; Watling, R J; Jolley, J Y C; Dunshea, F R

2018-04-27

The Australian pork industry is strongly committed to assuring the integrity of its product, with substantial research investment made over the past ten years to develop and implement systems to assure the consistency and quality of fresh pork and to enable accurate tracing of unpackaged fresh pork back to property of origin using trace elemental profiling. These initiatives are pivotal to allow Australian pork of guaranteed eating quality to be successfully positioned as higher value products, across a range of international and domestic markets, whilst managing any threats of product substitution. This paper describes the current status of the development of a predictive eating quality model for Australian pork, utilizing eating quality datasets generated from recent Australian studies. The implementation of trace elemental profiling, by Physi-Trace™, to verify and defend provenance claims and support the supply of consistently high eating quality Australian pork to its customers, is also discussed. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Addressing Uniqueness and Unison of Reliability and Safety for a Better Integration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huang, Zhaofeng; Safie, Fayssal

2016-01-01

Over time, it has been observed that Safety and Reliability have not been clearly differentiated, which leads to confusion, inefficiency, and, sometimes, counter-productive practices in executing each of these two disciplines. It is imperative to address this situation to help Reliability and Safety disciplines improve their effectiveness and efficiency. The paper poses an important question to address, "Safety and Reliability - Are they unique or unisonous?" To answer the question, the paper reviewed several most commonly used analyses from each of the disciplines, namely, FMEA, reliability allocation and prediction, reliability design involvement, system safety hazard analysis, Fault Tree Analysis, and Probabilistic Risk Assessment. The paper pointed out uniqueness and unison of Safety and Reliability in their respective roles, requirements, approaches, and tools, and presented some suggestions for enhancing and improving the individual disciplines, as well as promoting the integration of the two. The paper concludes that Safety and Reliability are unique, but compensating each other in many aspects, and need to be integrated. Particularly, the individual roles of Safety and Reliability need to be differentiated, that is, Safety is to ensure and assure the product meets safety requirements, goals, or desires, and Reliability is to ensure and assure maximum achievability of intended design functions. With the integration of Safety and Reliability, personnel can be shared, tools and analyses have to be integrated, and skill sets can be possessed by the same person with the purpose of providing the best value to a product development.

Systems engineering and integration processes involved with manned mission operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kranz, Eugene F.; Kraft, Christopher C.

1993-01-01

This paper will discuss three mission operations functions that are illustrative of the key principles of operations SE&I and of the processes and products involved. The flight systems process was selected to illustrate the role of the systems product line in developing the depth and cross disciplinary skills needed for SE&I and providing the foundation for dialogue between participating elements. FDDD was selected to illustrate the need for a structured process to assure that SE&I provides complete and accurate results that consistently support program needs. The flight director's role in mission operations was selected to illustrate the complexity of the risk/gain tradeoffs involved in the development of the flight techniques and flight rules process as well as the absolute importance of the leadership role in developing the technical, operational, and political trades.

Intelligence and Electronic Warfare (IEW) Streamlining Project. Volume 3. Reference Documentation (Part 3)

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-09-01

APPENDIX Al : INSCOM Lessons Learned III~l A kpxffrI Strategic Logistics Agency Paper, undated, Suff.’ Integrated Sustabinent Mainteanceo Concept...credit for billions ofd(10- lars ol s;ving-s fromi streasnlimiaci,, .CiVIcs 111,1 have Concept ror Integrated Skislamimgscnt Al |iiimcnsaisce enput in...TMDFE is These recommcndations would he made by thc an existing model for how the Single Manager ISMM to assure that Reserve and National Guard concept

Spacelab software development and integration concepts study report, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rose, P. L.; Willis, B. G.

1973-01-01

The proposed software guidelines to be followed by the European Space Research Organization in the development of software for the Spacelab being developed for use as a payload for the space shuttle are documented. Concepts, techniques, and tools needed to assure the success of a programming project are defined as they relate to operation of the data management subsystem, support of experiments and space applications, use with ground support equipment, and for integration testing.

Department of Defense Joint Technical Architecture, Version 6.0. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-10-03

information needs of our warfighters and the DoD enterprise. Information assurance will be integral to the GIG, and data management strategy initiatives will...IT investment strategy , and integration JTA Version 6.0, Final 3 October 2003 Vol. II–iv Executive Summaryoversight. DoDD 8100.1 establishes the GIG as... Strategy (May 9, 2003). In addition, numerous standards have been marked sunset, indicating deletion from the JTA on a future date to be determined by a

25 CFR 43.22 - Assuring integrity of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

..., “Computer Security Guidelines for Implementing the Privacy Act of 1974” (May 30, 1975), and any supplements... with appropriate administrative, technical and physical safeguards to insure the security and confidentiality of records and to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to their security or...

25 CFR 43.22 - Assuring integrity of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

..., “Computer Security Guidelines for Implementing the Privacy Act of 1974” (May 30, 1975), and any supplements... with appropriate administrative, technical and physical safeguards to insure the security and confidentiality of records and to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to their security or...

25 CFR 43.22 - Assuring integrity of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

..., “Computer Security Guidelines for Implementing the Privacy Act of 1974” (May 30, 1975), and any supplements... with appropriate administrative, technical and physical safeguards to insure the security and confidentiality of records and to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to their security or...

25 CFR 43.22 - Assuring integrity of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

..., “Computer Security Guidelines for Implementing the Privacy Act of 1974” (May 30, 1975), and any supplements... with appropriate administrative, technical and physical safeguards to insure the security and confidentiality of records and to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to their security or...

Optimizing the use of the thermal integrity system for evaluating auger-cast piles [summary].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-07-01

Auger-cast-in-place (ACIP) piles offer an efficient method of constructing and installing piles, : but because the ACIP process is essentially blind and the configuration of the final pile cannot be : assured, applications for ACIP piles have been li...

77 FR 21778 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-11

... the integrity of ACF's award selection process. All ACF discretionary grant programs are required to... Standard Form 424 series, which requests basic information, budget information, and assurances; the Project... Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW...

Proceedings of the Symposium on Welding, Bonding, and Fastening. [production engineering for aircraft and spacecraft structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stein, B. A. (Compiler); Buckley, J. D. (Compiler)

1972-01-01

Various technological processes to achieve lightweight reliable joining systems for structural elements of aircraft and spacecraft are considered. Joining methods, combinations of them, and nondestructive evaluation and quality assurance are emphasized.

Quality Assurance Program Plan for SFR Metallic Fuel Data Qualification

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

Benoit, Timothy; Hlotke, John Daniel; Yacout, Abdellatif

2017-07-05

This document contains an evaluation of the applicability of the current Quality Assurance Standards from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Standard NQA-1 (NQA-1) criteria and identifies and describes the quality assurance process(es) by which attributes of historical, analytical, and other data associated with sodium-cooled fast reactor [SFR] metallic fuel and/or related reactor fuel designs and constituency will be evaluated. This process is being instituted to facilitate validation of data to the extent that such data may be used to support future licensing efforts associated with advanced reactor designs. The initial data to be evaluated under this program were generatedmore » during the US Integral Fast Reactor program between 1984-1994, where the data includes, but is not limited to, research and development data and associated documents, test plans and associated protocols, operations and test data, technical reports, and information associated with past United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission reviews of SFR designs.« less

DKIST visible broadband imager data processing pipeline

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beard, Andrew; Cowan, Bruce; Ferayorni, Andrew

2014-07-01

The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) Data Handling System (DHS) provides the technical framework and building blocks for developing on-summit instrument quality assurance and data reduction pipelines. The DKIST Visible Broadband Imager (VBI) is a first light instrument that alone will create two data streams with a bandwidth of 960 MB/s each. The high data rate and data volume of the VBI require near-real time processing capability for quality assurance and data reduction, and will be performed on-summit using Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) technology. The VBI data processing pipeline (DPP) is the first designed and developed using the DKIST DHS components, and therefore provides insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the framework. In this paper we lay out the design of the VBI DPP, examine how the underlying DKIST DHS components are utilized, and discuss how integration of the DHS framework with GPUs was accomplished. We present our results of the VBI DPP alpha release implementation of the calibration, frame selection reduction, and quality assurance display processing nodes.

Integrating Safety and Mission Assurance into Systems Engineering Modeling Practices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beckman, Sean; Darpel, Scott

2015-01-01

During the early development of products, flight, or experimental hardware, emphasis is often given to the identification of technical requirements, utilizing such tools as use case and activity diagrams. Designers and project teams focus on understanding physical and performance demands and challenges. It is typically only later, during the evaluation of preliminary designs that a first pass, if performed, is made to determine the process, safety, and mission quality assurance requirements. Evaluation early in the life cycle, though, can yield requirements that force a fundamental change in design. This paper discusses an alternate paradigm for using the concepts of use case or activity diagrams to identify safety hazard and mission quality assurance risks and concerns using the same systems engineering modeling tools being used to identify technical requirements. It contains two examples of how this process might be used in the development of a space flight experiment, and the design of a Human Powered Pizza Delivery Vehicle, along with the potential benefits to decrease development time, and provide stronger budget estimates.

SEPS mission and system integration/interface requirements for the space transportation system. [Solar Electric Propulsion System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cork, M. J.; Barnett, P. M.; Shaffer, J., Jr.; Doran, B. J.

1979-01-01

Earth escape mission requirements on Solar Electric Propulsion System (SEPS), and the interface definition and planned integration between SEPS, user spacecraft, and other elements of the STS. Emphasis is placed on the Comet rendezvous mission, scheduled to be the first SEPS user. Interactive SEPS interface characteristics with spacecraft and mission, as well as the multiple organizations and inter-related development schedules required to integrate the SEPS with spacecraft and STS, require early attention to definition of interfaces in order to assure a successful path to the first SEPS launch in July 1985

Structural Verification of the First Orbital Wonder of the World - The Structural Testing and Analysis of the International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zipay, John J.; Bernstein, Karen S.; Bruno, Erica E.; Deloo, Phillipe; Patin, Raymond

2012-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) can be considered one of the structural engineering wonders of the world. On par with the World Trade Center, the Colossus of Rhodes, the Statue of Liberty, the Great Pyramids, the Petronas towers and the Burj Khalifa skyscraper of Dubai, the ambition and scope of the ISS structural design, verification and assembly effort is a truly global success story. With its on-orbit life projected to be from its beginning in 1998 to the year 2020 (and perhaps beyond), all of those who participated in its development can consider themselves part of an historic engineering achievement representing all of humanity. The structural design and verification of the ISS could be the subject of many scholarly papers. Several papers have been written on the structural dynamic characterization of the ISS once it was assembled on-orbit [1], but the ground-based activities required to assure structural integrity and structural life of the individual elements from delivery to orbit through assembly and planned on-orbit operations have never been totally summarized. This paper is intended to give the reader an overview of some of the key decisions made during the structural verification planning for the elements of the U.S. On-Orbit Segment (USOS) as well as to summarize the many structural tests and structural analyses that were performed on its major elements. An effort is made for this paper to be summarily comprehensive, but as with all knowledge capture efforts of this kind, there are bound to be errors of omission. Should the reader discover any of these, please feel free to contact the principal author. The ISS (Figure 1) is composed of pre-integrated truss segments and pressurized elements supplied by NASA, the Russian Federal Space Agency (RSA), the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Each of these elements was delivered to orbit by a launch vehicle and connected to one another either robotically or autonomously. The primary structure of each element was assembled and verified by teams of responsible structural engineers within and among their respective agencies and agency contractors.

Managing confidentiality in illicit drugs research: ethical and legal lessons from studies in remote Aboriginal communities.

PubMed

Clough, A; Conigrave, K

2008-01-01

Assuring participant confidentiality in illicit drugs research has raised legal questions and challenges both for researchers and ethics committees. There are similar challenges for clinicians. To study cannabis use in Aboriginal people in Arnhem Land (Northern Territory), a risk-management approach was successful. Aboriginal participants were informed in their own language that confidentiality could not be assured if they disclosed information about illegal behaviours. Researchers avoided questions of intrinsic interest to law enforcement. Relationships between researchers and study participants and the integrity of the study were preserved. These considerations have relevance for clinicians as well as researchers dealing with the influence of illicit behaviours on health.

42 CFR 457.940 - Procurement standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Procurement standards. 457.940 Section 457.940... Integrity § 457.940 Procurement standards. (a) A State must submit to CMS a written assurance that title XXI... public or private payment rates for comparable services for comparable populations, consistent with...

7 CFR 1980.443 - Collateral, personal and corporate guarantees and other requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... loan is reasonably assured when considered with the integrity and ability of project management... receivable, cash or special cash collateral accounts, marketable securities and cash surrender value of life... and current (not over 90 days old) credit report, proven management, evidence of the market necessary...

7 CFR 1980.443 - Collateral, personal and corporate guarantees and other requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... loan is reasonably assured when considered with the integrity and ability of project management... receivable, cash or special cash collateral accounts, marketable securities and cash surrender value of life... and current (not over 90 days old) credit report, proven management, evidence of the market necessary...

7 CFR 1980.443 - Collateral, personal and corporate guarantees and other requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... loan is reasonably assured when considered with the integrity and ability of project management... receivable, cash or special cash collateral accounts, marketable securities and cash surrender value of life... and current (not over 90 days old) credit report, proven management, evidence of the market necessary...

7 CFR 1980.443 - Collateral, personal and corporate guarantees and other requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... loan is reasonably assured when considered with the integrity and ability of project management... receivable, cash or special cash collateral accounts, marketable securities and cash surrender value of life... and current (not over 90 days old) credit report, proven management, evidence of the market necessary...

7 CFR 1980.443 - Collateral, personal and corporate guarantees and other requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... loan is reasonably assured when considered with the integrity and ability of project management... receivable, cash or special cash collateral accounts, marketable securities and cash surrender value of life... and current (not over 90 days old) credit report, proven management, evidence of the market necessary...

RICK BURT AND ANDY SCHORR WITH LAUNCH VEHICLE STAGE ADAPTER

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-23

RICK BURT, RIGHT, DIRECTOR OF SAFETY AND MISSION ASSURANCE TALKS WITH ANDY SCHORR, ASSISTANT MANAGER OF THE SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM'S SPACECRAFT PAYLOAD INTEGRATION AND EVOLUTION OFFICE. BEHIND THEM IS THE LAUNCH VEHICLE STAGE ADAPTOR, WHICH WAS DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED AT MARSHALL AND WILL CONNECT TWO MAJOR SLS UPPER SECTIONS

A Computational Model and Multi-Agent Simulation for Information Assurance

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-06-01

Podell , Information Security: an Integrated Collection of Essays, IEEE Computer Society Press, Los Alamitos, CA, 1994. Brinkley, D. L. and Schell, R...R., “What is There to Worry About? An Introduction to the Computer Security Problem,” ed. Abrams and Jajodia and Podell , Information Security: an

Assuring Integrity of Information Utility in Cyber-Learning Formats.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morrison, James L.; Stein, Linda L.

1999-01-01

Describes a cyber-learning project for the World Wide Web developed by faculty and librarians at the University of Delaware that combined discovery learning with problem-based learning to develop critical thinking and quality management for information. Undergraduates were to find, evaluate, and use information to generate an Internet marketing…

Fault Management Architectures and the Challenges of Providing Software Assurance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Savarino, Shirley; Fitz, Rhonda; Fesq, Lorraine; Whitman, Gerek

2015-01-01

The satellite systems Fault Management (FM) is focused on safety, the preservation of assets, and maintaining the desired functionality of the system. How FM is implemented varies among missions. Common to most is system complexity due to a need to establish a multi-dimensional structure across hardware, software and operations. This structure is necessary to identify and respond to system faults, mitigate technical risks and ensure operational continuity. These architecture, implementation and software assurance efforts increase with mission complexity. Because FM is a systems engineering discipline with a distributed implementation, providing efficient and effective verification and validation (VV) is challenging. A breakout session at the 2012 NASA Independent Verification Validation (IVV) Annual Workshop titled VV of Fault Management: Challenges and Successes exposed these issues in terms of VV for a representative set of architectures. NASA's IVV is funded by NASA's Software Assurance Research Program (SARP) in partnership with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to extend the work performed at the Workshop session. NASA IVV will extract FM architectures across the IVV portfolio and evaluate the data set for robustness, assess visibility for validation and test, and define software assurance methods that could be applied to the various architectures and designs. This work focuses efforts on FM architectures from critical and complex projects within NASA. The identification of particular FM architectures, visibility, and associated VVIVV techniques provides a data set that can enable higher assurance that a satellite system will adequately detect and respond to adverse conditions. Ultimately, results from this activity will be incorporated into the NASA Fault Management Handbook providing dissemination across NASA, other agencies and the satellite community. This paper discusses the approach taken to perform the evaluations and preliminary findings from the research including identification of FM architectures, visibility observations, and methods utilized for VVIVV.

External Tank - The Structure Backbone

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Welzyn, Kenneth; Pilet, Jeffrey C.; Diecidue-Conners, Dawn; Worden, Michelle; Guillot, Michelle

2011-01-01

The External Tank forms the structural backbone of the Space Shuttle in the launch configuration. Because the tank flies to orbital velocity with the Space Shuttle Orbiter, minimization of weight is mandatory, to maximize payload performance. Choice of lightweight materials both for structure and thermal conditioning was necessary. The tank is large, and unique manufacturing facilities, tooling, handling, and transportation operations were required. Weld processes and tooling evolved with the design as it matured through several block changes, to reduce weight. Non Destructive Evaluation methods were used to assure integrity of welds and thermal protection system materials. The aluminum-lithium alloy was used near the end of the program and weld processes and weld repair techniques had to be refined. Development and implementation of friction stir welding was a substantial technology development incorporated during the Program. Automated thermal protection system application processes were developed for the majority of the tank surface. Material obsolescence was an issue throughout the 40 year program. The final configuration and tank weight enabled international space station assembly in a high inclination orbit allowing international cooperation with the Russian Federal Space Agency. Numerous process controls were implemented to assure product quality, and innovative proof testing was accomplished prior to delivery. Process controls were implemented to assure cleanliness in the production environment, to control contaminants, and to preclude corrosion. Each tank was accepted via rigorous inspections, including non-destructive evaluation techniques, proof testing, and all systems testing. In the post STS-107 era, the project focused on ascent debris risk reduction. This was accomplished via stringent process controls, post flight assessment using substantially improved imagery, and selective redesigns. These efforts were supported with a number of test programs to simulate combined environments. Processing improvements included development and use of low spray guns for foam application, additional human factors considerations for production, use of high fidelity mockups during hardware processing with video review, improved tank access, extensive use of non destructive evaluation, and producibility enhancements. Design improvements included redesigned bipod fittings, a bellows heater, a feedline camera active during ascent flight, removal of the protuberance airload ramps, redesigned ice frost ramps, and titanium brackets replaced aluminum brackets on the liquid oxygen feedline. Post flight assessment improved due to significant addition of imagery assets, greatly improving situational awareness. The debris risk was reduced by two orders of magnitude. During this time a major natural disaster was overcome when Katrina damaged the manufacturing facility. Numerous lessons from these efforts are documented within the paper.

NASA Astronauts on Soyuz: Experience and Lessons for the Future

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2010-01-01

The U. S., Russia, and, China have each addressed the question of human-rating spacecraft. NASA's operational experience with human-rating primarily resides with Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Space Shuttle, and International Space Station. NASA s latest developmental experience includes Constellation, X38, X33, and the Orbital Space Plane. If domestic commercial crew vehicles are used to transport astronauts to and from space, Soyuz is another example of methods that could be used to human-rate a spacecraft and to work with commercial spacecraft providers. For Soyuz, NASA's normal assurance practices were adapted. Building on NASA's Soyuz experience, this report contends all past, present, and future vehicles rely on a range of methods and techniques for human-rating assurance, the components of which include: requirements, conceptual development, prototype evaluations, configuration management, formal development reviews (safety, design, operations), component/system ground-testing, integrated flight tests, independent assessments, and launch readiness reviews. When constraints (cost, schedule, international) limit the depth/breadth of one or more preferred assurance means, ways are found to bolster the remaining areas. This report provides information exemplifying the above safety assurance model for consideration with commercial or foreign-government-designed spacecraft. Topics addressed include: U.S./Soviet-Russian government/agency agreements and engineering/safety assessments performed with lessons learned in historic U.S./Russian joint space ventures

LPV control for the full region operation of a wind turbine integrated with synchronous generator.

PubMed

Cao, Guoyan; Grigoriadis, Karolos M; Nyanteh, Yaw D

2015-01-01

Wind turbine conversion systems require feedback control to achieve reliable wind turbine operation and stable current supply. A robust linear parameter varying (LPV) controller is proposed to reduce the structural loads and improve the power extraction of a horizontal axis wind turbine operating in both the partial load and the full load regions. The LPV model is derived from the wind turbine state space models extracted by FAST (fatigue, aerodynamics, structural, and turbulence) code linearization at different operating points. In order to assure a smooth transition between the two regions, appropriate frequency-dependent varying scaling parametric weighting functions are designed in the LPV control structure. The solution of a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) leads to the LPV controller. A synchronous generator model is connected with the closed LPV control loop for examining the electrical subsystem performance obtained by an inner speed control loop. Simulation results of a 1.5 MW horizontal axis wind turbine model on the FAST platform illustrates the benefit of the LPV control and demonstrates the advantages of this proposed LPV controller, when compared with a traditional gain scheduling PI control and prior LPV control configurations. Enhanced structural load mitigation, improved power extraction, and good current performance were obtained from the proposed LPV control.

LPV Control for the Full Region Operation of a Wind Turbine Integrated with Synchronous Generator

PubMed Central

Grigoriadis, Karolos M.; Nyanteh, Yaw D.

2015-01-01

Wind turbine conversion systems require feedback control to achieve reliable wind turbine operation and stable current supply. A robust linear parameter varying (LPV) controller is proposed to reduce the structural loads and improve the power extraction of a horizontal axis wind turbine operating in both the partial load and the full load regions. The LPV model is derived from the wind turbine state space models extracted by FAST (fatigue, aerodynamics, structural, and turbulence) code linearization at different operating points. In order to assure a smooth transition between the two regions, appropriate frequency-dependent varying scaling parametric weighting functions are designed in the LPV control structure. The solution of a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) leads to the LPV controller. A synchronous generator model is connected with the closed LPV control loop for examining the electrical subsystem performance obtained by an inner speed control loop. Simulation results of a 1.5 MW horizontal axis wind turbine model on the FAST platform illustrates the benefit of the LPV control and demonstrates the advantages of this proposed LPV controller, when compared with a traditional gain scheduling PI control and prior LPV control configurations. Enhanced structural load mitigation, improved power extraction, and good current performance were obtained from the proposed LPV control. PMID:25884036

A spectral-Tchebychev solution for three-dimensional dynamics of curved beams under mixed boundary conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bediz, Bekir; Aksoy, Serdar

2018-01-01

This paper presents the application of the spectral-Tchebychev (ST) technique for solution of three-dimensional dynamics of curved beams/structures having variable and arbitrary cross-section under mixed boundary conditions. To accurately capture the vibrational behavior of curved structures, a three-dimensional (3D) solution approach is required since these structures generally exhibit coupled motions. In this study, the integral boundary value problem (IBVP) governing the dynamics of the curved structures is found using extended Hamilton's principle where the strain energy is expressed using 3D linear elasticity equation. To solve the IBVP numerically, the 3D spectral Tchebychev (3D-ST) approach is used. To evaluate the integral and derivative operations defined by the IBVP and to render the complex geometry into an equivalent straight beam with rectangular cross-section, a series of coordinate transformations are applied. To validate and assess the performance of the presented solution approach, two case studies are performed: (i) curved beam with rectangular cross-section, (ii) curved and pretwisted beam with airfoil cross-section. In both cases, the results (natural frequencies and mode shapes) are also found using a finite element (FE) solution approach. It is shown that the difference in predicted natural frequencies are less than 1%, and the mode shapes are in excellent agreement based on the modal assurance criteria (MAC) analyses; however, the presented spectral-Tchebychev solution approach significantly reduces the computational burden. Therefore, it can be concluded that the presented solution approach can capture the 3D vibrational behavior of curved beams as accurately as an FE solution, but for a fraction of the computational cost.

Seven Processes that Enable NASA Software Engineering Technologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Housch, Helen; Godfrey, Sally

2011-01-01

This slide presentation reviews seven processes that NASA uses to ensure that software is developed, acquired and maintained as specified in the NPR 7150.2A requirement. The requirement is to ensure that all software be appraised for the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI). The enumerated processes are: (7) Product Integration, (6) Configuration Management, (5) Verification, (4) Software Assurance, (3) Measurement and Analysis, (2) Requirements Management and (1) Planning & Monitoring. Each of these is described and the group(s) that are responsible is described.

Boundary regularized integral equation formulation of the Helmholtz equation in acoustics.

PubMed

Sun, Qiang; Klaseboer, Evert; Khoo, Boo-Cheong; Chan, Derek Y C

2015-01-01

A boundary integral formulation for the solution of the Helmholtz equation is developed in which all traditional singular behaviour in the boundary integrals is removed analytically. The numerical precision of this approach is illustrated with calculation of the pressure field owing to radiating bodies in acoustic wave problems. This method facilitates the use of higher order surface elements to represent boundaries, resulting in a significant reduction in the problem size with improved precision. Problems with extreme geometric aspect ratios can also be handled without diminished precision. When combined with the CHIEF method, uniqueness of the solution of the exterior acoustic problem is assured without the need to solve hypersingular integrals.

Boundary regularized integral equation formulation of the Helmholtz equation in acoustics

PubMed Central

Sun, Qiang; Klaseboer, Evert; Khoo, Boo-Cheong; Chan, Derek Y. C.

2015-01-01

A boundary integral formulation for the solution of the Helmholtz equation is developed in which all traditional singular behaviour in the boundary integrals is removed analytically. The numerical precision of this approach is illustrated with calculation of the pressure field owing to radiating bodies in acoustic wave problems. This method facilitates the use of higher order surface elements to represent boundaries, resulting in a significant reduction in the problem size with improved precision. Problems with extreme geometric aspect ratios can also be handled without diminished precision. When combined with the CHIEF method, uniqueness of the solution of the exterior acoustic problem is assured without the need to solve hypersingular integrals. PMID:26064591

Training and quality assurance with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I/P).

PubMed

Ventura, J; Liberman, R P; Green, M F; Shaner, A; Mintz, J

1998-06-15

Accuracy in psychiatric diagnosis is critical for evaluating the suitability of the subjects for entry into research protocols and for establishing comparability of findings across study sites. However, training programs in the use of diagnostic instruments for research projects are not well systematized. Furthermore, little information has been published on the maintenance of interrater reliability of diagnostic assessments. At the UCLA Research Center for Major Mental Illnesses, a Training and Quality Assurance Program for SCID interviewers was used to evaluate interrater reliability and diagnostic accuracy. Although clinically experienced interviewers achieved better interrater reliability and overall diagnostic accuracy than neophyte interviewers, both groups were able to achieve and maintain high levels of interrater reliability, diagnostic accuracy, and interviewer skill. At the first quality assurance check after training, there were no significant differences between experienced and neophyte interviewers in interrater reliability or diagnostic accuracy. Standardization of training and quality assurance procedures within and across research projects may make research findings from study sites more comparable.

10 CFR 52.79 - Contents of applications; technical information in final safety analysis report.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... assurance program will be implemented; (26) The applicant's organizational structure, allocations or... presents a safety analysis of the structures, systems, and components of the facility as a whole. The final... contain an analysis and evaluation of the major structures, systems, and components of the facility that...

A shared computer-based problem-oriented patient record for the primary care team.

PubMed

Linnarsson, R; Nordgren, K

1995-01-01

1. INTRODUCTION. A computer-based patient record (CPR) system, Swedestar, has been developed for use in primary health care. The principal aim of the system is to support continuous quality improvement through improved information handling, improved decision-making, and improved procedures for quality assurance. The Swedestar system has evolved during a ten-year period beginning in 1984. 2. SYSTEM DESIGN. The design philosophy is based on the following key factors: a shared, problem-oriented patient record; structured data entry based on an extensive controlled vocabulary; advanced search and query functions, where the query language has the most important role; integrated decision support for drug prescribing and care protocols and guidelines; integrated procedures for quality assurance. 3. A SHARED PROBLEM-ORIENTED PATIENT RECORD. The core of the CPR system is the problem-oriented patient record. All problems of one patient, recorded by different members of the care team, are displayed on the problem list. Starting from this list, a problem follow-up can be made, one problem at a time or for several problems simultaneously. Thus, it is possible to get an integrated view, across provider categories, of those problems of one patient that belong together. This shared problem-oriented patient record provides an important basis for the primary care team work. 4. INTEGRATED DECISION SUPPORT. The decision support of the system includes a drug prescribing module and a care protocol module. The drug prescribing module is integrated with the patient records and includes an on-line check of the patient's medication list for potential interactions and data-driven reminders concerning major drug problems. Care protocols have been developed for the most common chronic diseases, such as asthma, diabetes, and hypertension. The patient records can be automatically checked according to the care protocols. 5. PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE. The Swedestar system has been implemented in a primary care area with 30,000 inhabitants. It is being used by all the primary care team members: 15 general practitioners, 25 district nurses, and 10 physiotherapists. Several years of practical experience of the CPR system shows that it has a positive impact on quality of care on four levels: 1) improved clinical follow-up of individual patients; 2) facilitated follow-up of aggregated data such as practice activity analysis, annual reports, and clinical indicators; 3) automated medical audit; and 4) concurrent audit. Within that primary care area, quality of care has improved substantially in several aspects due to the use of the CPR system [1].

75 FR 33853 - Draft Regulatory Guide: Issuance, Availability

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-15

... performance or condition of structures, systems, or components * * * in a manner sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that these structures, systems, and components * * * are capable of fulfilling their... Management System (ADAMS). Comments would be most helpful if received by August 13, 2010. Comments received...

Patient-centric Care and Chronic Disease Management: A Stakeholder Perspective.

PubMed

Stroetmann, Karl A

2015-01-01

By taking a stakeholder perspective, the paper explores reasons why the political commitment to patient-centric integrated care, facilitated by eHealth applications, is so difficult to meet. In spite of hundreds of pilots, still today there is a dearth of evidence on how to indeed successfully organise such services. Outcomes from a variety of implementation projects supported by the European Union were analysed, focusing on benefits and costs for the diverse stakeholder groups involved or impacted. The re-engineering of the services may result in a considerable shift in these variables between groups. Rendering both positive clinical impacts and a positive (overall) socio-economic return is not sufficient to assure wide acceptance and long-term sustainability. However motivated stakeholders may be, few will operate against their economic interests. Successfully establishing modern eHealth facilitated services is not so much a technical, but a social, organisational, and business innovation. We need to better understand in detail the benefits and costs, or the new 'business models' that go with integrated care for each involved stakeholder group, and the likely impacts for each of them, with a focus on how to best assure a win-win situation for all. Health policy has to respond to this, and a promising approach would be to promote organisational integration with shared budgets and outcome targets.

A Study of the Ambulatory Care Quality Assurance Program at DeWitt Army Community Hospital, Fort Belvoir, Virginia

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-12-01

34 Intergrated Approach Improves Quality Assurance, Risk Management Activities," Hospitals, (September 1, 1980), pp. 59-62. Rinaldi, Leena and Barbara...mode, etc.). (2) Trending as a method to determine abnormalities . (3) Tests of statistical significance (Chi-squared, T-Test, correlation). b. Develop a...dentist-, nurses, etc.), such as age, type of medical training and 7 IZ. degree, and practice of the physician.’ 0 The structural approach assumes that

A Study of the Ambulatory Care Quality Assurance Program at DeWitt Army Community Hospital, Fort Belvoir, Virginia

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-08-01

Orlinkoff, James E. and Gary B. Lanham. " Intergrated Approach Improves Quality Assurance, Risk Management Activities," Hospitals, (September 1,1 980...deviation, mode, etc.). (2) Trending as a method to determine abnormalities . (3) Tests of statistical significance, i.e., Chi-squared, T-Test, correlation...dentists, nurses, etc.), such as age, type of medical training and 7 degree, and practice of the physician. 1 0 The "structural" approach assumes that given

Evaluation of Safety, Quality and Productivity in Construction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Usmen, M. A.; Vilnitis, M.

2015-11-01

This paper examines the success indicators of construction projects, safety, quality and productivity, in terms of their implications and impacts during and after construction. First safety is considered during construction with a focus on hazard identification and the prevention of occupational accidents and injuries on worksites. The legislation mandating safety programs, training and compliance with safety standards is presented and discussed. Consideration of safety at the design stage is emphasized. Building safety and the roles of building codes in prevention of structural failures are also covered in the paper together with factors affecting building failures and methods for their prevention. Quality is introduced in the paper from the perspective of modern total quality management. Concepts of quality management, quality control, quality assurance and Six Sigma and how they relate to building quality and structural integrity are discussed with examples. Finally, productivity concepts are presented with emphasis on effective project management to minimize loss of productivity, complimented by lean construction and lean Six Sigma principles. The paper concludes by synthesizing the relationships between safety, quality and productivity.

Retro Rocket Motor Self-Penetrating Scheme for Heat Shield Exhaust Ports

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marrese-Reading, Colleen; St.Vaughn, Josh; Zell, Peter; Hamm, Ken; Corliss, Jim; Gayle, Steve; Pain, Rob; Rooney, Dan; Ramos, Amadi; Lewis, Doug;

Specific recommendations for accurate and direct use of PET-CT in PET guided radiotherapy for head and neck sites

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

Thomas, C. M., E-mail: christopher.thomas@gstt.nhs.uk; Convery, D. J.; Greener, A. G.

2014-04-15

Purpose: To provide specific experience-based guidance and recommendations for centers wishing to develop, validate, and implement an accurate and efficient process for directly using positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) for the radiotherapy planning of head and neck cancer patients. Methods: A PET-CT system was modified with hard-top couch, external lasers and radiotherapy immobilization and indexing devices and was subject to a commissioning and quality assurance program. PET-CT imaging protocols were developed specifically for radiotherapy planning and the image quality and pathway tested using phantoms and five patients recruited into an in-house study. Security and accuracy of data transfer was testedmore » throughout the whole data pathway. The patient pathway was fully established and tested ready for implementation in a PET-guided dose-escalation trial for head and neck cancer patients. Results: Couch deflection was greater than for departmental CT simulator machines. An area of high attenuation in the couch generated image artifacts and adjustments were made accordingly. Using newly developed protocols CT image quality was suitable to maintain delineation and treatment accuracy. Upon transfer of data to the treatment planning system a half pixel offset between PET and CT was observed and corrected. By taking this into account, PET to CT alignment accuracy was maintained below 1 mm in all systems in the data pathway. Transfer of structures delineated in the PET fusion software to the radiotherapy treatment planning system was validated. Conclusions: A method to perform direct PET-guided radiotherapy planning was successfully validated and specific recommendations were developed to assist other centers. Of major concern is ensuring that the quality of PET and CT data is appropriate for radiotherapy treatment planning and on-treatment verification. Couch movements can be compromised, bore-size can be a limitation for certain immobilization techniques, laser positioning may affect setup accuracy and couch deflection may be greater than scanners dedicated to radiotherapy. The full set of departmental commissioning and routine quality assurance tests applied to radiotherapy CT simulators must be carried out on the PET-CT scanner. CT image quality must be optimized for radiotherapy planning whilst understanding that the appearance will differ between scanners and may affect delineation. PET-CT quality assurance schedules will need to be added to and modified to incorporate radiotherapy quality assurance. Methods of working for radiotherapy and PET staff will change to take into account considerations of both parties. PET to CT alignment must be subject to quality control on a loaded and unloaded couch preferably using a suitable emission phantom, and tested throughout the whole data pathway. Data integrity must be tested throughout the whole pathway and a system included to verify that delineated structures are transferred correctly. Excellent multidisciplinary team communication and working is vital, and key staff members on both sides should be specifically dedicated to the project. Patient pathway should be clearly devised to optimize patient care and the resources of all departments. Recruitment of a cohort of patients into a methodology study is valuable to test the quality assurance methods and pathway.« less

Statistical quality control and quality assurance evaluation of structural & paving concrete : phase I final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-08-01

This report discusses the variability associated with the production, construction, and testing of structural and paving concrete. The study evaluated data from over 900 projects constructed between 1992 and 1999, representing over 25,000 lots. The d...

The NASA Electronic Parts and Packaging (NEPP) Program: Overview and the New Tenets for Cost Conscious Mission Assurance on Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical (EEE) Parts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

LaBel, Kenneth A.; Sampson, Michael J.

2015-01-01

The NEPP Program focuses on the reliability aspects of electronic devices (integrated circuits such as a processor in a computer). There are three principal aspects of this reliability: 1) Lifetime, inherent failure and design issues related to the EEE parts technology and packaging; 2) Effects of space radiation and the space environment on these technologies, and; 3) Creation and maintenance of the assurance support infrastructure required for mission success. The NEPP mission is to provide guidance to NASA for the selection and application of microelectronics technologies, to improve understanding of the risks related to the use of these technologies in the space environment, and to ensure that appropriate EEE parts research is performed to meet NASA mission assurance needs. NEPPs FY15 goals are to represent the NASA voice to the greater aerospace EEE parts community including supporting anti-counterfeit and trust, provide relevant guidance to cost-effective missions, aid insertion of advanced (and commercial) technologies, resolve unexpected parts issues, ensure access to appropriate radiation test facilities, and collaborate as widely as possible with external entities. In accordance with the changing mission profiles throughout NASA, the NEPP Program has developed a balanced portfolio of efforts to provide agency-wide assurance for not only traditional spacecraft developments, but also those in-line with the new philosophies emerging worldwide. In this presentation, we shall present an overview of this program and considerations for EEE parts assurance as applied to cost conscious missions.

A pilot quality assurance scheme for diabetic retinopathy risk reduction programmes.

PubMed

Garvican, L; Scanlon, P H

2004-10-01

We describe a pilot study of measurement of quality assurance targets for diabetic retinopathy screening and performance comparison between 10 existing services, in preparation for the roll-out of the national programme. In 1999 the UK National Screening Committee approved proposals for a national diabetic retinopathy risk reduction programme, including recommendations for quality assurance, but implementation was held pending publication of the National Service Framework for Diabetes. Existing services requested the authors to perform a pilot study of a QA scheme, indicating willingness to contribute data for comparison. Objectives and quality standards were developed, following consultation with diabetologists, ophthalmologists and retinal screeners. Services submitted 2001/2 performance data, in response to a questionnaire, for anonymization, central analysis and comparison. The 17 quality standards encompass all aspects of the programme from identification of patients to timeliness of treatment. Ten programmes took part, submitting all the data available. All returns were incomplete, but especially so from the optometry-based schemes. Eight or more services demonstrated they could reach the minimum level in only five of the 17 standards. Thirty per cent could not provide coverage data. All were running behind. Reasons for difficulties in obtaining data and/or failing to achieve standards included severe under-funding and little previous experience of QA. Information systems were limited and incompatible between diabetes and eye units, and there was a lack of co-ordinated management of the whole programme. Quality assurance is time-consuming, expensive and inadequately resourced. The pilot study identified priorities for local action. National programme implementation must involve integral quality assurance mechanisms from the outset.

Improving aircraft composite inspections using optimized reference standards

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

Roach, D.; Dorrell, L.; Kollgaard, J.

1998-10-01

The rapidly increasing use of composites on commercial airplanes coupled with the potential for economic savings associated with their use in aircraft structures means that the demand for composite materials technology will continue to increase. Inspecting these composite structures is a critical element in assuring this continued airworthiness. The FAA`s Airworthiness Assurance NDI Validation Center, in conjunction with the Commercial Aircraft Composite Repair committee, is developing a set of composite reference standards to be used in NDT equipment calibration for accomplishment of damage assessment and post-repair inspection of all commercial aircraft composites. In this program, a series of NDI testsmore » on a matrix of composite aircraft structures and prototype reference standards were completed in order to minimize the number of standards needed to carry out composite inspections on aircraft. Two tasks, related to composite laminates and non-metallic composite honeycomb configurations, were addressed.« less

Fundamentals of service lines and the necessity of physician leaders.

PubMed

Jain, Anshu K; Thompson, Jon M; Kelley, Scott M; Schwartz, Richard W

2006-06-01

In the demanding and unpredictable environment of the health care industry, hospitals and health systems continue to search for ways to improve the efficiency and quality of care provision and, thus, thrive. Service line organization in health care, a concept that was popularized in the past, has recently experienced a resurgence, spanning the gamut from small community hospitals to large academic medical centers. The modern service line has transformed into an organizational tool that provides hospitals and health systems with a novel approach to achieve the goals of efficient and effective care. Physician leaders can play an integral role in the management of service lines, using a combination of management skills and clinical expertise to provide the oversight and direction necessary for assuring excellence in clinical care and value in its delivery. This article presents an overview of service line structure, implementation, implications, and the role of the physician-leader.

Data collection automation and total quality management: case studies in the health-service industry.

PubMed

Smith, Alan D; Offodile, O Felix

2008-01-01

The limitations, immeasurable, and seemly unquantifiable aspects of the healthcare service industry, make it imperative that quality assurance programs include total quality management (TQM) and automatic identification and data capture (AIDC)-related technologies. Most of standards used in TQM and AIDC require data, to measure improvement and achieve standardization. Major difference between managing a service firm and managing a product-manufacturing firm is the difficulty of achieving consistently high quality. Examination of two different healthcare service providers in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area offers different views as to the implementation and practice of total quality management techniques and AIDC integration. Since the healthcare service industry must take into account its high customization needs, there are positive steps to make the hospital structure itself more patient friendly and quality related; hence improving its heath-marketing strategies to the general public.

Influence of workplace demands on nurses' perception of patient safety.

PubMed

Ramanujam, Rangaraj; Abrahamson, Kathleen; Anderson, James G

2008-06-01

Patient safety is an ongoing challenge in the design and delivery of health-care services. As registered nurses play an integral role in patient safety, further examination of the link between nursing work and patient safety is warranted. The present study examines the relationship between nurses' perceptions of job demands and nurses' perceptions of patient safety. Structural equation modeling is used to analyze the data collected from a survey of 430 registered nurses at two community hospitals in the USA. As hypothesized, nurses' perception of patient safety decreases as the job demands increase. The level of personal control over practice directly affects nurses' perception of the ability to assure patient well-being. Nurses who work full-time and are highly educated have a decreased perception of patient safety, as well. The significant relationship between job demands and patient safety confirms that nurses make a connection between their working conditions and the ability to deliver safe care.

Quality, risk management and governance in mental health: an overview.

PubMed

Callaly, Tom; Arya, Dinesh; Minas, Harry

2005-03-01

To consider the origin, current emphasis and relevance of the concepts of quality, risk management and clinical governance in mental health. Increasingly, health service boards and management teams are required to give attention to clinical governance rather than corporate governance alone. Clinical governance is a unifying quality concept that aims to produce a structure and systems to assure and improve the quality of clinical services by promoting an integrated and organization-wide approach towards continuous quality improvement. Many psychiatrists will find the reduction in clinical autonomy, the need to consider the welfare of the whole population as well as the individual patient for whom they are responsible, and the requirement that they play a part in a complex systems approach to quality improvement to be a challenge. Avoiding or ignoring this challenge will potentially lead to conflict with modern management approaches and increased loss of influence on future developments in mental health services.

Good Vibrations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

A Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) sponsorship from NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, assisted MetroLaser, of Irvine, California, in the development of a self-aligned laser vibrometer system. VibroMet, capable of measuring surface vibrations in a variety of industries, provides information on the structural integrity and acoustical characteristics of manufactured products. This low-cost, easy-to-use sensor performs vibration measurement from distances of up to three meters without the need for adjustment. The laser beam is simply pointed at the target and the system then uses a compact laser diode to illuminate the surface and to subsequently analyze the reflected light. The motion of the surface results in a Doppler shift that is measured with very high precision. VibroMet is considered one of the many behind-the-scenes tools that can be relied on to assure the quality, reliability and safety of everything from airplane panels to disk brakes

User’s manual for the Automated Data Assurance and Management application developed for quality control of Everglades Depth Estimation Network water-level data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Petkewich, Matthew D.; Daamen, Ruby C.; Roehl, Edwin A.; Conrads, Paul

2016-09-29

The generation of Everglades Depth Estimation Network (EDEN) daily water-level and water-depth maps is dependent on high quality real-time data from over 240 water-level stations. To increase the accuracy of the daily water-surface maps, the Automated Data Assurance and Management (ADAM) tool was created by the U.S. Geological Survey as part of Greater Everglades Priority Ecosystems Science. The ADAM tool is used to provide accurate quality-assurance review of the real-time data from the EDEN network and allows estimation or replacement of missing or erroneous data. This user’s manual describes how to install and operate the ADAM software. File structure and operation of the ADAM software is explained using examples.

Practices of Management Development: A Malaysian Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Law, Kian Aun

2008-01-01

This paper deals with a case study of Management Development (MD) practices at Malaysian Assurance Alliance (MAA). The aim of this research is to investigate how a large Malaysian insurance corporation developed and integrated MD initiatives with current organizational needs and tasks. Attempts were made to map and categorize the MD initiatives…

Realizing the Potential of Educational Technologies: A Challenge to Metropolitan Universities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tanner, Mary Poston; Obear, Frederick W.

1995-01-01

Efforts to integrate technology into elementary and secondary education will not succeed without the involvement of higher education. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has programs to train inservice teachers in technology, a space flight simulator for hands-on education, and connections to schools that will assure new teachers'…

40 CFR 75.59 - Certification, quality assurance, and quality control record provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... and the run average); (B) The raw data and results for all required pre-test, post-test, pre-run and...-day calibration error tests, all daily system integrity checks (Hg monitors, only), and all off-line calibration demonstrations, including any follow-up tests after corrective action: (i) Component-system...

Monitoring and Stimulating Development of Integrated Professional Skills in University Study Programmes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wahlgren, Marie; Ahlberg, Anders

2013-01-01

In Swedish higher education, quality assurance mainly focuses on course module outcomes. With this in mind we developed a qualitative method to monitor and stimulate progression of learning in two modularized engineering study programmes. A set of core professional values and skills were triangulated through interviews with students, teachers,…

Integrating Technology into Classroom: The Learner-Centered Instructional Design

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sezer, Baris; Karaoglan Yilmaz, Fatma Gizem; Yilmaz, Ramazan

2013-01-01

In this study, to present an instructional model by considering the existing models of instructional design (ARCS, ADDIE, ASSURE, Dick and Carey, Seels and Glasgow, Smith and Ragan etc.) with the nature of technology-based education and to reveal analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation, and to revise levels with lower levels of…

Aligning the SEA's Compliance Responsibilities and Performance Objectives. Benchmark. No. 3

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nafziger, D.; Jochim, A.

2013-01-01

Assuring that state and local agencies comply with the requirements of Federal and state programs has been a central feature of SEAs. The purposes of compliance requirements--ensuring both fiscal integrity and that targeted groups receive intended benefits--are important. While such requirements are often well-intentioned, too often they can act…

Bologna--Realising Old or New Ideals of Quality?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Serrano-Velarde, Kathia; Stensaker, Bjorn

2010-01-01

This article discusses the meanings of quality in the Humboldtian university ideal and in the Bologna process, especially related to issues of institutional autonomy, academic freedom and the integration of teaching and research. The article gives an overview of current practices associated with quality and quality assurance in Germany and Norway.…

10 CFR 706.30 - Clearance of certain local union representatives.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

.... It is recognized that security clearance of certain union representatives may be necessary to assure... Energy Installations in respect to integration of the union into the plant organization “as to two-way... its employees the nature of this relationship and the procedures followed in it normally will be the...

10 CFR 706.30 - Clearance of certain local union representatives.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

.... It is recognized that security clearance of certain union representatives may be necessary to assure... Energy Installations in respect to integration of the union into the plant organization “as to two-way... its employees the nature of this relationship and the procedures followed in it normally will be the...

10 CFR 706.30 - Clearance of certain local union representatives.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

.... It is recognized that security clearance of certain union representatives may be necessary to assure... Energy Installations in respect to integration of the union into the plant organization “as to two-way... its employees the nature of this relationship and the procedures followed in it normally will be the...

Using Continuous Improvement in Online Program Design: DMAIC as a Tool for Assurance of Learning Assessments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carnovale, Steven; Allen, Cliff; Pullman, Madeleine; Wong, Daniel

2016-01-01

The integration of technology into education has forced radical innovations to traditional instructional delivery models. Given its prevalence, a thorough understanding of pedagogical best practices associated with the design and implementation of such programs is critical. Furthermore, the need for an institutional commitment to assessment and a…

Holistic Approach as Viewed by the Basic School Teachers in Latvia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Badjanova, Jelena; Iliško, Dzintra

2015-01-01

The article points to new competencies required from basic school teachers, reinforced by the reform processes in the educational system in Latvia, the quality assurance of educational process, and modernisation and critical re-evaluation of educational materials and standards. The authors view sustainability as an integral part of reform…

Integrating Model-Based Verification into Software Design Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yilmaz, Levent; Wang, Shuo

2005-01-01

Proper design analysis is indispensable to assure quality and reduce emergent costs due to faulty software. Teaching proper design verification skills early during pedagogical development is crucial, as such analysis is the only tractable way of resolving software problems early when they are easy to fix. The premise of the presented strategy is…

Networked Improvement Communities: The Discipline of Improvement Science Meets the Power of Networks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LeMahieu, Paul G.; Grunow, Alicia; Baker, Laura; Nordstrum, Lee E.; Gomez, Louis M.

2017-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to delineate an approach to quality assurance in education called networked improvement communities (NICs) that focused on integrating the methodologies of improvement science with few of the networks. Quality improvement, the science and practice of continuously improving programs, practices, processes,…

Redesigning Continuing Education in the Health Professions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Academies Press, 2010

2010-01-01

Today in the United States, the professional health workforce is not consistently prepared to provide high quality health care and assure patient safety, even as the nation spends more per capita on health care than any other country. The absence of a comprehensive and well-integrated system of continuing education (CE) in the health professions…

Vocational and Liberal Education. Maintaining the Balance in Higher Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Worthington, Robert M.

Higher education must find an appropriate mix between liberal and vocational education to assure that every individual, upon leaving postsecondary institutions, will understand society and how it functions and will be able to earn a living. Dewey's thoughts on integrating the two are still relevant today for dispelling the false notion of…

Capturing, using, and managing quality assurance knowledge for shuttle post-MECO flight design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peters, H. L.; Fussell, L. R.; Goodwin, M. A.; Schultz, Roger D.

1991-01-01

Ascent initialization values used by the Shuttle's onboard computer for nominal and abort mission scenarios are verified by a six degrees of freedom computer simulation. The procedure that the Ascent Post Main Engine Cutoff (Post-MECO) group uses to perform quality assurance (QA) of the simulation is time consuming. Also, the QA data, checklists and associated rationale, though known by the group members, is not sufficiently documented, hindering transfer of knowledge and problem resolution. A new QA procedure which retains the current high level of integrity while reducing the time required to perform QA is needed to support the increasing Shuttle flight rate. Documenting the knowledge is also needed to increase its availability for training and problem resolution. To meet these needs, a knowledge capture process, embedded into the group activities, was initiated to verify the existing QA checks, define new ones, and document all rationale. The resulting checks were automated in a conventional software program to achieve the desired standardization, integrity, and time reduction. A prototype electronic knowledge base was developed with Macintosh's HyperCard to serve as a knowledge capture tool and data storage.

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

Law, B E

Research involves analysis and field direction of AmeriFlux operations, and the PI provides scientific leadership of the AmeriFlux network. Activities include the coordination and quality assurance of measurements across AmeriFlux network sites, synthesis of results across the network, organizing and supporting the annual Science Team Meeting, and communicating AmeriFlux results to the scientific community and other users. Objectives of measurement research include (i) coordination of flux and biometric measurement protocols (ii) timely data delivery to the Carbon Dioxide Information and Analysis Center (CDIAC); and (iii) assurance of data quality of flux and ecosystem measurements contributed by AmeriFlux sites. Objectives ofmore » integration and synthesis activities include (i) integration of site data into network-wide synthesis products; and (ii) participation in the analysis, modeling and interpretation of network data products. Communications objectives include (i) organizing an annual meeting of AmeriFlux investigators for reporting annual flux measurements and exchanging scientific information on ecosystem carbon budgets; (ii) developing focused topics for analysis and publication; and (iii) developing data reporting protocols in support of AmeriFlux network goals.« less

Technical Note: Development and performance of a software tool for quality assurance of online replanning with a conventional Linac or MR-Linac.

PubMed

Chen, Guang-Pei; Ahunbay, Ergun; Li, X Allen

2016-04-01

To develop an integrated quality assurance (QA) software tool for online replanning capable of efficiently and automatically checking radiation treatment (RT) planning parameters and gross plan quality, verifying treatment plan data transfer from treatment planning system (TPS) to record and verify (R&V) system, performing a secondary monitor unit (MU) calculation with or without a presence of a magnetic field from MR-Linac, and validating the delivery record consistency with the plan. The software tool, named ArtQA, was developed to obtain and compare plan and treatment parameters from both the TPS and the R&V system database. The TPS data are accessed via direct file reading and the R&V data are retrieved via open database connectivity and structured query language. Plan quality is evaluated with both the logical consistency of planning parameters and the achieved dose-volume histograms. Beams in between the TPS and R&V system are matched based on geometry configurations. To consider the effect of a 1.5 T transverse magnetic field from MR-Linac in the secondary MU calculation, a method based on modified Clarkson integration algorithm was developed and tested for a series of clinical situations. ArtQA has been used in their clinic and can quickly detect inconsistencies and deviations in the entire RT planning process. With the use of the ArtQA tool, the efficiency for plan check including plan quality, data transfer, and delivery check can be improved by at least 60%. The newly developed independent MU calculation tool for MR-Linac reduces the difference between the plan and calculated MUs by 10%. The software tool ArtQA can be used to perform a comprehensive QA check from planning to delivery with conventional Linac or MR-Linac and is an essential tool for online replanning where the QA check needs to be performed rapidly.

Technical Note: Development and performance of a software tool for quality assurance of online replanning with a conventional Linac or MR-Linac

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

Chen, Guang-Pei, E-mail: gpchen@mcw.edu; Ahunbay, Ergun; Li, X. Allen

Purpose: To develop an integrated quality assurance (QA) software tool for online replanning capable of efficiently and automatically checking radiation treatment (RT) planning parameters and gross plan quality, verifying treatment plan data transfer from treatment planning system (TPS) to record and verify (R&V) system, performing a secondary monitor unit (MU) calculation with or without a presence of a magnetic field from MR-Linac, and validating the delivery record consistency with the plan. Methods: The software tool, named ArtQA, was developed to obtain and compare plan and treatment parameters from both the TPS and the R&V system database. The TPS data aremore » accessed via direct file reading and the R&V data are retrieved via open database connectivity and structured query language. Plan quality is evaluated with both the logical consistency of planning parameters and the achieved dose–volume histograms. Beams in between the TPS and R&V system are matched based on geometry configurations. To consider the effect of a 1.5 T transverse magnetic field from MR-Linac in the secondary MU calculation, a method based on modified Clarkson integration algorithm was developed and tested for a series of clinical situations. Results: ArtQA has been used in their clinic and can quickly detect inconsistencies and deviations in the entire RT planning process. With the use of the ArtQA tool, the efficiency for plan check including plan quality, data transfer, and delivery check can be improved by at least 60%. The newly developed independent MU calculation tool for MR-Linac reduces the difference between the plan and calculated MUs by 10%. Conclusions: The software tool ArtQA can be used to perform a comprehensive QA check from planning to delivery with conventional Linac or MR-Linac and is an essential tool for online replanning where the QA check needs to be performed rapidly.« less

Extending the Common Framework for Earth Observation Data to other Disciplinary Data and Programmatic Access

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, B. J. K.; Wyborn, L. A.; Druken, K. A.; Richards, C. J.; Trenham, C. E.; Wang, J.

2016-12-01

The Australian National Computational Infrastructure (NCI) manages a large geospatial repository (10+ PBytes) of Earth systems, environmental, water management and geophysics research data, co-located with a petascale supercomputer and an integrated research cloud. NCI has applied the principles of the "Common Framework for Earth-Observation Data" (the Framework) to the organisation of these collections enabling a diverse range of researchers to explore different aspects of the data and, in particular, for seamless programmatic data analysis, both in-situ access and via data services. NCI provides access to the collections through the National Environmental Research Data Interoperability Platform (NERDIP) - a comprehensive and integrated data platform with both common and emerging services designed to enable data accessibility and citability. Applying the Framework across the range of datasets ensures that programmatic access, both in-situ and network methods, work as uniformly as possible for any dataset, using both APIs and data services. NCI has also created a comprehensive quality assurance framework to regularise compliance checks across the data, library APIs and data services, and to establish a comprehensive set of benchmarks to quantify both functionality and performance perspectives for the Framework. The quality assurance includes organisation of datasets through a data management plan, which anchors the data directory structure, version controls and data information services so that they are kept aligned with operational changes over time. Specific attention has been placed on the way data are packed inside the files. Our experience has shown that complying with standards such as CF and ACDD is still not enough to ensure that all data services or software packages correctly read the data. Further, data may not be optimally organised for the different access patterns, which causes poor performance of the CPUs and bandwidth utilisation. We will also discuss some gaps in the Framework that have emerged and our approach to resolving these.

Introduction of Syphilis Point-of-Care Tests, from Pilot Study to National Programme Implementation in Zambia: A Qualitative Study of Healthcare Workers' Perspectives on Testing, Training and Quality Assurance.

PubMed

Ansbro, Éimhín M; Gill, Michelle M; Reynolds, Joanna; Shelley, Katharine D; Strasser, Susan; Sripipatana, Tabitha; Tshaka Ncube, Alexander; Tembo Mumba, Grace; Terris-Prestholt, Fern; Peeling, Rosanna W; Mabey, David

2015-01-01

Syphilis affects 1.4 million pregnant women globally each year. Maternal syphilis causes congenital syphilis in over half of affected pregnancies, leading to early foetal loss, pregnancy complications, stillbirth and neonatal death. Syphilis is under-diagnosed in pregnant women. Point-of-care rapid syphilis tests (RST) allow for same-day treatment and address logistical barriers to testing encountered with standard Rapid Plasma Reagin testing. Recent literature emphasises successful introduction of new health technologies requires healthcare worker (HCW) acceptance, effective training, quality monitoring and robust health systems. Following a successful pilot, the Zambian Ministry of Health (MoH) adopted RST into policy, integrating them into prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV clinics in four underserved Zambian districts. We compare HCW experiences, including challenges encountered in scaling up from a highly supported NGO-led pilot to a large-scale MoH-led national programme. Questionnaires were administered through structured interviews of 16 HCWs in two pilot districts and 24 HCWs in two different rollout districts. Supplementary data were gathered via stakeholder interviews, clinic registers and supervisory visits. Using a conceptual framework adapted from health technology literature, we explored RST acceptance and usability. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Key themes in qualitative data were explored using template analysis. Overall, HCWs accepted RST as learnable, suitable, effective tools to improve antenatal services, which were usable in diverse clinical settings. Changes in training, supervision and quality monitoring models between pilot and rollout may have influenced rollout HCW acceptance and compromised testing quality. While quality monitoring was integrated into national policy and training, implementation was limited during rollout despite financial support and mentorship. We illustrate that new health technology pilot research can rapidly translate into policy change and scale-up. However, training, supervision and quality assurance models should be reviewed and strengthened as rollout of the Zambian RST programme continues.

Introduction of Syphilis Point-of-Care Tests, from Pilot Study to National Programme Implementation in Zambia: A Qualitative Study of Healthcare Workers’ Perspectives on Testing, Training and Quality Assurance

PubMed Central

Ansbro, Éimhín M.; Gill, Michelle M.; Reynolds, Joanna; Shelley, Katharine D.; Strasser, Susan; Sripipatana, Tabitha; Ncube, Alexander Tshaka; Tembo Mumba, Grace; Terris-Prestholt, Fern; Peeling, Rosanna W.; Mabey, David

2015-01-01

Syphilis affects 1.4 million pregnant women globally each year. Maternal syphilis causes congenital syphilis in over half of affected pregnancies, leading to early foetal loss, pregnancy complications, stillbirth and neonatal death. Syphilis is under-diagnosed in pregnant women. Point-of-care rapid syphilis tests (RST) allow for same-day treatment and address logistical barriers to testing encountered with standard Rapid Plasma Reagin testing. Recent literature emphasises successful introduction of new health technologies requires healthcare worker (HCW) acceptance, effective training, quality monitoring and robust health systems. Following a successful pilot, the Zambian Ministry of Health (MoH) adopted RST into policy, integrating them into prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV clinics in four underserved Zambian districts. We compare HCW experiences, including challenges encountered in scaling up from a highly supported NGO-led pilot to a large-scale MoH-led national programme. Questionnaires were administered through structured interviews of 16 HCWs in two pilot districts and 24 HCWs in two different rollout districts. Supplementary data were gathered via stakeholder interviews, clinic registers and supervisory visits. Using a conceptual framework adapted from health technology literature, we explored RST acceptance and usability. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Key themes in qualitative data were explored using template analysis. Overall, HCWs accepted RST as learnable, suitable, effective tools to improve antenatal services, which were usable in diverse clinical settings. Changes in training, supervision and quality monitoring models between pilot and rollout may have influenced rollout HCW acceptance and compromised testing quality. While quality monitoring was integrated into national policy and training, implementation was limited during rollout despite financial support and mentorship. We illustrate that new health technology pilot research can rapidly translate into policy change and scale-up. However, training, supervision and quality assurance models should be reviewed and strengthened as rollout of the Zambian RST programme continues. PMID:26030741

Two pass method and radiation interchange processing when applied to thermal-structural analysis of large space truss structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Warren, Andrew H.; Arelt, Joseph E.; Lalicata, Anthony L.; Rogers, Karen M.

1993-01-01

A method of efficient and automated thermal-structural processing of very large space structures is presented. The method interfaces the finite element and finite difference techniques. It also results in a pronounced reduction of the quantity of computations, computer resources and manpower required for the task, while assuring the desired accuracy of the results.

Structural Indicators on Graduate Employability in Europe--2016. Eurydice Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Riiheläinen, Jari Matti

2017-01-01

This publication presents some structural indicators on graduate employability in 40 European education and training systems. It examines whether countries use regular labour market forecasting to improve the employability of graduates; moreover, other indicators include the involvement of employers in external quality assurance procedures,…

38 CFR 18.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... or the facility operated in compliance with all requirements imposed by or pursuant to this part... case of an application for Federal financial assistance to provide real property or structures thereon..., for the period during which the real property or structures are used for a purpose for which the...

38 CFR 18.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... or the facility operated in compliance with all requirements imposed by or pursuant to this part... case of an application for Federal financial assistance to provide real property or structures thereon..., for the period during which the real property or structures are used for a purpose for which the...

38 CFR 18.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... or the facility operated in compliance with all requirements imposed by or pursuant to this part... case of an application for Federal financial assistance to provide real property or structures thereon..., for the period during which the real property or structures are used for a purpose for which the...

38 CFR 18.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... or the facility operated in compliance with all requirements imposed by or pursuant to this part... case of an application for Federal financial assistance to provide real property or structures thereon..., for the period during which the real property or structures are used for a purpose for which the...

A Structure for Creating Quality Software.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Christensen, Larry C.; Bodey, Michael R.

1990-01-01

Addresses the issue of assuring quality software for use in computer-aided instruction and presents a structure by which developers can create quality courseware. Differences between courseware and computer-aided instruction software are discussed, methods for testing software are described, and human factors issues as well as instructional design…

38 CFR 18.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... or the facility operated in compliance with all requirements imposed by or pursuant to this part... case of an application for Federal financial assistance to provide real property or structures thereon..., for the period during which the real property or structures are used for a purpose for which the...

10 CFR 74.59 - Quality assurance and accounting requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... capabilities described in paragraphs (b) through (h) of this section. (b) Management structure. The licensee shall: (1) Establish and maintain a management structure that includes clear overall responsibility for... such that the activities of one individual or organizational unit serve as controls over and checks of...

JWST center of curvature test method and results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saif, Babak; Chaney, David; Greenfield, Perry; Van Gorkom, Kyle; Brooks, Keira; Hack, Warren; Bluth, Marcel; Bluth, Josh; Sanders, James; Smith, Koby; Carey, Larkin; Chaung, Sze; Keski-Kuha, Ritva; Feinberg, Lee; Tournois, Severine; Smith, W. Scott; Kradinov, Vladimir

2017-09-01

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) recently saw the completion of the assembly process for the Optical Telescope Element and Integrated Science Instrument Module (OTIS). This integration effort was performed at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, Maryland. In conjunction with this assembly process a series of vibration and acoustic tests were performed. To help assure the telescope's primary mirror was not adversely impacted by this environmental testing an optical center of curvature (CoC) test was performed to measure changes in the mirror's optical performance. The primary is a 6.5 meter diameter mirror consisting of 18 individual hexagonal segments. Each segment is an off-axis asphere. There are a total of three prescriptions repeated six times each. As part of the CoC test each segment was individually measured using a high-speed interferometer (HSI) designed and built specifically for this test. This interferometer is capable of characterizing both static and dynamic characteristics of the mirrors. The latter capability was used, with the aid of a vibration stinger applying a low-level input force, to measure the dynamic characteristic changes of the PM backplane structure. This paper describes the CoC test setup, an innovative alignment method, and both static and dynamic test results.

Scaling Down to Scale Up: A Health Economic Analysis of Integrating Point-of-Care Syphilis Testing into Antenatal Care in Zambia during Pilot and National Rollout Implementation

PubMed Central

Ncube, Alexander Tshaka; Sweeney, Sedona; Fleischer, Colette; Mumba, Grace Tembo; Gill, Michelle M.; Strasser, Susan; Peeling, Rosanna W.; Terris-Prestholt, Fern

2015-01-01

Maternal syphilis results in an estimated 500,000 stillbirths and neonatal deaths annually in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the existence of national guidelines for antenatal syphilis screening, syphilis testing is often limited by inadequate laboratory and staff services. Recent availability of inexpensive rapid point-of-care syphilis tests (RST) can improve access to antenatal syphilis screening. A 2010 pilot in Zambia explored the feasibility of integrating RST within prevention of mother-to-child-transmission of HIV services. Following successful demonstration, the Zambian Ministry of Health adopted RSTs into national policy in 2011. Cost data from the pilot and 2012 preliminary national rollout were extracted from project records, antenatal registers, clinic staff interviews, and facility observations, with the aim of assessing the cost and quality implications of scaling up a successful pilot into a national rollout. Start-up, capital, and recurrent cost inputs were collected, including costs of extensive supervision and quality monitoring during the pilot. Costs were analysed from a provider’s perspective, incremental to existing antenatal services. Total and unit costs were calculated and a multivariate sensitivity analysis was performed. Our accompanying qualitative study by Ansbro et al. (2015) elucidated quality assurance and supervisory system challenges experienced during rollout, which helped explain key cost drivers. The average unit cost per woman screened during rollout ($11.16) was more than triple the pilot unit cost ($3.19). While quality assurance costs were much lower during rollout, the increased unit costs can be attributed to several factors, including higher RST prices and lower RST coverage during rollout, which reduced economies of scale. Pilot and rollout cost drivers differed due to implementation decisions related to training, supervision, and quality assurance. This study explored the cost of integrating RST into antenatal care in pilot and national rollout settings, and highlighted important differences in costs that may be observed when moving from pilot to scale-up. PMID:25970443

Scaling Down to Scale Up: A Health Economic Analysis of Integrating Point-of-Care Syphilis Testing into Antenatal Care in Zambia during Pilot and National Rollout Implementation.

PubMed

Shelley, Katharine D; Ansbro, Éimhín M; Ncube, Alexander Tshaka; Sweeney, Sedona; Fleischer, Colette; Tembo Mumba, Grace; Gill, Michelle M; Strasser, Susan; Peeling, Rosanna W; Terris-Prestholt, Fern

2015-01-01

Maternal syphilis results in an estimated 500,000 stillbirths and neonatal deaths annually in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the existence of national guidelines for antenatal syphilis screening, syphilis testing is often limited by inadequate laboratory and staff services. Recent availability of inexpensive rapid point-of-care syphilis tests (RST) can improve access to antenatal syphilis screening. A 2010 pilot in Zambia explored the feasibility of integrating RST within prevention of mother-to-child-transmission of HIV services. Following successful demonstration, the Zambian Ministry of Health adopted RSTs into national policy in 2011. Cost data from the pilot and 2012 preliminary national rollout were extracted from project records, antenatal registers, clinic staff interviews, and facility observations, with the aim of assessing the cost and quality implications of scaling up a successful pilot into a national rollout. Start-up, capital, and recurrent cost inputs were collected, including costs of extensive supervision and quality monitoring during the pilot. Costs were analysed from a provider's perspective, incremental to existing antenatal services. Total and unit costs were calculated and a multivariate sensitivity analysis was performed. Our accompanying qualitative study by Ansbro et al. (2015) elucidated quality assurance and supervisory system challenges experienced during rollout, which helped explain key cost drivers. The average unit cost per woman screened during rollout ($11.16) was more than triple the pilot unit cost ($3.19). While quality assurance costs were much lower during rollout, the increased unit costs can be attributed to several factors, including higher RST prices and lower RST coverage during rollout, which reduced economies of scale. Pilot and rollout cost drivers differed due to implementation decisions related to training, supervision, and quality assurance. This study explored the cost of integrating RST into antenatal care in pilot and national rollout settings, and highlighted important differences in costs that may be observed when moving from pilot to scale-up.

Laser light-section sensor automating the production of textile-reinforced composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmitt, R.; Niggemann, C.; Mersmann, C.

2009-05-01

Due to their advanced weight-specific mechanical properties, the application of fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP) has been established as a key technology in several engineering areas. Textile-based reinforcement structures (Preform) in particular achieve a high structural integrity due to the multi-dimensional build-up of dry-fibre layers combined with 3D-sewing and further textile processes. The final composite parts provide enhanced damage tolerances through excellent crash-energy absorbing characteristics. For these reasons, structural parts (e.g. frame) will be integrated in next generation airplanes. However, many manufacturing processes for FRP are still involving manual production steps without integrated quality control. The non-automated production implies considerable process dispersion and a high rework rate. Before the final inspection there is no reliable information about the production status. This work sets metrology as the key to automation and thus an economically feasible production, applying a laser light-section sensor system (LLSS) to measure process quality and feed back the results to close control loops of the production system. The developed method derives 3D-measurements from height profiles acquired by the LLSS. To assure the textile's quality a full surface scan is conducted, detecting defects or misalignment by comparing the measurement results with a CAD model of the lay-up. The method focuses on signal processing of the height profiles to ensure a sub-pixel accuracy using a novel algorithm based on a non-linear least-square fitting to a set of sigmoid functions. To compare the measured surface points to the CAD model, material characteristics are incorporated into the method. This ensures that only the fibre layer of the textile's surface is included and gaps between the fibres or overlaying seams are neglected. Finally, determining the uncertainty in measurement according to the GUM-standard proofed the sensor system's accuracy. First tests under industrial conditions showed that applying this sensor after the drapery of each textile layer reduces the scrap quota by approximately 30%.

Model Based Mission Assurance in a Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Framework: State-of-the-Art Assessment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cornford, Steven L.; Feather, Martin S.

2016-01-01

This report explores the current state of the art of Safety and Mission Assurance (S&MA) in projects that have shifted towards Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). Its goal is to provide insight into how NASA's Office of Safety and Mission Assurance (OSMA) should respond to this shift. In MBSE, systems engineering information is organized and represented in models: rigorous computer-based representations, which collectively make many activities easier to perform, less error prone, and scalable. S&MA practices must shift accordingly. The "Objective Structure Hierarchies" recently developed by OSMA provide the framework for understanding this shift. Although the objectives themselves will remain constant, S&MA practices (activities, processes, tools) to achieve them are subject to change. This report presents insights derived from literature studies and interviews. The literature studies gleaned assurance implications from reports of space-related applications of MBSE. The interviews with knowledgeable S&MA and MBSE personnel discovered concerns and ideas for how assurance may adapt. Preliminary findings and observations are presented on the state of practice of S&MA with respect to MBSE, how it is already changing, and how it is likely to change further. Finally, recommendations are provided on how to foster the evolution of S&MA to best fit with MBSE.

Optically-based Sensor System for Critical Nuclear Facilities Post-Event Seismic Structural Assessment

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

McCallen, David; Petrone, Floriana; Buckle, Ian

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has ownership and operational responsibility for a large enterprise of nuclear facilities that provide essential functions to DOE missions ranging from national security to discovery science and energy research. These facilities support a number of DOE programs and offices including the National Nuclear Security Administration, Office of Science, and Office of Environmental Management. With many unique and “one of a kind” functions, these facilities represent a tremendous national investment, and assuring their safety and integrity is fundamental to the success of a breadth of DOE programs. Many DOE critical facilities are located in regionsmore » with significant natural phenomenon hazards including major earthquakes and DOE has been a leader in developing standards for the seismic analysis of nuclear facilities. Attaining and sustaining excellence in nuclear facility design and management must be a core competency of the DOE. An important part of nuclear facility management is the ability to monitor facilities and rapidly assess the response and integrity of the facilities after any major upset event. Experience in the western U.S. has shown that understanding facility integrity after a major earthquake is a significant challenge which, lacking key data, can require extensive effort and significant time. In the work described in the attached report, a transformational approach to earthquake monitoring of facilities is described and demonstrated. An entirely new type of optically-based sensor that can directly and accurately measure the earthquake-induced deformations of a critical facility has been developed and tested. This report summarizes large-scale shake table testing of the sensor concept on a representative steel frame building structure, and provides quantitative data on the accuracy of the sensor measurements.« less

[Points of view: the role of quality measurement from the Federal Joint Committee's perspective].

PubMed

Klakow-Franck, Regina

2014-01-01

The Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) is a central decision-making body that issues binding directives to ensure the quality of both inpatient and outpatient health care services within the German Statutory Health Insurance system. Quality measurement on the basis of quality indicators has proceeded furthest in the field of external quality assurance (QA) of inpatient services. Originally designed for quality development in a "protected environment" through learning from better practices, it has been faced with new expectations since competitive elements have been introduced into the health care system. The economisation of medicine is de facto the driving force of the development of QA measures. In terms of health policy, the 2013 coalition agreement includes "a renaissance of the concept of quality competition". In particular, this is meant to strengthen the decision-making options of insured persons by creating more transparency into the quality of not only inpatient but also outpatient care and, if necessary, to support the possibility of selective agreements with individual health insurance funds. The campaign planned to improve the quality of hospitals also provides for a quality-oriented advancement of hospital planning and funding; and the Federal Joint Committee, supported by the new Institute for Quality Assurance and Transparency in the Healthcare System in accordance with Section 137a of Book V of the Social Code (SGB V) in the GKV-FQWG version will be assigned new tasks within this context, too. On the whole, the measures already agreed upon in the Act to Improve the Financial Structure and Quality of the Statutory Health Insurance System (GKV-FQWG) and—as far as can now be anticipated—the proceedings of the working group set up between the German government and the German federal states indicate that there is a high need to improve the methods and tools of external quality assurance available, starting with questions about the validity of the quality indicators used and their relevance to patient care. Special issues and tasks require the development of new methods and tools. The need for paying more attention to the patient perspective will pose a particular challenge to future quality measurement. Additional information about the QA documentation of health care providers and the basis of social data that should be used preferentially can be gained from patient surveys. Despite the high political expectations (for example, concerning the development of online charts comparing the quality of inpatient care delivery), the Federal Joint Committee should not overlook the necessity of embedding quality measurement and public reporting into a comprehensive quality framework which can be used to promote continuous quality improvement through a structured feedback of the results to health care providers. In addition, we need a consistent patient orientation and a systematic evaluation of the QA measures employed. By networking more closely with evidence-based medicine and health services research, quality assurance may give rise to a systematic quality research from which genuine quality and care objectives can be derived and which, as an integral part of a "learning care", supports a patient-oriented advancement of care structures. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier GmbH.

Drinking-water quality management: the Australian framework.

PubMed

Sinclair, Martha; Rizak, Samantha

The most effective means of assuring drinking-water quality and the protection of public health is through adoption of a preventive management approach that encompasses all steps in water production from catchment to consumer. However, the reliance of current regulatory structures on compliance monitoring of treated water tends to promote a reactive management style where corrective actions are initiated after monitoring reveals that prescribed levels have been exceeded, and generally after consumers have received the noncomplying water. Unfortunately, the important limitations of treated water monitoring are often not appreciated, and there is a widespread tendency to assume that intensification of compliance monitoring or lowering of compliance limits is an effective strategy to improving the protection of public health. To address these issues and emphasize the role of preventive system management, the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council in collaboration with the Co-operative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment has developed a comprehensive quality management approach for drinking water. This Framework for Management of Drinking Water Quality will assist water suppliers in providing a higher level of assurance for drinking water quality and safety. The framework integrates quality and risk management principles, and provides a comprehensive, flexible, and proactive means of optimizing, drinking-water quality and protecting public health. It does not eliminate the requirement for compliance monitoring but allows it to be viewed in the proper perspective as providing verification that preventive measures are effective, rather than as the primary means of protecting public health.

Quality assurance in military medical research and medical radiation accident management.

PubMed

Hotz, Mark E; Meineke, Viktor

2012-08-01

The provision of quality radiation-related medical diagnostic and therapeutic treatments cannot occur without the presence of robust quality assurance and standardization programs. Medical laboratory services are essential in patient treatment and must be able to meet the needs of all patients and the clinical personnel responsible for the medical care of these patients. Clinical personnel involved in patient care must embody the quality assurance process in daily work to ensure program sustainability. In conformance with the German Federal Government's concept for modern departmental research, the international standard ISO 9001, one of the relevant standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), is applied in quality assurance in military medical research. By its holistic approach, this internationally accepted standard provides an excellent basis for establishing a modern quality management system in line with international standards. Furthermore, this standard can serve as a sound basis for the further development of an already established quality management system when additional standards shall apply, as for instance in reference laboratories or medical laboratories. Besides quality assurance, a military medical facility must manage additional risk events in the context of early recognition/detection of health risks of military personnel on deployment in order to be able to take appropriate preventive and protective measures; for instance, with medical radiation accident management. The international standard ISO 31000:2009 can serve as a guideline for establishing risk management. Clear organizational structures and defined work processes are required when individual laboratory units seek accreditation according to specific laboratory standards. Furthermore, international efforts to develop health laboratory standards must be reinforced that support sustainable quality assurance, as in the exchange and comparison of test results within the scope of external quality assurance, but also in the exchange of special diagnosis data among international research networks. In summary, the acknowledged standard for a quality management system to ensure quality assurance is the very generic standard ISO 9001.Health Phys. 103(2):221-225; 2012.

DICOM index tracker enterprise: advanced system for enterprise-wide quality assurance and patient safety monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Min; Pavlicek, William; Panda, Anshuman; Langer, Steve G.; Morin, Richard; Fetterly, Kenneth A.; Paden, Robert; Hanson, James; Wu, Lin-Wei; Wu, Teresa

2015-03-01

DICOM Index Tracker (DIT) is an integrated platform to harvest rich information available from Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) to improve quality assurance in radiology practices. It is designed to capture and maintain longitudinal patient-specific exam indices of interests for all diagnostic and procedural uses of imaging modalities. Thus, it effectively serves as a quality assurance and patient safety monitoring tool. The foundation of DIT is an intelligent database system which stores the information accepted and parsed via a DICOM receiver and parser. The database system enables the basic dosimetry analysis. The success of DIT implementation at Mayo Clinic Arizona calls for the DIT deployment at the enterprise level which requires significant improvements. First, for geographically distributed multi-site implementation, the first bottleneck is the communication (network) delay; the second is the scalability of the DICOM parser to handle the large volume of exams from different sites. To address this issue, DICOM receiver and parser are separated and decentralized by site. To facilitate the enterprise wide Quality Assurance (QA), a notable challenge is the great diversities of manufacturers, modalities and software versions, as the solution DIT Enterprise provides the standardization tool for device naming, protocol naming, physician naming across sites. Thirdly, advanced analytic engines are implemented online which support the proactive QA in DIT Enterprise.

Evaluation of High Density Air Traffic Operations with Automation for Separation Assurance, Weather Avoidance and Schedule Conformance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prevot, Thomas; Mercer, Joey S.; Martin, Lynne Hazel; Homola, Jeffrey R.; Cabrall, Christopher D.; Brasil, Connie L.

2011-01-01

In this paper we discuss the development and evaluation of our prototype technologies and procedures for far-term air traffic control operations with automation for separation assurance, weather avoidance and schedule conformance. Controller-in-the-loop simulations in the Airspace Operations Laboratory at the NASA Ames Research Center in 2010 have shown very promising results. We found the operations to provide high airspace throughput, excellent efficiency and schedule conformance. The simulation also highlighted areas for improvements: Short-term conflict situations sometimes resulted in separation violations, particularly for transitioning aircraft in complex traffic flows. The combination of heavy metering and growing weather resulted in an increased number of aircraft penetrating convective weather cells. To address these shortcomings technologies and procedures have been improved and the operations are being re-evaluated with the same scenarios. In this paper we will first describe the concept and technologies for automating separation assurance, weather avoidance, and schedule conformance. Second, the results from the 2010 simulation will be reviewed. We report human-systems integration aspects, safety and efficiency results as well as airspace throughput, workload, and operational acceptability. Next, improvements will be discussed that were made to address identified shortcomings. We conclude that, with further refinements, air traffic control operations with ground-based automated separation assurance can routinely provide currently unachievable levels of traffic throughput in the en route airspace.

Risk Information Management Resource (RIMR): modeling an approach to defending against military medical information assurance brain drain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wright, Willie E.

2003-05-01

As Military Medical Information Assurance organizations face off with modern pressures to downsize and outsource, they battle with losing knowledgeable people who leave and take with them what they know. This knowledge is increasingly being recognized as an important resource and organizations are now taking steps to manage it. In addition, as the pressures for globalization (Castells, 1998) increase, collaboration and cooperation are becoming more distributed and international. Knowledge sharing in a distributed international environment is becoming an essential part of Knowledge Management. This is a major shortfall in the current approach to capturing and sharing knowledge in Military Medical Information Assurance. This paper addresses this challenge by exploring Risk Information Management Resource (RIMR) as a tool for sharing knowledge using the concept of Communities of Practice. RIMR is based no the framework of sharing and using knowledge. This concept is done through three major components - people, process and technology. The people aspect enables remote collaboration, support communities of practice, reward and recognize knowledge sharing while encouraging storytelling. The process aspect enhances knowledge capture and manages information. While the technology aspect enhance system integration and data mining, it also utilizes intelligent agents and exploits expert systems. These coupled with supporting activities of education and training, technology infrastructure and information security enables effective information assurance collaboration.

Risk-Significant Adverse Condition Awareness Strengthens Assurance of Fault Management Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fitz, Rhonda

2017-01-01

As spaceflight systems increase in complexity, Fault Management (FM) systems are ranked high in risk-based assessment of software criticality, emphasizing the importance of establishing highly competent domain expertise to provide assurance. Adverse conditions (ACs) and specific vulnerabilities encountered by safety- and mission-critical software systems have been identified through efforts to reduce the risk posture of software-intensive NASA missions. Acknowledgement of potential off-nominal conditions and analysis to determine software system resiliency are important aspects of hazard analysis and FM. A key component of assuring FM is an assessment of how well software addresses susceptibility to failure through consideration of ACs. Focus on significant risk predicted through experienced analysis conducted at the NASA Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) Program enables the scoping of effective assurance strategies with regard to overall asset protection of complex spaceflight as well as ground systems. Research efforts sponsored by NASAs Office of Safety and Mission Assurance (OSMA) defined terminology, categorized data fields, and designed a baseline repository that centralizes and compiles a comprehensive listing of ACs and correlated data relevant across many NASA missions. This prototype tool helps projects improve analysis by tracking ACs and allowing queries based on project, mission type, domain/component, causal fault, and other key characteristics. Vulnerability in off-nominal situations, architectural design weaknesses, and unexpected or undesirable system behaviors in reaction to faults are curtailed with the awareness of ACs and risk-significant scenarios modeled for analysts through this database. Integration within the Enterprise Architecture at NASA IV&V enables interfacing with other tools and datasets, technical support, and accessibility across the Agency. This paper discusses the development of an improved workflow process utilizing this database for adaptive, risk-informed FM assurance that critical software systems will safely and securely protect against faults and respond to ACs in order to achieve successful missions.

Risk-Significant Adverse Condition Awareness Strengthens Assurance of Fault Management Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fitz, Rhonda

2017-01-01

As spaceflight systems increase in complexity, Fault Management (FM) systems are ranked high in risk-based assessment of software criticality, emphasizing the importance of establishing highly competent domain expertise to provide assurance. Adverse conditions (ACs) and specific vulnerabilities encountered by safety- and mission-critical software systems have been identified through efforts to reduce the risk posture of software-intensive NASA missions. Acknowledgement of potential off-nominal conditions and analysis to determine software system resiliency are important aspects of hazard analysis and FM. A key component of assuring FM is an assessment of how well software addresses susceptibility to failure through consideration of ACs. Focus on significant risk predicted through experienced analysis conducted at the NASA Independent Verification Validation (IVV) Program enables the scoping of effective assurance strategies with regard to overall asset protection of complex spaceflight as well as ground systems. Research efforts sponsored by NASA's Office of Safety and Mission Assurance defined terminology, categorized data fields, and designed a baseline repository that centralizes and compiles a comprehensive listing of ACs and correlated data relevant across many NASA missions. This prototype tool helps projects improve analysis by tracking ACs and allowing queries based on project, mission type, domaincomponent, causal fault, and other key characteristics. Vulnerability in off-nominal situations, architectural design weaknesses, and unexpected or undesirable system behaviors in reaction to faults are curtailed with the awareness of ACs and risk-significant scenarios modeled for analysts through this database. Integration within the Enterprise Architecture at NASA IVV enables interfacing with other tools and datasets, technical support, and accessibility across the Agency. This paper discusses the development of an improved workflow process utilizing this database for adaptive, risk-informed FM assurance that critical software systems will safely and securely protect against faults and respond to ACs in order to achieve successful missions.

LUMIS: Land Use Management and Information Systems; coordinate oriented program documentation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

An integrated geographic information system to assist program managers and planning groups in metropolitan regions is presented. The series of computer software programs and procedures involved in data base construction uses the census DIME file and point-in-polygon architectures. The system is described in two parts: (1) instructions to operators with regard to digitizing and editing procedures, and (2) application of data base construction algorithms to achieve map registration, assure the topological integrity of polygon files, and tabulate land use acreages within administrative districts.

Network security system for health and medical information using smart IC card

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanai, Yoichi; Yachida, Masuyoshi; Yoshikawa, Hiroharu; Yamaguchi, Masahiro; Ohyama, Nagaaki

1998-07-01

A new network security protocol that uses smart IC cards has been designed to assure the integrity and privacy of medical information in communication over a non-secure network. Secure communication software has been implemented as a library based on this protocol, which is called the Integrated Secure Communication Layer (ISCL), and has been incorporated into information systems of the National Cancer Center Hospitals and the Health Service Center of the Tokyo Institute of Technology. Both systems have succeeded in communicating digital medical information securely.

4-D COMMON OPERATIONAL PICTURE (COP) FOR MISSION ASSURANCE (4D COP) Task Order 0001: Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Autonomy Collaboration in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Electronic Warfare (EW)/Cyber and Combat Identification (CID)

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-27

Domain C2, Adaptive Domain Control, Global Integrated ISR, Rapid Global Mobility , and Global Precision Strike, orgnanized within a framework of...mission needs. (Among the dozen implications) A more transparent, networked infrastructure that integrates ubiquitous sensors, automated systems...Conclusion 5.1 Common Technical Trajectory One of the most significant opportunities for AFRL is to develop and mobilize the qualitative roadmap

24 CFR 3282.7 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... (42 U.S.C. 5401 et seq.) (b) Add-on means any structure (except a structure designed or produced as an... each manufactured home manufacturing plant under § 3282.203 in which the IPIA provides a complete...) which approved the designs and quality assurance manual used in the plant. Where appropriate under...

34 CFR 100.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... or the facility operated in compliance with all requirements imposed by or pursuant to this part. In the case of an application for Federal financial assistance to provide real property or structures... transferee, for the period during which the real property or structures are used for a purpose for which the...

34 CFR 100.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... or the facility operated in compliance with all requirements imposed by or pursuant to this part. In the case of an application for Federal financial assistance to provide real property or structures... transferee, for the period during which the real property or structures are used for a purpose for which the...

34 CFR 100.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... or the facility operated in compliance with all requirements imposed by or pursuant to this part. In the case of an application for Federal financial assistance to provide real property or structures... transferee, for the period during which the real property or structures are used for a purpose for which the...

34 CFR 100.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... or the facility operated in compliance with all requirements imposed by or pursuant to this part. In the case of an application for Federal financial assistance to provide real property or structures... transferee, for the period during which the real property or structures are used for a purpose for which the...

43 CFR 17.204 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... subsequent applications to the Department. (b) Duration of obligation. (1) In the case of Federal financial assistance extended in the form of real property or to provide real property or structures on the property..., for the period during which the real property or structures are used for the purpose for which Federal...

43 CFR 17.204 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... subsequent applications to the Department. (b) Duration of obligation. (1) In the case of Federal financial assistance extended in the form of real property or to provide real property or structures on the property..., for the period during which the real property or structures are used for the purpose for which Federal...

34 CFR 100.4 - Assurances required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... or the facility operated in compliance with all requirements imposed by or pursuant to this part. In the case of an application for Federal financial assistance to provide real property or structures... transferee, for the period during which the real property or structures are used for a purpose for which the...

European Psychiatric Association (EPA) guidance on quality assurance in mental healthcare.

PubMed

Gaebel, W; Großimlinghaus, I; Heun, R; Janssen, B; Johnson, B; Kurimay, T; Montellano, P; Muijen, M; Munk-Jorgensen, P; Rössler, W; Ruggeri, M; Thornicroft, G; Zielasek, J

2015-03-01

To advance the quality of mental healthcare in Europe by developing guidance on implementing quality assurance. We performed a systematic literature search on quality assurance in mental healthcare and the 522 retrieved documents were evaluated by two independent reviewers (B.J. and J.Z.). Based on these evaluations, evidence tables were generated. As it was found that these did not cover all areas of mental healthcare, supplementary hand searches were performed for selected additional areas. Based on these findings, fifteen graded recommendations were developed and consented by the authors. Review by the EPA Guidance Committee and EPA Board led to two additional recommendations (on immigrant mental healthcare and parity of mental and physical healthcare funding). Although quality assurance (measures to keep a certain degree of quality), quality control and monitoring (applying quality indicators to the current degree of quality), and quality management (coordinated measures and activities with regard to quality) are conceptually distinct, in practice they are frequently used as if identical and hardly separable. There is a dearth of controlled trials addressing ways to optimize quality assurance in mental healthcare. Altogether, seventeen recommendations were developed addressing a range of aspects of quality assurance in mental healthcare, which appear usable across Europe. These were divided into recommendations about structures, processes and outcomes. Each recommendation was assigned to a hierarchical level of analysis (macro-, meso- and micro-level). There was a lack of evidence retrievable by a systematic literature search about quality assurance of mental healthcare. Therefore, only after further topics and search had been added it was possible to develop recommendations with mostly medium evidence levels. Evidence-based graded recommendations for quality assurance in mental healthcare were developed which should next be implemented and evaluated for feasibility and validity in some European countries. Due to the small evidence base identified corresponding to the practical obscurity of the concept and methods, a European research initiative is called for by the stakeholders represented in this Guidance to improve the educational, methodological and empirical basis for a future broad implementation of measures for quality assurance in European mental healthcare. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Develop and demonstrate manufacturing processes for fabricating graphite filament reinforced polymide (Gr/PI) composite structural elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chase, V. A.; Harrison, E. S.

1985-01-01

A study was conducted to assess the merits of using graphite/polyimide, NR-150B2 resin, for structural applications on advanced space launch vehicles. The program was divided into two phases: (1) Fabrication Process Development; and (2) Demonstration Components. The first phase of the program involved the selection of a graphite fiber, quality assurance of the NR-150B2 polyimide resin, and the quality assurance of the graphite/polyimide prepreg. In the second phase of the program, a limited number of components were fabricated before the NR-150B2 resin system was removed from the market by the supplier, Du Pont. The advancement of the NR-150B2 polyimide resin binder was found to vary significantly based on previous time and temperature history during the prepregging operation. Strength retention at 316C (600F) was found to be 50% that of room temperature strength. However, the composite would retain its initial strength after 200 hours exposure at 316C (600F). Basic chemistry studies are required for determining NR-150B2 resin binder quality assurance parameters. Graphite fibers are available that can withstand high temperature cure and postcure cycles.

Apollo experience report: Reliability and quality assurance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sperber, K. P.

1973-01-01

The reliability of the Apollo spacecraft resulted from the application of proven reliability and quality techniques and from sound management, engineering, and manufacturing practices. Continual assessment of these techniques and practices was made during the program, and, when deficiencies were detected, adjustments were made and the deficiencies were effectively corrected. The most significant practices, deficiencies, adjustments, and experiences during the Apollo Program are described in this report. These experiences can be helpful in establishing an effective base on which to structure an efficient reliability and quality assurance effort for future space-flight programs.

[Quality assurance and quality management in intensive care].

PubMed

Notz, K; Dubb, R; Kaltwasser, A; Hermes, C; Pfeffer, S

2015-11-01

Treatment success in hospitals, particularly in intensive care units, is directly tied to quality of structure, process, and outcomes. Technological and medical advancements lead to ever more complex treatment situations with highly specialized tasks in intensive care nursing. Quality criteria that can be used to describe and correctly measure those highly complex multiprofessional situations have only been recently developed and put into practice.In this article, it will be shown how quality in multiprofessional teams can be definded and assessed in daily clinical practice. Core aspects are the choice of a nursing theory, quality assurance measures, and quality management. One possible option of quality assurance is the use of standard operating procedures (SOPs). Quality can ultimately only be achieved if professional groups think beyond their boundaries, minimize errors, and establish and live out instructions and SOPs.

[Urban Health (StadtGesundheit): The Wider Perspective Exemplified by the City State of Hamburg].

PubMed

Fehr, R; Fertmann, R; Stender, K-P; Lettau, N; Trojan, A

2016-09-01

Public health and city planning have common roots, and in many places they are now reuniting under the heading of urban health. To organize this field adequately requires a broad, integrative view of medical care, health promotion, and health in all urban policies. Given current crises and developments including climate change and globalization, such a wider perspective should also be useful for Germany. Using the City State of Hamburg as an example and combining historic and systematic approaches, we explore the preconditions for in-depth analyses. Our results show that health is a significant topic of Hamburg urban policy, featuring a broad range of structures, processes and actors, both within the health sector and far beyond. Health promotion over the last 30 years evolved notably from a niche topic into an established field with remarkable cooperative structures. The tradition of comprehensive reporting on urban health in Hamburg that was initiated more than 200 years ago is no longer alive today. However, local health reporting keeps integrating a wide range of diverse topics. Communication among the Hamburg health actors - beyond straightforward medical quality assurance - does not seem to focus on critical evaluations, e. g. concerning social and ecologic sustainability. A prerequisite for in-depth analyses including external comparisons is to secure permanent access to relevant sources. Robust approaches to this end, however, seem to be lacking. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Physicians' acceptance of electronic medical records exchange: an extension of the decomposed TPB model with institutional trust and perceived risk.

PubMed

Hsieh, Pi-Jung

2015-01-01

Electronic medical records (EMRs) exchange improves clinical quality and reduces medical costs. However, few studies address the antecedent factors of physicians' intentions to use EMR exchange. Based on institutional trust and perceived risk integrated with the decomposed theory of planned behavior (TPB) model, we propose a theoretical model to explain the intention of physicians to use an EMR exchange system. We conducted a field survey in Taiwan to collect data from physicians who had experience using the EMR exchange systems. A valid sample of 191 responses was collected for data analysis. To test the proposed research model, we employed structural equation modeling using the partial least squares method. The study findings show that the following five factors have a significant influence on the physicians' intentions to use EMR exchange systems: (a) attitude; (b) subjective norm; (c) perceived behavior control; (d) institutional trust; and (e) perceived risk. These five factors are predictable by perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and compatibility, interpersonal and governmental influence, facilitating conditions and self-efficacy, situational normality and structural assurance, and institutional trust, respectively. The results also indicate that institutional trust and perceived risk integrated with the decomposed TPB model improve the prediction of physician's intentions to use EMR exchange. The results of this study indicate that our research model effectively predicts the intention of physicians to use EMR exchange, and provides valuable implications for academics and practitioners. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.