Evaluating the Well-Being of Public Library Workers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Juniper, Bridget; Bellamy, Pat; White, Nicola

2012-01-01

This study aimed to develop and pilot a questionnaire to determine the ways in which working in a UK public library system can impact the well-being of those deployed in the sector. The methodological framework was based on an approach used to evaluate the well-being of patients in a clinical setting. Based on the responses of 466 employees, the…

Modular reflector concept study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vaughan, D. H.

1981-01-01

A study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of space erecting a 100 meter paraboloidal radio frequency reflector by joining a number of individually deployed structural modules. Three module design concepts were considered: (1) the deployable cell module (DCM); (2) the modular paraboloidal erectable truss antenna (Mod-PETA); and (3) the modular erectable truss antenna (META). With the space shuttle (STS) as the launch system, the methodology of packaging and stowing in the orbiter, and of dispensing, deploying and joining, in orbit, were studied and the necessary support equipment identified. The structural performance of the completed reflectors was evaluated and their overall operational capability and feasibility were evaluated and compared. The potential of the three concepts to maintain stable shape in the space environment was determined. Their ability to operate at radio frequencies of 1 GHz and higher was assessed assuming the reflector surface to consist of a number of flat, hexagonal facets. A parametric study was performed to determine figure degradation as a function of reflector size, flat facet size, and f/D ratio.

ASC-AD penetration modeling FY05 status report.

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

Kistler, Bruce L.; Ostien, Jakob T.; Chiesa, Michael L.

2006-04-01

Sandia currently lacks a high fidelity method for predicting loads on and subsequent structural response of earth penetrating weapons. This project seeks to test, debug, improve and validate methodologies for modeling earth penetration. Results of this project will allow us to optimize and certify designs for the B61-11, Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator (RNEP), PEN-X and future nuclear and conventional penetrator systems. Since this is an ASC Advanced Deployment project the primary goal of the work is to test, debug, verify and validate new Sierra (and Nevada) tools. Also, since this project is part of the V&V program within ASC, uncertaintymore » quantification (UQ), optimization using DAKOTA [1] and sensitivity analysis are an integral part of the work. This project evaluates, verifies and validates new constitutive models, penetration methodologies and Sierra/Nevada codes. In FY05 the project focused mostly on PRESTO [2] using the Spherical Cavity Expansion (SCE) [3,4] and PRESTO Lagrangian analysis with a preformed hole (Pen-X) methodologies. Modeling penetration tests using PRESTO with a pilot hole was also attempted to evaluate constitutive models. Future years work would include the Alegra/SHISM [5] and AlegrdEP (Earth Penetration) methodologies when they are ready for validation testing. Constitutive models such as Soil-and-Foam, the Sandia Geomodel [6], and the K&C Concrete model [7] were also tested and evaluated. This report is submitted to satisfy annual documentation requirements for the ASC Advanced Deployment program. This report summarizes FY05 work performed in the Penetration Mechanical Response (ASC-APPS) and Penetration Mechanics (ASC-V&V) projects. A single report is written to document the two projects because of the significant amount of technical overlap.« less

Trials of Intervention Principles: Evaluation Methods for Evolving Behavioral Intervention Technologies

PubMed Central

Schueller, Stephen M; Riley, William T; Brown, C Hendricks; Cuijpers, Pim; Duan, Naihua; Kwasny, Mary J; Stiles-Shields, Colleen; Cheung, Ken

2015-01-01

In recent years, there has been increasing discussion of the limitations of traditional randomized controlled trial (RCT) methodologies for the evaluation of eHealth and mHealth interventions, and in particular, the requirement that these interventions be locked down during evaluation. Locking down these interventions locks in defects and eliminates the opportunities for quality improvement and adaptation to the changing technological environment, often leading to validation of tools that are outdated by the time that trial results are published. Furthermore, because behavioral intervention technologies change frequently during real-world deployment, even if a tested intervention were deployed in the real world, its shelf life would be limited. We argue that RCTs will have greater scientific and public health value if they focus on the evaluation of intervention principles (rather than a specific locked-down version of the intervention), allowing for ongoing quality improvement modifications to the behavioral intervention technology based on the core intervention principles, while continuously improving the functionality and maintaining technological currency. This paper is an initial proposal of a framework and methodology for the conduct of trials of intervention principles (TIPs) aimed at minimizing the risks of in-trial changes to intervention technologies and maximizing the potential for knowledge acquisition. The focus on evaluation of intervention principles using clinical and usage outcomes has the potential to provide more generalizable and durable information than trials focused on a single intervention technology. PMID:26155878

Trials of Intervention Principles: Evaluation Methods for Evolving Behavioral Intervention Technologies.

PubMed

Mohr, David C; Schueller, Stephen M; Riley, William T; Brown, C Hendricks; Cuijpers, Pim; Duan, Naihua; Kwasny, Mary J; Stiles-Shields, Colleen; Cheung, Ken

2015-07-08

In recent years, there has been increasing discussion of the limitations of traditional randomized controlled trial (RCT) methodologies for the evaluation of eHealth and mHealth interventions, and in particular, the requirement that these interventions be locked down during evaluation. Locking down these interventions locks in defects and eliminates the opportunities for quality improvement and adaptation to the changing technological environment, often leading to validation of tools that are outdated by the time that trial results are published. Furthermore, because behavioral intervention technologies change frequently during real-world deployment, even if a tested intervention were deployed in the real world, its shelf life would be limited. We argue that RCTs will have greater scientific and public health value if they focus on the evaluation of intervention principles (rather than a specific locked-down version of the intervention), allowing for ongoing quality improvement modifications to the behavioral intervention technology based on the core intervention principles, while continuously improving the functionality and maintaining technological currency. This paper is an initial proposal of a framework and methodology for the conduct of trials of intervention principles (TIPs) aimed at minimizing the risks of in-trial changes to intervention technologies and maximizing the potential for knowledge acquisition. The focus on evaluation of intervention principles using clinical and usage outcomes has the potential to provide more generalizable and durable information than trials focused on a single intervention technology.

Online Learning Era: Exploring the Most Decisive Determinants of MOOCs in Taiwanese Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hsieh, Ming-Yuan

2016-01-01

Because the development of Taiwanese Massive Open Online Course (MOOCs) websites is at this moment full of vitality, this research employs a series of analytical cross-measurements of Quality Function Deployment method of House of Quality (QFD-HOQ) model and Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methodology to cross-evaluate the weighted…

Novel Tools in Determining the Physiological Demands and Nutritional Practices of Ontario FireRangers during Fire Deployments

PubMed Central

Robertson, A. H.; Larivière, C.; Leduc, C. R.; McGillis, Z.; Eger, T.; Godwin, A.; Larivière, M.; Dorman, S. C.

2017-01-01

Introduction The seasonal profession of wildland fire fighting in Canada requires individuals to work in harsh environmental conditions that are physically demanding. The purpose of this study was to use novel technologies to evaluate the physiological demands and nutritional practices of Canadian FireRangers during fire deployments. Methods Participants (n = 21) from a northern Ontario Fire Base volunteered for this study and data collection occurred during the 2014 fire season and included Initial Attack (IA), Project Fire (P), and Fire Base (B) deployments. Deployment-specific energy demands and physiological responses were measured using heart-rate variability (HRV) monitoring devices (Zephyr BioHarness3 units). Food consumption behaviour and nutrient quantity and quality were captured using audio-video food logs on iPod Touches and analyzed by NutriBase Pro 11 software. Results Insufficient kilocalories were consumed relative to expenditure for all deployment types. Average daily kilocalories consumed: IA: 3758 (80% consumption rate); P: 2945±888.8; B: 2433±570.8. Average daily kilocalorie expenditure: IA: 4538±106.3; P: 4012±1164.8; B: 2842±649.9. The Average Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) for protein was acceptable: 22–25% (across deployment types). Whereas the AMDR for fat and carbohydrates were high: 40–50%; and low: 27–37% respectively, across deployment types. Conclusions This study is the first to use the described methodology to simultaneously evaluate energy expenditures and nutritional practices in an occupational setting. The results support the use of HRV monitoring and video-food capture, in occupational field settings, to assess job demands. FireRangers expended the most energy during IA, and the least during B deployments. These results indicate the need to develop strategies centered on maintaining physical fitness and improving food practices. PMID:28107380

Novel Tools in Determining the Physiological Demands and Nutritional Practices of Ontario FireRangers during Fire Deployments.

PubMed

Robertson, A H; Larivière, C; Leduc, C R; McGillis, Z; Eger, T; Godwin, A; Larivière, M; Dorman, S C

2017-01-01

The seasonal profession of wildland fire fighting in Canada requires individuals to work in harsh environmental conditions that are physically demanding. The purpose of this study was to use novel technologies to evaluate the physiological demands and nutritional practices of Canadian FireRangers during fire deployments. Participants (n = 21) from a northern Ontario Fire Base volunteered for this study and data collection occurred during the 2014 fire season and included Initial Attack (IA), Project Fire (P), and Fire Base (B) deployments. Deployment-specific energy demands and physiological responses were measured using heart-rate variability (HRV) monitoring devices (Zephyr BioHarness3 units). Food consumption behaviour and nutrient quantity and quality were captured using audio-video food logs on iPod Touches and analyzed by NutriBase Pro 11 software. Insufficient kilocalories were consumed relative to expenditure for all deployment types. Average daily kilocalories consumed: IA: 3758 (80% consumption rate); P: 2945±888.8; B: 2433±570.8. Average daily kilocalorie expenditure: IA: 4538±106.3; P: 4012±1164.8; B: 2842±649.9. The Average Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) for protein was acceptable: 22-25% (across deployment types). Whereas the AMDR for fat and carbohydrates were high: 40-50%; and low: 27-37% respectively, across deployment types. This study is the first to use the described methodology to simultaneously evaluate energy expenditures and nutritional practices in an occupational setting. The results support the use of HRV monitoring and video-food capture, in occupational field settings, to assess job demands. FireRangers expended the most energy during IA, and the least during B deployments. These results indicate the need to develop strategies centered on maintaining physical fitness and improving food practices.

A Methodology for Evaluating Artifacts Produced by a Formal Verification Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Siminiceanu, Radu I.; Miner, Paul S.; Person, Suzette

2011-01-01

The goal of this study is to produce a methodology for evaluating the claims and arguments employed in, and the evidence produced by formal verification activities. To illustrate the process, we conduct a full assessment of a representative case study for the Enabling Technology Development and Demonstration (ETDD) program. We assess the model checking and satisfiabilty solving techniques as applied to a suite of abstract models of fault tolerant algorithms which were selected to be deployed in Orion, namely the TTEthernet startup services specified and verified in the Symbolic Analysis Laboratory (SAL) by TTTech. To this end, we introduce the Modeling and Verification Evaluation Score (MVES), a metric that is intended to estimate the amount of trust that can be placed on the evidence that is obtained. The results of the evaluation process and the MVES can then be used by non-experts and evaluators in assessing the credibility of the verification results.

Tidal Energy Conversion Installation at an Estuarine Bridge Site: Resource Evaluation and Energy Production Estimate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wosnik, M.; Gagnon, I.; Baldwin, K.; Bell, E.

2015-12-01

The "Living Bridge" project aims to create a self-diagnosing, self-reporting "smart bridge" powered by a local renewable energy source, tidal energy - transforming Memorial Bridge, a vertical lift bridge over the tidal Piscataqua River connecting Portsmouth, NH and Kittery, ME, into a living laboratory for researchers, engineers, scientists, and the community. The Living Bridge project includes the installation of a tidal turbine at the Memorial Bridge. The energy converted by the turbine will power structural health monitoring, environmental and underwater instrumentation. Utilizing locally available tidal energy can make bridge operation more sustainable, can "harden" transportation infrastructure against prolonged grid outages and can demonstrate a prototype of an "estuarine bridge of the future". A spatio-temporal tidal energy resource assessment was performed using long term bottom-deployed Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP) at two locations: near the planned deployment location in 2013-14 for 123 days and mid-channel in 2007 for 35 days. Data were evaluated to determine the amount of available kinetic energy that can be converted into usable electrical energy on the bridge. Changes in available kinetic energy with ebb/flood and spring/neap tidal cycles and electrical energy demand were analyzed. The target deployment site exhibited significantly more energetic ebb tides than flood tides, which can be explained by the local bathymetry of the tidal estuary. A system model is used to calculate the net energy savings using various tidal generator and battery bank configurations. Different resource evaluation methodologies were also analyzed, e.g., using a representative ADCP "bin" vs. a more refined, turbine-geometry-specific methodology, and using static bin height vs. bin height that move w.r.t. the free surface throughout a tidal cycle (representative of a bottom-fixed or floating turbine deployment, respectively). ADCP operating frequencies and bin sizes affect the standard deviation of measurements, and measurement uncertainties are evaluated. The planned installation, consisting of a vertical axis turbine with the generator above water, mounted to a floating platform, and underwater instrumentation will be outlined. Supported by NSF-IIP 1430260

Evaluation of Social Competencies in Chemical Engineering: Application and Results of the Pilot Test (Academic Year 2012-2013)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grande, Francisco José Suñé; Witt, Hans Jörg; Avalos, Josep Bonet

2015-01-01

The Escola Tècnica Superior d'Enginyeria Química has a long tradition in the deployment of social competencies in engineering curricula through Integrated Projects (IP) carried out in structured teams. Social competencies are taught and practiced during the development of the IPs. We conceptually introduce a methodology for a 360 degrees…

Right Technology, Right Now: An Evaluation Methodology for Rapidly Deployable Information and Communications Technologies in Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

30  c.  IEEE 802.16/WiMAX .............................................................31  4.  Broadband Global Area Network...Space Agency, 2006) ...........................34  Figure 19.  Global BGAN Coverage (From Inmarsat, 2009...BGAN Broadband Global Area Network C2 Command and Control CHSC California Homeland Security Consortium CIE Collaborative Information Environment CJCS

Military deployment toxicology: a program manager's perspective.

PubMed

Knechtges, P L

2000-02-01

The Persian Gulf War drew attention to the potential hazards of chemicals that personnel may encounter during military operations and deployments overseas. During the War, the oil well fires of Kuwait highlighted the military threat of industrial chemicals in the area of operations. Following the War, the occurrence of Gulf War Illnesses brought home concerns and suspicions regarding "low level" and "mixed" exposures to chemicals. The public's concern and attention resulted in numerous institutional responses to the real and perceived problems of health risks during military deployments. These institutional responses ranged in scope from a Presidential Review Directive to the initiative known as the Deployment Toxicology Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation (RDT&E) Program. Most institutions, however, seem to agree that additional research is needed to assess the health risks from chemical exposures during military deployments. Establishing and managing an effective RDT&E program in risk assessment for deployed forces is a challenging enterprise. The Deployment Toxicology RDT&E Program was conceived utilizing the military's acquisition framework, an effective methodology with a proven record of fielding of new technologies. Based on a series of structured meetings with military representatives that would utilize new risk assessment tools, a hierarchical set of plans was developed to identify and prioritize end products. The challenge ahead for the Deployment Toxicology RDT&E Program is to execute these plans, provide the necessary oversight, and transition the results into successful product development.

Deployment and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Primary Findings and Methodological Considerations.

PubMed

Katon, Jodie; Cypel, Yasmin; Raza, Mubashra; Zephyrin, Laurie; Reiber, Gayle; Yano, Elizabeth M; Barth, Shannon; Schneiderman, Aaron

2017-02-01

Objective To characterize the pregnancy outcomes of women Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) Veterans including prevalence of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and macrosomia, and to highlight methodological limitations that can impact findings. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted starting in 2014 analyzing data from the 2009 to 2011 National Health Study for a New Generation of US Veterans, which sampled Veterans deployed and not deployed to OIF/OEF. All pregnancies resulting in a live birth were included, and categorized as occurring among non-deployers, before deployment, during deployment, or after deployment. Outcomes included preterm birth, low birth weight, and macrosomia. The association of deployment with selected outcomes was estimated using separate general estimating equations to account for lack of outcome independence among women contributing multiple pregnancies. Adjustment variables included maternal age at outcome, and race/ethnicity. Results There were 2276 live births (191 preterm births, 153 low birth weight infants, and 272 macrosomic infants). Compared with pregnancies before deployment, pregnancies among non-deployers and those after deployment appeared to have greater risk of preterm birth [non-deployers: odds ratio (OR) = 2.16, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.25, 3.72; after deployment: OR = 1.90, 95 % CI 0.90, 4.02]. A similar pattern was observed for low birth weight. No association of deployment with macrosomia was detected. Discussion Compared with non-deployers, those who eventually deploy appear to have better pregnancy outcomes prior to deployment, but this advantage is no longer apparent after deployment. Non-deployers may not be an appropriate reference group to study the putative health impacts of deployment on pregnancy outcomes.

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in Texas: Deployment Summary and Case Study of Deployment Methodologies

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-06-01

The state of the intelligent transportation systems (ITS) program in Texas is summarized and analyzed. The report first reviews the types of ITS deployments within each Texas Department of Transportation district. The methods used to plan, design, co...

Optimizing Force Deployment and Force Structure for the Rapid Deployment Force

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-03-01

Analysis . . . . .. .. ... ... 97 Experimental Design . . . . . .. .. .. ... 99 IX. Use of a Flexible Response Surface ........ 10.2 Selection of a...setS . ere designe . arun, programming methodology , where the require: s.stem re..r is input and the model optimizes the num=er. :::pe, cargo. an...to obtain new computer outputs" (Ref 38:23). The methodology can be used with any decision model, linear or nonlinear. Experimental Desion Since the

Time-to-event methodology improved statistical evaluation in register-based health services research.

PubMed

Bluhmki, Tobias; Bramlage, Peter; Volk, Michael; Kaltheuner, Matthias; Danne, Thomas; Rathmann, Wolfgang; Beyersmann, Jan

2017-02-01

Complex longitudinal sampling and the observational structure of patient registers in health services research are associated with methodological challenges regarding data management and statistical evaluation. We exemplify common pitfalls and want to stimulate discussions on the design, development, and deployment of future longitudinal patient registers and register-based studies. For illustrative purposes, we use data from the prospective, observational, German DIabetes Versorgungs-Evaluation register. One aim was to explore predictors for the initiation of a basal insulin supported therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes initially prescribed to glucose-lowering drugs alone. Major challenges are missing mortality information, time-dependent outcomes, delayed study entries, different follow-up times, and competing events. We show that time-to-event methodology is a valuable tool for improved statistical evaluation of register data and should be preferred to simple case-control approaches. Patient registers provide rich data sources for health services research. Analyses are accompanied with the trade-off between data availability, clinical plausibility, and statistical feasibility. Cox' proportional hazards model allows for the evaluation of the outcome-specific hazards, but prediction of outcome probabilities is compromised by missing mortality information. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Counter unmanned aerial system testing and evaluation methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kouhestani, C.; Woo, B.; Birch, G.

2017-05-01

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are increasing in flight times, ease of use, and payload sizes. Detection, classification, tracking, and neutralization of UAS is a necessary capability for infrastructure and facility protection. We discuss test and evaluation methodology developed at Sandia National Laboratories to establish a consistent, defendable, and unbiased means for evaluating counter unmanned aerial system (CUAS) technologies. The test approach described identifies test strategies, performance metrics, UAS types tested, key variables, and the necessary data analysis to accurately quantify the capabilities of CUAS technologies. The tests conducted, as defined by this approach, will allow for the determination of quantifiable limitations, strengths, and weaknesses in terms of detection, tracking, classification, and neutralization. Communicating the results of this testing in such a manner informs decisions by government sponsors and stakeholders that can be used to guide future investments and inform procurement, deployment, and advancement of such systems into their specific venues.

Land mobile radio system phase II deployment report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-12-28

In July 2004, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities developed an integration methodology for Land Mobile Radio into the Departments Statewide Intelligent Transportation Systems Deployment Plan and the State Information Tech...

Establishing a Methodology to Examine the Effects of War-Zone PTSD on the Family: The Family Foundations Study

PubMed Central

Vasterling, Jennifer J.; Taft, Casey T.; Proctor, Susan P.; MacDonald, Helen Z.; Lawrence, Amy; Kalill, Kathleen; Kaiser, Anica P.; Lee, Lewina O.; King, Daniel W.; King, Lynda A.; Fairbank, John A.

2015-01-01

Military deployment may adversely affect not only returning veterans, but their families, as well. As a result, researchers have increasingly focused on identifying risk and protective factors for successful family adaptation to war-zone deployment, re-integration of the returning veteran, and the longer-term psychosocial consequences of deployment experienced by some veterans and families. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among returning veterans may pose particular challenges to military and military veteran families; however, questions remain regarding the impact of the course of veteran PTSD and other potential moderating factors on family adaptation to military deployment. The Family Foundations Study builds upon an established longitudinal cohort of Army soldiers (i.e., the Neurocognition Deployment Health Study) to help address remaining knowledge gaps. This report describes the conceptual framework and key gaps in knowledge that guided the study design, methodological challenges and special considerations in conducting military family research, and how these gaps, challenges, and special considerations are addressed by the study. PMID:26077194

Developing Visualization Techniques for Semantics-based Information Networks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keller, Richard M.; Hall, David R.

2003-01-01

Information systems incorporating complex network structured information spaces with a semantic underpinning - such as hypermedia networks, semantic networks, topic maps, and concept maps - are being deployed to solve some of NASA s critical information management problems. This paper describes some of the human interaction and navigation problems associated with complex semantic information spaces and describes a set of new visual interface approaches to address these problems. A key strategy is to leverage semantic knowledge represented within these information spaces to construct abstractions and views that will be meaningful to the human user. Human-computer interaction methodologies will guide the development and evaluation of these approaches, which will benefit deployed NASA systems and also apply to information systems based on the emerging Semantic Web.

Deployment of paired pushnets from jet-propelled kayaks to sample ichthyoplankton

USGS Publications Warehouse

Acre, Matthew R.; Grabowski, Timothy B.

2015-01-01

Accessing and effectively sampling the off-channel habitats that are considered crucial for early life stages of freshwater fishes constitute a difficult challenge when common ichthyoplankton survey methods, such as push nets, are used. We describe a new method of deploying push nets from jet-propelled kayaks to enable the sampling of previously inaccessible off-channel habitats. The described rig is also functional in more open and accessible habitats, such as the main channel of rivers or reservoirs. Although further evaluation is necessary to ensure that results are comparable across studies, the described push-net system offers a statistically rigorous methodology that generates replicate samples from a wide range of freshwater habitats that were previously inaccessible to this gear type.

Measuring ITS deployment and integration

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-01-01

A consistent and simple methodology was developed to assess both the level of deployment of individual ITS elements and the level of integration between these elements. This method is based on the metropolitan ITS infrastructure, a blueprint defined ...

UAV Deployment Exercise for Mapping Purposes: Evaluation of Emergency Response Applications.

PubMed

Boccardo, Piero; Chiabrando, Filiberto; Dutto, Furio; Tonolo, Fabio Giulio; Lingua, Andrea

2015-07-02

Exploiting the decrease of costs related to UAV technology, the humanitarian community started piloting the use of similar systems in humanitarian crises several years ago in different application fields, i.e., disaster mapping and information gathering, community capacity building, logistics and even transportation of goods. Part of the author's group, composed of researchers in the field of applied geomatics, has been piloting the use of UAVs since 2006, with a specific focus on disaster management application. In the framework of such activities, a UAV deployment exercise was jointly organized with the Regional Civil Protection authority, mainly aimed at assessing the operational procedures to deploy UAVs for mapping purposes and the usability of the acquired data in an emergency response context. In the paper the technical features of the UAV platforms will be described, comparing the main advantages/disadvantages of fixed-wing versus rotor platforms. The main phases of the adopted operational procedure will be discussed and assessed especially in terms of time required to carry out each step, highlighting potential bottlenecks and in view of the national regulation framework, which is rapidly evolving. Different methodologies for the processing of the acquired data will be described and discussed, evaluating the fitness for emergency response applications.

Determining Risk - How to Evaluate the Environmental Effects of Marine and Hydrokinetic Energy Development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Copping, A. E.; Blake, K.; Zdanski, L.

2011-12-01

As marine and hydrokinetic (MHK) energy development projects progress towards early deployments in the U.S., the process of determining the risks to aquatic animals, habitats, and ecosystem processes from these engineered systems continues to be a significant barrier to efficient siting and permitting. Understanding the risk of MHK installations requires that the two elements of risk - consequence and probability - be evaluated. However, standard risk assessment methodologies are not easily applied to MHK interactions with marine and riverine environment as there are few data that describe the interaction of stressors (MHK devices, anchors, foundations, mooring lines and power cables) and receptors (aquatic animals, habitats and ecosystem processes). The number of possible combinations and permutations of stressors and receptors in MHK systems is large: there are many different technologies designed to harvest energy from the tides, waves and flowing rivers; each device is planned for a specific waterbody that supports an endemic ecosystem of animals and habitats, tied together by specific physical and chemical processes. With few appropriate analogue industries in the oceans and rivers, little information on the effects of these technologies on the living world is available. Similarly, without robust data sets of interactions, mathematical probability models are difficult to apply. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory scientists are working with MHK developers, researchers, engineers, and regulators to rank the consequences of planned MHK projects on living systems, and exploring alternative methodologies to estimate probabilities of these encounters. This paper will present the results of ERES, the Environmental Risk Evaluation System, which has been used to rank consequences for major animal groups and habitats for five MHK projects that are in advanced stages of development and/or early commercial deployment. Probability analyses have been performed for high priority stressor/receptor interactions where data are adaptable from other industries. In addition, a methodology for evaluating the probability of encounter, and therefore risk, to an endangered marine mammal from tidal turbine blades will be presented.

The Application of LiDAR to Assessment of Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Deployment Potential in a Municipal District Unit

PubMed Central

Nguyen, Ha T.; Pearce, Joshua M.; Harrap, Rob; Barber, Gerald

2012-01-01

A methodology is provided for the application of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) to automated solar photovoltaic (PV) deployment analysis on the regional scale. Challenges in urban information extraction and management for solar PV deployment assessment are determined and quantitative solutions are offered. This paper provides the following contributions: (i) a methodology that is consistent with recommendations from existing literature advocating the integration of cross-disciplinary competences in remote sensing (RS), GIS, computer vision and urban environmental studies; (ii) a robust methodology that can work with low-resolution, incomprehensive data and reconstruct vegetation and building separately, but concurrently; (iii) recommendations for future generation of software. A case study is presented as an example of the methodology. Experience from the case study such as the trade-off between time consumption and data quality are discussed to highlight a need for connectivity between demographic information, electrical engineering schemes and GIS and a typical factor of solar useful roofs extracted per method. Finally, conclusions are developed to provide a final methodology to extract the most useful information from the lowest resolution and least comprehensive data to provide solar electric assessments over large areas, which can be adapted anywhere in the world. PMID:22666044

FCS Technology Investigation Overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Budinger, James; Gilbert, Tricia

2007-01-01

This working paper provides an overview of the Future Communication Study (FCS) technology investigation progress. It includes a description of the methodology applied to technology evaluation; evaluation criteria; and technology screening (down select) results. A comparison of screening results with other similar technology screening activities is provided. Additional information included in this working paper is a description of in-depth studies (including characterization of the L-band aeronautical channel; L-band deployment cost assessment; and performance assessments of candidate technologies in the applicable aeronautical channel) that have been conducted to support technology evaluations. The paper concludes with a description on-going activities leading to conclusion of the technology investigation and the development of technology recommendations.

Data-Driven Simulation-Enhanced Optimization of People-Based Print Production Service

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rai, Sudhendu

This paper describes a systematic six-step data-driven simulation-based methodology for optimizing people-based service systems on a large distributed scale that exhibit high variety and variability. The methodology is exemplified through its application within the printing services industry where it has been successfully deployed by Xerox Corporation across small, mid-sized and large print shops generating over 250 million in profits across the customer value chain. Each step of the methodology consisting of innovative concepts co-development and testing in partnership with customers, development of software and hardware tools to implement the innovative concepts, establishment of work-process and practices for customer-engagement and service implementation, creation of training and infrastructure for large scale deployment, integration of the innovative offering within the framework of existing corporate offerings and lastly the monitoring and deployment of the financial and operational metrics for estimating the return-on-investment and the continual renewal of the offering are described in detail.

A Formal Methodology to Design and Deploy Dependable Wireless Sensor Networks

PubMed Central

Testa, Alessandro; Cinque, Marcello; Coronato, Antonio; Augusto, Juan Carlos

2016-01-01

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are being increasingly adopted in critical applications, where verifying the correct operation of sensor nodes is a major concern. Undesired events may undermine the mission of the WSNs. Hence, their effects need to be properly assessed before deployment, to obtain a good level of expected performance; and during the operation, in order to avoid dangerous unexpected results. In this paper, we propose a methodology that aims at assessing and improving the dependability level of WSNs by means of an event-based formal verification technique. The methodology includes a process to guide designers towards the realization of a dependable WSN and a tool (“ADVISES”) to simplify its adoption. The tool is applicable to homogeneous WSNs with static routing topologies. It allows the automatic generation of formal specifications used to check correctness properties and evaluate dependability metrics at design time and at runtime for WSNs where an acceptable percentage of faults can be defined. During the runtime, we can check the behavior of the WSN accordingly to the results obtained at design time and we can detect sudden and unexpected failures, in order to trigger recovery procedures. The effectiveness of the methodology is shown in the context of two case studies, as proof-of-concept, aiming to illustrate how the tool is helpful to drive design choices and to check the correctness properties of the WSN at runtime. Although the method scales up to very large WSNs, the applicability of the methodology may be compromised by the state space explosion of the reasoning model, which must be faced by partitioning large topologies into sub-topologies. PMID:28025568

European Healthy Cities evaluation: conceptual framework and methodology.

PubMed

de Leeuw, Evelyne; Green, Geoff; Dyakova, Mariana; Spanswick, Lucy; Palmer, Nicola

2015-06-01

This paper presents the methodology, programme logic and conceptual framework that drove the evaluation of the Fifth Phase of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network. Towards the end of the phase, 99 cities were designated progressively through the life of the phase (2009-14). The paper establishes the values, systems and aspirations that these cities sign up for, as foundations for the selection of methodology. We assert that a realist synthesis methodology, driven by a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methods, is the most appropriate perspective to address the wide geopolitical, demographic, population and health diversities of these cities. The paper outlines the rationale for a structured multiple case study approach, the deployment of a comprehensive questionnaire, data mining through existing databases including Eurostat and analysis of management information generation tools used throughout the period. Response rates were considered extremely high for this type of research. Non-response analyses are described, which show that data are representative for cities across the spectrum of diversity. This paper provides a foundation for further analysis on specific areas of interest presented in this supplement. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

A methodology towards virtualisation-based high performance simulation platform supporting multidisciplinary design of complex products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Lei; Zhang, Lin; Tao, Fei; (Luke) Zhang, Xiaolong; Luo, Yongliang; Zhang, Yabin

2012-08-01

Multidisciplinary design of complex products leads to an increasing demand for high performance simulation (HPS) platforms. One great challenge is how to achieve high efficient utilisation of large-scale simulation resources in distributed and heterogeneous environments. This article reports a virtualisation-based methodology to realise a HPS platform. This research is driven by the issues concerning large-scale simulation resources deployment and complex simulation environment construction, efficient and transparent utilisation of fine-grained simulation resources and high reliable simulation with fault tolerance. A framework of virtualisation-based simulation platform (VSIM) is first proposed. Then the article investigates and discusses key approaches in VSIM, including simulation resources modelling, a method to automatically deploying simulation resources for dynamic construction of system environment, and a live migration mechanism in case of faults in run-time simulation. Furthermore, the proposed methodology is applied to a multidisciplinary design system for aircraft virtual prototyping and some experiments are conducted. The experimental results show that the proposed methodology can (1) significantly improve the utilisation of fine-grained simulation resources, (2) result in a great reduction in deployment time and an increased flexibility for simulation environment construction and (3)achieve fault tolerant simulation.

Advanced stimulation technology deployment program: Sonat Exploration Company, Haynesville Formation, North Shongaloo, Red Rock Field, Columbia County, Arkansas and Webster Parish, Louisiana. Topical report, August 1995-January 1997

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

Skees, J.L.; Middlebrook, M.L.; Anthony, W.L.

1997-01-01

The objective of this program is to transfer the core GRI advanced stimulation technologies to Sonat Exploration Company for their continued use upon completion of the program. The methodology to accomplish the objective included seminars and training schools, offset well baseline analysis, fracture treatment design optimization, real-time and post-fracture treatment evaluation and documentation of economic benefits.

Security Quality Requirements Engineering (SQUARE) Methodology

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-11-01

such as Joint Application Development and the Accelerated Requirements Method [Wood 89, Hubbard 99] • Soft Systems Methodology [Checkland 89...investigated were misuse cases [Jacobson 92], Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) [Checkland 89], Quality Function Deployment (QFD) [QFD 05], Con- trolled...html (2005). [Checkland 89] Checkland, Peter. Soft Systems Methodology . Rational Analysis for a Problematic World. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons

Performance and cost evaluation of health information systems using micro-costing and discrete-event simulation.

PubMed

Rejeb, Olfa; Pilet, Claire; Hamana, Sabri; Xie, Xiaolan; Durand, Thierry; Aloui, Saber; Doly, Anne; Biron, Pierre; Perrier, Lionel; Augusto, Vincent

2018-06-01

Innovation and health-care funding reforms have contributed to the deployment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to improve patient care. Many health-care organizations considered the application of ICT as a crucial key to enhance health-care management. The purpose of this paper is to provide a methodology to assess the organizational impact of high-level Health Information System (HIS) on patient pathway. We propose an integrated performance evaluation of HIS approach through the combination of formal modeling using the Architecture of Integrated Information Systems (ARIS) models, a micro-costing approach for cost evaluation, and a Discrete-Event Simulation (DES) approach. The methodology is applied to the consultation for cancer treatment process. Simulation scenarios are established to conclude about the impact of HIS on patient pathway. We demonstrated that although high level HIS lengthen the consultation, occupation rate of oncologists are lower and quality of service is higher (through the number of available information accessed during the consultation to formulate the diagnostic). The provided method allows also to determine the most cost-effective ICT elements to improve the care process quality while minimizing costs. The methodology is flexible enough to be applied to other health-care systems.

Identification of Good Practices in the Implementation of Innovative Learning Methodologies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lincaru, Cristina; Ciuca, Vasilica; Grecu, Liliana; Atanasiu, Draga; Dragoiu, Codruta

2011-01-01

We intend to present the partial issues resulted from the development of the European Project DeInTRA "cooperation for innovative training methodologies deployment in the European Labour Market"--Stage 4: Identification of good practices in the implementation of innovative learning methodologies. This project is included into the…

Advanced Nuclear Fuel Cycle Transitions: Optimization, Modeling Choices, and Disruptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlsen, Robert W.

Many nuclear fuel cycle simulators have evolved over time to help understan the nuclear industry/ecosystem at a macroscopic level. Cyclus is one of th first fuel cycle simulators to accommodate larger-scale analysis with it liberal open-source licensing and first-class Linux support. Cyclus also ha features that uniquely enable investigating the effects of modeling choices o fuel cycle simulators and scenarios. This work is divided into thre experiments focusing on optimization, effects of modeling choices, and fue cycle uncertainty. Effective optimization techniques are developed for automatically determinin desirable facility deployment schedules with Cyclus. A novel method fo mapping optimization variables to deployment schedules is developed. Thi allows relationships between reactor types and scenario constraints to b represented implicitly in the variable definitions enabling the usage o optimizers lacking constraint support. It also prevents wasting computationa resources evaluating infeasible deployment schedules. Deployed power capacit over time and deployment of non-reactor facilities are also included a optimization variables There are many fuel cycle simulators built with different combinations o modeling choices. Comparing results between them is often difficult. Cyclus flexibility allows comparing effects of many such modeling choices. Reacto refueling cycle synchronization and inter-facility competition among othe effects are compared in four cases each using combinations of fleet of individually modeled reactors with 1-month or 3-month time steps. There are noticeable differences in results for the different cases. The larges differences occur during periods of constrained reactor fuel availability This and similar work can help improve the quality of fuel cycle analysi generally There is significant uncertainty associated deploying new nuclear technologie such as time-frames for technology availability and the cost of buildin advanced reactors. Historically, fuel cycle analysis has focused on answerin questions of fuel cycle feasibility and optimality. However, there has no been much work done to address uncertainty in fuel cycle analysis helpin answer questions of fuel cycle robustness. This work develops an demonstrates a methodology for evaluating deployment strategies whil accounting for uncertainty. Techniques are developed for measuring th hedging properties of deployment strategies under uncertainty. Additionally methods for using optimization to automatically find good hedging strategie are demonstrated.

UAV Deployment Exercise for Mapping Purposes: Evaluation of Emergency Response Applications

PubMed Central

Boccardo, Piero; Chiabrando, Filiberto; Dutto, Furio; Giulio Tonolo, Fabio; Lingua, Andrea

2015-01-01

Exploiting the decrease of costs related to UAV technology, the humanitarian community started piloting the use of similar systems in humanitarian crises several years ago in different application fields, i.e., disaster mapping and information gathering, community capacity building, logistics and even transportation of goods. Part of the author’s group, composed of researchers in the field of applied geomatics, has been piloting the use of UAVs since 2006, with a specific focus on disaster management application. In the framework of such activities, a UAV deployment exercise was jointly organized with the Regional Civil Protection authority, mainly aimed at assessing the operational procedures to deploy UAVs for mapping purposes and the usability of the acquired data in an emergency response context. In the paper the technical features of the UAV platforms will be described, comparing the main advantages/disadvantages of fixed-wing versus rotor platforms. The main phases of the adopted operational procedure will be discussed and assessed especially in terms of time required to carry out each step, highlighting potential bottlenecks and in view of the national regulation framework, which is rapidly evolving. Different methodologies for the processing of the acquired data will be described and discussed, evaluating the fitness for emergency response applications. PMID:26147728

Toward a Survivability/Lethality Analysis Directorate (SLAD) Methodology for Conducting System of Systems Analysis (SoSA)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

alternative technologies early in the product life cycle. Use case 3 reflects SLAD’s response to changes in the way the Army acquires technical...development on the one hand, and to systems evaluated for production and deployment on the other. Together, these three use cases provide the Army...Package E x a m p le P ro b le m Mission based SLVA of networked-enabled small units subject to one or more threats. Mission based early

Evaluating a Web-Based Interface for Internet Telemedicine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lathan, Corinna E.; Newman, Dava J.; Sebrechts, Marc M.; Doarn, Charles R.

1997-01-01

The objective is to introduce the usability engineering methodology, heuristic evaluation, to the design and development of a web-based telemedicine system. Using a set of usability criteria, or heuristics, one evaluator examined the Spacebridge to Russia web-site for usability problems. Thirty-four usability problems were found in this preliminary study and all were assigned a severity rating. The value of heuristic analysis in the iterative design of a system is shown because the problems can be fixed before deployment of a system and the problems are of a different nature than those found by actual users of the system. It was therefore determined that there is potential value of heuristic evaluation paired with user testing as a strategy for optimal system performance design.

National Deployment Estimate of the Metropolitan ITS Infrastructure : Updated with 2010 Deployment Data, 7th Revision

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-12-01

The purpose of this report is to provide a summary and back-up information on the methodology, data sources, and results for the estimate of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) capital expenditures in the top 75 metropolitan areas as of FY 2010....

LATUX: An Iterative Workflow for Designing, Validating, and Deploying Learning Analytics Visualizations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martinez-Maldonado, Roberto; Pardo, Abelardo; Mirriahi, Negin; Yacef, Kalina; Kay, Judy; Clayphan, Andrew

2015-01-01

Designing, validating, and deploying learning analytics tools for instructors or students is a challenge that requires techniques and methods from different disciplines, such as software engineering, human-computer interaction, computer graphics, educational design, and psychology. Whilst each has established its own design methodologies, we now…

VAP/VAT: video analytics platform and test bed for testing and deploying video analytics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorodnichy, Dmitry O.; Dubrofsky, Elan

2010-04-01

Deploying Video Analytics in operational environments is extremely challenging. This paper presents a methodological approach developed by the Video Surveillance and Biometrics Section (VSB) of the Science and Engineering Directorate (S&E) of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to resolve these problems. A three-phase approach to enable VA deployment within an operational agency is presented and the Video Analytics Platform and Testbed (VAP/VAT) developed by the VSB section is introduced. In addition to allowing the integration of third party and in-house built VA codes into an existing video surveillance infrastructure, VAP/VAT also allows the agency to conduct an unbiased performance evaluation of the cameras and VA software available on the market. VAP/VAT consists of two components: EventCapture, which serves to Automatically detect a "Visual Event", and EventBrowser, which serves to Display & Peruse of "Visual Details" captured at the "Visual Event". To deal with Open architecture as well as with Closed architecture cameras, two video-feed capture mechanisms have been developed within the EventCapture component: IPCamCapture and ScreenCapture.

Geothermal Resource Reporting Metric (GRRM) Developed for the U.S. Department of Energy's Geothermal Technologies Office

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

Young, Katherine R.; Wall, Anna M.; Dobson, Patrick F.

This paper reviews a methodology being developed for reporting geothermal resources and project progress. The goal is to provide the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) with a consistent and comprehensible means of evaluating the impacts of its funding programs. This framework will allow the GTO to assess the effectiveness of research, development, and deployment (RD&D) funding, prioritize funding requests, and demonstrate the value of RD&D programs to the U.S. Congress and the public. Standards and reporting codes used in other countries and energy sectors provide guidance to develop the relevant geothermal methodology, but industry feedback andmore » our analysis suggest that the existing models have drawbacks that should be addressed. In order to formulate a comprehensive metric for use by the GTO, we analyzed existing resource assessments and reporting methodologies for the geothermal, mining, and oil and gas industries, and sought input from industry, investors, academia, national labs, and other government agencies. Using this background research as a guide, we describe a methodology for evaluating and reporting on GTO funding according to resource grade (geological, technical and socio-economic) and project progress. This methodology would allow GTO to target funding, measure impact by monitoring the progression of projects, or assess geological potential of targeted areas for development.« less

A methodology for assessing deployment trauma and its consequences in OEF/OIF/OND veterans: The TRACTS longitudinal prospective cohort study

PubMed Central

McGlinchey, Regina E.; Milberg, William P.; Fonda, Jennifer R.; Fortier, Catherine Brawn

2017-01-01

Many US veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq have multiple physical and psychiatric problems. A major focus of research has been on determining the effects of mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), but mTBI is rarely diagnosed in the absence of co-occurring conditions such as blast exposure, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, substance abuse, etc. These potentially interactive psychological and physical conditions produce complex patterns of cognitive, psychological, and physical symptoms that impede civilian reintegration and complicate efficient and effective treatment planning. The Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS) has developed a multidisciplinary approach to the assessment of deployment trauma and its consequences in veterans of these wars. The prospective TRACTS longitudinal cohort study conducts state-of-the-art assessments in the domains of biomedical function, lifetime head trauma, psychological function encompassing deployment experience and lifetime exposure to traumatic events, neuropsychological function, and structural and functional neuroimaging. The TRACTS longitudinal cohort study is the first of its kind to comprehensively evaluate lifetime incidence of TBI and PTSD in these veterans, in addition to those incurred during military deployment. The protocol has begun to reveal information that will help improve understanding of the complex pathophysiology associated with co-occurring mTBI and related stress disorders. PMID:28211592

Fusion And Inference From Multiple And Massive Disparate Distributed Dynamic Data Sets

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-07-01

principled methodology for two-sample graph testing; designed a provably almost-surely perfect vertex clustering algorithm for block model graphs; proved...3.7 Semi-Supervised Clustering Methodology ...................................................................... 9 3.8 Robust Hypothesis Testing...dimensional Euclidean space – allows the full arsenal of statistical and machine learning methodology for multivariate Euclidean data to be deployed for

Development of field-deployable instrumentation based on “antigen–antibody” reactions for detection of hemorrhagic disease in ruminants

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Development of field-deployable methodology utilizing antigen–antibody reactions and the surface Plasmon resonance (SPR) effect to provide a rapid diagnostic test for recognition of the blue tongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhage disease virus (EHDV) in wild and domestic ruminants is reported. ...

A Novel Methodology for Charging Station Deployment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Zhonghao; Zhao, Yunwei; He, Yueying; Li, Mingzhe

2018-02-01

Lack of charging stations has been a main obstacle to the promotion of electric vehicles. This paper studies deploying charging stations in traffic networks considering grid constraints to balance the charging demand and grid stability. First, we propose a statistical model for charging demand. Then we combine the charging demand model with power grid constraints and give the formulation of the charging station deployment problem. Finally, we propose a theoretical solution for the problem by transforming it to a Markov Decision Process.

Application of Business Process Management to drive the deployment of a speech recognition system in a healthcare organization.

PubMed

González Sánchez, María José; Framiñán Torres, José Manuel; Parra Calderón, Carlos Luis; Del Río Ortega, Juan Antonio; Vigil Martín, Eduardo; Nieto Cervera, Jaime

2008-01-01

We present a methodology based on Business Process Management to guide the development of a speech recognition system in a hospital in Spain. The methodology eases the deployment of the system by 1) involving the clinical staff in the process, 2) providing the IT professionals with a description of the process and its requirements, 3) assessing advantages and disadvantages of the speech recognition system, as well as its impact in the organisation, and 4) help reorganising the healthcare process before implementing the new technology in order to identify how it can better contribute to the overall objective of the organisation.

Prioritization Methodology for Chemical Replacement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cruit, W.; Schutzenhofer, S.; Goldberg, B.; Everhart, K.

1993-01-01

This project serves to define an appropriate methodology for effective prioritization of efforts required to develop replacement technologies mandated by imposed and forecast legislation. The methodology used is a semiquantitative approach derived from quality function deployment techniques (QFD Matrix). This methodology aims to weigh the full environmental, cost, safety, reliability, and programmatic implications of replacement technology development to allow appropriate identification of viable candidates and programmatic alternatives. The results are being implemented as a guideline for consideration for current NASA propulsion systems.

Technical Feasibility Aspects of the Geothermal Resource Reporting Methodology (GRRM)

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

Badgett, Alex; Young, Katherine R; Dobson, Patrick F.

This paper reviews the technical assessment of the Geothermal Research Reporting Methodology (GRRM, http://en.openei.org/wiki/GRRM) being developed for reporting geothermal resources and project progress. The goal of the methodology is to provide the U.S. Department of Energy's Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) with a consistent and comprehensible means of evaluating the impacts of its funding programs. The GRRM is designed to provide uniform assessment criteria for geothermal resource grades and developmental phases of geothermal resource exploration and development. This resource grade system provides information on twelve attributes of geothermal resource locations (e.g., temperature, permeability, land access) to indicate potential for geothermal development.more » The GTO plans to use these Protocols to help quantitatively identify the greatest barriers to geothermal development, develop measureable program goals that will have the greatest impact to geothermal deployment, objectively evaluate proposals based (in part) on a project's ability to contribute to program goals, monitor project progress, and report on GTO portfolio performance. The GRRM assesses three areas of geothermal potential: geological, socio-economic, and technical. Previous work and publications have discussed the work done on the geological aspects of this methodology (Young et al. 2015c); this paper details the development of the technical assessment of the GRRM. Technical development attributes considered include: reservoir management, drilling, logistics, and power conversion.« less

Information Analysis Methodology for Border Security Deployment Prioritization and Post Deployment Evaluation

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

Booker, Paul M.; Maple, Scott A.

2010-06-08

Due to international commerce, cross-border conflicts, and corruption, a holistic, information driven, approach to border security is required to best understand how resources should be applied to affect sustainable improvements in border security. The ability to transport goods and people by land, sea, and air across international borders with relative ease for legitimate commercial purposes creates a challenging environment to detect illicit smuggling activities that destabilize national level border security. Smuggling activities operated for profit or smuggling operations driven by cross border conflicts where militant or terrorist organizations facilitate the transport of materials and or extremists to advance a causemore » add complexity to smuggling interdiction efforts. Border security efforts are further hampered when corruption thwarts interdiction efforts or reduces the effectiveness of technology deployed to enhance border security. These issues necessitate the implementation of a holistic approach to border security that leverages all available data. Large amounts of information found in hundreds of thousands of documents can be compiled to assess national or regional borders to identify variables that influence border security. Location data associated with border topics of interest may be extracted and plotted to better characterize the current border security environment for a given country or region. This baseline assessment enables further analysis, but also documents the initial state of border security that can be used to evaluate progress after border security improvements are made. Then, border security threats are prioritized via a systems analysis approach. Mitigation factors to address risks can be developed and evaluated against inhibiting factor such as corruption. This holistic approach to border security helps address the dynamic smuggling interdiction environment where illicit activities divert to a new location that provides less resistance to smuggling activities after training or technology is deployed at a given location. This paper will present an approach to holistic border security information analysis.« less

Total Quality Management (TQM) in Self-Financed Technical Institutions: A Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and Force Field Analysis Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thakkar, Jitesh; Deshmukh, S. G.; Shastree, Anil

2006-01-01

Purpose: To explore the potential for adoption of TQM in self-financed technical institutions in the light of new demands and challenges posed by customers/students and society. Design/methodology/approach: The paper presents use of quality function deployment (QFD) which prioritizes technical requirements and correlates them with various…

Lithography hotspot discovery at 70nm DRAM 300mm fab: process window qualification using design base binning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Daniel; Chen, Damian; Yen, Ray; Cheng, Mingjen; Lan, Andy; Ghaskadvi, Rajesh

2008-11-01

Identifying hotspots--structures that limit the lithography process window--become increasingly important as the industry relies heavily on RET to print sub-wavelength designs. KLA-Tencor's patented Process Window Qualification (PWQ) methodology has been used for this purpose in various fabs. PWQ methodology has three key advantages (a) PWQ Layout--to obtain the best sensitivity (b) Design Based Binning--for pattern repeater analysis (c) Intelligent sampling--for the best DOI sampling rate. This paper evaluates two different analysis strategies for SEM review sampling successfully deployed at Inotera Memories, Inc. We propose a new approach combining the location repeater and pattern repeaters. Based on a recent case study the new sampling flow reduces the data analysis and sampling time from 6 hours to 1.5 hour maintaining maximum DOI sample rate.

Prioritization methodology for chemical replacement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldberg, Ben; Cruit, Wendy; Schutzenhofer, Scott

1995-01-01

This methodology serves to define a system for effective prioritization of efforts required to develop replacement technologies mandated by imposed and forecast legislation. The methodology used is a semi quantitative approach derived from quality function deployment techniques (QFD Matrix). QFD is a conceptual map that provides a method of transforming customer wants and needs into quantitative engineering terms. This methodology aims to weight the full environmental, cost, safety, reliability, and programmatic implications of replacement technology development to allow appropriate identification of viable candidates and programmatic alternatives.

'Emerging technologies for the changing global market' - Prioritization methodology for chemical replacement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cruit, Wendy; Schutzenhofer, Scott; Goldberg, Ben; Everhart, Kurt

1993-01-01

This project served to define an appropriate methodology for effective prioritization of technology efforts required to develop replacement technologies mandated by imposed and forecast legislation. The methodology used is a semiquantitative approach derived from quality function deployment techniques (QFD Matrix). This methodology aims to weight the full environmental, cost, safety, reliability, and programmatic implications of replacement technology development to allow appropriate identification of viable candidates and programmatic alternatives. The results will be implemented as a guideline for consideration for current NASA propulsion systems.

An integrated quality function deployment and capital budgeting methodology for occupational safety and health as a systems thinking approach: the case of the construction industry.

PubMed

Bas, Esra

2014-07-01

In this paper, an integrated methodology for Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and a 0-1 knapsack model is proposed for occupational safety and health as a systems thinking approach. The House of Quality (HoQ) in QFD methodology is a systematic tool to consider the inter-relationships between two factors. In this paper, three HoQs are used to consider the interrelationships between tasks and hazards, hazards and events, and events and preventive/protective measures. The final priority weights of events are defined by considering their project-specific preliminary weights, probability of occurrence, and effects on the victim and the company. The priority weights of the preventive/protective measures obtained in the last HoQ are fed into a 0-1 knapsack model for the investment decision. Then, the selected preventive/protective measures can be adapted to the task design. The proposed step-by-step methodology can be applied to any stage of a project to design the workplace for occupational safety and health, and continuous improvement for safety is endorsed by the closed loop characteristic of the integrated methodology. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Development and evolution of a balanced scorecard in primary health care: Lessons learned].

PubMed

Bartolomé-Benito, E; Jiménez-Carramiñana, J; Sánchez-Perruca, L; Bartolomé-Casado, M S; Dominguez-Mandueño, A B; Marti-Argandoña, M; Hernández-Pascual, M; Miquel-Gómez, A

To describe the design, implementation, and monitoring of eSOAP (Primary Health Care Balanced Scorecard) and its role in the deployment of strategic objectives and clinical management, as well as to show the lessons learned during six years of follow-up. Descriptive study areas: methodology (conceptual framework, strategic matrix, strategic map, and processes map), technology and standardisation. As of December 2014, 9,046 (78%) professionals are registered in eSOAP. A total of 381 indicators were measured from 16 data sources, of which 36% were of results (EFQM model), 39.1% of clinical management, and 20% were included in the Program Centre Contract. The Balanced Scorecard has enabled to deploy all strategic lines of Primary Health Care, and has enabled the healthcare professionals to evaluate the evolution of results over time, and at patient level (e.g. 16% increase in control of diabetic patients). A total of 295,779 reports were generated and 13,080 professionals were evaluated by goals. There was an increased use of the eSOAP application by the professionals. The Balanced Scorecard was the key in deploying Primary Health Care strategies. It has helped clinical management and improved relevant indicators (health, patient experience, and costs), such as the management models that we used as references (EFQM Kaplan and Norton), and new emerging scenarios (Triple aim). Copyright © 2016 SECA. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Applications of AN OO Methodology and Case to a Daq System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bee, C. P.; Eshghi, S.; Jones, R.; Kolos, S.; Magherini, C.; Maidantchik, C.; Mapelli, L.; Mornacchi, G.; Niculescu, M.; Patel, A.; Prigent, D.; Spiwoks, R.; Soloviev, I.; Caprini, M.; Duval, P. Y.; Etienne, F.; Ferrato, D.; Le van Suu, A.; Qian, Z.; Gaponenko, I.; Merzliakov, Y.; Ambrosini, G.; Ferrari, R.; Fumagalli, G.; Polesello, G.

The RD13 project has evaluated the use of the Object Oriented Information Engineering (OOIE) method during the development of several software components connected to the DAQ system. The method is supported by a sophisticated commercial CASE tool (Object Management Workbench) and programming environment (Kappa) which covers the full life-cycle of the software including model simulation, code generation and application deployment. This paper gives an overview of the method, CASE tool, DAQ components which have been developed and we relate our experiences with the method and tool, its integration into our development environment and the spiral lifecycle it supports.

Towards Citizen Co-Created Public Service Apps.

PubMed

Emaldi, Mikel; Aguilera, Unai; López-de-Ipiña, Diego; Pérez-Velasco, Jorge

2017-06-02

WeLive project's main objective is about transforming the current e-government approach by providing a new paradigm based on a new open model oriented towards the design, production and deployment of public services and mobile apps based on the collaboration of different stakeholders. These stakeholders form the quadruple helix, i.e., citizens, private companies, research institutes and public administrations. Through the application of open innovation, open data and open services paradigms, the framework developed within the WeLive project enables the co-creation of urban apps. In this paper, we extend the description of the WeLive platform presented at , plus the preliminary results of the first pilot phase. The two-phase evaluation methodology designed and the evaluation results of first pilot sub-phase are also presented.

Polarization variations in installed fibers and their influence on quantum key distribution systems.

PubMed

Ding, Yu-Yang; Chen, Hua; Wang, Shuang; He, De-Yong; Yin, Zhen-Qiang; Chen, Wei; Zhou, Zheng; Guo, Guang-Can; Han, Zheng-Fu

2017-10-30

Polarization variations in the installed fibers are complex and volatile, and would severely affect the performances of polarization-sensitive quantum key distribution (QKD) systems. Based on the recorded data about polarization variations of different installed fibers, we establish an analytical methodology to quantitatively evaluate the influence of polarization variations on polarization-sensitive QKD systems. Using the increased quantum bit error rate induced by polarization variations as a key criteria, we propose two parameters - polarization drift time and required tracking speed - to characterize polarization variations. For field buried and aerial fibers with different length, we quantitatively evaluate the influence of polarization variations, and also provide requirements and suggestions for polarization basis alignment modules of QKD systems deployed in different kind of fibers.

Promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency in Africa: a framework to evaluate employment generation and cost effectiveness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cantore, Nicola; Nussbaumer, Patrick; Wei, Max; Kammen, Daniel M.

2017-03-01

The ongoing debate over the cost-effectiveness of renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE) deployment often hinges on the current cost of incumbent fossil-fuel technologies versus the long-term benefit of clean energy alternatives. This debate is often focused on mature or ‘industrialized’ economies and externalities such as job creation. In many ways, however, the situation in developing economies is at least as or even more interesting due to the generally faster current rate of economic growth and of infrastructure deployment. On the one hand, RE and EE could help decarbonize economies in developing countries, but on the other hand, higher upfront costs of RE and EE could hamper short-term growth. The methodology developed in this paper confirms the existence of this trade-off for some scenarios, yet at the same time provides considerable evidence about the positive impact of EE and RE from a job creation and employment perspective. By extending and adopting a methodology for Africa designed to calculate employment from electricity generation in the U.S., this study finds that energy savings and the conversion of the electricity supply mix to renewable energy generates employment compared to a reference scenario. It also concludes that the costs per additional job created tend to decrease with increasing levels of both EE adoption and RE shares.

Cross-sectional neck response of a total human body FE model during simulated frontal and side automobile impacts.

PubMed

White, Nicholas A; Moreno, Daniel P; Gayzik, F Scott; Stitzel, Joel D

2015-01-01

Human body finite element (FE) models are beginning to play a more prevalent role in the advancement of automotive safety. A methodology has been developed to evaluate neck response at multiple levels in a human body FE model during simulated automotive impacts. Three different impact scenarios were simulated: a frontal impact of a belted driver with airbag deployment, a frontal impact of a belted passenger without airbag deployment and an unbelted side impact sled test. Cross sections were created at each vertebral level of the cervical spine to calculate the force and moment contributions of different anatomical components of the neck. Adjacent level axial force ratios varied between 0.74 and 1.11 and adjacent level bending moment ratios between 0.55 and 1.15. The present technique is ideal for comparing neck forces and moments to existing injury threshold values, calculating injury criteria and for better understanding the biomechanical mechanisms of neck injury and load sharing during sub-injurious and injurious loading.

The Crisis Map of the Czech Republic: the nationwide deployment of an Ushahidi application for disasters.

PubMed

Pánek, Jiří; Marek, Lukáš; Pászto, Vít; Valůch, Jaroslav

2017-10-01

Crisis mapping is a legitimate component of both crisis informatics and disaster risk management. It has become an effective tool for humanitarian workers, especially after the earthquake in Haiti in 2010. Ushahidi is among the many mapping platforms on offer in the growing field of crisis mapping, and involves the application of crowdsourcing to create online and interactive maps of areas in turmoil. This paper presents the Crisis Map of the Czech Republic, which is the first such instrument to be deployed nationwide in Central Europe. It describes the methodologies used in the preparatory work phase and details some practices identified during the creation and actual employment of the map. In addition, the paper assesses its structure and technological architecture, as well as its potential possible development in the future. Lastly, it evaluates the utilisation of the Crisis Map during the floods in the Czech Republic in 2013. © 2017 The Author(s). Disasters © Overseas Development Institute, 2017.

The Role of Simulation in the Design of a Semi-Enclosed Tubular Embolus Retrieval

PubMed Central

Gu, Xuelian; Qi, Yongxiang; Erdman, Arthur; Li, Zhonghua

2017-01-01

A numerical analysis of a semi-enclosed tubular mechanical embolus retrieval device (MERD) for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is presented. In this research, the finite element analysis (FEA) methodology is used to evaluate mechanical performance and provide suggestions for optimizing the geometric design. A MERD fabricated from nickel–titanium alloy (Nitinol) tubing is simulated and analyzed under complex in vivo loading conditions involving shape-setting, crimping, deployment, and embolus retrieval. As a result, the peak strain of the shape-setting procedure is proved to be safe for the device pattern. However, the MERD shows poor mechanical behavior after crimping into a catheter, because the peak crimping strain obtains a value of 12.1%. The delivery and deployment step demonstrates that the artery wall has little risk of serious injuries or rupture. In addition, the process of simulation of embolus retrieval and device system migration inside the cerebral artery lumen provides useful information during the design process. PMID:28690710

Soil Moisture Content Estimation Based on Sentinel-1 and Auxiliary Earth Observation Products. A Hydrological Approach

PubMed Central

Alexakis, Dimitrios D.; Mexis, Filippos-Dimitrios K.; Vozinaki, Anthi-Eirini K.; Daliakopoulos, Ioannis N.; Tsanis, Ioannis K.

2017-01-01

A methodology for elaborating multi-temporal Sentinel-1 and Landsat 8 satellite images for estimating topsoil Soil Moisture Content (SMC) to support hydrological simulation studies is proposed. After pre-processing the remote sensing data, backscattering coefficient, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), thermal infrared temperature and incidence angle parameters are assessed for their potential to infer ground measurements of SMC, collected at the top 5 cm. A non-linear approach using Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) is tested. The methodology is applied in Western Crete, Greece, where a SMC gauge network was deployed during 2015. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated using leave-one-out cross validation and sensitivity analysis. ANNs prove to be the most efficient in SMC estimation yielding R2 values between 0.7 and 0.9. The proposed methodology is used to support a hydrological simulation with the HEC-HMS model, applied at the Keramianos basin which is ungauged for SMC. Results and model sensitivity highlight the contribution of combining Sentinel-1 SAR and Landsat 8 images for improving SMC estimates and supporting hydrological studies. PMID:28635625

Soil Moisture Content Estimation Based on Sentinel-1 and Auxiliary Earth Observation Products. A Hydrological Approach.

PubMed

Alexakis, Dimitrios D; Mexis, Filippos-Dimitrios K; Vozinaki, Anthi-Eirini K; Daliakopoulos, Ioannis N; Tsanis, Ioannis K

2017-06-21

A methodology for elaborating multi-temporal Sentinel-1 and Landsat 8 satellite images for estimating topsoil Soil Moisture Content (SMC) to support hydrological simulation studies is proposed. After pre-processing the remote sensing data, backscattering coefficient, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), thermal infrared temperature and incidence angle parameters are assessed for their potential to infer ground measurements of SMC, collected at the top 5 cm. A non-linear approach using Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) is tested. The methodology is applied in Western Crete, Greece, where a SMC gauge network was deployed during 2015. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated using leave-one-out cross validation and sensitivity analysis. ANNs prove to be the most efficient in SMC estimation yielding R² values between 0.7 and 0.9. The proposed methodology is used to support a hydrological simulation with the HEC-HMS model, applied at the Keramianos basin which is ungauged for SMC. Results and model sensitivity highlight the contribution of combining Sentinel-1 SAR and Landsat 8 images for improving SMC estimates and supporting hydrological studies.

Integrating Kano’s Model into Quality Function Deployment for Product Design: A Comprehensive Review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ginting, Rosnani; Hidayati, Juliza; Siregar, Ikhsan

2018-03-01

Many methods and techniques are adopted by some companies to improve the competitiveness through the fulfillment of customer satisfaction by enhancement and improvement the product design quality. Over the past few years, several researcher have studied extensively combining Quality Function Deployment and Kano’s model as design techniques by focusing on translating consumer desires into a product design. This paper presents a review and analysis of several literatures that associated to the integration methodology of Kano into the QFD process. Various of international journal articles were selected, collected and analyzed through a number of relevant scientific publications. In-depth analysis was performed, and focused in this paper on the results, advantages and drawbacks of its methodology. In addition, this paper also provides the analysis that acquired in this study related to the development of the methodology. It is hopedd this paper can be a reference for other researchers and manufacturing companies to implement the integration method of QFD- Kano for product design.

Design Validation Methodology Development for an Aircraft Sensor Deployment System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wowczuk, Zenovy S.

The OCULUS 1.0 Sensor Deployment concept design, was developed in 2004 at West Virginia University (WVU), outlined the general concept of a deployment system to be used on a C-130 aircraft. As a sequel, a new system, OCULUS 1.1, has been developed and designed. The new system transfers the concept system design to a safety of flight design, and also enhanced to a pre-production system to be used as the test bed to gain full military certification approval. The OCULUS 1.1 system has an implemented standard deployment system/procedure to go along with a design suited for military certification and implementation. This design process included analysis of the system's critical components and the generation of a critical component holistic model to be used as an analysis tool for future payload modification made to the system. Following the completion of the OCULUS 1.1 design, preparations and procedures for obtaining military airworthiness certification are described. The airworthiness process includes working with the agency overseeing all modifications to the normal operating procedures made to military C-130 aircraft and preparing the system for an experimental flight test. The critical steps in his process include developing a complete documentation package that details the analysis performed on the OCULUS 1.1 system and also the design of experiment flight test plan to analyze the system. Following the approval of the documentation and design of experiment an experimental flight test of the OCULUS 1.1 system was performed to verify the safety and airworthiness of the system. This test proved successfully that the OCULUS 1.1 system design was airworthy and approved for military use. The OCULUS 1.1 deployment system offers an open architecture design that is ideal for use as a sensor testing platform for developmental airborne sensors. The system's patented deployment methodology presents a simplistic approach to reaching the systems final operating position which offers the most robust field of view area of rear ramp deployment systems.

Preliminary design method for deployable spacecraft beams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mikulas, Martin M., Jr.; Cassapakis, Costas

1995-01-01

There is currently considerable interest in low-cost, lightweight, compactly packageable deployable elements for various future missions involving small spacecraft. These elements must also have a simple and reliable deployment scheme and possess zero or very small free-play. Although most small spacecraft do not experience large disturbances, very low stiffness appendages or free-play can couple with even small disturbances and lead to unacceptably large attitude errors which may involve the introduction of a flexible-body control system. A class of structures referred to as 'rigidized structures' offers significant promise in providing deployable elements that will meet these needs for small spacecraft. The purpose of this paper is to introduce several rigidizable concepts and to develop a design methodology which permits a rational comparison of these elements to be made with alternate concepts.

Emerging technologies for the changing global market

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cruit, Wendy; Schutzenhofer, Scott; Goldberg, Ben; Everhart, Kurt

1993-01-01

This project served to define an appropriate methodology for effective prioritization of technology efforts required to develop replacement technologies mandated by imposed and forecast legislation. The methodology used is a semi-quantative approach derived from quality function deployment techniques (QFD Matrix). This methodology aims to weight the full environmental, cost, safety, reliability, and programmatic implications of replacement technology development to allow appropriate identification of viable candidates and programmatic alternatives. The results will be implemented as a guideline for consideration for current NASA propulsion systems.

Optimized planning methodologies of ASON implementation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Michael M.; Tamil, Lakshman S.

2005-02-01

Advanced network planning concerns effective network-resource allocation for dynamic and open business environment. Planning methodologies of ASON implementation based on qualitative analysis and mathematical modeling are presented in this paper. The methodology includes method of rationalizing technology and architecture, building network and nodal models, and developing dynamic programming for multi-period deployment. The multi-layered nodal architecture proposed here can accommodate various nodal configurations for a multi-plane optical network and the network modeling presented here computes the required network elements for optimizing resource allocation.

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

Ward, Lee H.; Laros, James H., III

This paper describes a methodology for implementing disk-less cluster systems using the Network File System (NFS) that scales to thousands of nodes. This method has been successfully deployed and is currently in use on several production systems at Sandia National Labs. This paper will outline our methodology and implementation, discuss hardware and software considerations in detail and present cluster configurations with performance numbers for various management operations like booting.

A Methodology to Evaluate Ecological Resources and Risk Using Two Case Studies at the Department of Energy's Hanford Site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burger, Joanna; Gochfeld, Michael; Bunn, Amoret; Downs, Janelle; Jeitner, Christian; Pittfield, Taryn; Salisbury, Jennifer; Kosson, David

2017-03-01

An assessment of the potential risks to ecological resources from remediation activities or other perturbations should involve a quantitative evaluation of resources on the remediation site and in the surrounding environment. We developed a risk methodology to rapidly evaluate potential impact on ecological resources for the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Site in southcentral Washington State. We describe the application of the risk evaluation for two case studies to illustrate its applicability. The ecological assessment involves examining previous sources of information for the site, defining different resource levels from 0 to 5. We also developed a risk rating scale from non-discernable to very high. Field assessment is the critical step to determine resource levels or to determine if current conditions are the same as previously evaluated. We provide a rapid assessment method for current ecological conditions that can be compared to previous site-specific data, or that can be used to assess resource value on other sites where ecological information is not generally available. The method is applicable to other Department of Energy's sites, where its development may involve a range of state regulators, resource trustees, Tribes and other stakeholders. Achieving consistency across Department of Energy's sites for valuation of ecological resources on remediation sites will assure Congress and the public that funds and personnel are being deployed appropriately.

A Methodology to Evaluate Ecological Resources and Risk Using Two Case Studies at the Department of Energy's Hanford Site.

PubMed

Burger, Joanna; Gochfeld, Michael; Bunn, Amoret; Downs, Janelle; Jeitner, Christian; Pittfield, Taryn; Salisbury, Jennifer; Kosson, David

2017-03-01

An assessment of the potential risks to ecological resources from remediation activities or other perturbations should involve a quantitative evaluation of resources on the remediation site and in the surrounding environment. We developed a risk methodology to rapidly evaluate potential impact on ecological resources for the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Site in southcentral Washington State. We describe the application of the risk evaluation for two case studies to illustrate its applicability. The ecological assessment involves examining previous sources of information for the site, defining different resource levels from 0 to 5. We also developed a risk rating scale from non-discernable to very high. Field assessment is the critical step to determine resource levels or to determine if current conditions are the same as previously evaluated. We provide a rapid assessment method for current ecological conditions that can be compared to previous site-specific data, or that can be used to assess resource value on other sites where ecological information is not generally available. The method is applicable to other Department of Energy's sites, where its development may involve a range of state regulators, resource trustees, Tribes and other stakeholders. Achieving consistency across Department of Energy's sites for valuation of ecological resources on remediation sites will assure Congress and the public that funds and personnel are being deployed appropriately.

Towards Citizen Co-Created Public Service Apps †

PubMed Central

Emaldi, Mikel; Aguilera, Unai; López-de-Ipiña, Diego; Pérez-Velasco, Jorge

2017-01-01

WeLive project’s main objective is about transforming the current e-government approach by providing a new paradigm based on a new open model oriented towards the design, production and deployment of public services and mobile apps based on the collaboration of different stakeholders. These stakeholders form the quadruple helix, i.e., citizens, private companies, research institutes and public administrations. Through the application of open innovation, open data and open services paradigms, the framework developed within the WeLive project enables the co-creation of urban apps. In this paper, we extend the description of the WeLive platform presented at , plus the preliminary results of the first pilot phase. The two-phase evaluation methodology designed and the evaluation results of first pilot sub-phase are also presented. PMID:28574460

No Effect of Insecticide Treated Curtain Deployment on Aedes Infestation in a Cluster Randomized Trial in a Setting of Low Dengue Transmission in Guantanamo, Cuba

PubMed Central

Lambert, Isora; Montada, Domingo; Baly, Alberto; Van der Stuyft, Patrick

2015-01-01

Objective & Methodology The current study evaluated the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Insecticide Treated Curtain (ITC) deployment for reducing dengue vector infestation levels in the Cuban context with intensive routine control activities. A cluster randomized controlled trial took place in Guantanamo city, east Cuba. Twelve neighborhoods (about 500 households each) were selected among the ones with the highest Aedes infestation levels in the previous two years, and were randomly allocated to the intervention and control arms. Long lasting ITC (PermaNet) were distributed in the intervention clusters in March 2009. Routine control activities were continued in the whole study area. In both study arms, we monitored monthly pre- and post-intervention House Index (HI, number of houses with at least 1 container with Aedes immature stages/100 houses inspected), during 12 and 18 months respectively. We evaluated the effect of ITC deployment on HI by fitting a generalized linear regression model with a negative binomial link function to these data. Principal Findings At distribution, the ITC coverage (% of households using ≥1 ITC) reached 98.4%, with a median of 3 ITC distributed/household. After 18 months, the coverage remained 97.4%. The local Aedes species was susceptible to deltamethrin (mosquito mortality rate of 99.7%) and the residual deltamethrin activity in the ITC was within acceptable levels (mosquito mortality rate of 73.1%) after one year of curtain use. Over the 18 month observation period after ITC distribution, the adjusted HI rate ratio, intervention versus control clusters, was 1.15 (95% CI 0.57 to 2.34). The annualized cost per household of ITC implementation was 3.8 USD, against 16.8 USD for all routine ACP activities. Conclusion Deployment of ITC in a setting with already intensive routine Aedes control actions does not lead to reductions in Aedes infestation levels. PMID:25794192

iFlorida model deployment final evaluation report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-01-01

This document is the final report for the evaluation of the USDOT-sponsored Surface Transportation Security and Reliability Information System Model Deployment, or iFlorida Model Deployment. This report discusses findings in the following areas: ITS ...

iFlorida model deployment final evaluation report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-01-01

This document is the final report for the evaluation of the USDOT-sponsored Surface Transportation Security and Reliability Information System Model Deployment, or iFlorida Model Deployment. This report discusses findings in the following areas: ITS ...

PROOF OF CONCEPT FOR A HUMAN RELIABILITY ANALYSIS METHOD FOR HEURISTIC USABILITY EVALUATION OF SOFTWARE

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

Ronald L. Boring; David I. Gertman; Jeffrey C. Joe

2005-09-01

An ongoing issue within human-computer interaction (HCI) is the need for simplified or “discount” methods. The current economic slowdown has necessitated innovative methods that are results driven and cost effective. The myriad methods of design and usability are currently being cost-justified, and new techniques are actively being explored that meet current budgets and needs. Recent efforts in human reliability analysis (HRA) are highlighted by the ten-year development of the Standardized Plant Analysis Risk HRA (SPAR-H) method. The SPAR-H method has been used primarily for determining humancentered risk at nuclear power plants. The SPAR-H method, however, shares task analysis underpinnings withmore » HCI. Despite this methodological overlap, there is currently no HRA approach deployed in heuristic usability evaluation. This paper presents an extension of the existing SPAR-H method to be used as part of heuristic usability evaluation in HCI.« less

Evaluating Discovery Services Architectures in the Context of the Internet of Things

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polytarchos, Elias; Eliakis, Stelios; Bochtis, Dimitris; Pramatari, Katerina

As the "Internet of Things" is expected to grow rapidly in the following years, the need to develop and deploy efficient and scalable Discovery Services in this context is very important for its success. Thus, the ability to evaluate and compare the performance of different Discovery Services architectures is vital if we want to allege that a given design is better at meeting requirements of a specific application. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a paradigm for the evaluation of different Discovery Services for the Internet of Things in terms of efficiency, scalability and performance through the use of simulations. The methodology presented uses the application of Discovery Services to a supply chain with the Service Lookup Service Discovery Service using OMNeT++, an open source network simulation suite. Then, we delve into the simulation design and the details of our findings.

Seamless Learning in the Mobile Age: A Theoretical and Methodological Discussion on Using Cooperative Inquiry to Study Digital Kids On-the-Move

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Toh, Yancy; So, Hyo-Jeong; Seow, Peter; Chen, Wenli; Looi, Chee-Kit

2013-01-01

This paper shares the theoretical and methodological frameworks that are deployed in a 3-year study to examine how Singapore primary school students leverage on mobile technology for seamless learning. This notion of seamless learning refers to the integrated and synergistic effects of learning in both formal and informal settings, which is…

Methodology for fleet deployment decisions. Final report

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

Stremel, J.; Matousek, M.

1995-01-01

In today`s more competitive energy market, selecting investment and operating plans for a generating system, specific plants, and major plant components is becoming increasingly critical and complex. As utilities consider off-system sales, the key factor for fleet deployment decisions is no longer simply minimizing revenue requirements. Rather, system-level value dominates. This is a measure that can be difficult to determine in the context of traditional decision making methods. Selecting the best fleet deployment option requires the ability to account for multiple sources of value under uncertain conditions for multiple utility stakeholders. The object of this paper was to develope andmore » test an approach for assessing the system-wide value of alternative fleet deployment decisions. This was done, and the approach was tested at Consolidated Edison and at Central Illinois Public Service Company.« less

An intelligent training system for space shuttle flight controllers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loftin, R. Bowen; Wang, Lui; Baffes, Paul; Hua, Grace

1988-01-01

An autonomous intelligent training system which integrates expert system technology with training/teaching methodologies is described. The system was designed to train Mission Control Center (MCC) Flight Dynamics Officers (FDOs) to deploy a certain type of satellite from the Space Shuttle. The Payload-assist module Deploys/Intelligent Computer-Aided Training (PD/ICAT) system consists of five components: a user interface, a domain expert, a training session manager, a trainee model, and a training scenario generator. The interface provides the trainee with information of the characteristics of the current training session and with on-line help. The domain expert (DeplEx for Deploy Expert) contains the rules and procedural knowledge needed by the FDO to carry out the satellite deploy. The DeplEx also contains mal-rules which permit the identification and diagnosis of common errors made by the trainee. The training session manager (TSM) examines the actions of the trainee and compares them with the actions of DeplEx in order to determine appropriate responses. A trainee model is developed for each individual using the system. The model includes a history of the trainee's interactions with the training system and provides evaluative data on the trainee's current skill level. A training scenario generator (TSG) designs appropriate training exercises for each trainee based on the trainee model and the training goals. All of the expert system components of PD/ICAT communicate via a common blackboard. The PD/ICAT is currently being tested. Ultimately, this project will serve as a vehicle for developing a general architecture for intelligent training systems together with a software environment for creating such systems.

An intelligent training system for space shuttle flight controllers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loftin, R. Bowen; Wang, Lui; Baffles, Paul; Hua, Grace

1988-01-01

An autonomous intelligent training system which integrates expert system technology with training/teaching methodologies is described. The system was designed to train Mission Control Center (MCC) Flight Dynamics Officers (FDOs) to deploy a certain type of satellite from the Space Shuttle. The Payload-assist module Deploys/Intelligent Computer-Aided Training (PD/ICAT) system consists of five components: a user interface, a domain expert, a training session manager, a trainee model, and a training scenario generator. The interface provides the trainee with information of the characteristics of the current training session and with on-line help. The domain expert (Dep1Ex for Deploy Expert) contains the rules and procedural knowledge needed by the FDO to carry out the satellite deploy. The Dep1Ex also contains mal-rules which permit the identification and diagnosis of common errors made by the trainee. The training session manager (TSM) examines the actions of the trainee and compares them with the actions of Dep1Ex in order to determine appropriate responses. A trainee model is developed for each individual using the system. The model includes a history of the trainee's interactions with the training system and provides evaluative data on the trainee's current skill level. A training scenario generator (TSG) designs appropriate training exercises for each trainee based on the trainee model and the training goals. All of the expert system components of PD/ICAT communicate via a common blackboard. The PD/ICAT is currently being tested. Ultimately, this project will serve as a vehicle for developing a general architecture for intelligent training systems together with a software environment for creating such systems.

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

Zack, J; Natenberg, E J; Knowe, G V

The overall goal of this multi-phased research project known as WindSENSE is to develop an observation system deployment strategy that would improve wind power generation forecasts. The objective of the deployment strategy is to produce the maximum benefit for 1- to 6-hour ahead forecasts of wind speed at hub-height ({approx}80 m). In this phase of the project the focus is on the Mid-Columbia Basin region, which encompasses the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) wind generation area (Figure 1) that includes the Klondike, Stateline, and Hopkins Ridge wind plants. There are two tasks in the current project effort designed to validate themore » Ensemble Sensitivity Analysis (ESA) observational system deployment approach in order to move closer to the overall goal: (1) Perform an Observing System Experiment (OSE) using a data denial approach. The results of this task are presented in a separate report. (2) Conduct a set of Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSE) for the Mid-Colombia basin region. This report presents the results of the OSSE task. The specific objective is to test strategies for future deployment of observing systems in order to suggest the best and most efficient ways to improve wind forecasting at BPA wind farm locations. OSSEs have been used for many years in meteorology to evaluate the potential impact of proposed observing systems, determine tradeoffs in instrument design, and study the most effective data assimilation methodologies to incorporate the new observations into numerical weather prediction (NWP) models (Atlas 1997; Lord 1997). For this project, a series of OSSEs will allow consideration of the impact of new observing systems of various types and in various locations.« less

Feasibility Assessment of ITS Deployment Analysis System (IDAS) for ITS Evaluation

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-12-01

This study investigated the feasibility of utilizing the ITS Deployment Analysis System (IDAS) program version 2.2 as a tool for evaluating Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) deployment plans. Firstly, an online survey was conducted among metro...

Metropolitan Model Deployment Initiative : San Antonio evaluation report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-05-01

This report presents results from the evaluation of the San Antonio Texas Metropolitan Model Deployment Initiative (MMDI). The MMDI had six key goals directed at improving existing services and deploying new services. The goals were directed at: 1) e...

Understanding the rates of nonpolar organic chemical accumulation into passive samplers deployed in the environment: Guidance for passive sampler deployments.

PubMed

Apell, Jennifer N; Tcaciuc, A Patricia; Gschwend, Philip M

2016-07-01

Polymeric passive samplers have become a common method for estimating freely dissolved concentrations in environmental media. However, this approach has not yet been adopted by investigators conducting remedial investigations of contaminated environmental sites. Successful adoption of this sampling methodology relies on an understanding of how passive samplers accumulate chemical mass as well as developing guidance for the design and deployment of passive samplers. Herein, we outline the development of a simple mathematical relationship of the environmental, polymer, and chemical properties that control the uptake rate. This relationship, called a timescale, is then used to illustrate how each property controls the rate of equilibration in samplers deployed in the water or in the sediment. Guidance is also given on how to use the timescales to select an appropriate polymer, deployment time, and suite of performance reference compounds. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:486-492. © 2015 SETAC. © 2015 SETAC.

Applying scrum methods to ITS projects.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-08-01

The introduction of new technology generally brings new challenges and new methods to help with deployments. Agile methodologies have been introduced in the information technology industry to potentially speed up development. The Federal Highway Admi...

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

Prod'homme, A.; Drouvot, O.; Gregory, J.

In 2009, Savannah River Remediation LLC (SRR) assumed the management lead of the Liquid Waste (LW) Program at the Savannah River Site (SRS). The four SRR partners and AREVA, as an integrated subcontractor are performing the ongoing effort to safely and reliably: - Close High Level Waste (HLW) storage tanks; - Maximize waste throughput at the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF); - Process salt waste into stable final waste form; - Manage the HLW liquid waste material stored at SRS. As part of these initiatives, SRR and AREVA deployed a performance management methodology based on Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) atmore » the DWPF in order to support the required production increase. This project took advantage of lessons learned by AREVA through the deployment of Total Productive Maintenance and Visual Management methodologies at the La Hague reprocessing facility in France. The project also took advantage of measurement data collected from different steps of the DWPF process by the SRR team (Melter Engineering, Chemical Process Engineering, Laboratory Operations, Plant Operations). Today the SRR team has a standard method for measuring processing time throughout the facility, a reliable source of objective data for use in decision-making at all levels, and a better balance between engineering department goals and operational goals. Preliminary results show that the deployment of this performance management methodology to the LW program at SRS has already significantly contributed to the DWPF throughput increases and is being deployed in the Saltstone facility. As part of the liquid waste program on Savannah River Site, SRR committed to enhance production throughput of DWPF. Beyond technical modifications implemented at different location of the facility, SRR deployed performance management methodology based on OEE metrics. The implementation benefited from the experience gained by AREVA in its own facilities in France. OEE proved to be a valuable tool in order to support the enhancement program in DWPF by providing unified metrics to measure plant performances, identify bottleneck location, and rank the most time consuming causes from objective data shared between the different groups belonging to the organization. Beyond OEE, the Visual Management tool adapted from the one used at La Hague were also provided in order to further enhance communication within the operating teams. As a result of all the initiatives implemented on DWPF, achieved production has been increased to record rates from FY10 to FY11. It is expected that thanks to the performance management tools now available within DWPF, these results will be sustained and even improved in the future to meet system plan targets. (authors)« less

Model-driven methodology for rapid deployment of smart spaces based on resource-oriented architectures.

PubMed

Corredor, Iván; Bernardos, Ana M; Iglesias, Josué; Casar, José R

2012-01-01

Advances in electronics nowadays facilitate the design of smart spaces based on physical mash-ups of sensor and actuator devices. At the same time, software paradigms such as Internet of Things (IoT) and Web of Things (WoT) are motivating the creation of technology to support the development and deployment of web-enabled embedded sensor and actuator devices with two major objectives: (i) to integrate sensing and actuating functionalities into everyday objects, and (ii) to easily allow a diversity of devices to plug into the Internet. Currently, developers who are applying this Internet-oriented approach need to have solid understanding about specific platforms and web technologies. In order to alleviate this development process, this research proposes a Resource-Oriented and Ontology-Driven Development (ROOD) methodology based on the Model Driven Architecture (MDA). This methodology aims at enabling the development of smart spaces through a set of modeling tools and semantic technologies that support the definition of the smart space and the automatic generation of code at hardware level. ROOD feasibility is demonstrated by building an adaptive health monitoring service for a Smart Gym.

Cognitive Networking With Regards to NASA's Space Communication and Navigation Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ivancic, William D.; Paulsen, Phillip E.; Vaden, Karl R.; Ponchak, Denise S.

2013-01-01

This report describes cognitive networking (CN) and its application to NASA's Space Communication and Networking (SCaN) Program. This report clarifies the terminology and framework of CN and provides some examples of cognitive systems. It then provides a methodology for developing and deploying CN techniques and technologies. Finally, the report attempts to answer specific questions regarding how CN could benefit SCaN. It also describes SCaN's current and target networks and proposes places where cognition could be deployed.

Architectures and methodologies for future deployment of multi-site Zettabyte-Exascale data handling platforms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acín, V.; Bird, I.; Boccali, T.; Cancio, G.; Collier, I. P.; Corney, D.; Delaunay, B.; Delfino, M.; dell'Agnello, L.; Flix, J.; Fuhrmann, P.; Gasthuber, M.; Gülzow, V.; Heiss, A.; Lamanna, G.; Macchi, P.-E.; Maggi, M.; Matthews, B.; Neissner, C.; Nief, J.-Y.; Porto, M. C.; Sansum, A.; Schulz, M.; Shiers, J.

2015-12-01

Several scientific fields, including Astrophysics, Astroparticle Physics, Cosmology, Nuclear and Particle Physics, and Research with Photons, are estimating that by the 2020 decade they will require data handling systems with data volumes approaching the Zettabyte distributed amongst as many as 1018 individually addressable data objects (Zettabyte-Exascale systems). It may be convenient or necessary to deploy such systems using multiple physical sites. This paper describes the findings of a working group composed of experts from several

Post-deployment usability evaluation of a radiology workstation.

PubMed

Jorritsma, Wiard; Cnossen, Fokie; Dierckx, Rudi A; Oudkerk, Matthijs; Van Ooijen, Peter M A

2016-01-01

To determine the number, nature and severity of usability issues radiologists encounter while using a commercially available radiology workstation in clinical practice, and to assess how well the results of a pre-deployment usability evaluation of this workstation generalize to clinical practice. The usability evaluation consisted of semi-structured interviews and observations of twelve users using the workstation during their daily work. Usability issues and positive usability findings were documented. Each issue was given a severity rating and its root cause was determined. Results were compared to the results of a pre-deployment usability evaluation of the same workstation. Ninety-two usability issues were identified, ranging from issues that cause minor frustration or delay, to issues that cause significant delays, prevent users from completing tasks, or even pose a potential threat to patient safety. The results of the pre-deployment usability evaluation had limited generalizability to clinical practice. This study showed that radiologists encountered a large number and a wide variety of usability issues when using a commercially available radiology workstation in clinical practice. This underlines the need for effective usability engineering in radiology. Given the limitations of pre-deployment usability evaluation in radiology, which were confirmed by our finding that the results of a pre-deployment usability evaluation of this workstation had limited generalizability to clinical practice, it is vital that radiology workstation vendors devote significant resources to usability engineering efforts before deployment of their workstation, and to continue these efforts after the workstation is deployed in a hospital. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Defining the "proven technology" technical criterion in the reactor technology assessment for Malaysia's nuclear power program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anuar, Nuraslinda; Kahar, Wan Shakirah Wan Abdul; Manan, Jamal Abdul Nasir Abd

2015-04-01

Developing countries that are considering the deployment of nuclear power plants (NPPs) in the near future need to perform reactor technology assessment (RTA) in order to select the most suitable reactor design. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported in the Common User Considerations (CUC) document that "proven technology" is one of the most important technical criteria for newcomer countries in performing the RTA. The qualitative description of five desired features for "proven technology" is relatively broad and only provides a general guideline to its characterization. This paper proposes a methodology to define the "proven technology" term according to a specific country's requirements using a three-stage evaluation process. The first evaluation stage screens the available technologies in the market against a predefined minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) derived as a condition based on national needs and policy objectives. The result is a list of technology options, which are then assessed in the second evaluation stage against quantitative definitions of CUC desired features for proven technology. The potential technology candidates produced from this evaluation is further narrowed down to obtain a list of proven technology candidates by assessing them against selected risk criteria and the established maximum allowable total score using a scoring matrix. The outcome of this methodology is the proven technology candidates selected using an accurate definition of "proven technology" that fulfills the policy objectives, national needs and risk, and country-specific CUC desired features of the country that performs this assessment. A simplified assessment for Malaysia is carried out to demonstrate and suggest the use of the proposed methodology. In this exercise, ABWR, AP1000, APR1400 and EPR designs assumed the top-ranks of proven technology candidates according to Malaysia's definition of "proven technology".

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

Anuar, Nuraslinda, E-mail: nuraslinda@uniten.edu.my; Kahar, Wan Shakirah Wan Abdul, E-mail: shakirah@tnb.com.my; Manan, Jamal Abdul Nasir Abd

Developing countries that are considering the deployment of nuclear power plants (NPPs) in the near future need to perform reactor technology assessment (RTA) in order to select the most suitable reactor design. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported in the Common User Considerations (CUC) document that “proven technology” is one of the most important technical criteria for newcomer countries in performing the RTA. The qualitative description of five desired features for “proven technology” is relatively broad and only provides a general guideline to its characterization. This paper proposes a methodology to define the “proven technology” term according to amore » specific country’s requirements using a three-stage evaluation process. The first evaluation stage screens the available technologies in the market against a predefined minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) derived as a condition based on national needs and policy objectives. The result is a list of technology options, which are then assessed in the second evaluation stage against quantitative definitions of CUC desired features for proven technology. The potential technology candidates produced from this evaluation is further narrowed down to obtain a list of proven technology candidates by assessing them against selected risk criteria and the established maximum allowable total score using a scoring matrix. The outcome of this methodology is the proven technology candidates selected using an accurate definition of “proven technology” that fulfills the policy objectives, national needs and risk, and country-specific CUC desired features of the country that performs this assessment. A simplified assessment for Malaysia is carried out to demonstrate and suggest the use of the proposed methodology. In this exercise, ABWR, AP1000, APR1400 and EPR designs assumed the top-ranks of proven technology candidates according to Malaysia’s definition of “proven technology”.« less

Modeling Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure to Support Passenger Vehicles

DOE PAGES

Muratori, Matteo; Bush, Brian; Hunter, Chad; ...

2018-05-07

The year 2014 marked hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) first becoming commercially available in California, where significant investments are being made to promote the adoption of alternative transportation fuels. A refueling infrastructure network that guarantees adequate coverage and expands in line with vehicle sales is required for FCEVs to be successfully adopted by private customers. In this article, we provide an overview of modelling methodologies used to project hydrogen refueling infrastructure requirements to support FCEV adoption, and we describe, in detail, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's scenario evaluation and regionalization analysis (SERA) model. As an example, we use SERAmore » to explore two alternative scenarios of FCEV adoption: one in which FCEV deployment is limited to California and several major cities in the United States; and one in which FCEVs reach widespread adoption, becoming a major option as passenger vehicles across the entire country. Such scenarios can provide guidance and insights for efforts required to deploy the infrastructure supporting transition toward different levels of hydrogen use as a transportation fuel for passenger vehicles in the United States.« less

Modeling Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure to Support Passenger Vehicles

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

Muratori, Matteo; Bush, Brian; Hunter, Chad

The year 2014 marked hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) first becoming commercially available in California, where significant investments are being made to promote the adoption of alternative transportation fuels. A refueling infrastructure network that guarantees adequate coverage and expands in line with vehicle sales is required for FCEVs to be successfully adopted by private customers. In this article, we provide an overview of modelling methodologies used to project hydrogen refueling infrastructure requirements to support FCEV adoption, and we describe, in detail, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's scenario evaluation and regionalization analysis (SERA) model. As an example, we use SERAmore » to explore two alternative scenarios of FCEV adoption: one in which FCEV deployment is limited to California and several major cities in the United States; and one in which FCEVs reach widespread adoption, becoming a major option as passenger vehicles across the entire country. Such scenarios can provide guidance and insights for efforts required to deploy the infrastructure supporting transition toward different levels of hydrogen use as a transportation fuel for passenger vehicles in the United States.« less

Local evaluation for the Cumberland gap tunnel regional ITS deployment.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-12-01

This report is the local evaluation of an Intelligent Transportation System deployment for the Cumberland Gap Tunnel and U.S. 25E corridor in Tennessee and Kentucky. This report examines the planning for the deployment and the systems and components ...

Value-of-Solar Tariffs | State, Local, and Tribal Governments | NREL

Science.gov Websites

others may be included in VOS methodologies to calculate the VOS rate. Although analyses of distributed Studies: Second Edition. Rocky Mountain Institute. Deployment of Renewables to Support Regional Economic

Incorporating advanced EMI technologies in operational munitions characterization surveys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Jonathan S.; Shubiditze, Fridon; Pasion, Leonard; Schultz, Gregory; Chung, Heesoo

2011-06-01

The presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO), discarded military munitions (DMM), and munitions constituents (MC) at both active and formerly used defense sites (FUDS) has created a necessity for production-level efforts to remove these munitions and explosives of concern (MEC). Ordnance and explosives (OE) and UXO removal operations typically employ electromagnetic induction (EMI) or magnetometer surveys to identify potential MEC hazards in previously determined areas of interest. A major cost factor in these operations is the significant allocation of resources for the excavation of harmless objects associated with fragmentation, scrap, or geological clutter. Recent advances in classification and discrimination methodologies, as well as the development of sensor technologies that fully exploit physics-based analysis, have demonstrated promise for significantly reducing the false alarm rate due to MEC related clutter. This paper identifies some of the considerations for and the challenges associated with implementing these discrimination methodologies and advanced sensor technologies in production-level surveys. Specifically, we evaluate the implications of deploying an advanced multi-axis EMI sensor at a variety of MEC sites, the discrimination methodologies that leverage the data produced by this sensor, and the potential for productivity increase that could be realized by incorporating this advanced technology as part of production protocol.

Twitter-Based Detection of Illegal Online Sale of Prescription Opioid.

PubMed

Mackey, Tim K; Kalyanam, Janani; Katsuki, Takeo; Lanckriet, Gert

2017-12-01

To deploy a methodology accurately identifying tweets marketing the illegal online sale of controlled substances. We first collected tweets from the Twitter public application program interface stream filtered for prescription opioid keywords. We then used unsupervised machine learning (specifically, topic modeling) to identify topics associated with illegal online marketing and sales. Finally, we conducted Web forensic analyses to characterize different types of online vendors. We analyzed 619 937 tweets containing the keywords codeine, Percocet, fentanyl, Vicodin, Oxycontin, oxycodone, and hydrocodone over a 5-month period from June to November 2015. A total of 1778 tweets (< 1%) were identified as marketing the sale of controlled substances online; 90% had imbedded hyperlinks, but only 46 were "live" at the time of the evaluation. Seven distinct URLs linked to Web sites marketing or illegally selling controlled substances online. Our methodology can identify illegal online sale of prescription opioids from large volumes of tweets. Our results indicate that controlled substances are trafficked online via different strategies and vendors. Public Health Implications. Our methodology can be used to identify illegal online sellers in criminal violation of the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act.

A Methodology to Evaluate Ecological Resources and Risk Using Two Case Studies at the Department of Energy’s Hanford Site

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

Burger, Joanna; Gochfeld, Michael; Bunn, Amoret

An assessment of the potential risks to ecological resources from remediation activities or other perturbations should involve a quantitative evaluation of resources on the remediation site and in the surrounding environment. We developed a risk methodology to rapidly evaluate potential impact on ecological resources for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hanford Site in southcentral Washington State. We describe the application of the risk evaluation for two case studies to illustrate its applicability. The ecological assessment involves examining previous sources of information for the site, defining different resource levels from 0 to 5. We also developed a risk rating scale frommore » nondiscernable to very high. Field assessment is the critical step to determine resource levels or to determine if current conditions are the same as previously evaluated. We provide a rapid assessment method for current ecological conditions that can be compared to previous site-specific data, or that can be used to assess resource value on other sites where ecological information is not generally available. The method is applicable to other Department of Energy’s sites, where its development may involve a range of state regulators, resource trustees, Tribes and other stakeholders. Achieving consistency across Department of Energy’s sites for valuation of ecological resources on remediation sites will assure Congress and the public that funds and personnel are being deployed appropriately.« less

Note: Establishing α-particle radiation damage experiments using the Dalton Cumbrian Facility's 5 MV tandem pelletron.

PubMed

Bower, W R; Smith, A D; Pattrick, R A D; Pimblott, S M

2015-04-01

Evaluating the radiation stability of mineral phases is a vital research challenge when assessing the performance of the materials employed in a Geological Disposal Facility for radioactive waste. This report outlines the setup and methodology for efficiently allowing the determination of the dose dependence of damage to a mineral from a single ion irradiated sample. The technique has been deployed using the Dalton Cumbrian Facility's 5 MV tandem pelletron to irradiate a suite of minerals with a controlled α-particle ((4)He(2+)) beam. Such minerals are proxies for near-field clay based buffer material surrounding radioactive canisters, as well as the sorbent components of the host rock.

Note: Establishing α-particle radiation damage experiments using the Dalton Cumbrian Facility's 5 MV tandem pelletron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bower, W. R.; Smith, A. D.; Pattrick, R. A. D.; Pimblott, S. M.

2015-04-01

Evaluating the radiation stability of mineral phases is a vital research challenge when assessing the performance of the materials employed in a Geological Disposal Facility for radioactive waste. This report outlines the setup and methodology for efficiently allowing the determination of the dose dependence of damage to a mineral from a single ion irradiated sample. The technique has been deployed using the Dalton Cumbrian Facility's 5 MV tandem pelletron to irradiate a suite of minerals with a controlled α-particle (4He2+) beam. Such minerals are proxies for near-field clay based buffer material surrounding radioactive canisters, as well as the sorbent components of the host rock.

Application of quality function deployment in defense technology development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cornejo, Estrella De Maria Forster

1998-12-01

Introduction. As advances in aviation technology take place, the research community recognizes, and the operator demands that the progress in technology be integrated with the human component of the same, the aircrew. Integrative programs are primarily concerned with three sub-systems: the operator, the aircraft, and the cockpit. To accomplish their integration, a "dialogue" between the various disciplines addressing these aspects of the weapon system is indispensable. Such dialogue is theorized to be possible via Quality Function Deployment (QFD). QFD emphasizes an understanding of the relationships between the requirements of the aircrew and the technology the research and engineering community provides. In establishing these relationships, program management concerns such as need, applicability, affordability, and transition of the technology are addressed. Procedures. QFD was incorporated in a Performance Methodology (PMM). This methodology associates a particular technology's Measures of Performance (MOP) and the overall weapon system's Measures of Effectiveness (MOE) to which it is applied. Incorporation of QFD in the PMM was hypothesized to result in an improved PMM (Q-PMM) that would address both, the aircrew's interests and those of program management. Both methodologies were performed. The g-ensemble was selected as the technology of interest. The Standard and Combat Edge designs were examined for comparison purposes. Technology MOPs were ranked in order of importance in accordance to both the PMM and its proposed improvement, the Q-PMM. These methodologies were then evaluated by way of an experiment in the human centrifuge. This experiment was to answer two questions: Is there a relationship between the technology's MOP and the aircraft's MOEs? Given a MOP-MOE relationship, is there a difference between the two ensembles? Findings. The Q-PMM was superior to the PMM in addressing customer's requirements. The Q-PMM was superior to the PMM in addressing program management concerns. The Q-PMM provided an improvement in defining the MOPs that would best describe the overall system MOEs. Both, MOP-MOE associations and a basis of comparison between the two ensembles were elucidated. Conclusion. The findings demonstrated QFD to be an effective approach to defense technology development.

High resolution earth observation from geostationary orbit by optical aperture synthesys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mesrine, M.; Thomas, E.; Garin, S.; Blanc, P.; Alis, C.; Cassaing, F.; Laubier, D.

2017-11-01

In this paper, we describe Optical Aperture Synthesis (OAS) imaging instrument concepts studied by Alcatel Alenia Space under a CNES R&T contract in term of technical feasibility. First, the methodology to select the aperture configuration is proposed, based on the definition and quantification of image quality criteria adapted to an OAS instrument for direct imaging of extended objects. The following section presents, for each interferometer type (Michelson and Fizeau), the corresponding optical configurations compatible with a large field of view from GEO orbit. These optical concepts take into account the constraints imposed by the foreseen resolution and the implementation of the co-phasing functions. The fourth section is dedicated to the analysis of the co-phasing methodologies, from the configuration deployment to the fine stabilization during observation. Finally, we present a trade-off analysis allowing to select the concept wrt mission specification and constraints related to instrument accommodation under launcher shroud and in-orbit deployment.

Using information Theory in Optimal Test Point Selection for Health Management in NASA's Exploration Vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mehr, Ali Farhang; Tumer, Irem

2005-01-01

In this paper, we will present a new methodology that measures the "worth" of deploying an additional testing instrument (sensor) in terms of the amount of information that can be retrieved from such measurement. This quantity is obtained using a probabilistic model of RLV's that has been partially developed in the NASA Ames Research Center. A number of correlated attributes are identified and used to obtain the worth of deploying a sensor in a given test point from an information-theoretic viewpoint. Once the information-theoretic worth of sensors is formulated and incorporated into our general model for IHM performance, the problem can be formulated as a constrained optimization problem where reliability and operational safety of the system as a whole is considered. Although this research is conducted specifically for RLV's, the proposed methodology in its generic form can be easily extended to other domains of systems health monitoring.

Challenges in Obtaining Estimates of the Risk of Tuberculosis Infection During Overseas Deployment.

PubMed

Mancuso, James D; Geurts, Mia

2015-12-01

Estimates of the risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection resulting from overseas deployment among U.S. military service members have varied widely, and have been plagued by methodological problems. The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence of TB infection in the U.S. military resulting from deployment. Three populations were examined: 1) a unit of 2,228 soldiers redeploying from Iraq in 2008, 2) a cohort of 1,978 soldiers followed up over 5 years after basic training at Fort Jackson in 2009, and 3) 6,062 participants in the 2011-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The risk of TB infection in the deployed population was low-0.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.1-2.3%)-and was similar to the non-deployed population. The prevalence of latent TB infection (LTBI) in the U.S. population was not significantly different among deployed and non-deployed veterans and those with no military service. The limitations of these retrospective studies highlight the challenge in obtaining valid estimates of risk using retrospective data and the need for a more definitive study. Similar to civilian long-term travelers, risks for TB infection during deployment are focal in nature, and testing should be targeted to only those at increased risk. © The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

Integrated Incident Management System (IIMS) web client application development, deployment and evaluation Staten Island (SI) demonstration project : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-09-27

This evaluation report provides background on the development and findings. The aim of the UTRC project was to develop and : deploy Portable IIMS based on Smartphone web applications. Previously, traditional IIMS was deployed in the field vehicles : ...

The impact of deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan on partners and wives of military personnel.

PubMed

de Burgh, H Thomas; White, Claire J; Fear, Nicola T; Iversen, Amy C

2011-04-01

Deployment has well documented psychological consequences for military personnel. To fully understand the human cost of war, the psychosocial impact of separation and homecoming of military personnel on their families must also be considered. Recent arduous conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan make understanding the impact of war on spouses topical and pertinent. Widespread psychological morbidity and social dysfunction have been reported in spouses of military personnel who have been deployed to combat zones such as Vietnam, with difficulties most acute for spouses of military personnel with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A review of the literature published between 2001 and 2010 assessing the impact of deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan on spouses of military personnel was conducted. A total of 14 US-based studies were identified which examined psychological morbidity, help seeking, marital dysfunction and stress in spouses. Longer deployments, deployment extensions and PTSD in military personnel were found to be associated with psychological problems for the spouse. Methodological differences in the studies limit direct comparisons. Recommendations for future research are outlined. The needs of spouses of military personnel remain an important issue with implications for service provision and occupational capability of both partners.

Household Energy Consumption Segmentation Using Hourly Data

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

Kwac, J; Flora, J; Rajagopal, R

2014-01-01

The increasing US deployment of residential advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) has made hourly energy consumption data widely available. Using CA smart meter data, we investigate a household electricity segmentation methodology that uses an encoding system with a pre-processed load shape dictionary. Structured approaches using features derived from the encoded data drive five sample program and policy relevant energy lifestyle segmentation strategies. We also ensure that the methodologies developed scale to large data sets.

A Re-Examination of Neuropsychological Functioning in Persian Gulf War Era Veterans

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-08-01

neuropsychological evaluations and a group of individuals seeking treatment or diagnostic evaluation for any purpose. Controls were treatment -seeking non deployed...GW-era veterans studied between 1995-1998. The prior finding of differences between the deployed and non-deployed treatment seeking GW-era veterans in...included patients who were initially referred for clinical neuropsychological evaluations and a group of individuals who were seeking treatment or

Efficient structures for geosynchronous spacecraft solar arrays. Phase 1, 2 and 3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adams, L. R.; Hedgepeth, J. M.

1981-09-01

Structural concepts for deploying and supporting lightweight solar-array blankets for geosynchronous electrical power are evaluated. It is recommended that the STACBEAM solar-array system should be the object of further study and detailed evaluation. The STACBEAM system provides high stiffness at low mass, and with the use of a low mass deployment mechanism, full structural properties can be maintained throughout deployment. The stowed volume of the STACBEAM is acceptably small, and its linear deployment characteristic allows periodic attachments to the solar-array blanket to be established in the stowed configuration and maintained during deployment.

Efficient structures for geosynchronous spacecraft solar arrays. Phase 1, 2 and 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, L. R.; Hedgepeth, J. M.

1981-01-01

Structural concepts for deploying and supporting lightweight solar-array blankets for geosynchronous electrical power are evaluated. It is recommended that the STACBEAM solar-array system should be the object of further study and detailed evaluation. The STACBEAM system provides high stiffness at low mass, and with the use of a low mass deployment mechanism, full structural properties can be maintained throughout deployment. The stowed volume of the STACBEAM is acceptably small, and its linear deployment characteristic allows periodic attachments to the solar-array blanket to be established in the stowed configuration and maintained during deployment.

Effects of artificial settlement plate materials and methods of deployment on the sessile epibenthic community development in a tropical environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Field, S. N.; Glassom, D.; Bythell, J.

2007-06-01

The choice of substrata and the methods of deployment in analyses of settlement in benthic communities are often driven by the cost of materials and their local availability, and comparisons are often made between studies using different methodologies. The effects of varying artificial substratum, size of replicates and method of deployment were determined on a shallow reef in Eilat, Israel, while the effect of size of replicates was also investigated on a shallow reef in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. When statistical power was high enough, that is, when sufficient numbers of settlers were recorded, significant differences were found between materials used, tile size and methods of deployment. Significant differences were detected in total coral settlement rates and for the two dominant taxonomic groups, acroporids and pocilloporids. Standardisation of tile materials, dimensions, and method of deployment is needed for comparison between coral and other epibiont settlement studies. However, a greater understanding of the effects of these experimental variables on settlement processes may enable retrospective comparisons between studies utilising a range of materials and methods.

Genesis Sample Return Capsule Overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Willcockson, Bill

2005-01-01

I. Simple Entry Capsule Concept: a) Spin-Stabilized/No Active Control Systems; b) Ballistic Entry for 11.04 km/sec Velocity; c) No Heatshield Separation During Entry; d) Parachute Deploy via g-Switch + Timer. II. Stardust Design Inheritance a) Forebody Shape; b) Seal Concepts; c) Parachute Deploy Control; d) Utah Landing Site (UTTR). III. TPS Systems a) Heatshield - Carbon-Carbon - First Planetary Entry; b) Backshell - SLA-561V - Flight Heritage from Pathfinder, MER; d) Forebody Structural Penetrations Aerothermal and TPS Design Process has the Same Methodology as Used for Pathfinder, MER Flight Vehicles.

An intelligent training system for payload-assist module deploys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loftin, R. Bowen; Wang, Lui; Baffes, Paul; Rua, Monica

1987-01-01

An autonomous intelligent training system which integrates expert system technology with training/teaching methodologies is described. The Payload-Assist Module Deploys/Intelligent Computer-Aided Training (PD/ICAT) system has, so far, proven to be a potentially valuable addition to the training tools available for training Flight Dynamics Officers in shuttle ground control. The authors are convinced that the basic structure of PD/ICAT can be extended to form a general architecture for intelligent training systems for training flight controllers and crew members in the performance of complex, mission-critical tasks.

8760-Based Method for Representing Variable Generation Capacity Value in Capacity Expansion Models: Preprint

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

Frew, Bethany A; Cole, Wesley J; Sun, Yinong

Capacity expansion models (CEMs) are widely used to evaluate the least-cost portfolio of electricity generators, transmission, and storage needed to reliably serve demand over the evolution of many years or decades. Various CEM formulations are used to evaluate systems ranging in scale from states or utility service territories to national or multi-national systems. CEMs can be computationally complex, and to achieve acceptable solve times, key parameters are often estimated using simplified methods. In this paper, we focus on two of these key parameters associated with the integration of variable generation (VG) resources: capacity value and curtailment. We first discuss commonmore » modeling simplifications used in CEMs to estimate capacity value and curtailment, many of which are based on a representative subset of hours that can miss important tail events or which require assumptions about the load and resource distributions that may not match actual distributions. We then present an alternate approach that captures key elements of chronological operation over all hours of the year without the computationally intensive economic dispatch optimization typically employed within more detailed operational models. The updated methodology characterizes the (1) contribution of VG to system capacity during high load and net load hours, (2) the curtailment level of VG, and (3) the potential reductions in curtailments enabled through deployment of storage and more flexible operation of select thermal generators. We apply this alternate methodology to an existing CEM, the Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS). Results demonstrate that this alternate approach provides more accurate estimates of capacity value and curtailments by explicitly capturing system interactions across all hours of the year. This approach could be applied more broadly to CEMs at many different scales where hourly resource and load data is available, greatly improving the representation of challenges associate with integration of variable generation resources.« less

Very High-Temperature Reactor (VHTR) Proliferation Resistance and Physical Protection (PR&PP)

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

Moses, David Lewis

2011-10-01

This report documents the detailed background information that has been compiled to support the preparation of a much shorter white paper on the design features and fuel cycles of Very High-Temperature Reactors (VHTRs), including the proposed Next-Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP), to identify the important proliferation resistance and physical protection (PR&PP) aspects of the proposed concepts. The shorter white paper derived from the information in this report was prepared for the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Science and Technology for the Generation IV International Forum (GIF) VHTR Systems Steering Committee (SSC) as input to the GIF Proliferation Resistance and Physicalmore » Protection Working Group (PR&PPWG) (http://www.gen-4.org/Technology/horizontal/proliferation.htm). The short white paper was edited by the GIF VHTR SCC to address their concerns and thus may differ from the information presented in this supporting report. The GIF PR&PPWG will use the derived white paper based on this report along with other white papers on the six alternative Generation IV design concepts (http://www.gen-4.org/Technology/systems/index.htm) to employ an evaluation methodology that can be applied and will evolve from the earliest stages of design. This methodology will guide system designers, program policy makers, and external stakeholders in evaluating the response of each system, to determine each system's resistance to proliferation threats and robustness against sabotage and terrorism threats, and thereby guide future international cooperation on ensuring safeguards in the deployment of the Generation IV systems. The format and content of this report is that specified in a template prepared by the GIF PR&PPWG. Other than the level of detail, the key exception to the specified template format is the addition of Appendix C to document the history and status of coated-particle fuel reprocessing technologies, which fuel reprocessing technologies have yet to be deployed commercially and have only been demonstrated in testing at a laboratory scale.« less

USDOT guidance summary for connected vehicle deployments evaluation support.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-07-01

The document provides guidance to Pilot Deployers in the timely and successful completion of Concept DevelopmentPhase deliverables, specifically in developing the Performance Measurement and Evaluation Support Plan in Task 5,identifying evaluation-su...

Attack Methodology Analysis: Emerging Trends in Computer-Based Attack Methodologies and Their Applicability to Control System Networks

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

Bri Rolston

2005-06-01

Threat characterization is a key component in evaluating the threat faced by control systems. Without a thorough understanding of the threat faced by critical infrastructure networks, adequate resources cannot be allocated or directed effectively to the defense of these systems. Traditional methods of threat analysis focus on identifying the capabilities and motivations of a specific attacker, assessing the value the adversary would place on targeted systems, and deploying defenses according to the threat posed by the potential adversary. Too many effective exploits and tools exist and are easily accessible to anyone with access to an Internet connection, minimal technical skills,more » and a significantly reduced motivational threshold to be able to narrow the field of potential adversaries effectively. Understanding how hackers evaluate new IT security research and incorporate significant new ideas into their own tools provides a means of anticipating how IT systems are most likely to be attacked in the future. This research, Attack Methodology Analysis (AMA), could supply pertinent information on how to detect and stop new types of attacks. Since the exploit methodologies and attack vectors developed in the general Information Technology (IT) arena can be converted for use against control system environments, assessing areas in which cutting edge exploit development and remediation techniques are occurring can provide significance intelligence for control system network exploitation, defense, and a means of assessing threat without identifying specific capabilities of individual opponents. Attack Methodology Analysis begins with the study of what exploit technology and attack methodologies are being developed in the Information Technology (IT) security research community within the black and white hat community. Once a solid understanding of the cutting edge security research is established, emerging trends in attack methodology can be identified and the gap between those threats and the defensive capabilities of control systems can be analyzed. The results of the gap analysis drive changes in the cyber security of critical infrastructure networks to close the gap between current exploits and existing defenses. The analysis also provides defenders with an idea of how threat technology is evolving and how defenses will need to be modified to address these emerging trends.« less

A Quantitative, Non-Destructive Methodology for Habitat Characterisation and Benthic Monitoring at Offshore Renewable Energy Developments

PubMed Central

Sheehan, Emma V.; Stevens, Timothy F.; Attrill, Martin J.

2010-01-01

Following governments' policies to tackle global climate change, the development of offshore renewable energy sites is likely to increase substantially over coming years. All such developments interact with the seabed to some degree and so a key need exists for suitable methodology to monitor the impacts of large-scale Marine Renewable Energy Installations (MREIs). Many of these will be situated on mixed or rocky substrata, where conventional methods to characterise the habitat are unsuitable. Traditional destructive sampling is also inappropriate in conservation terms, particularly as safety zones around (MREIs) could function as Marine Protected Areas, with positive benefits for biodiversity. Here we describe a technique developed to effectively monitor the impact of MREIs and report the results of its field testing, enabling large areas to be surveyed accurately and cost-effectively. The methodology is based on a high-definition video camera, plus LED lights and laser scale markers, mounted on a “flying array” that maintains itself above the seabed grounded by a length of chain, thus causing minimal damage. Samples are taken by slow-speed tows of the gear behind a boat (200 m transects). The HD video and randomly selected frame grabs are analysed to quantify species distribution. The equipment was tested over two years in Lyme Bay, UK (25 m depth), then subsequently successfully deployed in demanding conditions at the deep (>50 m) high-energy Wave Hub site off Cornwall, UK, and a potential tidal stream energy site in Guernsey, Channel Islands (1.5 ms−1 current), the first time remote samples from such a habitat have been achieved. The next stage in the monitoring development process is described, involving the use of Remote Operated Vehicles to survey the seabed post-deployment of MREI devices. The complete methodology provides the first quantitative, relatively non-destructive method for monitoring mixed-substrate benthic communities beneath MPAs and MREIs pre- and post-device deployment. PMID:21206748

A quantitative, non-destructive methodology for habitat characterisation and benthic monitoring at offshore renewable energy developments.

PubMed

Sheehan, Emma V; Stevens, Timothy F; Attrill, Martin J

2010-12-29

Following governments' policies to tackle global climate change, the development of offshore renewable energy sites is likely to increase substantially over coming years. All such developments interact with the seabed to some degree and so a key need exists for suitable methodology to monitor the impacts of large-scale Marine Renewable Energy Installations (MREIs). Many of these will be situated on mixed or rocky substrata, where conventional methods to characterise the habitat are unsuitable. Traditional destructive sampling is also inappropriate in conservation terms, particularly as safety zones around (MREIs) could function as Marine Protected Areas, with positive benefits for biodiversity. Here we describe a technique developed to effectively monitor the impact of MREIs and report the results of its field testing, enabling large areas to be surveyed accurately and cost-effectively. The methodology is based on a high-definition video camera, plus LED lights and laser scale markers, mounted on a "flying array" that maintains itself above the seabed grounded by a length of chain, thus causing minimal damage. Samples are taken by slow-speed tows of the gear behind a boat (200 m transects). The HD video and randomly selected frame grabs are analysed to quantify species distribution. The equipment was tested over two years in Lyme Bay, UK (25 m depth), then subsequently successfully deployed in demanding conditions at the deep (>50 m) high-energy Wave Hub site off Cornwall, UK, and a potential tidal stream energy site in Guernsey, Channel Islands (1.5 ms⁻¹ current), the first time remote samples from such a habitat have been achieved. The next stage in the monitoring development process is described, involving the use of Remote Operated Vehicles to survey the seabed post-deployment of MREI devices. The complete methodology provides the first quantitative, relatively non-destructive method for monitoring mixed-substrate benthic communities beneath MPAs and MREIs pre- and post-device deployment.

Computer-aided dispatch--traffic management center field operational test final evaluation plan : WSDOT deployment

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-09-22

This document presents the Evaluation Teams plan for conducting the evaluation of the FOT in Washington State. A companion document exists for the evaluation of the Utah deployment. This plan includes the experimental design for testing hypotheses...

Evaluation and Field Assessment of Bifacial Photovoltaic Module Power Rating Methodologies

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

Deline, Chris; MacAlpine, Sara; Marion, Bill

2016-11-21

1-sun power ratings for bifacial modules are currently undefined. This is partly because there is no standard definition of rear irradiance given 1000 Wm-2 on the front. Using field measurements and simulations, we evaluate multiple deployment scenarios for bifacial modules and provide details on the amount of irradiance that could be expected. A simplified case that represents a single module deployed under conditions consistent with existing 1-sun irradiance standards leads to a bifacial reference condition of 1000 Wm-2 Gfront and 130-140 Wm-2 Grear. For fielded systems of bifacial modules, Grear magnitude and spatial uniformity will be affected by self-shade frommore » adjacent modules, varied ground cover, and ground-clearance height. A standard measurement procedure for bifacial modules is also currently undefined. A proposed international standard is under development, which provides the motivation for this work. Here, we compare outdoor field measurements of bifacial modules with irradiance on both sides with proposed indoor test methods where irradiance is only applied to one side at a time. The indoor method has multiple advantages, including controlled and repeatable irradiance and thermal environment, along with allowing the use of conventional single-sided flash test equipment. The comparison results are promising, showing that the indoor and outdoor methods agree within 1%-2% for multiple rear-irradiance conditions and bifacial module types.« less

Evaluation and Field Assessment of Bifacial Photovoltaic Module Power Rating Methodologies: Preprint

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

Deline, Chris; MacAlpine, Sara; Marion, Bill

2016-06-16

1-sun power ratings for bifacial modules are currently undefined. This is partly because there is no standard definition of rear irradiance given 1000 Wm-2 on the front. Using field measurements and simulations, we evaluate multiple deployment scenarios for bifacial modules and provide details on the amount of irradiance that could be expected. A simplified case that represents a single module deployed under conditions consistent with existing 1-sun irradiance standards leads to a bifacial reference condition of 1000 Wm-2 Gfront and 130-140 Wm-2 Grear. For fielded systems of bifacial modules, Grear magnitude and spatial uniformity will be affected by self-shade frommore » adjacent modules, varied ground cover, and ground-clearance height. A standard measurement procedure for bifacial modules is also currently undefined. A proposed international standard is under development, which provides the motivation for this work. Here, we compare outdoor field measurements of bifacial modules with irradiance on both sides with proposed indoor test methods where irradiance is only applied to one side at a time. The indoor method has multiple advantages, including controlled and repeatable irradiance and thermal environment, along with allowing the use of conventional single-sided flash test equipment. The comparison results are promising, showing that the indoor and outdoor methods agree within 1%-2% for multiple rear-irradiance conditions and bifacial module types.« less

Model-Driven Methodology for Rapid Deployment of Smart Spaces Based on Resource-Oriented Architectures

PubMed Central

Corredor, Iván; Bernardos, Ana M.; Iglesias, Josué; Casar, José R.

2012-01-01

Advances in electronics nowadays facilitate the design of smart spaces based on physical mash-ups of sensor and actuator devices. At the same time, software paradigms such as Internet of Things (IoT) and Web of Things (WoT) are motivating the creation of technology to support the development and deployment of web-enabled embedded sensor and actuator devices with two major objectives: (i) to integrate sensing and actuating functionalities into everyday objects, and (ii) to easily allow a diversity of devices to plug into the Internet. Currently, developers who are applying this Internet-oriented approach need to have solid understanding about specific platforms and web technologies. In order to alleviate this development process, this research proposes a Resource-Oriented and Ontology-Driven Development (ROOD) methodology based on the Model Driven Architecture (MDA). This methodology aims at enabling the development of smart spaces through a set of modeling tools and semantic technologies that support the definition of the smart space and the automatic generation of code at hardware level. ROOD feasibility is demonstrated by building an adaptive health monitoring service for a Smart Gym. PMID:23012544

Professors in the Trenches: Deployed Soldiers and Social Science Academics

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

CGSC Experiential Learning Model, or ELM . The ELM serves as the methodology for both lesson plan design at the Command and General Staff College and as...the experiential learning model ( ELM ) than the U.S. contractors – the ELM methodology, by design, addresses all four learning style preferences. The...Since the CGSC team used the experiential learning model as the way to teach, they modeled the ELM as they taught all their classes. After the first

Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Program Independent Evaluation: Mobility, Environmental, and Public Agency Efficiency Refined Evaluation Plan - New York City

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2018-03-01

The purpose of this report is to provide a refined evaluation plan detailing the approach to be used by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Evaluation Team for evaluating the mobility, environmental, and public a...

ATLS-stowage and deployment testing of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gosbee, John; Benz, Darren; Lloyd, Charles W.; Bueker, Richard; Orsak, Debra

1991-01-01

The objective is to evaluate stowage and deployment methods for the Health Maintenance Facility (HMF) during microgravity. The specific objectives of this experiment are: (1) to evaluate the stowage and deployment mechanisms for the medical supplies; and (2) to evaluate the procedures for performing medical scenarios. To accomplish these objectives, the HMF test mini-racks will contain medical equipment mounted in the racks; and self-contained drawers with various mechanisms for stowing and deploying items. The medical supplies and pharmaceuticals will be destowed, handled, and restowed. The in-flight test procedures and other aspects of the KC-135 parabolic flight test to simulate weightlessness are presented.

Verification and Validation Methodology of Real-Time Adaptive Neural Networks for Aerospace Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gupta, Pramod; Loparo, Kenneth; Mackall, Dale; Schumann, Johann; Soares, Fola

2004-01-01

Recent research has shown that adaptive neural based control systems are very effective in restoring stability and control of an aircraft in the presence of damage or failures. The application of an adaptive neural network with a flight critical control system requires a thorough and proven process to ensure safe and proper flight operation. Unique testing tools have been developed as part of a process to perform verification and validation (V&V) of real time adaptive neural networks used in recent adaptive flight control system, to evaluate the performance of the on line trained neural networks. The tools will help in certification from FAA and will help in the successful deployment of neural network based adaptive controllers in safety-critical applications. The process to perform verification and validation is evaluated against a typical neural adaptive controller and the results are discussed.

Health monitoring of offshore structures using wireless sensor network: experimental investigations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandrasekaran, Srinivasan; Chitambaram, Thailammai

2016-04-01

This paper presents a detailed methodology of deploying wireless sensor network in offshore structures for structural health monitoring (SHM). Traditional SHM is carried out by visual inspections and wired systems, which are complicated and requires larger installation space to deploy while decommissioning is a tedious process. Wireless sensor networks can enhance the art of health monitoring with deployment of scalable and dense sensor network, which consumes lesser space and lower power consumption. Proposed methodology is mainly focused to determine the status of serviceability of large floating platforms under environmental loads using wireless sensors. Data acquired by the servers will analyze the data for their exceedance with respect to the threshold values. On failure, SHM architecture will trigger an alarm or an early warning in the form of alert messages to alert the engineer-in-charge on board; emergency response plans can then be subsequently activated, which shall minimize the risk involved apart from mitigating economic losses occurring from the accidents. In the present study, wired and wireless sensors are installed in the experimental model and the structural response, acquired is compared. The wireless system comprises of Raspberry pi board, which is programmed to transmit the acquired data to the server using Wi-Fi adapter. Data is then hosted in the webpage for further post-processing, as desired.

Pulmonary Function and Respiratory Health of Military Personnel Before Southwest Asia Deployment.

PubMed

Skabelund, Andrew J; Rawlins, Frederic A; McCann, Edward T; Lospinoso, Joshua A; Burroughs, Lorraine; Gallup, Roger A; Morris, Michael J

2017-09-01

Significant concern exists regarding the respiratory health of military personnel deployed to Southwest Asia, given their exposures to numerous environmental hazards. Although the deployed military force is generally assumed to be fit, the pre-deployment respiratory health of these individuals is largely unknown. Soldiers deploying to Southwest Asia were recruited from the pre-deployment processing center at Fort Hood, Texas. Participants completed a general and respiratory health questionnaire and performed baseline spirometry. One thousand six hundred ninety-three pre-deployment evaluations were completed. The average age of the participants was 32.2 y, and 83.1% were male. More than one third of surveyed solders had a smoking history, 73% were overweight or obese, and 6.2% reported a history of asthma. Abnormal spirometry was found in 22.3% of participants. Soldiers with abnormal spirometry reported more asthma (10.1% vs 5.1%, P < .001), failed physical fitness tests (9.0% vs 4.6%, P = .02), and respiratory symptoms (32.8% vs 24.3%, P = .001). This is the first prospective pre-deployment evaluation of military personnel that delineates factors potentially associated with the development of pulmonary symptoms and/or disease. This study suggests that deploying soldiers are older, heavier, frequently smoke, and may have undiagnosed pre-deployment lung disease. Abnormal spirometry is common but may not represent underlying disease. Self-reported asthma, wheezing, and slower 2-mile run times were predictive of abnormal spirometry. Pre-deployment evaluation of military personnel identified numerous soldiers with active pulmonary symptoms and abnormal spirometry. When combined with questions regarding asthma history, wheezing and exercise intolerance, spirometry may identify individuals at risk for deployment-related respiratory complaints. Copyright © 2017 by Daedalus Enterprises.

Development of Bonded Joint Technology for a Rigidizable-Inflatable Deployable Truss

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smeltzer, Stanley S., III

2006-01-01

Microwave and Synthetic Aperture Radar antenna systems have been developed as instrument systems using truss structures as their primary support and deployment mechanism for over a decade. NASA Langley Research Center has been investigating fabrication, modular assembly, and deployment methods of lightweight rigidizable/inflatable linear truss structures during that time for large spacecraft systems. The primary goal of the research at Langley Research Center is to advance these existing state-of-the-art joining and deployment concepts to achieve prototype system performance in a relevant space environment. During 2005, the development, fabrication, and testing of a 6.7 meter multi-bay, deployable linear truss was conducted at Langley Research Center to demonstrate functional and precision metrics of a rigidizable/inflatable truss structure. The present paper is intended to summarize aspects of bonded joint technology developed for the 6.7 meter deployable linear truss structure while providing a brief overview of the entire truss fabrication, assembly, and deployment methodology. A description of the basic joint design, surface preparation investigations, and experimental joint testing of component joint test articles will be described. Specifically, the performance of two room temperature adhesives were investigated to obtain qualitative data related to tube folding testing and quantitative data related to tensile shear strength testing. It was determined from the testing that a polyurethane-based adhesive best met the rigidizable/inflatable truss project requirements.

An Evaluation of Oceanographic Optical Instruments and Deployment Methodologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hooker, Stanford B.; Maritorena, Stephane

1999-01-01

The primary objective of the Sea-viewing, Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) Project is to produce water- leaving radiances with an uncertainty of 5% in clear-water regions and chlorophyll a concentrations within +/- 35% over the range of 0.05-50 mg/cu m. Any global mission, like SeaWiFS, requires validation data be submitted from a wide variety of investigators which places a significant challenge on quantifying the total uncertainty associated with the in situ measurements, because each investigator follows slightly different practices when it comes to implementing all of the steps associated with collecting field data, even those with a prescribed set of protocols. This study uses data from multiple cruises to quantify the uncertainties associated with implementing data collection procedures while utilizing differing in-water optical instruments and deployment methods. A comprehensive approach is undertaken and includes: (1) the use of a portable light source and in-water intercomparisons to monitor the stability of the field radiometers, (2) alternative methods for acquiring reference measurements, and (3) different techniques for making in-water profiles. The only system to meet the 5% radiometric objective of the SeaWiFS Project was a free-fall profiler using (relatively inexpensive) modular components, although a more sophisticated (and comparatively expensive) profiler using integral components was very close and only 1% higher. A relatively inexpensive system deployed with a winch and crane was also close, but the ship shadow contamination problem increased the total uncertainty to approximately 6.5%.

MicroRNA Expression Profiling of the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch Cohort for Identification of "Enviro-miRs" Associated With Deployment-Based Environmental Exposure.

PubMed

Dalgard, Clifton L; Polston, Keith F; Sukumar, Gauthaman; Mallon, Col Timothy M; Wilkerson, Matthew D; Pollard, Harvey B

2016-08-01

The aim of this study was to identify serum microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers that indicate deployment-associated exposures in service members at military installations with open burn pits. Another objective was to determine detection rates of miRNAs in Department of Defense Serum Repository (DoDSR) samples with a high-throughput methodology. Low-volume serum samples (n = 800) were profiled by miRNA-capture isolation, pre-amplification, and measurement by a quantitative PCR-based OpenArray platform. Normalized quantitative cycle values were used for differential expression analysis between groups. Assay specificity, dynamic range, reproducibility, and detection rates by OpenArray passed target desired specifications. Serum abundant miRNAs were consistently measured in study specimens. Four miRNAs were differentially expressed in the case deployment group subjects. miRNAs are suitable RNA species for biomarker discovery in the DoDSR serum specimens. Serum miRNAs are candidate biomarkers for deployment and environmental exposure in military service members.

Potentially modifiable pre-, peri-, and postdeployment characteristics associated with deployment-related posttraumatic stress disorder among ohio army national guard soldiers.

PubMed

Goldmann, Emily; Calabrese, Joseph R; Prescott, Marta R; Tamburrino, Marijo; Liberzon, Israel; Slembarski, Renee; Shirley, Edwin; Fine, Thomas; Goto, Toyomi; Wilson, Kimberly; Ganocy, Stephen; Chan, Philip; Serrano, Mary Beth; Sizemore, James; Galea, Sandro

2012-02-01

To evaluate potentially modifiable deployment characteristics-- predeployment preparedness, unit support during deployment, and postdeployment support-that may be associated with deployment-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We recruited a sample of 2616 Ohio Army National Guard (OHARNG) soldiers and conducted structured interviews to assess traumatic event exposure and PTSD related to the soldiers' most recent deployment, consistent with DSM-IV criteria. We assessed preparedness, unit support, and postdeployment support by using multimeasure scales adapted from the Deployment Risk and Resilience Survey. The prevalence of deployment-related PTSD was 9.6%. In adjusted logistic models, high levels of all three deployment characteristics (compared with low) were independently associated with lower odds of PTSD. When we evaluated the influence of combinations of deployment characteristics on the development of PTSD, we found that postdeployment support was an essential factor in the prevention of PTSD. Results show that factors throughout the life course of deployment-in particular, postdeployment support-may influence the development of PTSD. These results suggest that the development of suitable postdeployment support opportunities may be centrally important in mitigating the psychological consequences of war. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Investigation of methods for successful installation and operation of Juvenile Salmon Acoustic Telemetry System (JSATS) hydrophones in the Willamette River, Oregon, 2012

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rutz, Gary L.; Sholtis, Matthew D.; Adams, Noah S.; Beeman, John W.

2014-01-01

Acoustic telemetry equipment was installed at three sites in the Willamette River during October 2012 to test the effectiveness of using the Juvenile Salmon Acoustic Telemetry System to monitor the movements of fish in a high-flow, high-velocity riverine environment. Hydrophones installed on concrete blocks were placed on the bottom of the river, and data cables were run from the hydrophones to shore where they were attached to anchor points. Under relatively low-flow conditions (less than approximately 10,000 cubic feet per second) the monitoring system remained in place and could be used to detect tagged fish as they traveled downstream during their seaward migration. At river discharge over approximately 10,000 cubic feet per second, the hydrophones were damaged and cables were lost because of the large volume of woody debris in the river and the increase in water velocity. Damage at two of the sites was sufficient to prevent data collection. A limited amount of data was collected from the equipment at the third site. Site selection and deployment strategies were re-evaluated, and an alternate deployment methodology was designed for implementation in 2013.

E-beam column monitoring for improved CD SEM stability and tool matching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayes, Timothy S.; Henninger, Randall S.

2000-06-01

Tool matching is an important metric for in-line semiconductor metrology systems. The ability to obtain the same measurement results on two or more systems allows a semiconductor fabrication facility (fab) to deploy product in an efficient manner improving overall equipment efficiency (OEE). Many parameters on the critical dimension scanning electron microscopes (CDSEMs) can affect the long-term precision component to the tool-matching metric. One such class of parameters is related to the electron beam column stability. The alignment and condition of the gun and apertures, as well as astigmatism correction, have all been found to affect the overall measurements of the CDSEM. These effects are now becoming dominant factors in sub-3nm tool-matching criteria. This paper discusses the methodologies of column parameter monitoring and actions and controls for improving overall stability. Results have shown that column instabilities caused by contamination, gun fluctuations, component failures, detector efficiency, and external issues can be identified through parameter monitoring. The Applied Materials (AMAT) 7830 Series CDSEMs evaluated at IBM's Burlington, Vermont manufacturing facility have demonstrated 5 nm tool matching across 11 systems, which has resulted in non-dedicated product deployment and has significantly reduced cost of ownership.

Establishment of Requirements and Methodology for the Development and Implementation of GreyMatters, a Memory Clinic Information System.

PubMed

Tapuria, Archana; Evans, Matt; Curcin, Vasa; Austin, Tony; Lea, Nathan; Kalra, Dipak

2017-01-01

The aim of the paper is to establish the requirements and methodology for the development process of GreyMatters, a memory clinic system, outlining the conceptual, practical, technical and ethical challenges, and the experiences of capturing clinical and research oriented data along with the implementation of the system. The methodology for development of the information system involved phases of requirements gathering, modeling and prototype creation, and 'bench testing' the prototype with experts. The standard Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) recommended approach for the specifications of software requirements was adopted. An electronic health record (EHR) standard, EN13606 was used, and clinical modelling was done through archetypes and the project complied with data protection and privacy legislation. The requirements for GreyMatters were established. Though the initial development was complex, the requirements, methodology and standards adopted made the construction, deployment, adoption and population of a memory clinic and research database feasible. The electronic patient data including the assessment scales provides a rich source of objective data for audits and research and to establish study feasibility and identify potential participants for the clinical trials. The establishment of requirements and methodology, addressing issues of data security and confidentiality, future data compatibility and interoperability and medico-legal aspects such as access controls and audit trails, led to a robust and useful system. The evaluation supports that the system is an acceptable tool for clinical, administrative, and research use and forms a useful part of the wider information architecture.

Role-exit theory and marital discord following extended military deployment.

PubMed

Gambardella, Lucille C

2008-07-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of applying role-exit theory concepts in the counseling of military couples experiencing marital discord following extended periods of deployment. Qualitative case-study methodology was utilized to assess, diagnose, and treat 10 military couples using a framework based on role-exit theory. Six couples self-reported improvement in the marital relationship following this counseling approach. Role-exit theory based counseling may benefit other couples who experience marital discord due to role issues. The clinical nurse specialist might consider this paradigm when working with couples in marital therapy.

Observation of sediment resuspension in Old Tampa Bay, Florida

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schoellhamer, David H.; ,

1990-01-01

Equipment and methodology have been developed to monitor sediment resuspension at two sites in Old Tampa Bay. Velocities are measured with electromagnetic current meters and suspended solids and turbidity are monitored with optical backscatterance sensors. In late November 1989, a vertical array of instrument pairs was deployed from a permanent platform at a deep-water site, and a submersible instrument package with a single pair of instruments was deployed at a shallow-water site. Wind waves caused resuspension at the shallow-water site, but not at the deeper platform site, and spring tidal currents did not cause resuspension at either site.

WWW: The Scientific Method

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blystone, Robert V.; Blodgett, Kevin

2006-01-01

The scientific method is the principal methodology by which biological knowledge is gained and disseminated. As fundamental as the scientific method may be, its historical development is poorly understood, its definition is variable, and its deployment is uneven. Scientific progress may occur without the strictures imposed by the formal…

Stakeholder Perceptions of ICT Usage across Management Institutes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goyal, Ela; Purohit, Seema; Bhagat, Manju

2013-01-01

Information and communication technology (ICT) which includes radio, television and newer digital technology such as computers and the internet, are potentially powerful tools for extending educational opportunities, formal and non-formal, to one and all. It provides opportunities to deploy innovative teaching methodologies and interesting…

A Pilot Study Using Mixed GPS/Narrative Interview Methods to Understand Geospatial Behavior in Homeless Populations.

PubMed

North, Carol S; Wohlford, Sarah E; Dean, Denis J; Black, Melissa; Balfour, Margaret E; Petrovich, James C; Downs, Dana L; Pollio, David E

2017-08-01

Tracking the movements of homeless populations presents methodological difficulties, but understanding their movements in space and time is needed to inform optimal placement of services. This pilot study developed, tested, and refined methods to apply global positioning systems (GPS) technology paired with individual narratives to chronicle the movements of homeless populations. Detail of methods development and difficulties encountered and addressed, and geospatial findings are provided. A pilot sample of 29 adults was recruited from a low-demand homeless shelter in the downtown area of Fort Worth, Texas. Pre- and post-deployment interviews provided participant characteristics and planned and retrospectively-reported travels. Only one of the first eight deployments returned with sufficient usable data. Ultimately 19 participants returned the GPS device with >20 h of usable data. Protocol adjustments addressing methodological difficulties achieved 81 % of subsequent participants returning with sufficient usable data. This study established methods and demonstrated feasibility for tracking homeless population travels.

Market Transformation | Hydrogen and Fuel Cells | NREL

Science.gov Websites

deployment sites Develop techno-economic assessment tools, deployment tools, and business cases for various fuel cell applications Collect and evaluate data from deployment projects to verify the business cases

Design in mind: eliciting service user and frontline staff perspectives on psychiatric ward design through participatory methods.

PubMed

Csipke, Emese; Papoulias, Constantina; Vitoratou, Silia; Williams, Paul; Rose, Diana; Wykes, Til

2016-01-01

Psychiatric ward design may make an important contribution to patient outcomes and well-being. However, research is hampered by an inability to assess its effects robustly. This paper reports on a study which deployed innovative methods to capture service user and staff perceptions of ward design. User generated measures of the impact of ward design were developed and tested on four acute adult wards using participatory methodology. Additionally, inpatients took photographs to illustrate their experience of the space in two wards. Data were compared across wards. Satisfactory reliability indices emerged based on both service user and staff responses. Black and minority ethnic (BME) service users and those with a psychosis spectrum diagnosis have more positive views of the ward layout and fixtures. Staff members have more positive views than service users, while priorities of staff and service users differ. Inpatient photographs prioritise hygiene, privacy and control and address symbolic aspects of the ward environment. Participatory and visual methodologies can provide robust tools for an evaluation of the impact of psychiatric ward design on users.

Design in mind: eliciting service user and frontline staff perspectives on psychiatric ward design through participatory methods

PubMed Central

Csipke, Emese; Papoulias, Constantina; Vitoratou, Silia; Williams, Paul; Rose, Diana; Wykes, Til

2016-01-01

Abstract Background: Psychiatric ward design may make an important contribution to patient outcomes and well-being. However, research is hampered by an inability to assess its effects robustly. This paper reports on a study which deployed innovative methods to capture service user and staff perceptions of ward design. Method: User generated measures of the impact of ward design were developed and tested on four acute adult wards using participatory methodology. Additionally, inpatients took photographs to illustrate their experience of the space in two wards. Data were compared across wards. Results: Satisfactory reliability indices emerged based on both service user and staff responses. Black and minority ethnic (BME) service users and those with a psychosis spectrum diagnosis have more positive views of the ward layout and fixtures. Staff members have more positive views than service users, while priorities of staff and service users differ. Inpatient photographs prioritise hygiene, privacy and control and address symbolic aspects of the ward environment. Conclusions: Participatory and visual methodologies can provide robust tools for an evaluation of the impact of psychiatric ward design on users. PMID:26886239

Modeling and clustering water demand patterns from real-world smart meter data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheifetz, Nicolas; Noumir, Zineb; Samé, Allou; Sandraz, Anne-Claire; Féliers, Cédric; Heim, Véronique

2017-08-01

Nowadays, drinking water utilities need an acute comprehension of the water demand on their distribution network, in order to efficiently operate the optimization of resources, manage billing and propose new customer services. With the emergence of smart grids, based on automated meter reading (AMR), a better understanding of the consumption modes is now accessible for smart cities with more granularities. In this context, this paper evaluates a novel methodology for identifying relevant usage profiles from the water consumption data produced by smart meters. The methodology is fully data-driven using the consumption time series which are seen as functions or curves observed with an hourly time step. First, a Fourier-based additive time series decomposition model is introduced to extract seasonal patterns from time series. These patterns are intended to represent the customer habits in terms of water consumption. Two functional clustering approaches are then used to classify the extracted seasonal patterns: the functional version of K-means, and the Fourier REgression Mixture (FReMix) model. The K-means approach produces a hard segmentation and K representative prototypes. On the other hand, the FReMix is a generative model and also produces K profiles as well as a soft segmentation based on the posterior probabilities. The proposed approach is applied to a smart grid deployed on the largest water distribution network (WDN) in France. The two clustering strategies are evaluated and compared. Finally, a realistic interpretation of the consumption habits is given for each cluster. The extensive experiments and the qualitative interpretation of the resulting clusters allow one to highlight the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.

The impact of eHealth on the quality and safety of health care: a systematic overview.

PubMed

Black, Ashly D; Car, Josip; Pagliari, Claudia; Anandan, Chantelle; Cresswell, Kathrin; Bokun, Tomislav; McKinstry, Brian; Procter, Rob; Majeed, Azeem; Sheikh, Aziz

2011-01-18

There is considerable international interest in exploiting the potential of digital solutions to enhance the quality and safety of health care. Implementations of transformative eHealth technologies are underway globally, often at very considerable cost. In order to assess the impact of eHealth solutions on the quality and safety of health care, and to inform policy decisions on eHealth deployments, we undertook a systematic review of systematic reviews assessing the effectiveness and consequences of various eHealth technologies on the quality and safety of care. We developed novel search strategies, conceptual maps of health care quality, safety, and eHealth interventions, and then systematically identified, scrutinised, and synthesised the systematic review literature. Major biomedical databases were searched to identify systematic reviews published between 1997 and 2010. Related theoretical, methodological, and technical material was also reviewed. We identified 53 systematic reviews that focused on assessing the impact of eHealth interventions on the quality and/or safety of health care and 55 supplementary systematic reviews providing relevant supportive information. This systematic review literature was found to be generally of substandard quality with regards to methodology, reporting, and utility. We thematically categorised eHealth technologies into three main areas: (1) storing, managing, and transmission of data; (2) clinical decision support; and (3) facilitating care from a distance. We found that despite support from policymakers, there was relatively little empirical evidence to substantiate many of the claims made in relation to these technologies. Whether the success of those relatively few solutions identified to improve quality and safety would continue if these were deployed beyond the contexts in which they were originally developed, has yet to be established. Importantly, best practice guidelines in effective development and deployment strategies are lacking. There is a large gap between the postulated and empirically demonstrated benefits of eHealth technologies. In addition, there is a lack of robust research on the risks of implementing these technologies and their cost-effectiveness has yet to be demonstrated, despite being frequently promoted by policymakers and "techno-enthusiasts" as if this was a given. In the light of the paucity of evidence in relation to improvements in patient outcomes, as well as the lack of evidence on their cost-effectiveness, it is vital that future eHealth technologies are evaluated against a comprehensive set of measures, ideally throughout all stages of the technology's life cycle. Such evaluation should be characterised by careful attention to socio-technical factors to maximise the likelihood of successful implementation and adoption.

Software engineering methodologies and tools

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilcox, Lawrence M.

1993-01-01

Over the years many engineering disciplines have developed, including chemical, electronic, etc. Common to all engineering disciplines is the use of rigor, models, metrics, and predefined methodologies. Recently, a new engineering discipline has appeared on the scene, called software engineering. For over thirty years computer software has been developed and the track record has not been good. Software development projects often miss schedules, are over budget, do not give the user what is wanted, and produce defects. One estimate is there are one to three defects per 1000 lines of deployed code. More and more systems are requiring larger and more complex software for support. As this requirement grows, the software development problems grow exponentially. It is believed that software quality can be improved by applying engineering principles. Another compelling reason to bring the engineering disciplines to software development is productivity. It has been estimated that productivity of producing software has only increased one to two percent a year in the last thirty years. Ironically, the computer and its software have contributed significantly to the industry-wide productivity, but computer professionals have done a poor job of using the computer to do their job. Engineering disciplines and methodologies are now emerging supported by software tools that address the problems of software development. This paper addresses some of the current software engineering methodologies as a backdrop for the general evaluation of computer assisted software engineering (CASE) tools from actual installation of and experimentation with some specific tools.

Successful approaches to deploying a Metropolitan Intelligent Transportation System.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-03-01

To identify and evaluate the institutional structures and working relationships associated with the deployment and integration of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) products and services at the Model Deployment Initiatives (MDIs), the Volpe Cen...

Technical support package: Large, easily deployable structures. NASA Tech Briefs, Fall 1982, volume 7, no. 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

Design and test data for packaging, deploying, and assembling structures for near term space platform systems, were provided by testing light type hardware in the Neutral Buoyancy Simulator. An optimum or near optimum structural configuration for varying degrees of deployment utilizing different levels of EVA and RMS was achieved. The design of joints and connectors and their lock/release mechanisms were refined to improve performance and operational convenience. The incorporation of utilities into structural modules to determine their effects on packaging and deployment was evaluated. By simulation tests, data was obtained for stowage, deployment, and assembly of the final structural system design to determine construction timelines, and evaluate system functioning and techniques.

System Level Aerothermal Testing for the Adaptive Deployable Entry and Placement Technology (ADEPT)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cassell, Alan; Gorbunov, Sergey; Yount, Bryan; Prabhu, Dinesh; de Jong, Maxim; Boghozian, Tane; Hui, Frank; Chen, Y.-K.; Kruger, Carl; Poteet, Carl;

Knowledge Democracy and the Implications to Information Access

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Raza, Ahmad; Murad, Hasan Sohaib

2008-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of "knowledge democracy," deploying a pluralistic, and cross disciplinary and humanistic critique. Design/methodology/approach: This is a culturally pluralistic and humanistic interpretation of globally emergent form of learning pedagogy, particularly manifested in e-learning.…

Empirical cost models for estimating power and energy consumption in database servers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valdivia Garcia, Harold Dwight

The explosive growth in the size of data centers, coupled with the widespread use of virtualization technology has brought power and energy consumption as major concerns for data center administrators. Provisioning decisions must take into consideration not only target application performance but also the power demands and total energy consumption incurred by the hardware and software to be deployed at the data center. Failure to do so will result in damaged equipment, power outages, and inefficient operation. Since database servers comprise one of the most popular and important server applications deployed in such facilities, it becomes necessary to have accurate cost models that can predict the power and energy demands that each database workloads will impose in the system. In this work we present an empirical methodology to estimate the power and energy cost of database operations. Our methodology uses multiple-linear regression to derive accurate cost models that depend only on readily available statistics such as selectivity factors, tuple size, numbers columns and relational cardinality. Moreover, our method does not need measurement of individual hardware components, but rather total power and energy consumption measured at a server. We have implemented our methodology, and ran experiments with several server configurations. Our experiments indicate that we can predict power and energy more accurately than alternative methods found in the literature.

Benefit-cost evaluation of ITS projects : benefit-cost summary

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-10-01

Over 60 individual ITS projects were defined in four "model" cities for purposes of conducting benefit-cost evalations of deployments under the USDOT's Metrolpolitan Model Deployment Initiative (MMDI). The federal government provided funds for deploy...

Full cost accounting in the analysis of separated waste collection efficiency: A methodological proposal.

PubMed

D'Onza, Giuseppe; Greco, Giulio; Allegrini, Marco

2016-02-01

Recycling implies additional costs for separated municipal solid waste (MSW) collection. The aim of the present study is to propose and implement a management tool - the full cost accounting (FCA) method - to calculate the full collection costs of different types of waste. Our analysis aims for a better understanding of the difficulties of putting FCA into practice in the MSW sector. We propose a FCA methodology that uses standard cost and actual quantities to calculate the collection costs of separate and undifferentiated waste. Our methodology allows cost efficiency analysis and benchmarking, overcoming problems related to firm-specific accounting choices, earnings management policies and purchase policies. Our methodology allows benchmarking and variance analysis that can be used to identify the causes of off-standards performance and guide managers to deploy resources more efficiently. Our methodology can be implemented by companies lacking a sophisticated management accounting system. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An Approach for Preoperative Planning and Performance of MR-guided Interventions Demonstrated With a Manual Manipulator in a 1.5T MRI Scanner

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

Seimenis, Ioannis; Tsekos, Nikolaos V.; Keroglou, Christoforos

2012-04-15

Purpose: The aim of this work was to develop and test a general methodology for the planning and performance of robot-assisted, MR-guided interventions. This methodology also includes the employment of software tools with appropriately tailored routines to effectively exploit the capabilities of MRI and address the relevant spatial limitations. Methods: The described methodology consists of: (1) patient-customized feasibility study that focuses on the geometric limitations imposed by the gantry, the robotic hardware, and interventional tools, as well as the patient; (2) stereotactic preoperative planning for initial positioning of the manipulator and alignment of its end-effector with a selected target; andmore » (3) real-time, intraoperative tool tracking and monitoring of the actual intervention execution. Testing was performed inside a standard 1.5T MRI scanner in which the MR-compatible manipulator is deployed to provide the required access. Results: A volunteer imaging study demonstrates the application of the feasibility stage. A phantom study on needle targeting is also presented, demonstrating the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed preoperative and intraoperative stages of the methodology. For this purpose, a manually actuated, MR-compatible robotic manipulation system was used to accurately acquire a prescribed target through alternative approaching paths. Conclusions: The methodology presented and experimentally examined allows the effective performance of MR-guided interventions. It is suitable for, but not restricted to, needle-targeting applications assisted by a robotic manipulation system, which can be deployed inside a cylindrical scanner to provide the required access to the patient facilitating real-time guidance and monitoring.« less

The view from the trenches: part 2-technical considerations for EPR screening.

PubMed

Nicolalde, Roberto J; Gougelet, Robert M; Rea, Michael; Williams, Benjamin B; Dong, Ruhong; Kmiec, Maciej M; Lesniewski, Piotr N; Swartz, Harold M

2010-02-01

There is growing awareness of the need for methodologies that can be used retrospectively to provide the biodosimetry needed to carry out screening and triage immediately after an event in which large numbers of people have potentially received clinically significant doses of ionizing radiation. The general approach to developing such methodologies has been a technology centric one, often ignoring the system integrations considerations that are key to their effective use. In this study an integrative approach for the evaluation and development of a physical biodosimetry technology was applied based on in vivo electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) dosimetry. The EPR measurements are based on physical changes in tissues whose magnitudes are not affected by the factors that can confound biologically-based assessments. In this study the use of a pilot simulation exercise to evaluate an experimental EPR system and gather stakeholders' feedback early on in the development process is described. The exercise involved: ten non-irradiated participants, representatives from a local fire department; Department of Homeland Security certified exercise evaluators, EPR experts, physicians; and a human factors engineer. Stakeholders were in agreement that the EPR technology in its current state of development could be deployed for the screening of mass casualties. Furthermore, stakeholders' recommendations will be prioritized and incorporated in future developments of the EPR technique. While the results of this exercise were aimed specifically at providing feedback for the development of EPR dosimetry for screening mass casualties, the methods and lessons learned are likely to be applicable to other biodosimetric methods.

A Systematic Review of Cardiovascular Outcomes-Based Cost-Effectiveness Analyses of Lipid-Lowering Therapies.

PubMed

Wei, Ching-Yun; Quek, Ruben G W; Villa, Guillermo; Gandra, Shravanthi R; Forbes, Carol A; Ryder, Steve; Armstrong, Nigel; Deshpande, Sohan; Duffy, Steven; Kleijnen, Jos; Lindgren, Peter

2017-03-01

Previous reviews have evaluated economic analyses of lipid-lowering therapies using lipid levels as surrogate markers for cardiovascular disease. However, drug approval and health technology assessment agencies have stressed that surrogates should only be used in the absence of clinical endpoints. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and summarise the methodologies, weaknesses and strengths of economic models based on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event rates. Cost-effectiveness evaluations of lipid-lowering therapies using cardiovascular event rates in adults with hyperlipidaemia were sought in Medline, Embase, Medline In-Process, PubMed and NHS EED and conference proceedings. Search results were independently screened, extracted and quality checked by two reviewers. Searches until February 2016 retrieved 3443 records, from which 26 studies (29 publications) were selected. Twenty-two studies evaluated secondary prevention (four also assessed primary prevention), two considered only primary prevention and two included mixed primary and secondary prevention populations. Most studies (18) based treatment-effect estimates on single trials, although more recent evaluations deployed meta-analyses (5/10 over the last 10 years). Markov models (14 studies) were most commonly used and only one study employed discrete event simulation. Models varied particularly in terms of health states and treatment-effect duration. No studies used a systematic review to obtain utilities. Most studies took a healthcare perspective (21/26) and sourced resource use from key trials instead of local data. Overall, reporting quality was suboptimal. This review reveals methodological changes over time, but reporting weaknesses remain, particularly with respect to transparency of model reporting.

Mechanisms of Günther Tulip filter tilting during transfemoral placement.

PubMed

Matsui, Y; Horikawa, M; Ohta, K; Jahangiri Noudeh, Y; Kaufman, J A; Farsad, K

The purpose of this study was to characterize the mechanisms of Günther Tulip filter (GTF) tilting during transfemoral placement in an experimental model with further validation in a clinical series. In an experimental study, 120 GTF placements in an inferior vena cava (IVC) model were performed using 6 configurations of pre-deployment filter position. The angle between the pre-deployment filter axis and IVC axis, and the proximity of the constrained filter legs to IVC wall prior to deployment were evaluated. The association of those pre-deployment factors with post-deployment filter tilting was analyzed. The association noted in the experimental study was then evaluated in a retrospective clinical series of 21 patients. In the experimental study, there was a significant association between the pre-deployment angle and post-deployment filter tilting (P<0.0001). With a low pre-deployment angle (≤5°), a significant association was noted between filter tilting and the proximity of the constrained filter legs to the far IVC wall (P=0.001). In a retrospective clinical study, a significant association between the pre-deployment angle and post-deployment filter tilting was also noted with a linear regression model (P=0.026). Significant association of the pre-deployment angle with post-deployment GTF tilting was shown in both the experimental and clinical studies. The experimental study also showed that proximity of filter legs is relevant when pre-deployment angle is small. Addressing these factors may result in a lower incidence of filter tilting. Copyright © 2017 Editions françaises de radiologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Personalised Information Services Using a Hybrid Recommendation Method Based on Usage Frequency

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kim, Yong; Chung, Min Gyo

2008-01-01

Purpose: This paper seeks to describe a personal recommendation service (PRS) involving an innovative hybrid recommendation method suitable for deployment in a large-scale multimedia user environment. Design/methodology/approach: The proposed hybrid method partitions content and user into segments and executes association rule mining,…

Parallel and Serial Processes in Visual Search

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thornton, Thomas L.; Gilden, David L.

2007-01-01

A long-standing issue in the study of how people acquire visual information centers around the scheduling and deployment of attentional resources: Is the process serial, or is it parallel? A substantial empirical effort has been dedicated to resolving this issue. However, the results remain largely inconclusive because the methodologies that have…

Developing an Integrated Institutional Repository at Imperial College London

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Afshari, Fereshteh; Jones, Richard

2007-01-01

Purpose: This paper aims to demonstrate how a highly integrated approach to repository development and deployment can be beneficial in producing a successful archive. Design/methodology/approach: Imperial College London undertook a significant specifications process to gather and formalise requirements for its repository system. This was done…

Methodological Approaches to Online Scoring of Essays.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chung, Gregory K. W. K.; O'Neil, Harold F., Jr.

This report examines the feasibility of scoring essays using computer-based techniques. Essays have been incorporated into many of the standardized testing programs. Issues of validity and reliability must be addressed to deploy automated approaches to scoring fully. Two approaches that have been used to classify documents, surface- and word-based…

Financial Implications of Implementing an E-Learning Project

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sharma, Kunal

2011-01-01

Purpose: This paper aims to outline the financial implications, while deploying information and communication technologies for implementing e-learning, and to elucidate them, while implementing an e-learning project in a conventional university environment. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is a descriptive account of the various cost factors…

Feasibility Study of Network Operations Center Collaboration to Improve Application Layer Performance

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-01

29 4. NetFlow , sFlow, IPFIX ..........................30 a. NetFlow ...................................30 b. sFlow...From [22])...........................................27 Figure 8. NetFlow Datagram................................31 Figure 9. Deployed CoT...sFlow Monitoring Parameters over NetFlow (From [27]).............................32 Table 6. Collaboration Methodologies Matrix..............39

Design and analysis considerations for deployment mechanisms in a space environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vorlicek, P. L.; Gore, J. V.; Plescia, C. T.

1982-01-01

On the second flight of the INTELSAT V spacecraft the time required for successful deployment of the north solar array was longer than originally predicted. The south solar array deployed as predicted. As a result of the difference in deployment times a series of experiments was conducted to locate the cause of the difference. Deployment rate sensitivity to hinge friction and temperature levels was investigated. A digital computer simulation of the deployment was created to evaluate the effects of parameter changes on deployment. Hinge design was optimized for nominal solar array deployment time for future INTELSAT V satellites. The nominal deployment times of both solar arrays on the third flight of INTELSAT V confirms the validity of the simulation and design optimization.

Case based reasoning in criminal intelligence using forensic case data.

PubMed

Ribaux, O; Margot, P

2003-01-01

A model that is based on the knowledge of experienced investigators in the analysis of serial crime is suggested to bridge a gap between technology and methodology. Its purpose is to provide a solid methodology for the analysis of serial crimes that supports decision making in the deployment of resources, either by guiding proactive policing operations or helping the investigative process. Formalisation has helped to derive a computerised system that efficiently supports the reasoning processes in the analysis of serial crime. This novel approach fully integrates forensic science data.

Estimating option values of solar radiation management assuming that climate sensitivity is uncertain.

PubMed

Arino, Yosuke; Akimoto, Keigo; Sano, Fuminori; Homma, Takashi; Oda, Junichiro; Tomoda, Toshimasa

2016-05-24

Although solar radiation management (SRM) might play a role as an emergency geoengineering measure, its potential risks remain uncertain, and hence there are ethical and governance issues in the face of SRM's actual deployment. By using an integrated assessment model, we first present one possible methodology for evaluating the value arising from retaining an SRM option given the uncertainty of climate sensitivity, and also examine sensitivities of the option value to SRM's side effects (damages). Reflecting the governance challenges on immediate SRM deployment, we assume scenarios in which SRM could only be deployed with a limited degree of cooling (0.5 °C) only after 2050, when climate sensitivity uncertainty is assumed to be resolved and only when the sensitivity is found to be high (T2x = 4 °C). We conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis with constraining temperature rise as the objective. The SRM option value is originated from its rapid cooling capability that would alleviate the mitigation requirement under climate sensitivity uncertainty and thereby reduce mitigation costs. According to our estimates, the option value during 1990-2049 for a +2.4 °C target (the lowest temperature target level for which there were feasible solutions in this model study) relative to preindustrial levels were in the range between $2.5 and $5.9 trillion, taking into account the maximum level of side effects shown in the existing literature. The result indicates that lower limits of the option values for temperature targets below +2.4 °C would be greater than $2.5 trillion.

Estimating option values of solar radiation management assuming that climate sensitivity is uncertain

PubMed Central

Arino, Yosuke; Akimoto, Keigo; Sano, Fuminori; Homma, Takashi; Oda, Junichiro; Tomoda, Toshimasa

2016-01-01

Although solar radiation management (SRM) might play a role as an emergency geoengineering measure, its potential risks remain uncertain, and hence there are ethical and governance issues in the face of SRM’s actual deployment. By using an integrated assessment model, we first present one possible methodology for evaluating the value arising from retaining an SRM option given the uncertainty of climate sensitivity, and also examine sensitivities of the option value to SRM’s side effects (damages). Reflecting the governance challenges on immediate SRM deployment, we assume scenarios in which SRM could only be deployed with a limited degree of cooling (0.5 °C) only after 2050, when climate sensitivity uncertainty is assumed to be resolved and only when the sensitivity is found to be high (T2x = 4 °C). We conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis with constraining temperature rise as the objective. The SRM option value is originated from its rapid cooling capability that would alleviate the mitigation requirement under climate sensitivity uncertainty and thereby reduce mitigation costs. According to our estimates, the option value during 1990–2049 for a +2.4 °C target (the lowest temperature target level for which there were feasible solutions in this model study) relative to preindustrial levels were in the range between $2.5 and $5.9 trillion, taking into account the maximum level of side effects shown in the existing literature. The result indicates that lower limits of the option values for temperature targets below +2.4 °C would be greater than $2.5 trillion. PMID:27162346

Correlation between μCT imaging, histology and functional capacity of the osteoarthritic knee in the rat model of osteoarthritis.

PubMed

Bagi, Cedo M; Zakur, David E; Berryman, Edwin; Andresen, Catharine J; Wilkie, Dean

2015-08-25

To acquire the most meaningful understanding of human arthritis, it is essential to select the disease model and methodology translatable to human conditions. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate a number of analytic techniques and biomarkers for their ability to accurately gauge bone and cartilage morphology and metabolism in the medial meniscal tear (MMT) model of osteoarthritis (OA). MMT surgery was performed in rats to induce OA. A dynamic weight bearing system (DWB) system was deployed to evaluate the weight-bearing capacity of the front and hind legs in rats. At the end of a 10-week study cartilage pathology was evaluated by micro computed tomography (μCT), contrast enhanced μCT (EPIC μCT) imaging and traditional histology. Bone tissue was evaluated at the tibial metaphysis and epiphysis, including the subchondral bone. Histological techniques and dynamic histomorphometry were used to evaluate cartilage morphology and bone mineralization. The study results showed a negative impact of MMT surgery on the weight-bearing capacity of the operated limb. Surgery caused severe and extensive deterioration of the articular cartilage at the medial tibial plateau, as evidenced by elevated CTX-II in serum, EPIC μCT and histology. Bone analysis by μCT showed thickening of the subchondral bone beneath the damaged cartilage, loss of cancellous bone at the metaphysis and active osteophyte formation. The study emphasizes the need for using various methodologies that complement each other to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology of OA at the organ, tissue and cellular levels. Results from this study suggest that use of histology, μCT and EPIC μCT, and functional DWB tests provide powerful combination to fully assess the key aspects of OA and enhance data interpretation.

The Impact of Combat Deployment on Health Care Provider Burnout in a Military Emergency Department: A Cross-Sectional Professional Quality of Life Scale V Survey Study.

PubMed

Cragun, Joshua N; April, Michael D; Thaxton, Robert E

2016-08-01

Compassion fatigue is a problem for many health care providers manifesting as physical, mental, and spiritual exhaustion. Our objective was to evaluate the association between prior combat deployment and compassion fatigue among military emergency medicine providers. We conducted a nonexperimental cross-sectional survey of health care providers assigned to the San Antonio Military Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine. We used the Professional Quality of Life Scale V survey instrument that evaluates provider burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion satisfaction. Outcomes included burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion satisfaction raw scores. Scores were compared between providers based on previous combat deployments using two-tailed independent sample t tests and multiple regression models. Surveys were completed by 105 respondents: 42 nurses (20 previously deployed), 30 technicians (11 previously deployed), and 33 physicians (16 previously deployed). No statistically significant differences in burnout, secondary traumatic stress, or compassion satisfaction scores were detected between previously deployed providers versus providers not previously deployed. There was no association between previous combat deployment and emergency department provider burnout, secondary traumatic stress, or compassion satisfaction scores. Reprint & Copyright © 2016 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Computer-aided dispatch--traffic management center field operational test final detailed test plan : WSDOT deployment

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-10-01

The purpose of this document is to expand upon the evaluation components presented in "Computer-aided dispatch--traffic management center field operational test final evaluation plan : WSDOT deployment". This document defines the objective, approach,...

The ADVANCE project : formal evaluation of the targeted deployment. Volume 2

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-01-01

This document reports on the formal evaluation of the targeted (limited but highly focused) deployment of the Advanced Driver and Vehicle Advisory Navigation ConcEpt (ADVANCE), an in-vehicle advanced traveler information system designed to provide sh...

Metropolitan Model Deployment Initiative : San Antonio Evaluation Report : Final Draft

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-05-01

This report presents the evaluation results of the San Antonio, Texas Metropolitan Model Deployment Initiative (MMDI). The San Antonio MMDI sought to make improvements in six key transportation goals. The first of these goals was the expansion and st...

Experimental and Analytical Evaluation of a Composite Honeycomb Deployable Energy Absorber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jackson, Karen E.; Kellas, Sotiris; Horta, Lucas G.; Annett, Martin S.; Polanco, Michael A.; Littell, Justin D.; Fasanella, Edwin L.

2011-01-01

In 2006, the NASA Subsonic Rotary Wing Aeronautics Program sponsored the experimental and analytical evaluation of an externally deployable composite honeycomb structure that is designed to attenuate impact energy during helicopter crashes. The concept, which is designated the Deployable Energy Absorber (DEA), utilizes an expandable Kevlar honeycomb structure to dissipate kinetic energy through crushing. The DEA incorporates a unique flexible hinge design that allows the honeycomb to be packaged and stowed flat until needed for deployment. A variety of deployment options such as linear, radial, and/or hybrid methods can be used. Experimental evaluation of the DEA utilized a building block approach that included material characterization testing of its constituent, Kevlar -129 fabric/epoxy, and flexural testing of single hexagonal cells. In addition, the energy attenuation capabilities of the DEA were demonstrated through multi-cell component dynamic crush tests, and vertical drop tests of a composite fuselage section, retrofitted with DEA blocks, onto concrete, water, and soft soil. During each stage of the DEA evaluation process, finite element models of the test articles were developed and simulations were performed using the explicit, nonlinear transient dynamic finite element code, LS-DYNA. This report documents the results of the experimental evaluation that was conducted to assess the energy absorption capabilities of the DEA.

A methodology for model-based development and automated verification of software for aerospace systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, L.; Schatalov, M.; Hagner, M.; Goltz, U.; Maibaum, O.

Today's software for aerospace systems typically is very complex. This is due to the increasing number of features as well as the high demand for safety, reliability, and quality. This complexity also leads to significant higher software development costs. To handle the software complexity, a structured development process is necessary. Additionally, compliance with relevant standards for quality assurance is a mandatory concern. To assure high software quality, techniques for verification are necessary. Besides traditional techniques like testing, automated verification techniques like model checking become more popular. The latter examine the whole state space and, consequently, result in a full test coverage. Nevertheless, despite the obvious advantages, this technique is rarely yet used for the development of aerospace systems. In this paper, we propose a tool-supported methodology for the development and formal verification of safety-critical software in the aerospace domain. The methodology relies on the V-Model and defines a comprehensive work flow for model-based software development as well as automated verification in compliance to the European standard series ECSS-E-ST-40C. Furthermore, our methodology supports the generation and deployment of code. For tool support we use the tool SCADE Suite (Esterel Technology), an integrated design environment that covers all the requirements for our methodology. The SCADE Suite is well established in avionics and defense, rail transportation, energy and heavy equipment industries. For evaluation purposes, we apply our approach to an up-to-date case study of the TET-1 satellite bus. In particular, the attitude and orbit control software is considered. The behavioral models for the subsystem are developed, formally verified, and optimized.

Preparedness Evaluation of French Military Orthopedic Surgeons Before Deployment.

PubMed

Choufani, Camille; Barbier, Olivier; Mayet, Aurélie; Rigal, Sylvain; Mathieu, Laurent

2018-06-13

A deployed military orthopedic surgeon is a trauma surgeon working in austere conditions. The first aim of this study was to analyze the current activity of French military orthopedic surgeons in the field and to identify the differences of the combat zone with their daily practice. The second aim was to assess the adequacy of the preparedness they received before their deployment and to identify additional needs that could be addressed in future training. An evaluation survey was sent to all French military orthopedic surgeons deployed in theaters of operations between 2004 and 2014. An analogic visual scale of 10 was used to evaluate their surgical activity abroad and prior training. A total of 55 surgeons, with a median deployment number of 7, were included in this study after they answered the survey. Debridement and external fixation were the most common orthopedic procedures. The practice of general surgery was mostly concerned with vascular and abdominal injuries as part of damage control procedures. Median scores were ranked at seven for surgical preparedness, five for physical readiness, and three for mental preparedness. There was a significant inverse relationship between the number of missions performed and the evaluation of surgical preparedness. The higher they perceived their mental preparedness, the better they estimated their surgical preparedness. In the French Army, deployed orthopedic surgeons perform general surgical activity. Their initial training must be adapted to this constraint and enhanced by continuing medical education.

A user-centred methodology for designing an online social network to motivate health behaviour change.

PubMed

Kamal, Noreen; Fels, Sidney

2013-01-01

Positive health behaviour is critical to preventing illness and managing chronic conditions. A user-centred methodology was employed to design an online social network to motivate health behaviour change. The methodology was augmented by utilizing the Appeal, Belonging, Commitment (ABC) Framework, which is based on theoretical models for health behaviour change and use of online social networks. The user-centred methodology included four phases: 1) initial user inquiry on health behaviour and use of online social networks; 2) interview feedback on paper prototypes; 2) laboratory study on medium fidelity prototype; and 4) a field study on the high fidelity prototype. The points of inquiry through these phases were based on the ABC Framework. This yielded an online social network system that linked to external third party databases to deploy to users via an interactive website.

Integrated corridor management initiative : demonstration phase evaluation, San Diego air quality test plan.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-10-01

The Phoenix, Arizona Metropolitan Model Deployment was one of four cities included in the Metropolitan Model Deployment Initiative (MMDI). The initiative was set forth in 1996 to serve as model deployments of ITS infrastructure and integration. One o...

Evaluation of a Technology-Based Adaptive Learning and Prevention Program for Stress Response-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Wesemann, Ulrich; Kowalski, Jens T; Jacobsen, Thomas; Beudt, Susan; Jacobs, Herbert; Fehr, Julia; Büchler, Jana; Zimmermann, Peter L

2016-08-01

To prevent deployment-related disorders, Chaos Driven Situations Management Retrieval System (CHARLY), a computer-aided training platform with a biofeedback interface has been developed. It simulates critical situations photorealistic for certain target and occupational groups. CHARLY was evaluated as a 1.5 days predeployment training method comparing it with the routine training. The evaluation was carried out for a matched random sample of N = 67 soldiers deployed in Afghanistan (International Security Assistance Force). Data collection took place before and after the prevention program and 4 to 6 weeks after deployment, which included mental state, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, knowledge of and attitude toward PTSD, and deployment-specific stressors. CHARLY has been significantly superior to the control group in terms of psychoeducation and attitude change. As to the mental state, both groups showed a significant increase in stress after deployment with significant lower increase in CHARLY. For PTSD-specific symptoms, CHARLY achieved a significant superiority. The fact that PTSD-specific scales showed significant differences at the end of deployment substantiates the validity of a specifically preventive effect of CHARLY. The study results tentatively indicate that highly standardized, computer-based primary prevention of mental disorders in soldiers on deployment might be superior to other more personal and less standardized forms of prevention. Reprint & Copyright © 2016 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Management of Acute Diarrheal Illness During Deployment: A Deployment Health Guideline and Expert Panel Report.

PubMed

Riddle, Mark S; Martin, Gregory J; Murray, Clinton K; Burgess, Timothy H; Connor, Patrick; Mancuso, James D; Schnaubelt, Elizabeth R; Ballard, Timothy P; Fraser, Jamie; Tribble, David R

2017-09-01

Acute diarrheal illness during deployment causes significant morbidity and loss of duty days. Effective and timely treatment is needed to reduce individual, unit, and health system performance impacts. This critical appraisal of the literature, as part of the development of expert consensus guidelines, asked several key questions related to self-care and healthcare-seeking behavior, antibiotics for self-treatment of travelers' diarrhea, what antibiotics/regimens should be considered for treatment of acute watery diarrhea and febrile diarrhea and/or dysentery, and when and what laboratory diagnostics should be used to support management of deployment-related travelers' diarrhea. Studies of acute diarrhea management in military and other travelers were assessed for relevance and quality. On the basis of this critical appraisal, guideline recommendations were developed and graded by the Expert Panel using good standards in clinical guideline development methodology. New definitions for defining the severity of diarrhea during deployment were established. A total of 13 graded recommendations on the topics of prophylaxis, therapy and diagnosis, and follow-up were developed. In addition, four non-graded consensus-based statements were adopted. Successful management of acute diarrheal illness during deployment requires action at the provider, population, and commander levels. Strong evidence supports that single-dose antimicrobial therapy is effective in most cases of moderate to severe acute diarrheal illness during deployment. Further studies are needed to address gaps in available knowledge regarding optimal therapies for treatment, prevention, and laboratory testing of acute diarrheal illness. Reprint & Copyright © 2017 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

National evaluation of the SafeTrip-21 initiative : I-95 corridor coalition test bed final evaluation report, North Carolina deployment of portable traffic-monitoring devices.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-06-11

The purpose of this document is to present the findings of the national evaluation of the deployment of portable traffic monitoring devices (PTMDs) at a variety of locations in North Carolina conducted under the USDOTs SafeTrip-21 Initiative. The ...

National evaluation of the SafeTrip-21 initiative : I-95 corridor coalition test bed final evaluation report, North Carolina deployment of portable traffic-monitoring devices.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-06-11

The purpose of this document is to present the findings of the national evaluation of the deployment of portable trafficmonitoring devices (PTMDs) at a variety of locations in North Carolina conducted under the USDOTs SafeTrip-21 Initiative. The N...

Feasibility of future epidemiological studies on possible health effects of mobile phone base stations.

PubMed

Neubauer, Georg; Feychting, Maria; Hamnerius, Yngve; Kheifets, Leeka; Kuster, Niels; Ruiz, Ignacio; Schüz, Joachim; Uberbacher, Richard; Wiart, Joe; Röösli, Martin

2007-04-01

The increasing deployment of mobile communication base stations led to an increasing demand for epidemiological studies on possible health effects of radio frequency emissions. The methodological challenges of such studies have been critically evaluated by a panel of scientists in the fields of radiofrequency engineering/dosimetry and epidemiology. Strengths and weaknesses of previous studies have been identified. Dosimetric concepts and crucial aspects in exposure assessment were evaluated in terms of epidemiological studies on different types of outcomes. We conclude that in principle base station epidemiological studies are feasible. However, the exposure contributions from all relevant radio frequency sources have to be taken into account. The applied exposure assessment method should be piloted and validated. Short to medium term effects on physiology or health related quality of life are best investigated by cohort studies. For long term effects, groups with a potential for high exposure need to first be identified; for immediate effect, human laboratory studies are the preferred approach. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Michigan state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Pennsylvania state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Minnesota state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Kansas state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Colorado state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Connecticut state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Missouri state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Delaware state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Massachusetts state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Arizona state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Nebraska state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Wyoming state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Idaho state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Kentucky state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Indiana state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Louisiana state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Maryland state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Oklahoma state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Alaska state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Montana state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Maine state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Vermont state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Hawaii state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Nevada state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Mississippi state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Ohio state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Georgia state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Alabama state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Virginia state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Utah state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 California state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Oregon state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Tennessee state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Program phase 1 : performance measurement and evaluation support plan : New York City : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-07-12

This document describes the Performance Measurement and Evaluation Support Plan for the New York City Department of Transportation New York City (NYC) Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment (CVPD) Project. The report documents the performance metrics tha...

Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Program phase 1 : performance measurement and evaluation support plan : Tampa (THEA) : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-03-14

The Performance Measurement and Evaluation Support Plan for the Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Program Phase 1, Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority, outlines the goals and objectives for the Pilot as well as the proposed performance metrics. ...

Precision Monitoring of Water Level in a Salt Marsh with Low Cost Tilt Loggers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheremet, Vitalii A.; Mora, Jordan W.

2016-04-01

Several salt pannes and pools in the Sage Lot tidal marsh of Waquoit Bay system, MA were instrumented with newly developed Arm-and-Float water level gauges (utilizing accelerometer tilt logger) permitting to record water level fluctuations with accuracy of 1 mm and submillimeter resolution. The methodology of the instrument calibration, deployment, and elevation control are described. The instrument performance was evaluated. Several month long deployments allowed us to analyze the marsh flooding and draining processes, study differences among the salt pannes. The open channel flow flooding-draining mechanism and slower seepage were distinguished. From the drain curve the seepage rate can be quantified. The seepage rate remains approximately constant for all flooding draining episodes, but varies from panne to panne depending on bottom type and location. Seasonal differences due to the growth of vegetation are also recorded. The analysis of rain events allows us to estimate the catch area of subbasins in the marsh. The implication for marsh ecology and marsh accretion are discussed. The gradual sea level rise coupled with monthly tidal datum variability and storm surges result in migration and development of a salt marsh. The newly developed low cost instrumentation allows us to record and analyze these changes and may provide guidance for the ecological management.

Designing a Supply Chain Management Academic Curriculum Using QFD and Benchmarking

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gonzalez, Marvin E.; Quesada, Gioconda; Gourdin, Kent; Hartley, Mark

2008-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to utilize quality function deployment (QFD), Benchmarking analyses and other innovative quality tools to develop a new customer-centered undergraduate curriculum in supply chain management (SCM). Design/methodology/approach: The researchers used potential employers as the source for data collection. Then,…

Publications | Regional Energy Deployment System Model | Energy Analysis |

Science.gov Websites

Methodologies: Approximated DC Flow vs. Pipe Flow along AC Lines. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Energy. DOE/GO-102015-4557. Macknick, Jordan, and Stuart Cohen. 2015. Water Impacts of High Solar PV , Jordan, Stuart Cohen, Robin Newmark, Andrew Martinez, Patrick Sullivan, and Vince Tidwell. 2015. Water

Reasserting the Fundamentals of Systems Analysis and Design through the Rudiments of Artifacts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jafar, Musa; Babb, Jeffry

2012-01-01

In this paper we present an artifacts-based approach to teaching a senior level Object-Oriented Analysis and Design course. Regardless of the systems development methodology and process model, and in order to facilitate communication across the business modeling, analysis, design, construction and deployment disciplines, we focus on (1) the…

Critical Realism and Realist Review: Analyzing Complexity in Educational Restructuring and the Limits of Generalizing Program Theories Across Borders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

De Souza, Denise E.

2016-01-01

This article focuses on the design of a critical realist review that deployed Bhaskar's resolution, redescribing, retroduction, eliminating, identifying, and correcting schema and Pawson and Tilley's Context-Mechanism-Outcome configuration underpinned by realist social theory. Methodologically, the review examined the relationship between…

Probing next Generation Portuguese Academic Network

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Friacas, Carlos; Massano, Emanuel; Domingues, Monica; Veiga, Pedro

2008-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to provide several viewpoints about monitoring aspects related to recent deployments of a new technology (IPv6). Design/methodology/approach: Several views and domains were used, with a common point: the Portuguese research and education network (RCTS). Findings: A significant amount of work is yet to be…

Tracking the deployment of the integrated metropolitan ITS infrastructure in Albany, Schenectady, Troy : FY99 results

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-01-01

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 New York state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 New Jersey state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 North Carolina state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 North Dakota state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 South Carolina state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 District of Columbia state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 Rhode Island state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 New Mexico state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Tracking state deployments of commercial vehicle information systems and networks : 1998 New Hampshire state report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

The Propulsive Small Expendable Deployer System (ProSEDS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lorenzini, Enrico C.

2002-01-01

This Annual Report covers the following main topics: 1) Updated Reference Mission. The reference ProSEDS (Propulsive Small Expendable Deployer System) mission is evaluated for an updated launch date in the Summer of 2002 and for the new 80-s current operating cycle. Simulations are run for nominal solar activity condition at the time of launch and for extreme conditions of dynamic forcing. Simulations include the dynamics of the system, the electrodynamics of the bare tether, the neutral atmosphere and the thermal response of the tether. 2) Evaluation of power delivered by the tether system. The power delivered by the tethered system during the battery charging mode is computed under the assumption of minimum solar activity for the new launch date. 3) Updated Deployment Control Profiles and Simulations. A number of new deployment profiles were derived based on the latest results of the deployment ground tests. The flight profile is then derived based on the friction characteristics obtained from the deployment tests of the F-1 tether. 4) Analysis/estimation of deployment flight data. A process was developed to estimate the deployment trajectory of the endmass with respect to the Delta and the final libration amplitude from the data of the deployer turn counters. This software was tested successfully during the ProSEDS mission simulation at MSFC (Marshall Space Flight Center) EDAC (Environments Data Analysis Center).

TQM and lean strategy deployment in Italian hospitals.

PubMed

Chiarini, Andrea; Baccarani, Claudio

2016-10-03

Purpose This paper aims to contribute to the debate concerning total quality management (TQM)-Lean strategy in public healthcare by analyzing the deployment path for implementation, the possible benefits that can be achieved and the encountered pitfalls. Design/methodology/approach Three case studies are drawn from three large Italian hospitals with more than 500 beds each and structured with many departments. The hospitals are located in Tuscany, Italy. These three hospitals have embraced TQM and Lean, starting from strategic objectives and their deployment. At the same time, they have also implemented many TQM-Lean tools. The case studies are based on interviews held with four managers in each of these three public hospitals. Findings Results from the interviews show that there is a specific deployment path for TQM-Lean implementation. The hospitals have also achieved benefits linked to patient satisfaction and improved organizational performances. Problems related to organizational and cultural issues, such as senior managers' commitment, staff management, manufacturing culture and tools adaptation, could affect the benefits. Research limitations/implications The research has been carried out in just three Italian public hospitals. Hence, similar investigations could be managed in other countries. Researchers could also use a larger sample and investigate these issues by means of quantitative inquiry. Practical implications Practitioners could try to apply the deployment path revealed by these case studies in other public and private hospitals. Originality/value The results of this research show that there is a specific, new deployment path for implementing TQM-Lean strategy in some public hospitals.

Acute Assessment of Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress After Exposure to a Deployment-Related Explosive Blast.

PubMed

Baker, Monty T; Moring, John C; Hale, Willie J; Mintz, Jim; Young-McCaughan, Stacey; Bryant, Richard A; Broshek, Donna K; Barth, Jeffrey T; Villarreal, Robert; Lancaster, Cynthia L; Malach, Steffany L; Lara-Ruiz, Jose M; Isler, William; Peterson, Alan L

2018-05-18

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are two of the signature injuries in military service members who have been exposed to explosive blasts during deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Acute stress disorder (ASD), which occurs within 2-30 d after trauma exposure, is a more immediate psychological reaction predictive of the later development of PTSD. Most previous studies have evaluated service members after their return from deployment, which is often months or years after the initial blast exposure. The current study is the first large study to collect psychological and neuropsychological data from active duty service members within a few days after blast exposure. Recruitment for blast-injured TBI patients occurred at the Air Force Theater Hospital, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Patients were referred from across the combat theater and evaluated as part of routine clinical assessment of psychiatric and neuropsychological symptoms after exposure to an explosive blast. Four measures of neuropsychological functioning were used: the Military Acute Concussion Evaluation (MACE); the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS); the Headminder Cognitive Stability Index (CSI); and the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics, Version 4.0 (ANAM4). Three measures of combat exposure and psychological functioning were used: the Combat Experiences Scale (CES); the PTSD Checklist-Military Version (PCL-M); and the Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS). Assessments were completed by a deployed clinical psychologist, clinical social worker, or mental health technician. A total of 894 patients were evaluated. Data from 93 patients were removed from the data set for analysis because they experienced a head injury due to an event that was not an explosive blast (n = 84) or they were only assessed for psychiatric symptoms (n = 9). This resulted in a total of 801 blast-exposed patients for data analysis. Because data were collected in-theater for the initial purpose of clinical evaluation, sample size varied widely between measures, from 565 patients who completed the MACE to 154 who completed the CES. Bivariate correlations revealed that the majority of psychological measures were significantly correlated with each other (ps ≤ 0.01), neuropsychological measures were correlated with each other (ps ≤ 0.05), and psychological and neuropsychological measures were also correlated with each other (ps ≤ 0.05). This paper provides one of the first descriptions of psychological and neuropsychological functioning (and their inter-correlation) within days after blast exposure in a large sample of military personnel. Furthermore, this report describes the methodology used to gather data for the acute assessment of TBI, PTSD, and ASD after exposure to an explosive blast in the combat theater. Future analyses will examine the common and unique symptoms of TBI and PTSD, which will be instrumental in developing new assessment approaches and intervention strategies.

Consistency of Recall for Deployment-Related Traumatic Brain Injury.

PubMed

Alosco, Michael L; Aslan, Mihaela; Du, Mengtian; Ko, John; Grande, Laura; Proctor, Susan P; Concato, John; Vasterling, Jennifer J

2016-01-01

To examine the temporal consistency of self-reported deployment-related traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its association with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity. In-person interviews at US Army installations (postdeployment); phone interviews (long-term follow-up). A total of 378 US Army soldiers and veterans deployed to Iraq; 14.3% (n = 54) reported TBI with loss of consciousness during an index deployment. Participants were evaluated after returning from deployment and again 5 to 9 years later. Temporal consistency of TBI endorsement based on TBI screening interviews; PTSD Checklist, Civilian Version. The concordance of deployment-related TBI endorsement from the postdeployment to long-term follow-up assessment was moderate (κ = 0.53). Of the 54 participants reporting (predominantly mild) TBI occurring during an index deployment, 32 endorsed TBI inconsistently over time. More severe PTSD symptoms at postdeployment assessment were independently associated with discordant reporting (P = .0004); each 10-point increase in PCL scores increasing odds of discordance by 69% (odds ratio = 1.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-2.26). Deployment-related TBI may not be reported reliably over time, particularly among war-zone veterans with greater PTSD symptoms. Results of screening evaluations for TBI history should be viewed with caution in the context of PTSD symptom history.

Dilatation by Soehendra stent retriever is feasible and effective in multiple deployment of metallic stents to malignant hilar biliary strictures.

PubMed

Kato, Hironari; Kawamoto, Hirofumi; Noma, Yasuhiro; Sonoyama, Takayuki; Tsutsumi, Koichiro; Fujii, Masakuni; Okada, Hiroyuki; Yamamoto, Kazuhide

2013-01-01

The endoscopic management of malignant hilar biliary strictures using multiple metallic stents (MS) is technically demanding, in the initial deployment of MS and the recovery from MS occlusion with deployment of multiple plastic stents (PS). We evaluated the outcomes of the application of a Soehendra stent retriever (SSR) as a dilator of intractable strictures. Fifty-nine patients with malignant hilar biliary strictures had multiple MS inserted using a partial stent-in-stent procedure. When we encountered intractable strictures, we adopted SSR to dilate the stricture and the interstice of the MS. We evaluated the success rate of MS or PS deployment after SSR application and procedural complications. Five of 59 patients (8%) were subjected to SSR application for the initial MS deployment. MS were successfully deployed in all of these patients (100%). MS occlusion was noted in 27 patients. We applied SSR to seven patients (26%) for the deployment of multiple PS after MS occlusion. In five patients (71%), successful PS deployment was achieved after the SSR application. No complications related to dilatation using SSR occurred in any patient. SSR proved to be a potent dilator of difficult strictures in the management of malignant hilar biliary strictures.

Effective Staffing Takes a Village: Creating the Staffing Ecosystem.

PubMed

Gavigan, Margaret; Fitzpatrick, Therese A; Miserendino, Carole

2016-01-01

The traditional approaches to staffing and scheduling are often ineffective in assuring sufficient budgeting and deployment of staff to assure the right nurse at the right time for the right cost. As hospital merger activity increases, this exercise is further complicated by the need to rationalize staffing across multiple enterprises and standardize systems and processes. This Midwest hospital system successfully optimized staffing at the unit and enterprise levels by utilizing operations research methodologies. Savings were reinvested to improve staffing models which provided sufficient nonproductive coverage and patient-driven ratios. Over/under-staffing was eliminated in support of the system's recognition that adequate resource planning and deployment are critical to the culture of safety.

ART-Ada design project, phase 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, S. Daniel; Allen, Bradley P.

1990-01-01

Interest in deploying expert systems in Ada has increased. An Ada based expert system tool is described called ART-Ada, which was built to support research into the language and methodological issues of expert systems in Ada. ART-Ada allows applications of an existing expert system tool called ART-IM (Automated Reasoning Tool for Information Management) to be deployed in various Ada environments. ART-IM, a C-based expert system tool, is used to generate Ada source code which is compiled and linked with an Ada based inference engine to produce an Ada executable image. ART-Ada is being used to implement several expert systems for NASA's Space Station Freedom Program and the U.S. Air Force.

Modeling and Control of the Redundant Parallel Adjustment Mechanism on a Deployable Antenna Panel

PubMed Central

Tian, Lili; Bao, Hong; Wang, Meng; Duan, Xuechao

2016-01-01

With the aim of developing multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) coupling systems with a redundant parallel adjustment mechanism on the deployable antenna panel, a structural control integrated design methodology is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the modal information from the finite element model of the structure of the antenna panel is extracted, and then the mathematical model is established with the Hamilton principle; Secondly, the discrete Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) controller is added to the model in order to control the actuators and adjust the shape of the panel. Finally, the engineering practicality of the modeling and control method based on finite element analysis simulation is verified. PMID:27706076

Space station structures development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Teller, V. B.

1986-01-01

A study of three interrelated tasks focusing on deployable Space Station truss structures is discussed. Task 1, the development of an alternate deployment system for linear truss, resulted in the preliminary design of an in-space reloadable linear motor deployer. Task 2, advanced composites deployable truss development, resulted in the testing and evaluation of composite materials for struts used in a deployable linear truss. Task 3, assembly of structures in space/erectable structures, resulted in the preliminary design of Space Station pressurized module support structures. An independent, redundant support system was developed for the common United States modules.

Sincere but naive: methodological queries concerning the British Columbia polygamy reference trial.

PubMed

Ashley, Sean Matthew

2014-11-01

Academics frequently serve as expert witnesses in legal cases, yet their role as transmitters of social scientific knowledge remains under-examined. The present study analyzes the deployment of social science within British Columbia's polygamy reference trial where research is used to support the assertion that polygamy is inherently harmful to society. Within the trial record and the written decision, the protection of monogamy as an institution is performed in part through the marginalization of qualitative methodology and the concurrent privileging of quantitative studies that purportedly demonstrate widespread social harms associated with the practice of polygyny.

Description of cost data from state self-evaluations of commercial vehicle information systems and networks (CVISN) deployments (October 2003 to October 2005)

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-02-20

To help states track their own progress in deploying Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks (CVISN) technologies, a self-evaluation requirement was included in the partnership agreements between the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT...

Automated Methodologies for the Design of Flow Diagrams for Development and Maintenance Activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shivanand M., Handigund; Shweta, Bhat

The Software Requirements Specification (SRS) of the organization is a text document prepared by strategic management incorporating the requirements of the organization. These requirements of ongoing business/ project development process involve the software tools, the hardware devices, the manual procedures, the application programs and the communication commands. These components are appropriately ordered for achieving the mission of the concerned process both in the project development and the ongoing business processes, in different flow diagrams viz. activity chart, workflow diagram, activity diagram, component diagram and deployment diagram. This paper proposes two generic, automatic methodologies for the design of various flow diagrams of (i) project development activities, (ii) ongoing business process. The methodologies also resolve the ensuing deadlocks in the flow diagrams and determine the critical paths for the activity chart. Though both methodologies are independent, each complements other in authenticating its correctness and completeness.

Event Detection in Aerospace Systems using Centralized Sensor Networks: A Comparative Study of Several Methodologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mehr, Ali Farhang; Sauvageon, Julien; Agogino, Alice M.; Tumer, Irem Y.

2006-01-01

Recent advances in micro electromechanical systems technology, digital electronics, and wireless communications have enabled development of low-cost, low-power, multifunctional miniature smart sensors. These sensors can be deployed throughout a region in an aerospace vehicle to build a network for measurement, detection and surveillance applications. Event detection using such centralized sensor networks is often regarded as one of the most promising health management technologies in aerospace applications where timely detection of local anomalies has a great impact on the safety of the mission. In this paper, we propose to conduct a qualitative comparison of several local event detection algorithms for centralized redundant sensor networks. The algorithms are compared with respect to their ability to locate and evaluate an event in the presence of noise and sensor failures for various node geometries and densities.

THE VIEW FROM THE TRENCHES: PART 2–TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR EPR SCREENING

PubMed Central

Nicolalde, Roberto J.; Gougelet, Robert M.; Rea, Michael; Williams, Benjamin B.; Dong, Ruhong; Kmiec, Maciej M.; Lesniewski, Piotr N.; Swartz, Harold M.

2014-01-01

There is growing awareness of the need for methodologies that can be used retrospectively to provide the biodosimetry needed to carry out screening and triage immediately after an event in which large numbers of people have potentially received clinically significant doses of ionizing radiation. The general approach to developing such methodologies has been a technology centric one, often ignoring the system integrations considerations that are key to their effective use. In this study an integrative approach for the evaluation and development of a physical biodosimetry technology was applied based on in vivo electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) dosimetry. The EPR measurements are based on physical changes in tissues whose magnitudes are not affected by the factors that can confound biologically-based assessments. In this study the use of a pilot simulation exercise to evaluate an experimental EPR system and gather stakeholders’ feedback early on in the development process is described. The exercise involved: ten non-irradiated participants, representatives from a local fire department; Department of Homeland Security certified exercise evaluators, EPR experts, physicians; and a human factors engineer. Stakeholders were in agreement that the EPR technology in its current state of development could be deployed for the screening of mass casualties. Furthermore, stakeholders’ recommendations will be prioritized and incorporated in future developments of the EPR technique. While the results of this exercise were aimed specifically at providing feedback for the development of EPR dosimetry for screening mass casualties, the methods and lessons learned are likely to be applicable to other biodosimetric methods. PMID:20065674

The Propulsive Small Expendable Deployer System (ProSEDS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lorenzini, Enrico C.; Cosmo, Mario L.; Estes, Robert D.; Sanmartin, Juan; Pelaez, Jesus; Ruiz, Manuel

2003-01-01

This Final Report covers the following main topics: 1) Brief Description of ProSEDS; 2) Mission Analysis; 3) Dynamics Reference Mission; 4) Dynamics Stability; 5) Deployment Control; 6) Updated System Performance; 7) Updated Mission Analysis; 8) Updated Dynamics Reference Mission; 9) Updated Deployment Control Profiles and Simulations; 10) Updated Reference Mission; 11) Evaluation of Power Delivered by the Tether; 12) Deployment Control Profile Ref. #78 and Simulations; 13) Kalman Filters for Mission Estimation; 14) Analysis/Estimation of Deployment Flight Data; 15) Comparison of ED Tethers and Electrical Thrusters; 16) Dynamics Analysis for Mission Starting at a Lower Altitude; 17) Deployment Performance at a Lower Altitude; 18) Satellite Orbit after a Tether Cut; 19) Deployment with Shorter Dyneema Tether Length; 20) Interactive Software for ED Tethers.

Maximizing Societal Benefits Associated With Alternative Fuel Subsidies: The Case of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nazir, Samir M.

Government seeks to improve the welfare of its citizenry and intervenes in marketplaces to maximize benefits when externalities are not captured. By analyzing how welfare changes from area to area across the country in response to the same intervention informs where government should act. This thesis analyzes the case of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). PHEVs have many societal benefits, including improving national security, economic, environmental, and health advantages. The magnitude and distribution of these benefits depends on where PHEVs are deployed. This thesis develops and applies a methodology to determine if the benefits from PHEV deployment vary across the country and for ranking regions where positive PHEV consequences are likely to be maximized. The metrics in this method are proxies of key variables which predict the level of benefits in a county from the deployment of a PHEV there; they include population, health benefits from reduced ozone concentration, vehicle miles traveled per capita, existence of non-federal policies, and CO 2 intensity of electricity. By shedding light on how benefits from PHEV deployment vary across counties, this thesis seeks to better inform where to enact government interventions to maximize the benefits of this technology.

Submersible UV-Vis Spectroscopy for Quantifying Streamwater Organic Carbon Dynamics: Implementation and Challenges before and after Forest Harvest in a Headwater Stream

PubMed Central

Jollymore, Ashlee; Johnson, Mark S.; Hawthorne, Iain

2012-01-01

Organic material, including total and dissolved organic carbon (DOC), is ubiquitous within aquatic ecosystems, playing a variety of important and diverse biogeochemical and ecological roles. Determining how land-use changes affect DOC concentrations and bioavailability within aquatic ecosystems is an important means of evaluating the effects on ecological productivity and biogeochemical cycling. This paper presents a methodology case study looking at the deployment of a submersible UV-Vis absorbance spectrophotometer (UV-Vis spectro∷lyzer model, s∷can, Vienna, Austria) to determine stream organic carbon dynamics within a headwater catchment located near Campbell River (British Columbia, Canada). Field-based absorbance measurements of DOC were made before and after forest harvest, highlighting the advantages of high temporal resolution compared to traditional grab sampling and laboratory measurements. Details of remote deployment are described. High-frequency DOC data is explored by resampling the 30 min time series with a range of resampling time intervals (from daily to weekly time steps). DOC export was calculated for three months from the post-harvest data and resampled time series, showing that sampling frequency has a profound effect on total DOC export. DOC exports derived from weekly measurements were found to underestimate export by as much as 30% compared to DOC export calculated from high-frequency data. Additionally, the importance of the ability to remotely monitor the system through a recently deployed wireless connection is emphasized by examining causes of prior data losses, and how such losses may be prevented through the ability to react when environmental or power disturbances cause system interruption and data loss. PMID:22666002

Submersible UV-Vis spectroscopy for quantifying streamwater organic carbon dynamics: implementation and challenges before and after forest harvest in a headwater stream.

PubMed

Jollymore, Ashlee; Johnson, Mark S; Hawthorne, Iain

2012-01-01

Organic material, including total and dissolved organic carbon (DOC), is ubiquitous within aquatic ecosystems, playing a variety of important and diverse biogeochemical and ecological roles. Determining how land-use changes affect DOC concentrations and bioavailability within aquatic ecosystems is an important means of evaluating the effects on ecological productivity and biogeochemical cycling. This paper presents a methodology case study looking at the deployment of a submersible UV-Vis absorbance spectrophotometer (UV-Vis spectro::lyzer model, s::can, Vienna, Austria) to determine stream organic carbon dynamics within a headwater catchment located near Campbell River (British Columbia, Canada). Field-based absorbance measurements of DOC were made before and after forest harvest, highlighting the advantages of high temporal resolution compared to traditional grab sampling and laboratory measurements. Details of remote deployment are described. High-frequency DOC data is explored by resampling the 30 min time series with a range of resampling time intervals (from daily to weekly time steps). DOC export was calculated for three months from the post-harvest data and resampled time series, showing that sampling frequency has a profound effect on total DOC export. DOC exports derived from weekly measurements were found to underestimate export by as much as 30% compared to DOC export calculated from high-frequency data. Additionally, the importance of the ability to remotely monitor the system through a recently deployed wireless connection is emphasized by examining causes of prior data losses, and how such losses may be prevented through the ability to react when environmental or power disturbances cause system interruption and data loss.

Risk assessments for exposure of deployed military personnel to insecticides and personal protective measures used for disease-vector management.

PubMed

Macedo, Paula A; Peterson, Robert K D; Davis, Ryan S

2007-10-01

Infectious diseases are problematic for deployed military forces throughout the world, and, historically, more military service days have been lost to insect-vectored diseases than to combat. Because of the limitations in efficacy and availability of both vaccines and therapeutic drugs, vector management often is the best tool that military personnel have against most vector-borne pathogens. However, the use of insecticides may raise concerns about the safety of their effects on the health of the military personnel exposed to them. Therefore, our objective was to use risk assessment methodologies to evaluate health risks to deployed U.S. military personnel from vector management tactics. Our conservative tier-1, quantitative risk assessment focused on acute, subchronic, and chronic exposures and cancer risks to military personnel after insecticide application and use of personal protective measures in different scenarios. Exposures were estimated for every scenario, chemical, and pathway. Acute, subchronic, and chronic risks were assessed using a margin of exposure (MOE) approach. Our MOE was the ratio of a no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) to an estimated exposure. MOEs were greater than the levels of concern (LOCs) for all surface residual and indoor space spraying exposures, except acute dermal exposure to lambda-cyhalothrin. MOEs were greater than the LOCs for all chemicals in the truck-mounted ultra-low-volume (ULV) exposure scenario. The aggregate cancer risk for permethrin exceeded 1 x 10(-6), but more realistic exposure refinements would reduce the cancer risk below that value. Overall, results indicate that health risks from exposures to insecticides and personal protective measures used by military personnel are low.

The Impact of eHealth on the Quality and Safety of Health Care: A Systematic Overview

PubMed Central

Black, Ashly D.; Car, Josip; Pagliari, Claudia; Anandan, Chantelle; Cresswell, Kathrin; Bokun, Tomislav; McKinstry, Brian; Procter, Rob; Majeed, Azeem; Sheikh, Aziz

2011-01-01

Background There is considerable international interest in exploiting the potential of digital solutions to enhance the quality and safety of health care. Implementations of transformative eHealth technologies are underway globally, often at very considerable cost. In order to assess the impact of eHealth solutions on the quality and safety of health care, and to inform policy decisions on eHealth deployments, we undertook a systematic review of systematic reviews assessing the effectiveness and consequences of various eHealth technologies on the quality and safety of care. Methods and Findings We developed novel search strategies, conceptual maps of health care quality, safety, and eHealth interventions, and then systematically identified, scrutinised, and synthesised the systematic review literature. Major biomedical databases were searched to identify systematic reviews published between 1997 and 2010. Related theoretical, methodological, and technical material was also reviewed. We identified 53 systematic reviews that focused on assessing the impact of eHealth interventions on the quality and/or safety of health care and 55 supplementary systematic reviews providing relevant supportive information. This systematic review literature was found to be generally of substandard quality with regards to methodology, reporting, and utility. We thematically categorised eHealth technologies into three main areas: (1) storing, managing, and transmission of data; (2) clinical decision support; and (3) facilitating care from a distance. We found that despite support from policymakers, there was relatively little empirical evidence to substantiate many of the claims made in relation to these technologies. Whether the success of those relatively few solutions identified to improve quality and safety would continue if these were deployed beyond the contexts in which they were originally developed, has yet to be established. Importantly, best practice guidelines in effective development and deployment strategies are lacking. Conclusions There is a large gap between the postulated and empirically demonstrated benefits of eHealth technologies. In addition, there is a lack of robust research on the risks of implementing these technologies and their cost-effectiveness has yet to be demonstrated, despite being frequently promoted by policymakers and “techno-enthusiasts” as if this was a given. In the light of the paucity of evidence in relation to improvements in patient outcomes, as well as the lack of evidence on their cost-effectiveness, it is vital that future eHealth technologies are evaluated against a comprehensive set of measures, ideally throughout all stages of the technology's life cycle. Such evaluation should be characterised by careful attention to socio-technical factors to maximise the likelihood of successful implementation and adoption. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary PMID:21267058

Emotional Masking and Spill-Outs in the Neoliberalized University: A Feminist Geographic Perspective on Mentorship

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bain, Alison L.; Baker, Rachael; Laliberté, Nicole; Milan, Alison; Payne, William J.; Ravensbergen, Léa; Saad, Dima

2017-01-01

This paper addresses the emotional dimensions of academic mentorship from a student mentee perspective and contributes to an emerging literature on geographies of emotion in higher education. It presents a pedagogical practice of self-reflexive co-mentorship--self-peer-ceptive feminist mentoring--and deploys it methodologically to analyze three…

A Methodological Approach to Encourage the Service-Oriented Learning Systems Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Diez, David; Malizia, Alessio; Aedo, Ignacio; Diaz, Paloma; Fernandez, Camino; Dodero, Juan-Manuel

2009-01-01

The basic idea of service-oriented learning is that a learning environment should be conceived as a set of independent units of learning packaged as learning services. The design, development and deployment of a learning system based on integrating different learning services needs both a technological platform to support the system as well as a…

Why Eat Green Cucumbers at the Time of Dying? Women's Literacy and Development in Nepal.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robinson-Pant, Anna

The processes by which women living in rural areas of Nepal acquire literacy and deploy it for their own purposes were examined in an exploration of the diverse perspectives of policymakers, fieldworkers, and participants in gender, literacy, and development. The study combined ethnography with a research methodology called participatory rural…

Operational Group Sandy technical progress report

USGS Publications Warehouse

,

2013-01-01

This report documents results from the March 2013 deployment of the OGS. It includes background information on Hurricane Sandy and the federal response; the OGS methodology; scenarios for Hurricane Sandy’s impact on coastal communities and urban ecosystems; potential interventions to improve regional resilience to future major storms; a discussion of scenario results; and lessons learned about the OGS process.

One-to-One Computing and Student Achievement in Ohio High Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Nancy L.; Larwin, Karen H.

2016-01-01

This study explores the impact of one-to-one computing on student achievement in Ohio high schools as measured by performance on the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT). The sample included 24 treatment schools that were individually paired with a similar control school. An interrupted time series methodology was deployed to examine OGT data over a period…

Gulf War veterans' health: medical evaluation of a U.S. cohort.

PubMed

Eisen, Seth A; Kang, Han K; Murphy, Frances M; Blanchard, Melvin S; Reda, Domenic J; Henderson, William G; Toomey, Rosemary; Jackson, Leila W; Alpern, Renee; Parks, Becky J; Klimas, Nancy; Hall, Coleen; Pak, Hon S; Hunter, Joyce; Karlinsky, Joel; Battistone, Michael J; Lyons, Michael J

2005-06-07

United States military personnel reported various symptoms after deployment to the Persian Gulf during the 1991 Gulf War. However, the symptoms' long-term prevalence and association with deployment remain controversial. To assess and compare the prevalence of selected medical conditions in a national cohort of deployed and nondeployed Gulf War veterans who were evaluated by direct medical and teledermatologic examinations. A cross-sectional prevalence study performed 10 years after the 1991 Gulf War. Veterans were examined at 1 of 16 Veterans Affairs medical centers. Deployed (n = 1061) and nondeployed (n = 1128) veterans of the 1991 Gulf War. Primary outcome measures included fibromyalgia, the chronic fatigue syndrome, dermatologic conditions, dyspepsia, physical health-related quality of life (Short Form-36 [SF-36]), hypertension, obstructive lung disease, arthralgias, and peripheral neuropathy. Of 12 conditions, only 4 conditions were more prevalent among deployed than nondeployed veterans: fibromyalgia (deployed, 2.0%; nondeployed, 1.2%; odds ratio, 2.32 [95% CI, 1.02 to 5.27]); the chronic fatigue syndrome (deployed, 1.6%; nondeployed 0.1%; odds ratio, 40.6 [CI, 10.2 to 161]); dermatologic conditions (deployed, 34.6%; nondeployed, 26.8%; odds ratio, 1.38 [CI, 1.06 to 1.80]), and dyspepsia (deployed, 9.1%; nondeployed, 6.0%; odds ratio, 1.87 [CI, 1.16 to 2.99]). The mean physical component summary score of the SF-36 for deployed and nondeployed veterans was 49.3 and 50.8, respectively. Relatively low participation rates introduce potential participation bias, and deployment-related illnesses that resolved before the research examination could not, by design, be detected. Ten years after the Gulf War, the physical health of deployed and nondeployed veterans is similar. However, Gulf War deployment is associated with an increased risk for fibromyalgia, the chronic fatigue syndrome, skin conditions, dyspepsia, and a clinically insignificant decrease in the SF-36 physical component score.

Deploying and operating integrated intelligent transportation systems : twenty questions and answers : guidance from the evaluation of the Metropolitan Model Deployment Initiative sites

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-01-01

This report describes the results of a major data gathering effort aimed at tracking deployment of nine infrastructure components of the metropolitan ITS infrastructure in 78 of the largest metropolitan areas in the nation. The nine components are: F...

Deploying Six Sigma in a health care system as a work in progress.

PubMed

Christianson, Jon B; Warrick, Louise H; Howard, Richard; Vollum, John

2005-11-01

An integrated health care system deployed Six Sigma in four clinical projects. The selected projects targeted Medicare profitability, emergency department cycle time reduction, clinic patient preparation, and medication safety. CROSS-PROJECT ANALYSIS: The six-month start-up period yielded several lessons. For example, the selection and sequence for implementing strategic performance improvement (PI) projects, and the decision to use Six Sigma methods, should be guided by an overall system of project portfolio management. Fairview Health Services (FHS) had begun with a partial deployment with the intent of using the experience to inform subsequent full deployment. Yet even before completing analyses of project outcomes, FHS decided to proceed with full deployment. Leaders developed strategic and communication plans, allocated resources, and provided for further training. In 2005, three years after the initial implementation period, Six Sigma implementation has continued. A systemwide method for setting priorities for PI projects is in place, supported by a Web-based system for managing, tracking, monitoring, and communicating results. Cultural change is a challenge in any environment where staff is rooted in a single PI methodology and is skeptical about the credibility of Six Sigma because of its tie to manufacturing. Health care organizations will need to find better ways to engage physicians, especially community physicians whose patients and clinical practices could be affected by Six Sigma projects.

Integrated Incident Management System (IIMS) web client application development, deployment and evaluation: an evaluation of a potential IIMS deployment in Western New York : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-09-30

Incident Management (IM) is an area of transportation management that can significantly decrease the congestion and increase the : efficiency of transportation networks in non-ideal conditions. In this study, the existing state of the Integrated Inci...

Social Acceptance of Wind Energy: Managing and Evaluating Its Market Impacts (Presentation)

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

Baring-Gould, I.

2012-06-01

As with any industrial-scale technology, wind power has impacts. As wind technology deployment becomes more widespread, a defined opposition will form as a result of fear of change and competing energy technologies. As the easy-to-deploy sites are developed, the costs of developing at sites with deployment barriers will increase, therefore increasing the total cost of power. This presentation provides an overview of wind development stakeholders and related stakeholder engagement questions, Energy Department activities that provide wind project deployment information, and the quantification of deployment barriers and costs in the continental United States.

Strong seasonality of Bonamia sp. infection and induced Crassostrea ariakensis mortality in Bogue and Masonboro Sounds, North Carolina, USA.

PubMed

Carnegie, Ryan B; Stokes, Nancy A; Audemard, Corinne; Bishop, Melanie J; Wilbur, Ami E; Alphin, Troy D; Posey, Martin H; Peterson, Charles H; Burreson, Eugene M

2008-07-01

Asian oyster Crassostrea ariakensis is being considered for introduction to Atlantic coastal waters of the USA. Successful aquaculture of this species will depend partly on mitigating impacts by Bonamia sp., a parasite that has caused high C. ariakensis mortality south of Virginia. To better understand the biology of this parasite and identify strategies for management, we evaluated its seasonal pattern of infection in C. ariakensis at two North Carolina, USA, locations in 2005. Small (<50 mm) triploid C. ariakensis were deployed to upwellers on Bogue Sound in late spring (May), summer (July), early fall (September), late fall (November), and early winter (December) 2005; and two field sites on Masonboro Sound in September 2005. Oyster growth and mortality were evaluated biweekly at Bogue Sound, and weekly at Masonboro, with Bonamia sp. prevalence evaluated using parasite-specific PCR. We used histology to confirm infections in PCR-positive oysters. Bonamia sp. appeared in the late spring Bogue Sound deployment when temperatures approached 25 degrees C, six weeks post-deployment. Summer- and early fall-deployed oysters displayed Bonamia sp. infections after 3-4 weeks. Bonamia sp. prevalences were 75% in Bogue Sound, and 60% in Masonboro. While oyster mortality reached 100% in late spring and summer deployments, early fall deployments showed reduced (17-82%) mortality. Late fall and early winter deployments, made at temperatures <20 degrees C, developed no Bonamia sp. infections at all. Seasonal Bonamia sp. cycling, therefore, is influenced greatly by temperature. Avoiding peak seasonal Bonamia sp. activity will be essential for culturing C. ariakensis in Bonamia sp.-enzootic waters.

A systematic review of the methodologies used to evaluate telemedicine service initiatives in hospital facilities.

PubMed

AlDossary, Sharifah; Martin-Khan, Melinda G; Bradford, Natalie K; Smith, Anthony C

2017-01-01

The adoption of telemedicine into mainstream health services has been slower than expected. Many telemedicine projects tend not to progress beyond the trial phase; there are a large number of pilot or project publications and fewer 'service' publications. This issue has been noted since 1999 and continues to be acknowledged in the literature. While overall telemedicine uptake has been slow, some services have been successful. The reporting and evaluation of these successful services may help to improve future uptake and sustainability. The aim of this literature review was to identify peer-reviewed publications of deployed telemedicine services in hospital facilities; and to report, and appraise, the methodology used to evaluate these services. Computerised literature searches of bibliographic databases were performed using the MeSH terms for "Telemedicine" and "Hospital Services" or "Hospital", for papers published up to May 2016. A total of 164 papers were identified, representing 137 telemedicine services. The majority of reported telemedicine services were based in the United States of America (n=61, 44.5%). Almost two thirds of the services (n=86, 62.7%) were delivered by real time telemedicine. Of the reviewed studies, almost half (n=81, 49.3%) assessed their services from three different evaluation perspectives: clinical outcomes, economics and satisfaction. While the remaining half (n=83, 50.6%) described their service and its activities without reporting any evaluation measures. Only 30 (18.2%) studies indicated a two-step implementation and evaluation process. There was limited information in all reported studies regarding description of a structured planning strategy. Our systematic review identified only 137 telemedicine services. This suggests either telemedicine service implementation is still not a part of mainstream clinical services, or it is not being reported in the peer-reviewed literature. The depth and the quality of information were variable across studies, reducing the generalisability. The reporting of service implementation and planning strategies should be encouraged. Given the fast paced technology driven environment of telemedicine, this may enable others to learn and understand how to implement sustainable services. The key component of planning was underreported in these studies. Studies applying and reporting more rigorous methodology would contribute greatly to the evidence for telemedicine. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Applications for the environment : real-time information synthesis (AERIS) : state of the practice of techniques for evaluating the environmental impacts of ITS deployment.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-08-01

The goal of this report is to present an overview of the state of the practice for techniques that could be used to evaluate the environmental impacts of ITS deployments enabled by real-time communications. Commercial freight and public transit appli...

Eelgrass indicator deployment system (EIDS): A low tech tool for short-term evaluation of eelgrass response to water quality

EPA Science Inventory

Eelgrass is often considered a sentinel species that can be used as an indicator of water clarity and quality. I used the Eelgrass Indicator Deployment System (EIDS) in a series of short term experiments to evaluate eelgrass growth and survival at a decline and a control site in...

A methodological proposal for the development of an HPC-based antenna array scheduler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonvallet, Roberto; Hoffstadt, Arturo; Herrera, Diego; López, Daniela; Gregorio, Rodrigo; Almuna, Manuel; Hiriart, Rafael; Solar, Mauricio

2010-07-01

As new astronomy projects choose interferometry to improve angular resolution and to minimize costs, preparing and optimizing schedules for an antenna array becomes an increasingly critical task. This problem shares similarities with the job-shop problem, which is known to be a NP-hard problem, making a complete approach infeasible. In the case of ALMA, 18000 projects per season are expected, and the best schedule must be found in the order of minutes. The problem imposes severe difficulties: the large domain of observation projects to be taken into account; a complex objective function, composed of several abstract, environmental, and hardware constraints; the number of restrictions imposed and the dynamic nature of the problem, as weather is an ever-changing variable. A solution can benefit from the use of High-Performance Computing for the final implementation to be deployed, but also for the development process. Our research group proposes the use of both metaheuristic search and statistical learning algorithms, in order to create schedules in a reasonable time. How these techniques will be applied is yet to be determined as part of the ongoing research. Several algorithms need to be implemented, tested and evaluated by the team. This work presents the methodology proposed to lead the development of the scheduler. The basic functionality is encapsulated into software components implemented on parallel architectures. These components expose a domain-level interface to the researchers, enabling then to develop early prototypes for evaluating and comparing their proposed techniques.

Methodology for the passive detection and discrimination of chemical and biological aerosols

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marinelli, William J.; Shokhirev, Kirill N.; Konno, Daisei; Rossi, David C.; Richardson, Martin

2013-05-01

The standoff detection and discrimination of aerosolized biological and chemical agents has traditionally been addressed through LIDAR approaches, but sensor systems using these methods have yet to be deployed. We discuss the development and testing of an approach to detect these aerosols using the deployed base of passive infrared hyperspectral sensors used for chemical vapor detection. The detection of aerosols requires the inclusion of down welling sky and up welling ground radiation in the description of the radiative transfer process. The wavelength and size dependent ratio of absorption to scattering provides much of the discrimination capability. The approach to the detection of aerosols utilizes much of the same phenomenology employed in vapor detection; however, the sensor system must acquire information on non-line-of-sight sources of radiation contributing to the scattering process. We describe the general methodology developed to detect chemical or biological aerosols, including justifications for the simplifying assumptions that enable the development of a real-time sensor system. Mie scattering calculations, aerosol size distribution dependence, and the angular dependence of the scattering on the aerosol signature will be discussed. This methodology will then be applied to two test cases: the ground level release of a biological aerosol (BG) and a nonbiological confuser (kaolin clay) as well as the debris field resulting from the intercept of a cruise missile carrying a thickened VX warhead. A field measurement, conducted at the Utah Test and Training Range will be used to illustrate the issues associated with the use of the method.

Malaria risk assessment and preventive recommendations: a new approach for the Canadian military.

PubMed

Schofield, Steve; Tepper, Martin; Tuck, Jeremy J H

2007-12-01

Western militaries deploying to international locations are often confronted with the threat of malaria. For the Canadian military, the consequent response has been prescriptive-any risk of malaria warrants use of personal protective measures and chemoprophylaxis. In reality, however, malaria risk is highly variable and a one-size-fits-all strategy to mitigation may not be appropriate. In line with this, the Canadian military has revised its approach to malaria risk assessment and preventive response. More effort is now spent on predictive modeling and, where risk is deemed to be low, chemoprophylaxis may not be recommended. We describe here an application of the revised methodology to the recent Canadian military deployment to Kandahar province, Afghanistan.

Deployment of assistive living technology in a nursing home environment: methods and lessons learned

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background With an ever-growing ageing population, dementia is fast becoming the chronic disease of the 21st century. Elderly people affected with dementia progressively lose their autonomy as they encounter problems in their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Hence, they need supervision and assistance from their family members or professional caregivers, which can often lead to underestimated psychological and financial stress for all parties. The use of Ambient Assistive Living (AAL) technologies aims to empower people with dementia and relieve the burden of their caregivers. The aim of this paper is to present the approach we have adopted to develop and deploy a system for ambient assistive living in an operating nursing home, and evaluate its performance and usability in real conditions. Based on this approach, we emphasise on the importance of deployments in real world settings as opposed to prototype testing in laboratories. Methods We chose to conduct this work in close partnership with end-users (dementia patients) and specialists in dementia care (professional caregivers). Our trial was conducted during a period of 14 months within three rooms in a nursing home in Singapore, and with the participation of eight dementia patients and two caregivers. A technical ambient assistive living solution, consisting of a set of sensors and devices controlled by a software platform, was deployed in the collaborating nursing home. The trial was preceded by a pre-deployment period to organise several observation sessions with dementia patients and focus group discussions with professional caregivers. A process of ground truth and system’s log data gathering was also planned prior to the trial and a system performance evaluation was realised during the deployment period with the help of caregivers. An ethical approval was obtained prior to real life deployment of our solution. Results Patients’ observations and discussions allowed us to gather a set of requirements that a system for elders with mild-dementia should fulfil. In fact, our deployment has exposed more concrete requirements and problems that need to be addressed, and which cannot be identified in laboratory testing. Issues that were neither forecasted during the design phase nor during the laboratory testing surfaced during deployment, thus affecting the effectiveness of the proposed solution. Results of the system performance evaluation show the evolution of system precision and uptime over the deployment phases, while data analysis demonstrates the ability to provide early detection of the degradation of patients’ conditions. A qualitative feedback was collected from caregivers and doctors and a set of lessons learned emerged from this deployment experience. (Continued on next page) (Continued from previous page) Conclusion Lessons learned from this study were very useful for our research work and can serve as inspiration for developers and providers of assistive living services. They confirmed the importance of real deployment to evaluate assistive solutions especially with the involvement of professional caregivers. They also asserted the need for larger deployments. Larger deployments will allow to conduct surveys on assistive solutions social and health impact, even though they are time and manpower consuming during their first phases. PMID:23565984

Nature and Role of Traditional Forms of Counselling in Zambia: A Case of Lusaka Province

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chiboola, Hector; Munsaka, Sody M.

2018-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine the nature and role of traditional forms of counselling and the scope of common problems presented to traditional counsellors in Lusaka province. It used a qualitative research methodology and deployed a holistic single-case study design with multiple embedded units of analysis. The sample consisted of 80…

Automation and Networking of Public Libraries in India Using the E-Granthalaya Software from the National Informatics Centre

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matoria, Ram Kumar; Upadhyay, P. K.; Moni, Madaswamy

2007-01-01

Purpose: To describe the development of the library management system, e-Granthalaya, for public libraries in India. This is an initiative of the Indian government's National Informatics Centre (NIC). The paper outlines the challenges and the potential of a full-scale deployment of this software at a national level. Design/methodology/approach:…

Blade Testing Trends (Presentation)

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

Desmond, M.

2014-08-01

As an invited guest speaker, Michael Desmond presented on NREL's NWTC structural testing methods and capabilities at the 2014 Sandia Blade Workshop held on August 26-28, 2014 in Albuquerque, NM. Although dynamometer and field testing capabilities were mentioned, the presentation focused primarily on wind turbine blade testing, including descriptions and capabilities for accredited certification testing, historical methodology and technology deployment, and current research and development activities.

The 1994 NASA/USRA/ADP Design Projects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cruse, Thomas; Richardson, Joseph; Tryon, Robert

1994-01-01

The NASA/USRA/ADP Design Projects from Vanderbilt University, Department of Mechanical Engineering (1994) are enclosed in this final report. Design projects include: (1) Protein Crystal Growth, both facilities and methodology; (2) ACES Deployable Space Boom; (3) Hybrid Launch System designs for both manned and unmanned systems; (4) LH2 Fuel Tank design (SSTO); (5) SSTO design; and (6) Pressure Tank Feed System design.

Digging Deep for Meaning: A Critical Hermeneutic Analysis of CEO Letters to Shareholders in the Oil Industry.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Prasad, Anshuman; Mir, Raza

2002-01-01

Uses the methodology of critical hermeneutics to analyze Chief Executive Officers' letters to shareholders in the United States petroleum industry during the 1970s and 1980s. Suggests these letters were deployed to produce a certain attitude toward OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) among their readers that deflected attention of…

Evaluation of Anomaly Detection Capability for Ground-Based Pre-Launch Shuttle Operations. Chapter 8

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, Rodney Alexander

2010-01-01

This chapter will provide a thorough end-to-end description of the process for evaluation of three different data-driven algorithms for anomaly detection to select the best candidate for deployment as part of a suite of IVHM (Integrated Vehicle Health Management) technologies. These algorithms were deemed to be sufficiently mature enough to be considered viable candidates for deployment in support of the maiden launch of Ares I-X, the successor to the Space Shuttle for NASA's Constellation program. Data-driven algorithms are just one of three different types being deployed. The other two types of algorithms being deployed include a "nile-based" expert system, and a "model-based" system. Within these two categories, the deployable candidates have already been selected based upon qualitative factors such as flight heritage. For the rule-based system, SHINE (Spacecraft High-speed Inference Engine) has been selected for deployment, which is a component of BEAM (Beacon-based Exception Analysis for Multimissions), a patented technology developed at NASA's JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) and serves to aid in the management and identification of operational modes. For the "model-based" system, a commercially available package developed by QSI (Qualtech Systems, Inc.), TEAMS (Testability Engineering and Maintenance System) has been selected for deployment to aid in diagnosis. In the context of this particular deployment, distinctions among the use of the terms "data-driven," "rule-based," and "model-based," can be found in. Although there are three different categories of algorithms that have been selected for deployment, our main focus in this chapter will be on the evaluation of three candidates for data-driven anomaly detection. These algorithms will be evaluated upon their capability for robustly detecting incipient faults or failures in the ground-based phase of pre-launch space shuttle operations, rather than based oil heritage as performed in previous studies. Robust detection will allow for the achievement of pre-specified minimum false alarm and/or missed detection rates in the selection of alert thresholds. All algorithms will also be optimized with respect to an aggregation of these same criteria. Our study relies upon the use of Shuttle data to act as was a proxy for and in preparation for application to Ares I-X data, which uses a very similar hardware platform for the subsystems that are being targeted (TVC - Thrust Vector Control subsystem for the SRB (Solid Rocket Booster)).

SNMG: a social-level norm-based methodology for macro-governing service collaboration processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Ji; Lv, Hexin; Jin, Zhiyong; Xu, Ping

2017-08-01

In order to adapt to the accelerative open tendency of collaborations between enterprises, this paper proposes a Social-level Norm-based methodology for Macro-Governing service collaboration processes, called SNMG, to regulate and control the social-level visible macro-behaviors of the social individuals participating in collaborations. SNMG not only can remove effectively the uncontrollability hindrance confronted with by open social activities, but also enables across-management-domain collaborations to be implemented by uniting the centralized controls of social individuals for respective social activities. Therefore, this paper provides a brand-new system construction mode to promote the development and large-scale deployment of service collaborations.

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

Radojcic, Riko; Nowak, Matt; Nakamoto, Mark

The status of the development of a Design-for-Stress simulation flow that captures the stress effects in packaged 3D-stacked Si products like integrated circuits (ICs) using advanced via-middle Through Si Via technology is outlined. The next set of challenges required to proliferate the methodology and to deploy it for making and dispositioning real Si product decisions are described here. These include the adoption and support of a Process Design Kit (PDK) that includes the relevant material properties, the development of stress simulation methodologies that operate at higher levels of abstraction in a design flow, and the development and adoption of suitablemore » models required to make real product reliability decisions.« less

The TMIS life-cycle process document, revision A

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

The Technical and Management Information System (TMIS) Life-Cycle Process Document describes the processes that shall be followed in the definition, design, development, test, deployment, and operation of all TMIS products and data base applications. This document is a roll out of TMIS Standards Document (SSP 30546). The purpose of this document is to define the life cycle methodology that the developers of all products and data base applications and any subsequent modifications shall follow. Included in this methodology are descriptions of the tasks, deliverables, reviews, and approvals that are required before a product or data base application is accepted in the TMIS environment.

[A development and evaluation of nursing KMS using QFD in outpatient departments].

PubMed

Lee, Han Na; Yun, Eun Kyoung

2014-02-01

This study was done to develop and implement the Nursing KMS (knowledge management system) in order to improve knowledge sharing and creation among clinical nurses in outpatient departments. This study was a methodological research using the 'System Development Life Cycle': consisting of planning, analyzing, design, implementation, and evaluation. Quality Function Deployment (QFD) was applied to establish nurse requirements and to identify important design requirements. Participants were 32 nurses and for evaluation data were collected pre and post intervention at K Hospital in Seoul, a tertiary hospital with over 1,000 beds. The Nursing KMS was built using a Linux-based operating system, Oracle DBMS, and Java 1.6 web programming tools. The system was implemented as a sub-system of the hospital information system. There was statistically significant differences in the sharing of knowledge but creating of knowledge was no statistically meaningful difference observed. In terms of satisfaction with the system, system efficiency ranked first followed by system convenience, information suitability and information usefulness. The results indicate that the use of Nursing KMS increases nurses' knowledge sharing and can contribute to increased quality of nursing knowledge and provide more opportunities for nurses to gain expertise from knowledge shared among nurses.

Assessing the Performance of a Network of Low Cost Particulate Matter Sensors Deployed in Sacramento, California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukherjee, A. D.; Brown, S. G.; McCarthy, M. C.

2017-12-01

A new generation of low cost air quality sensors have the potential to provide valuable information on the spatial-temporal variability of air pollution - if the measurements have sufficient quality. This study examined the performance of a particulate matter sensor model, the AirBeam (HabitatMap Inc., Brooklyn, NY), over a three month period in the urban environment of Sacramento, California. Nineteen AirBeam sensors were deployed at a regulatory air monitoring site collocated with meteorology measurements and as a local network over an 80 km2 domain in Sacramento, CA. This study presents the methodology to evaluate the precision, accuracy, and reliability of the sensors over a range of meteorological and aerosol conditions. The sensors demonstrated a robust degree of precision during collocated measurement periods (R2 = 0.98 - 0.99) and a moderate degree of correlation against a Beta Attenuation Monitor PM2.5 monitor (R2 0.6). A normalization correction is applied during the study period so that each AirBeam sensor in the network reports a comparable value. The role of the meteorological environment on the accuracy of the sensor measurements is investigated, along with the possibility of improving the measurements through a meteorology weighted correction. The data quality of the network of sensors is examined, and the spatial variability of particulate matter through the study domain derived from the sensor network is presented.

Psychological Distress, Depression, Anxiety, and Burnout among International Humanitarian Aid Workers: A Longitudinal Study

PubMed Central

Lopes Cardozo, Barbara; Gotway Crawford, Carol; Eriksson, Cynthia; Zhu, Julia; Sabin, Miriam; Ager, Alastair; Foy, David; Snider, Leslie; Scholte, Willem; Kaiser, Reinhard; Olff, Miranda; Rijnen, Bas; Simon, Winnifred

2012-01-01

Background International humanitarian aid workers providing care in emergencies are subjected to numerous chronic and traumatic stressors. Objectives To examine consequences of such experiences on aid workers' mental health and how the impact is influenced by moderating variables. Methodology We conducted a longitudinal study in a sample of international non-governmental organizations. Study outcomes included anxiety, depression, burnout, and life and job satisfaction. We performed bivariate regression analyses at three time points. We fitted generalized estimating equation multivariable regression models for the longitudinal analyses. Results Study participants from 19 NGOs were assessed at three time points: 212 participated at pre-deployment; 169 (80%) post-deployment; and 154 (73%) within 3–6 months after deployment. Prior to deployment, 12 (3.8%) participants reported anxiety symptoms, compared to 20 (11.8%) at post-deployment (p = 0·0027); 22 (10.4%) reported depression symptoms, compared to 33 (19.5%) at post-deployment (p = 0·0117) and 31 (20.1%) at follow-up (p = .00083). History of mental illness (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1·45–12·50) contributed to an increased risk for anxiety. The experience of extraordinary stress was a contributor to increased risk for burnout depersonalization (AOR 1.5; 95% CI 1.17–1.83). Higher levels of chronic stress exposure during deployment were contributors to an increased risk for depression (AOR 1·1; 95% CI 1·02–1.20) comparing post- versus pre-deployment, and increased risk for burnout emotional exhaustion (AOR 1.1; 95% CI 1.04–1.19). Social support was associated with lower levels of depression (AOR 0·9; 95% CI 0·84–0·95), psychological distress (AOR = 0.9; [CI] 0.85–0.97), burnout lack of personal accomplishment (AOR 0·95; 95% CI 0·91–0·98), and greater life satisfaction (p = 0.0213). Conclusions When recruiting and preparing aid workers for deployment, organizations should consider history of mental illness and take steps to decrease chronic stressors, and strengthen social support networks. PMID:22984592

Optimal use of human and machine resources for Space Station assembly operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parrish, Joseph C.

1988-01-01

This paper investigates the issues involved in determining the best mix of human and machine resources for assembly of the Space Station. It presents the current Station assembly sequence, along with descriptions of the available assembly resources. A number of methodologies for optimizing the human/machine tradeoff problem have been developed, but the Space Station assembly offers some unique issues that have not yet been addressed. These include a strong constraint on available EVA time for early flights and a phased deployment of assembly resources over time. A methodology for incorporating the previously developed decision methods to the special case of the Space Station is presented. This methodology emphasizes an application of multiple qualitative and quantitative techniques, including simulation and decision analysis, for producing an objective, robust solution to the tradeoff problem.

Optimization of the solvent-based dissolution method to sample volatile organic compound vapors for compound-specific isotope analysis.

PubMed

Bouchard, Daniel; Wanner, Philipp; Luo, Hong; McLoughlin, Patrick W; Henderson, James K; Pirkle, Robert J; Hunkeler, Daniel

2017-10-20

The methodology of the solvent-based dissolution method used to sample gas phase volatile organic compounds (VOC) for compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) was optimized to lower the method detection limits for TCE and benzene. The sampling methodology previously evaluated by [1] consists in pulling the air through a solvent to dissolve and accumulate the gaseous VOC. After the sampling process, the solvent can then be treated similarly as groundwater samples to perform routine CSIA by diluting an aliquot of the solvent into water to reach the required concentration of the targeted contaminant. Among solvents tested, tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (TGDE) showed the best aptitude for the method. TGDE has a great affinity with TCE and benzene, hence efficiently dissolving the compounds during their transition through the solvent. The method detection limit for TCE (5±1μg/m 3 ) and benzene (1.7±0.5μg/m 3 ) is lower when using TGDE compared to methanol, which was previously used (385μg/m 3 for TCE and 130μg/m 3 for benzene) [2]. The method detection limit refers to the minimal gas phase concentration in ambient air required to load sufficient VOC mass into TGDE to perform δ 13 C analysis. Due to a different analytical procedure, the method detection limit associated with δ 37 Cl analysis was found to be 156±6μg/m 3 for TCE. Furthermore, the experimental results validated the relationship between the gas phase TCE and the progressive accumulation of dissolved TCE in the solvent during the sampling process. Accordingly, based on the air-solvent partitioning coefficient, the sampling methodology (e.g. sampling rate, sampling duration, amount of solvent) and the final TCE concentration in the solvent, the concentration of TCE in the gas phase prevailing during the sampling event can be determined. Moreover, the possibility to analyse for TCE concentration in the solvent after sampling (or other targeted VOCs) allows the field deployment of the sampling method without the need to determine the initial gas phase TCE concentration. The simplified field deployment approach of the solvent-based dissolution method combined with the conventional analytical procedure used for groundwater samples substantially facilitates the application of CSIA to gas phase studies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High-Performance Buildings – Value, Messaging, Financial and Policy Mechanisms

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

McCabe, Molly

At the request of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, an in-depth analysis of the rapidly evolving state of real estate investments, high-performance building technology, and interest in efficiency was conducted by HaydenTanner, LLC, for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Building Technologies Program. The analysis objectives were • to evaluate the link between high-performance buildings and their market value • to identify core messaging to motivate owners, investors, financiers, and others in the real estate sector to appropriately value and deploy high-performance strategies and technologies across new and existing buildings • to summarize financial mechanisms that facilitate increased investment inmore » these buildings. To meet these objectives, work consisted of a literature review of relevant writings, examination of existing and emergent financial and policy mechanisms, interviews with industry stakeholders, and an evaluation of the value implications through financial modeling. This report documents the analysis methodology and findings, conclusion and recommendations. Its intent is to support and inform the DOE Building Technologies Program on policy and program planning for the financing of high-performance new buildings and building retrofit projects.« less

Airframe noise prediction evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yamamoto, Kingo J.; Donelson, Michael J.; Huang, Shumei C.; Joshi, Mahendra C.

1995-01-01

The objective of this study is to evaluate the accuracy and adequacy of current airframe noise prediction methods using available airframe noise measurements from tests of a narrow body transport (DC-9) and a wide body transport (DC-10) in addition to scale model test data. General features of the airframe noise from these aircraft and models are outlined. The results of the assessment of two airframe prediction methods, Fink's and Munson's methods, against flight test data of these aircraft and scale model wind tunnel test data are presented. These methods were extensively evaluated against measured data from several configurations including clean, slat deployed, landing gear-deployed, flap deployed, and landing configurations of both DC-9 and DC-10. They were also assessed against a limited number of configurations of scale models. The evaluation was conducted in terms of overall sound pressure level (OASPL), tone corrected perceived noise level (PNLT), and one-third-octave band sound pressure level (SPL).

First unitary, then divided: the temporal dynamics of dividing attention.

PubMed

Jefferies, Lisa N; Witt, Joseph B

2018-04-24

Whether focused visual attention can be divided has been the topic of much investigation, and there is a compelling body of evidence showing that, at least under certain conditions, attention can be divided and deployed as two independent foci. Three experiments were conducted to examine whether attention can be deployed in divided form from the outset, or whether it is first deployed as a unitary focus before being divided. To test this, we adapted the methodology of Jefferies, Enns, and Di Lollo (Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance 40: 465, 2014), who used a dual-stream Attentional Blink paradigm and two letter-pair targets. One aspect of the AB, Lag-1 sparing, has been shown to occur only if the second target pair appears within the focus of attention. By presenting the second target pair at various spatial locations and assessing the magnitude of Lag-1 sparing, we probed the spatial distribution of attention. By systematically manipulating the stimulus-onset-asynchrony between the targets, we also tracked changes to the spatial distribution of attention over time. The results showed that even under conditions which encourage the division of attention, the attentional focus is first deployed in unitary form before being divided. It is then maintained in divided form only briefly before settling on a single location.

Cell-tower deployment of counter-sniper sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Storch, Michael T.

2004-09-01

Cellular telephone antenna towers are evaluated as sites for rapid, effective & efficient deployment of counter-sniper sensors, especially in urban environments. They are expected to offer a suitable density, excellent LOS, and a generally limited variety of known or readily-characterized mechanical interfaces. Their precise locations are easily mapped in advance of deployment, are easily accessible by ground and air, and are easily spotted by deployment teams in real-time. We survey issues of EMI & RFI, susceptibility to denial & ambush in military scenarios, and the impact of trends in cell tower design & construction.

USDOT guidance summary for connected vehicle deployments : data sharing.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-07-01

AbstractThe document provides guidance to Pilot Deployers in the timely and successful completion of Concept Development Phase deliverables, specifically in developing the Data Sharing Framework portion of the Performance Measurement and Evaluation S...

Quantifying and Understanding Effects from Wildlife, Radar, and Public Engagement on Future Wind Deployment

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

Tegen, Suzanne

This presentation provides an overview of findings from a report published in 2016 by researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, An Initial Evaluation of Siting Considerations on Current and Future Wind Deployment. The presentation covers the background for research, the Energy Department's Wind Vision, research methods, siting considerations, the wind project deployment process, and costs associated with siting considerations.

Serological evidence of arboviral infection and self-reported febrile illness among U.S. troops deployed to Al Asad, Iraq.

PubMed

Riddle, M S; Althoff, J M; Earhart, K; Monteville, M R; Yingst, S L; Mohareb, E W; Putnam, S D; Sanders, J W

2008-05-01

Understanding the epidemiology of current health threats to deployed U.S. troops is important for medical assessment and planning. As part of a 2004 study among U.S. military personnel deployed to Al Asad Air Base, in the western Anbar Province of Iraq, over 500 subjects were enrolled, provided a blood specimen, and completed a questionnaire regarding history of febrile illness during this deployment (average approximately 4 months in country). This mid-deployment serum was compared to pre-deployment samples (collected approximately 3 months prior to deployment) and evaluated for seroconversion to a select panel of regional arboviral pathogens. At least one episode of febrile illness was reported in 84/504 (17%) of the troops surveyed. Seroconversion was documented in nine (2%) of deployed forces tested, with no association to febrile illness. Self-reported febrile illness was uncommon although often debilitating, and the risk of illness due to arbovirus infections was relatively low.

The Sydney West Knowledge Portal: Evaluating the Growth of a Knowledge Portal to Support Translational Research.

PubMed

Janssen, Anna; Robinson, Tracy Elizabeth; Provan, Pamela; Shaw, Tim

2016-06-29

The Sydney West Translational Cancer Research Centre is an organization funded to build capacity for translational research in cancer. Translational research is essential for ensuring the integration of best available evidence into practice and for improving patient outcomes. However, there is a low level of awareness regarding what it is and how to conduct it optimally. One solution to addressing this gap is the design and deployment of web-based knowledge portals to disseminate new knowledge and engage with and connect dispersed networks of researchers. A knowledge portal is an web-based platform for increasing knowledge dissemination and management in a specialized area. To measure the design and growth of an web-based knowledge portal for increasing individual awareness of translational research and to build organizational capacity for the delivery of translational research projects in cancer. An adaptive methodology was used to capture the design and growth of an web-based knowledge portal in cancer. This involved stakeholder consultations to inform initial design of the portal. Once the portal was live, site analytics were reviewed to evaluate member usage of the portal and to measure growth in membership. Knowledge portal membership grew consistently for the first 18 months after deployment, before leveling out. Analysis of site metrics revealed members were most likely to visit portal pages with community-generated content, particularly pages with a focus on translational research. This was closely followed by pages that disseminated educational material about translational research. Preliminary data from this study suggest that knowledge portals may be beneficial tools for translating new evidence and fostering an environment of communication and collaboration.

The Sydney West Knowledge Portal: Evaluating the Growth of a Knowledge Portal to Support Translational Research

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Background The Sydney West Translational Cancer Research Centre is an organization funded to build capacity for translational research in cancer. Translational research is essential for ensuring the integration of best available evidence into practice and for improving patient outcomes. However, there is a low level of awareness regarding what it is and how to conduct it optimally. One solution to addressing this gap is the design and deployment of web-based knowledge portals to disseminate new knowledge and engage with and connect dispersed networks of researchers. A knowledge portal is an web-based platform for increasing knowledge dissemination and management in a specialized area. Objective To measure the design and growth of an web-based knowledge portal for increasing individual awareness of translational research and to build organizational capacity for the delivery of translational research projects in cancer. Methods An adaptive methodology was used to capture the design and growth of an web-based knowledge portal in cancer. This involved stakeholder consultations to inform initial design of the portal. Once the portal was live, site analytics were reviewed to evaluate member usage of the portal and to measure growth in membership. Results Knowledge portal membership grew consistently for the first 18 months after deployment, before leveling out. Analysis of site metrics revealed members were most likely to visit portal pages with community-generated content, particularly pages with a focus on translational research. This was closely followed by pages that disseminated educational material about translational research. Conclusions Preliminary data from this study suggest that knowledge portals may be beneficial tools for translating new evidence and fostering an environment of communication and collaboration. PMID:27357641

Histological Diagnoses of Military Personnel Undergoing Lung Biopsy After Deployment to Southwest Asia.

PubMed

Madar, Cristian S; Lewin-Smith, Michael R; Franks, Teri J; Harley, Russell A; Klaric, John S; Morris, Michael J

2017-08-01

The current understanding of associations between lung disease and military deployment to Southwest Asia, including Iraq and Afghanistan, is both controversial and limited. We sought to clarify the relation between military deployment and biopsy-proven lung disease. Retrospective data were analyzed for military personnel with non-neoplastic lung biopsies evaluated at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology or Joint Pathology Center (January 2005 to December 2012). Of 391 subjects, 137 (35.0%) had deployed to Southwest Asia prior to biopsy. Compared to non-deployed subjects, those deployed were younger (median age 37 vs. 51 years) with higher representation of African Americans (30.0 vs. 16.9%). Deployed patients were more likely diagnosed with non-necrotizing granulomas (OR 2.4). Non-deployed subjects had higher frequency of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, particularly organizing pneumonia. Prevalence of small airways diseases including constrictive bronchiolitis was low. This study provides a broader understanding of diversity of biopsy-proven non-neoplastic lung disease as it relates to military deployment to Southwest Asia and importantly did not show an increased prevalence of small airway disease to include constrictive bronchiolitis.

Writing to Learn and Learning to Perform: Lessons from a Writing Intensive Course in Experimental Theatre Studio

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Henry, Jim; Baker, Tammy Haili'opua

2015-01-01

This case study conducted by a writing specialist and a theatre specialist examines the ways in which writing to learn and learning to write took form in a course in which the ultimate goal was a staged production for a live audience. Using naturalistic methodology that deployed both ethnographic and autoethnographic approaches to analyze the…

Execution Of Systems Integration Principles During Systems Engineering Design

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-01

This thesis discusses integration failures observed by DOD and non - DOD systems as, inadequate stakeholder analysis, incomplete problem space and design ... design , development, test and deployment of a system. A lifecycle structure consists of phases within a methodology or process model. There are many...investigate design decisions without the need to commit to physical forms; “ experimental investigation using a model yields design or operational

Reconstruction of Cyber and Physical Software Using Novel Spread Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Wubin; Deng, Su; Huang, Hongbin

2018-03-01

Cyber and Physical software has been concerned for many years since 2010. Actually, many researchers would disagree with the deployment of traditional Spread Method for reconstruction of Cyber and physical software, which embodies the key principles reconstruction of cyber physical system. NSM(novel spread method), our new methodology for reconstruction of cyber and physical software, is the solution to all of these challenges.

Evaluation of a Digital Library by Means of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and the Kano Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garibay, Cecilia; Gutierrez, Humberto; Figueroa, Arturo

2010-01-01

This paper proposes utilizing a combination of the Quality Function Deployment (QFD)-Kano model as a useful tool to evaluate service quality. The digital library of the University of Guadalajara (Mexico) is presented as a case study. Data to feed the QFD-Kano model was gathered by an online questionnaire that was made available to users on the…

Non-traditional Infrasound Deployment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKenna, M. H.; McComas, S.; Simpson, C. P.; Diaz-Alvarez, H.; Costley, R. D.; Hayward, C.; Golden, P.; Endress, A.

2017-12-01

Historically, infrasound arrays have been deployed in rural environments where anthropological noise sources are limited. As interest in monitoring low energy sources at local distances grows in the infrasound community, it will be vital to understand how to monitor infrasound sources in an urban environment. Arrays deployed in urban centers have to overcome the decreased signal-to-noise ratio and reduced amount of real estate available to deploy an array. To advance the understanding of monitoring infrasound sources in urban environments, local and regional infrasound arrays were deployed on building rooftops on the campus at Southern Methodist University (SMU), and data were collected for one seasonal cycle. The data were evaluated for structural source signals (continuous-wave packets), and when a signal was identified, the back azimuth to the source was determined through frequency-wavenumber analysis. This information was used to identify hypothesized structural sources; these sources were verified through direct measurement and dynamic structural analysis modeling. In addition to the rooftop arrays, a camouflaged infrasound sensor was installed on the SMU campus and evaluated to determine its effectiveness for wind noise reduction. Permission to publish was granted by Director, Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory.

Expanding the Security Dimension of Surety

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

SENGLAUB, MICHAEL E.

1999-10-01

A small effort was conducted at Sandia National Laboratories to explore the use of a number of modern analytic technologies in the assessment of terrorist actions and to predict trends. This work focuses on Bayesian networks as a means of capturing correlations between groups, tactics, and targets. The data that was used as a test of the methodology was obtained by using a special parsing algorithm written in JAVA to create records in a database from information articles captured electronically. As a vulnerability assessment technique the approach proved very useful. The technology also proved to be a valuable development mediummore » because of the ability to integrate blocks of information into a deployed network rather than waiting to fully deploy only after all relevant information has been assembled.« less

Technical Needs for Prototypic Prognostic Technique Demonstration for Advanced Small Modular Reactor Passive Components

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

Meyer, Ryan M.; Coble, Jamie B.; Hirt, Evelyn H.

2013-05-17

This report identifies a number of requirements for prognostics health management of passive systems in AdvSMRs, documents technical gaps in establishing a prototypical prognostic methodology for this purpose, and describes a preliminary research plan for addressing these technical gaps. AdvSMRs span multiple concepts; therefore a technology- and design-neutral approach is taken, with the focus being on characteristics that are likely to be common to all or several AdvSMR concepts. An evaluation of available literature is used to identify proposed concepts for AdvSMRs along with likely operational characteristics. Available operating experience of advanced reactors is used in identifying passive components thatmore » may be subject to degradation, materials likely to be used for these components, and potential modes of degradation of these components. This information helps in assessing measurement needs for PHM systems, as well as defining functional requirements of PHM systems. An assessment of current state-of-the-art approaches to measurements, sensors and instrumentation, diagnostics and prognostics is also documented. This state-of-the-art evaluation, combined with the requirements, may be used to identify technical gaps and research needs in the development, evaluation, and deployment of PHM systems for AdvSMRs. A preliminary research plan to address high-priority research needs for the deployment of PHM systems to AdvSMRs is described, with the objective being the demonstration of prototypic prognostics technology for passive components in AdvSMRs. Greater efficiency in achieving this objective can be gained through judicious selection of materials and degradation modes that are relevant to proposed AdvSMR concepts, and for which significant knowledge already exists. These selections were made based on multiple constraints including the analysis performed in this document, ready access to laboratory-scale facilities for materials testing and measurement, and potential synergies with other national laboratory and university partners.« less

The Most Serious Stressors in Foreign Military Missions

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-01

collecting method. However, we know by experience that the level of cooperation in such surveys is really low . In fact the troops usually cooperate...formally but the acquired data is often useless. In general the willingness and openness towards the questionnaires are really low . There are more...would be deployed, motivation, reactions of the close people, training prior to the deployment, self -evaluation of the preparedness etc, deployment

Prevalence of DSM-IV major depression among U.S. military personnel: Meta-analysis and simulation

PubMed Central

Gadermann, Anne M.; Engel, COL Charles C.; Naifeh, James A.; Nock, Matthew K.; Petukhova, Maria; Santiago, LCDR Patcho N.; Benjamin, Wu; Zaslavsky, Alan M.; Kessler, Ronald C.

2014-01-01

A meta-analysis of 25 epidemiological studies estimated the prevalence of recent DSM-IV major depression among U.S. military personnel. Best estimates of recent prevalence (standard error) were 12.0 percent (1.2) among currently deployed, 13.1 percent (1.8) among previously deployed and 5.7 percent (1.2) among never deployed. Consistent correlates of prevalence were being female, enlisted, young (ages 17 to 25), unmarried and having less than a college education. Simulation of data from a national general population survey was used to estimate expected lifetime prevalence of major depression among respondents with the socio-demographic profile and none of the enlistment exclusions of Army personnel. In this simulated sample, 16.2 percent (3.1) of respondents had lifetime major depression and 69.7 percent (8.5) of first onsets occurred before expected age of enlistment. Numerous methodological problems limit the results of the meta-analysis and simulation. The paper closes with a discussion of recommendations for correcting these problems in future surveillance and operational stress studies. PMID:22953441

A System Trade Study of Remote Infrared Imaging for Space Shuttle Reentry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwartz, Richard J.; Ross, Martin N.; Baize, Rosemary; Horvath, Thomas J.; Berry, Scott A.; Krasa, Paul W.

2008-01-01

A trade study reviewing the primary operational parameters concerning the deployment of imaging assets in support of the Hypersonic Thermodynamic Infrared Measurements (HYTHIRM) project was undertaken. The objective was to determine key variables and constraints for obtaining thermal images of the Space Shuttle orbiter during reentry. The trade study investigated the performance characteristics and operating environment of optical instrumentation that may be deployed during a HYTHIRM data collection mission, and specified contributions to the Point Spread Function. It also investigated the constraints that have to be considered in order to optimize deployment through the use of mission planning tools. These tools simulate the radiance modeling of the vehicle as well as the expected spatial resolution based on the Orbiter trajectory and placement of land based or airborne optical sensors for given Mach numbers. Lastly, this report focused on the tools and methodology that have to be in place for real-time mission planning in order to handle the myriad of variables such as trajectory ground track, weather, and instrumentation availability that may only be known in the hours prior to landing.

Prevalence of DSM-IV major depression among U.S. military personnel: meta-analysis and simulation.

PubMed

Gadermann, Anne M; Engel, Charles C; Naifeh, James A; Nock, Matthew K; Petukhova, Maria; Santiago, Patcho N; Wu, Benjamin; Zaslavsky, Alan M; Kessler, Ronald C

2012-08-01

A meta-analysis of 25 epidemiological studies estimated the prevalence of recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV) major depression (MD) among U.S. military personnel. Best estimates of recent prevalence (standard error) were 12.0% (1.2) among currently deployed, 13.1% (1.8) among previously deployed, and 5.7% (1.2) among never deployed. Consistent correlates of prevalence were being female, enlisted, young (ages 17-25), unmarried, and having less than a college education. Simulation of data from a national general population survey was used to estimate expected lifetime prevalence of MD among respondents with the sociodemographic profile and none of the enlistment exclusions of Army personnel. In this Simulated sample, 16.2% (3.1) of respondents had lifetime MD and 69.7% (8.5) of first onsets occurred before expected age of enlistment. Numerous methodological problems limit the results of the meta-analysis and simulation. The article closes with a discussion of recommendations for correcting these problems in future surveillance and operational stress studies.

Chronic Left Lower Lobe Pulmonary Infiltrates During Military Deployment.

PubMed

Hunninghake, John C; Skabelund, Andrew J; Morris, Michael J

2016-08-01

Deployment to Southwest Asia is associated with increased airborne hazards such as geologic dusts, burn pit smoke, vehicle exhaust, or air pollution. There are numerous ongoing studies to evaluate the potential effects of inhaled particulate matter on reported increases in acute and chronic respiratory symptoms. Providers need to be aware of potential causes of pulmonary disease such as acute eosinophilic pneumonia, asthma, and vocal cord dysfunction that have been associated with deployment. Other pulmonary disorders such as interstitial lung disease are infrequently reported. Not all deployment-related respiratory complaints may result from deployment airborne hazards and a broad differential should be considered. We present the case of a military member with a prolonged deployment found to have lobar infiltrates secondary to pulmonary vein stenosis from treatment for atrial fibrillation. Reprint & Copyright © 2016 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

A review of engineering development of aqueous phase solar photocatalytic detoxification and disinfection processes

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

Goswami, D.Y.

1997-05-01

Scientific research on photocatalytic oxidation of hazardous chemicals has been conducted extensively over the last three decades. Use of solar radiation in photocatalytic detoxification and disinfection has only been explored in the last decade. Developments of engineering scale systems, design methodologies, and commercial and industrial applications have occurred even more recently. A number of reactor concepts and designs including concentrating and nonconcentrating types and methods of catalyst deployment have been developed. Some commercial and industrial field tests of solar detoxification systems have been conducted. This paper reviews the engineering developments of the solar photocatalytic detoxification and disinfection processes, including systemmore » design methodologies.« less

Real and virtual robotics in mathematics education at the school-university transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samuels, Peter; Haapasalo, Lenni

2012-04-01

LOGO and turtle graphics were an influential movement in primary school mathematics education in the 1980s and 1990s. Since then, technology has moved forward, both in terms of its sophistication and pedagogical potential; and learner experiences, preferences and ways of thinking have changed dramatically. Based on the authors' previous work and a literature review, this article revisits the subject of enhancing mathematics education through educational robotics kits and virtual robotic animations by proposing their simultaneous deployment at the school-university transition. The rationale for such an application is argued and an evaluation framework for these technologies is proposed. Two educational robotic kits and a virtual environment supporting robotic animations are evaluated both in terms of their feasibility of deployment and their educational effectiveness. Finally, the evaluation of learning experiences when deploying the proposed pedagogical approach is discussed.

Coordinative Voltage Control Strategy with Multiple Resources for Distribution Systems of High PV Penetration: Preprint

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

Zhu, Xiangqi; Zhang, Yingchen

This paper presents an optimal voltage control methodology with coordination among different voltage-regulating resources, including controllable loads, distributed energy resources such as energy storage and photovoltaics (PV), and utility voltage-regulating devices such as voltage regulators and capacitors. The proposed methodology could effectively tackle the overvoltage and voltage regulation device distortion problems brought by high penetrations of PV to improve grid operation reliability. A voltage-load sensitivity matrix and voltage-regulator sensitivity matrix are used to deploy the resources along the feeder to achieve the control objectives. Mixed-integer nonlinear programming is used to solve the formulated optimization control problem. The methodology has beenmore » tested on the IEEE 123-feeder test system, and the results demonstrate that the proposed approach could actively tackle the voltage problem brought about by high penetrations of PV and improve the reliability of distribution system operation.« less

Specializing architectures for the type 2 diabetes mellitus care use cases with a focus on process management.

PubMed

Uribe, Gustavo A; Blobel, Bernd; López, Diego M; Ruiz, Alonso A

2015-01-01

The development of software supporting inter-disciplinary systems like the type 2 diabetes mellitus care requires the deployment of methodologies designed for this type of interoperability. The GCM framework allows the architectural description of such systems and the development of software solutions based on it. A first step of the GCM methodology is the definition of a generic architecture, followed by its specialization for specific use cases. This paper describes the specialization of the generic architecture of a system, supporting Type 2 diabetes mellitus glycemic control, for a pharmacotherapy use case. It focuses on the behavioral aspect of the system, i.e. the policy domain and the definition of the rules governing the system. The design of this architecture reflects the inter-disciplinary feature of the methodology. Finally, the resulting architecture allows building adaptive, intelligent and complete systems.

Assessment of Mixed-Layer Height Estimation from Single-wavelength Ceilometer Profiles.

PubMed

Knepp, Travis N; Szykman, James J; Long, Russell; Duvall, Rachelle M; Krug, Jonathan; Beaver, Melinda; Cavender, Kevin; Kronmiller, Keith; Wheeler, Michael; Delgado, Ruben; Hoff, Raymond; Berkoff, Timothy; Olson, Erik; Clark, Richard; Wolfe, Daniel; Van Gilst, David; Neil, Doreen

2017-01-01

Differing boundary/mixed-layer height measurement methods were assessed in moderately-polluted and clean environments, with a focus on the Vaisala CL51 ceilometer. This intercomparison was performed as part of ongoing measurements at the Chemistry And Physics of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer Experiment (CAPABLE) site in Hampton, Virginia and during the 2014 Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality (DISCOVER-AQ) field campaign that took place in and around Denver, Colorado. We analyzed CL51 data that were collected via two different methods (BLView software, which applied correction factors, and simple terminal emulation logging) to determine the impact of data collection methodology. Further, we evaluated the STRucture of the ATmosphere (STRAT) algorithm as an open-source alternative to BLView (note that the current work presents an evaluation of the BLView and STRAT algorithms and does not intend to act as a validation of either). Filtering criteria were defined according to the change in mixed-layer height (MLH) distributions for each instrument and algorithm and were applied throughout the analysis to remove high-frequency fluctuations from the MLH retrievals. Of primary interest was determining how the different data-collection methodologies and algorithms compare to each other and to radiosonde-derived boundary-layer heights when deployed as part of a larger instrument network. We determined that data-collection methodology is not as important as the processing algorithm and that much of the algorithm differences might be driven by impacts of local meteorology and precipitation events that pose algorithm difficulties. The results of this study show that a common processing algorithm is necessary for LIght Detection And Ranging (LIDAR)-based MLH intercomparisons, and ceilometer-network operation and that sonde-derived boundary layer heights are higher (10-15% at mid-day) than LIDAR-derived mixed-layer heights. We show that averaging the retrieved MLH to 1-hour resolution (an appropriate time scale for a priori data model initialization) significantly improved correlation between differing instruments and differing algorithms.

Smith Newton Vehicle Performance Evaluation - Gen 2 - Cumulative (Brochure)

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

Not Available

2014-08-01

The Fleet Test and Evaluation Team at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory is evaluating and documenting the performance of electric and plug-in hybrid electric drive systems in medium-duty trucks across the nation. U.S. companies participating in this evaluation project received funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to cover part of the cost of purchasing these vehicles. Through this project, Smith Electric Vehicles is building and deploying 500 all-electric medium-duty trucks that will be deployed by a variety of companies in diverse climates across the country.

Navistar eStar Vehicle Performance Evaluation – 4th Quarter 2013; Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE), Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO)

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

None

2014-01-01

The Fleet Test and Evaluation Team at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory is evaluating and documenting the performance of electric and plug-in hybrid electric drive systems in medium duty trucks across the nation. U.S. companies participating in this evaluation project received funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to cover part of the cost of purchasing these vehicles. Through this project, Navistar will build and deploy all-electric medium-duty trucks. The trucks will be deployed in diverse climates across the country.

Navistar eStar Vehicle Performance Evaluation - 4th Quarter 2012; Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE), Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO)

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

None

2013-05-01

The Fleet Test and Evaluation Team at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory is evaluating and documenting the performance of electric and plug-in hybrid electric drive systems in medium-duty trucks across the nation. U.S. companies participating in this evaluation project received funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to cover part of the cost of purchasing these vehicles. Through this project, Navistar will build and deploy all-electric medium-duty trucks. The trucks will be deployed in diverse climates across the country.

Qualitative Assessment of IVHS Emission and Air Quality Impacts

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Evaluation of the ITS planning process.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1996-01-01

Planning for the deployment of ITS in regions throughout the United States has been underway since the development of the Early Deployment Program by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in 1992. In 1993, the FHWA released Version 1.0 of the 1TS...

A Semiautomated Method for Measuring the 3-Dimensional Fabric to Renal Artery Distances to Determine Endograft Position After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

PubMed

Schuurmann, Richte C L; Overeem, Simon P; Ouriel, Kenneth; Slump, Cornelis H; Jordan, William D; Muhs, Bart E; de Vries, Jean-Paul P M

2017-10-01

To report a methodology for 3-dimensional (3D) assessment of the stent-graft deployment accuracy after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). A methodology was developed and validated to calculate the 3D distances between the endograft fabric and the renal arteries over the curve of the aorta. The shortest distance between one of the renal arteries and the fabric (SFD) and the distance from the contralateral renal artery to the fabric (CFD) were determined on the first postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan of 81 elective EVAR patients. The SFDs were subdivided into a target position (0-3 mm distal to the renal artery), high position (partially covering the renal artery), and low position (>3 mm distal to the renal artery). Data are reported as the median (interquartile range, IQR). Intra- and interobserver agreements for automatic and manual calculation of the SFD and CFD were excellent (ICC >0.892, p<0.001). The median SFD was 1.4 mm (IQR -0.9, 3.0) and the median CFD was 8.0 mm (IQR 3.9, 14.2). The target position was achieved in 44%, high position in 30%, and low position in 26% of the patients. The median slope of the endograft toward the higher renal artery was 2.5° (IQR -5.5°, 13.9°). The novel methodology using 3D CT reconstructions enables accurate evaluation of endograft position and slope within the proximal aortic neck. In this series, only 44% of endografts were placed within the target position with regard to the lowermost renal artery.

Structural design and static analysis of a double-ring deployable truss for mesh antennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Yan; Guan, Fuling; Chen, Jianjun; Zheng, Yao

2012-12-01

This paper addresses the structural design, the deployment control design, the static analysis and the model testing of a new double-ring deployable truss that is intended for large mesh antennas. This deployable truss is a multi-DOF (degree-of-freedom), over-constrained mechanism. Two kinds of deployable basic elements were introduced, as well as a process to synthesise the structure of the deployable truss. The geometric equations were formulated to determine the length of each strut, including the effects of the joint size. A DOF evaluation showed that the mechanism requires two active cables and requires deployment control. An open-loop control system was designed to control the rotational velocities of two motors. The structural stiffness of the truss was assessed by static analysis that considered the effects of the constraint condition and the pre-stress of the passive cables. A 4.2-metre demonstration model of an antenna was designed and fabricated. The geometry and the deployment behaviour of the double-ring truss were validated by the experiments using this model.

Study on the criterion to determine the bottom deployment modes of a coilable mast

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Haibo; Huang, Hai; Han, Jianbin; Zhang, Wei; Wang, Xinsheng

2017-12-01

A practical design criterion that allows the coilable mast bottom to deploy in local coil mode was proposed. The criterion was defined with initial bottom helical angle and obtained by bottom deformation analyses. Discretizing the longerons into short rods, analyses were conducted based on the cylinder assumption and Kirchhoff's kinetic analogy theory. Then, iterative calculations aiming at the bottom four rods were carried out. A critical bottom helical angle was obtained while the angle changing rate equaled to zero. The critical value was defined as a criterion for judgement of bottom deployment mode. Subsequently, micro-gravity deployment tests were carried out and bottom deployment simulations based on finite element method were developed. Through comparisons of bottom helical angles in critical state, the proposed criterion was evaluated and modified, that is, an initial bottom helical angle less than critical value with a design margin of -13.7% could ensure the mast bottom deploying in local coil mode, and further determine a successful local coil deployment of entire coilable mast.

Distraction during Deployment: Marital Relationship Associations with Spillover for Deployed Army Soldiers

PubMed Central

Carter, S. P.; Loew, B.; Allen, E. S.; Osborne, L.; Stanley, S. M.; Markman, H. J.

2015-01-01

Military spouses often have concerns regarding the impact of their communication on soldiers during deployment. However, literature is mixed regarding how communication between soldiers and spouses may impact soldiers’ self-reported work functioning during deployment, suggesting the need to evaluate moderating factors. In the current study, three relationship factors (marital satisfaction, conflictual communication, and proportion of conversation focused on problems) were tested as moderators of communication frequency and negative marriage-to-work spillover for soldiers. Whereas the three relationship factors were independently related to negative spillover, none significantly moderated the relationship between communication frequency and spillover. The overall pattern of results suggests that (a) lower marital satisfaction, a focus on problems during communication, and conflictual communication are each strongly linked to spillover for deployed soldiers, and (b) military couples may be self-restricting deployment communication frequency when experiencing less marital satisfaction and higher rates of negative communication. Implications for communication during deployment are discussed. PMID:26236093

Deployment-Related Benefit Finding and Postdeployment Marital Satisfaction in Military Couples.

PubMed

Renshaw, Keith D; Campbell, Sarah B

2017-12-01

Extensive research has evaluated potential negative effects of military deployments on romantic relationships. Comparatively few studies have examined potential positive effects of such deployments. In stressful situations, benefit finding (BF) has been found to be linked with better functioning on both individual and interpersonal levels. This study reports on deployment-related BF in a sample of 67 male service members (SMs) who deployed at least once since 9/11/2001 and their wives. Couples completed measures of marital satisfaction at baseline (an average of 1 year postdeployment) and follow-up 4-6 months later. At follow-up, SMs also provided data on symptoms of posttraumatic stress, and both partners provided reports of deployment-related BF. Multivariate path analysis controlling for SMs' PTSD symptom severity revealed that wives' BF was positively associated with increases in SMs' relationship satisfaction. These findings suggest that wives' responses to deployment may be more influential than SMs' responses to deployment on military couples' relationships. This pattern indicates that support for spouses during deployments is essential; furthermore, such support should include an emphasis on trying to facilitate personal growth in spouses. © 2016 Family Process Institute.

Longitudinal Assessment of Self-Reported Recent Back Pain and Combat Deployment in the Millennium Cohort Study

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-11-15

participants who were followed for the development of back pain for an average of 3.9 years. Methods. Descriptive statistics and longitudinal...health, military personnel, occupational health, outcome assessment, statistics, survey methodology . Level of Evidence: 3 Spine 2016;41:1754–1763ack...based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.21 Statistical Analysis Descriptive and univariate analyses compared character- istics

Active-Reserve Force Cost Model

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-01

structure to be maintained for a given level of expenditure. We have developed this methodology and set of associated computer-based tools to...rotational, and deployed units or systems • Attain acceptable steady state operational or presence levels , as measured by the number of units a...at the community level . By community, we mean the set of units of a given type: mission, platform, or capability. We do this because AC-RC force-mix

Developing Resilience Through the Modern Army Combatives Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-22

Fikretoglu and D. R. McCreary, Psychological Resilience: A Brief Review of Definitions, and Key Theoretical, Conceptual, and Methodological Issues (Toronto...Aligned Forces: Business Not as Usual," Parameters 43, no. 3 (2013): 56. 16Ibid., 60. 17Ibid., 61. 18Richard W. Weitz, "Transition in...deployments, mental health issues have been a significant detractor from available strength totals.26 Resilience is the single factor that helps mitigate the

Methodology for prediction of rip currents using a three-dimensional numerical, coupled, wave current model

USGS Publications Warehouse

Voulgaris, George; Kumar, Nirnimesh; Warner, John C.; Leatherman, Stephen; Fletemeyer, John

2011-01-01

Rip current currents constitute one of the most common hazards in the nearshore that threaten the lives of the unaware public that makes recreational use of the coastal zone. Society responds to this danger through a number of measures that include: (a) the deployment of trained lifeguards; (b) public education related to the hidden hazards of the nearshore; and (c) establishment of warning systems.

People, planet and profit: Unintended consequences of legacy building materials.

PubMed

Zimmer, Anthony T; Ha, HakSoo

2017-12-15

Although an explosion of new building materials are being introduced into today's market, adequate up-front research into their chemical and physical properties as well as their potential health and environmental consequences is lacking. History has provided us with several examples where building materials were broadly deployed into society only to find that health and environmental problems resulted in unintended sustainability consequences. In the following paper, we use lead and asbestos as legacy building materials to show their similar historical trends and sustainability consequences. Our research findings show unintended consequences such as: increased remediation and litigation costs; adverse health effects; offshoring of related industries; and impediments to urban revitalization. As numerous new building materials enter today's market, another building material may have already been deployed, representing the next "asbestos." This paper also proposes an alternative methodology that can be applied in a cost-effective way into existing and upcoming building materials, to minimize and prevent potential unintended consequences and create a pathway for sustainable communities. For instance, our findings show that this proposed methodology could have prevented the unintended incurred sustainability costs of approximately $272-$359 billion by investing roughly $24 million in constant 2014 U.S. dollars on up-front research into lead and asbestos. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Reported stressors and health care needs of active duty Navy personnel during three phases of deployment in support of the war in Iraq.

PubMed

McNulty, Peggy Anne Fisher

2005-06-01

Literature has generously documented the stress of military members and their families during deployments in noncombat periods. Deployment has been shown to increase the needs of family members for health care, both physical and psychological. The purpose of this study was to describe the health care needs and perceived stressors of active duty members deployed to Iraq during the predeployment, mid-deployment, and postdeployment phases. Active duty Navy service members deployed on three aircraft carriers during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2002-2003 were randomly selected to participate in an anonymous study that evaluated member well-being, adaptation, coping, anxiety, stress, and health care needs during three phases of deployment. Data were obtained from 474 Navy members in predeployment, 445 in mid-deployment, and 276 in postdeployment. Logistic regression analyses indicated that many variables predicted extreme anxiety during deployment, including mid-deployment phase, age of under 25 years, being childless, nonattendance at church, being enlisted, zero- or one-deployment history; no high school education, and being currently in counseling. Active duty members in all phases of deployment had equally disturbing levels of anxiety. All phases reported suicidal ideation at alarming rates (2.4% in predeployment, 4.9% in mid-deployment, and 3% in postdeployment). This study sheds new light on the stressors and subsequent health care needs of active duty members on carriers during war and provides valuable information for the prevention of high-risk anxieties and subsequent health risks for all service members during similar deployments.

Evaluation of a family-centered prevention intervention for military children and families facing wartime deployments.

PubMed

Lester, Patricia; Saltzman, William R; Woodward, Kirsten; Glover, Dorie; Leskin, Gregory A; Bursch, Brenda; Pynoos, Robert; Beardslee, William

2012-03-01

We evaluated the Families OverComing Under Stress program, which provides resiliency training designed to enhance family psychological health in US military families affected by combat- and deployment-related stress. We performed a secondary analysis of Families OverComing Under Stress program evaluation data that was collected between July 2008 and February 2010 at 11 military installations in the United States and Japan. We present data at baseline for 488 unique families (742 parents and 873 children) and pre-post outcomes for 331 families. Family members reported high levels of satisfaction with the program and positive impact on parent-child indicators. Psychological distress levels were elevated for service members, civilian parents, and children at program entry compared with community norms. Change scores showed significant improvements across all measures for service member and civilian parents and their children (P < .001). Evaluation data provided preliminary support for a strength-based, trauma-informed military family prevention program to promote resiliency and mitigate the impact of wartime deployment stress.

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

Slad, George William; Merchant, Bion J.

The Seismo - Hydroacoustic Data Acquisition System (SHDAS) is undergoing evaluation in preparation for its engineering, development, and deployment by the U.S Navy as an ocean bottom seismic monitoring system. At the current stage of development, the production seismometers are being evaluated to confirm their performance prior to packaging and assembly for deployment. The testing of the seismometers is being conducted at the Pinon Flats Observatory (PFO) , supervised by Sandia National Laboratories, U.S Navy, and RP Kromer Consulting. SNL will conduct evaluation of the collected seismometer data and comment on the performance of the seismometers.

Clinical Predictive Modeling Development and Deployment through FHIR Web Services.

PubMed

Khalilia, Mohammed; Choi, Myung; Henderson, Amelia; Iyengar, Sneha; Braunstein, Mark; Sun, Jimeng

2015-01-01

Clinical predictive modeling involves two challenging tasks: model development and model deployment. In this paper we demonstrate a software architecture for developing and deploying clinical predictive models using web services via the Health Level 7 (HL7) Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard. The services enable model development using electronic health records (EHRs) stored in OMOP CDM databases and model deployment for scoring individual patients through FHIR resources. The MIMIC2 ICU dataset and a synthetic outpatient dataset were transformed into OMOP CDM databases for predictive model development. The resulting predictive models are deployed as FHIR resources, which receive requests of patient information, perform prediction against the deployed predictive model and respond with prediction scores. To assess the practicality of this approach we evaluated the response and prediction time of the FHIR modeling web services. We found the system to be reasonably fast with one second total response time per patient prediction.

Users speak out on technology deployment

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

Peters, Mark; Prochaska, Marty; Cromer, Paul

2001-02-25

This report summarizes user feedback data collected during a recent Accelerated Site Technology Deployment (ASTD) project: the Fluor Fernald ASTD Technology Deployment Project from May, 1999 through September, 2000. The main goal of the ASTD project was to use the ''Fernald approach'' to expedite the deployment of new or innovative technologies with superior safety, cost, and/or productivity benefits to Department of Energy (DOE) facilities. The Fernald approach targets technology end-users and their managers and directly involves them with hands-on demonstrations of new or innovative technologies during technology transfer sessions. The two technologies deployed through this project were the Personal Icemore » Cooling System (PICS) and the oxy-gasoline torch. Participants of technology transfer sessions were requested to complete feedback surveys. Surveys evaluated the effectiveness of the Fernald approach to technology deployment and assessed the responsiveness of employees to new technologies. This report presents the results of those surveys.« less

Clinical Predictive Modeling Development and Deployment through FHIR Web Services

PubMed Central

Khalilia, Mohammed; Choi, Myung; Henderson, Amelia; Iyengar, Sneha; Braunstein, Mark; Sun, Jimeng

2015-01-01

Clinical predictive modeling involves two challenging tasks: model development and model deployment. In this paper we demonstrate a software architecture for developing and deploying clinical predictive models using web services via the Health Level 7 (HL7) Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard. The services enable model development using electronic health records (EHRs) stored in OMOP CDM databases and model deployment for scoring individual patients through FHIR resources. The MIMIC2 ICU dataset and a synthetic outpatient dataset were transformed into OMOP CDM databases for predictive model development. The resulting predictive models are deployed as FHIR resources, which receive requests of patient information, perform prediction against the deployed predictive model and respond with prediction scores. To assess the practicality of this approach we evaluated the response and prediction time of the FHIR modeling web services. We found the system to be reasonably fast with one second total response time per patient prediction. PMID:26958207

Analysis and Evaluation of Deployment Mechanism of a Tiny Rover in a Microgravity by Drop Tower Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagaoka, Kenji; Yano, Hajime; Yoshimitsu, Tetsuo; Yoshida, Kazuya; Kubota, Takashi; Adachi, Tadashi; Kurisu, Masamitsu; Yatsunami, Hiroyuki; Kuroda, Yoji

This presentation introduces the analysis and evaluation of a deployment mechanism of a tiny rover by ZARM drop tower experiments. The mechanism is installed on the MINERVA-II2 system in the Hayabusa-2 project performed by JAXA. The MINERVA-II2 system includes a small exploration rover, and the rover will be released from the Hayabusa-2 spacecraft to the asteroid surface. After the rover lands on the surface, it will move over the surface and conduct scientific measurements. To achieve such a challenging mission, the deployment mechanism of the rover is one of the significant components. In particular, controlling the rover's landing velocity against the asteroid surface is required with high-reliability mechanism. In the MINERVA-II2 system, a reliable deployment mechanism using a metal spring is installed. By the simple mechanism, the rover's releasing velocity will be controlled within a required value. Although the performance evaluation and analysis are necessary before launch, it is difficult to experiment the deployment performance three-dimensionally on ground. In the MINERVA-II2 project, with the cooperation of ZARM, DLR and JAXA, we conducted microgravity experiments using a ZARM drop tower to examine the deployment performance in a three-dimensional microgravity. During the experiments, motion of the deployment mechanism and the rover were captured by an external camera mounted on the dropping chamber. After the drop, we analyzed the rover's releasing velocity based on image processing of the camera data. The experimental results confirmed that the deployment mechanism is feasible and reliable for controlling the rover's releasing velocity. In addition to the experiments, we analyzed a mechanical friction resistance of the mechanism from a theoretical viewpoint. These results contribute to design of spring stiffness and feedback to the development of the MINERVA-II2 flight model. Finally, the drop tower experiments were accomplished based on the agreement on the Hayabusa-2 project by DLR-JAXA. The chamber for the experiments was used, which was developed by the Hayabusa-2 project. In the experiments, we received technical and operations supports from ZARM. We sincerely express our acknowledgement to ZARM, DLR and JAXA.

Feasibility assessment of the use of transit bus driving simulators : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Evaluation of the commercial vehicle information systems and networks (CVISN) model deployment initiative. Volume I, Final report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-03-01

The Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks Model Deployment Initiative (CVISN MDI) is funded by the Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office (ITS JPO) and managed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA),...

Integrated corridor management initiative : demonstration phase evaluation, San Diego decision support system analysis test plan.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-01-01

This report demonstrates the benefits and potential pitfalls of deploying and operating an integrated freeway and arterial management system. In particular, it discusses the lessons learned about the Medical Center Corridor (MCC) Project deployed in ...

Evaluation of the commercial vehicle information systems and networks (CVISN) model deployment initiative. Volume II, Appendices

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-03-01

The Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks Model Deployment Initiative (CVISN MDI) is funded by the Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office (ITS JPO) and managed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA),...

Coverage-guaranteed sensor node deployment strategies for wireless sensor networks.

PubMed

Fan, Gaojuan; Wang, Ruchuan; Huang, Haiping; Sun, Lijuan; Sha, Chao

2010-01-01

Deployment quality and cost are two conflicting aspects in wireless sensor networks. Random deployment, where the monitored field is covered by randomly and uniformly deployed sensor nodes, is an appropriate approach for large-scale network applications. However, their successful applications depend considerably on the deployment quality that uses the minimum number of sensors to achieve a desired coverage. Currently, the number of sensors required to meet the desired coverage is based on asymptotic analysis, which cannot meet deployment quality due to coverage overestimation in real applications. In this paper, we first investigate the coverage overestimation and address the challenge of designing coverage-guaranteed deployment strategies. To overcome this problem, we propose two deployment strategies, namely, the Expected-area Coverage Deployment (ECD) and BOundary Assistant Deployment (BOAD). The deployment quality of the two strategies is analyzed mathematically. Under the analysis, a lower bound on the number of deployed sensor nodes is given to satisfy the desired deployment quality. We justify the correctness of our analysis through rigorous proof, and validate the effectiveness of the two strategies through extensive simulation experiments. The simulation results show that both strategies alleviate the coverage overestimation significantly. In addition, we also evaluate two proposed strategies in the context of target detection application. The comparison results demonstrate that if the target appears at the boundary of monitored region in a given random deployment, the average intrusion distance of BOAD is considerably shorter than that of ECD with the same desired deployment quality. In contrast, ECD has better performance in terms of the average intrusion distance when the invasion of intruder is from the inside of monitored region.

Cigarette smoking and military deployment: a prospective evaluation.

PubMed

Smith, Besa; Ryan, Margaret A K; Wingard, Deborah L; Patterson, Thomas L; Slymen, Donald J; Macera, Caroline A

2008-12-01

The stress of military deployment may compound occupational stress experienced in the military and manifest in maladaptive coping behaviors such as cigarette smoking. The current study describes new smoking among never-smokers, smoking recidivism among past smokers, and change in daily smoking among smokers in relation to military deployment. The Millennium Cohort is a 21-year longitudinal study. The current analysis utilized participants (N=48,304) who submitted baseline data (July 2001-June 2003) before the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and follow-up data (June 2004-January 2006) on health measures. New smoking was identified among baseline never-smokers, smoking recidivism among baseline past smokers, and increased or decreased daily smoking among baseline smokers. Analyses were conducted March 2007-April 2007. Among never-smokers, smoking initiation was identified in 1.3% of nondeployers and 2.3% of deployers. Among past smokers, smoking resumption occurred in 28.7% of nondeployers and 39.4% of those who deployed. Smoking increased 44% among nondeployers and 57% among deployers. Those who deployed and reported combat exposures were at 1.6 times greater odds of initiating smoking among baseline never-smokers (95% CI=1.2, 2.3) and at 1.3 times greater odds of resuming smoking among baseline past smokers when compared to those who did not report combat exposures. Other deployment factors independently associated with postdeployment smoking recidivism included deploying for >9 months and deploying multiple times. Among those who smoked at baseline, deployment was not associated with changes in daily amount smoked. Military deployment is associated with smoking initiation and, more strongly, with smoking recidivism, particularly among those with prolonged deployments, multiple deployments, or combat exposures. Prevention programs should focus on the prevention of smoking relapse during or after deployment.

OTEC modular experiment cold water pipe concept evaluation. Volume III. Appendices

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

Not Available

1979-04-01

The Cold Water Pipe System Design Study was undertaken to evaluate the diverse CWP concepts, recommend the most viable alternatives for a 1984 deployment of the 10 to 40 MWe MEP, and carry out preliminary designs of three concepts. The concept evaluation phase reported involved a systems analysis of design alternatives in the broad categories of rigid walled (with hinges), compliant walled, stockade and bottom mounted buoyant. Quantitative evaluations were made of concept performance, availability, deployment schedule, technical feasibility and cost. CWP concepts were analyzed to determine if they met or could be made to meet established system requirements andmore » could be deployed by 1984. Fabrication, construction and installation plans were developed for successful concepts, and costs were determined in a WBS format. Evaluations were performed on the basis of technical and cost risk. This volume includes the following appendices: (A) materials and associated design criteria; (B) summary of results of dynamic flow and transportation analysis; (C) CWP sizing analysis; (D) CWP thermal performance; and (E) investigation of the APL/ABAM CWP design. (WHK)« less

Deploy Nalu/Kokkos algorithmic infrastructure with performance benchmarking.

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

Domino, Stefan P.; Ananthan, Shreyas; Knaus, Robert C.

The former Nalu interior heterogeneous algorithm design, which was originally designed to manage matrix assembly operations over all elemental topology types, has been modified to operate over homogeneous collections of mesh entities. This newly templated kernel design allows for removal of workset variable resize operations that were formerly required at each loop over a Sierra ToolKit (STK) bucket (nominally, 512 entities in size). Extensive usage of the Standard Template Library (STL) std::vector has been removed in favor of intrinsic Kokkos memory views. In this milestone effort, the transition to Kokkos as the underlying infrastructure to support performance and portability onmore » many-core architectures has been deployed for key matrix algorithmic kernels. A unit-test driven design effort has developed a homogeneous entity algorithm that employs a team-based thread parallelism construct. The STK Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) infrastructure is used to interleave data for improved vectorization. The collective algorithm design, which allows for concurrent threading and SIMD management, has been deployed for the core low-Mach element- based algorithm. Several tests to ascertain SIMD performance on Intel KNL and Haswell architectures have been carried out. The performance test matrix includes evaluation of both low- and higher-order methods. The higher-order low-Mach methodology builds on polynomial promotion of the core low-order control volume nite element method (CVFEM). Performance testing of the Kokkos-view/SIMD design indicates low-order matrix assembly kernel speed-up ranging between two and four times depending on mesh loading and node count. Better speedups are observed for higher-order meshes (currently only P=2 has been tested) especially on KNL. The increased workload per element on higher-order meshes bene ts from the wide SIMD width on KNL machines. Combining multiple threads with SIMD on KNL achieves a 4.6x speedup over the baseline, with assembly timings faster than that observed on Haswell architecture. The computational workload of higher-order meshes, therefore, seems ideally suited for the many-core architecture and justi es further exploration of higher-order on NGP platforms. A Trilinos/Tpetra-based multi-threaded GMRES preconditioned by symmetric Gauss Seidel (SGS) represents the core solver infrastructure for the low-Mach advection/diffusion implicit solves. The threaded solver stack has been tested on small problems on NREL's Peregrine system using the newly developed and deployed Kokkos-view/SIMD kernels. fforts are underway to deploy the Tpetra-based solver stack on NERSC Cori system to benchmark its performance at scale on KNL machines.« less

Methodological Behaviorism from the Standpoint of a Radical Behaviorist.

PubMed

Moore, J

2013-01-01

Methodological behaviorism is the name for a prescriptive orientation to psychological science. Its first and original feature is that the terms and concepts deployed in psychological theories and explanations should be based on observable stimuli and behavior. I argue that the interpretation of the phrase "based on" has changed over the years because of the influence of operationism. Its second feature, which developed after the first and is prominent in contemporary psychology, is that research should emphasize formal testing of a theory that involves mediating theoretical entities from an nonbehavioral dimension according to the hypothetico-deductive method. I argue that for contemporary methodological behaviorism, explanations of the behavior of both participants and scientists appeal to the mediating entities as mental causes, if only indirectly. In contrast to methodological behaviorism is the radical behaviorism of B. F. Skinner. Unlike methodological behaviorism, radical behaviorism conceives of verbal behavior in terms of an operant process that involves antecedent circumstances and reinforcing consequences, rather than in terms of a nonbehavioral process that involves reference and symbolism. In addition, radical behaviorism recognizes private behavioral events and subscribes to research and explanatory practices that do not include testing hypotheses about supposed mediating entities from another dimension. I conclude that methodological behaviorism is actually closer to mentalism than to Skinner's radical behaviorism.

Methodological Behaviorism from the Standpoint of a Radical Behaviorist

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Methodological behaviorism is the name for a prescriptive orientation to psychological science. Its first and original feature is that the terms and concepts deployed in psychological theories and explanations should be based on observable stimuli and behavior. I argue that the interpretation of the phrase “based on” has changed over the years because of the influence of operationism. Its second feature, which developed after the first and is prominent in contemporary psychology, is that research should emphasize formal testing of a theory that involves mediating theoretical entities from an nonbehavioral dimension according to the hypothetico-deductive method. I argue that for contemporary methodological behaviorism, explanations of the behavior of both participants and scientists appeal to the mediating entities as mental causes, if only indirectly. In contrast to methodological behaviorism is the radical behaviorism of B. F. Skinner. Unlike methodological behaviorism, radical behaviorism conceives of verbal behavior in terms of an operant process that involves antecedent circumstances and reinforcing consequences, rather than in terms of a nonbehavioral process that involves reference and symbolism. In addition, radical behaviorism recognizes private behavioral events and subscribes to research and explanatory practices that do not include testing hypotheses about supposed mediating entities from another dimension. I conclude that methodological behaviorism is actually closer to mentalism than to Skinner's radical behaviorism. PMID:28018031

Life-Cycle Cost/Benefit Assessment of Expedite Departure Path (EDP)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Jianzhong Jay; Chang, Paul; Datta, Koushik

2005-01-01

This report presents a life-cycle cost/benefit assessment (LCCBA) of Expedite Departure Path (EDP), an air traffic control Decision Support Tool (DST) currently under development at NASA. This assessment is an update of a previous study performed by bd Systems, Inc. (bd) during FY01, with the following revisions: The life-cycle cost assessment methodology developed by bd for the previous study was refined and calibrated using Free Flight Phase 1 (FFP1) cost information for Traffic Management Advisor (TMA, or TMA-SC in the FAA's terminology). Adjustments were also made to the site selection and deployment scheduling methodology to include airspace complexity as a factor. This technique was also applied to the benefit extrapolation methodology to better estimate potential benefits for other years, and at other sites. This study employed a new benefit estimating methodology because bd s previous single year potential benefit assessment of EDP used unrealistic assumptions that resulted in optimistic estimates. This methodology uses an air traffic simulation approach to reasonably predict the impacts from the implementation of EDP. The results of the costs and benefits analyses were then integrated into a life-cycle cost/benefit assessment.

Evaluation of the 8310-N-S manufactured by Sutron–Results of bench, temperature, and field deployment testing

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kunkle, Gerald A.

2016-01-07

The Sutron 8310-N-S (8310) data collection platform (DCP) manufactured by Sutron Corporation was evaluated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) for conformance to the manufacturer’s specifications for recording and transmitting data. The 8310-N-S is a National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)-enclosed DCP with a built-in Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite transmitter that operates over a temperature range of −40 to 60 degrees Celsius (°C). The evaluation procedures followed and the results obtained are described in this report for bench, temperature chamber, and outdoor deployment testing. The three units tested met the manufacturer’s stated specifications for the tested conditions, but two of the units had transmission errors either during temperature chamber or deployment testing. During outdoor deployment testing, 6.72 percent of transmissions by serial number 1206109 contained errors, resulting in missing data. Transmission errors were also observed during temperature chamber testing with serial number 1208283, at an error rate of 3.22 percent. Overall, the 8310 has good logging capabilities, but the transmission errors are a concern for users who require reliable telemetered data.

Evaluating PTSD on Reproductive Outcomes: Women Deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-10-01

Center attacks and its effect on pregnancy outcome . Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, 2005. 19(5): p. 334-41. 6. Xiong, X., et al., Exposure ...health system. Thus, the effect of women’s military service on reproductive outcomes is a key concern. Due to the unique situation of women in the... exposure to PTSD as a consequence of deployment is one example of recent concern. A recent study found women who had deployed to Iraq/Afghanistan

Diagnosis and management of chronic lung disease in deployed military personnel.

PubMed

Morris, Michael J; Lucero, Pedro F; Zanders, Thomas B; Zacher, Lisa L

2013-08-01

Military personnel are a unique group of individuals referred to the pulmonary physician for evaluation. Despite accession standards that limit entrance into the military for individuals with various pre-existing lung diseases, the most common disorders found in the general population such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease remain frequently diagnosed. Military personnel generally tend to be a more physically fit population who are required to exercise on a regular basis and as such may have earlier presentations of disease than their civilian counterparts. Exertional dyspnea is a common complaint; establishing a diagnosis may be challenging given the subtle nature of symptoms and lack of specificity with pulmonary function testing. The conflicts over the past 10 years in Iraq and Afghanistan have also given rise to new challenges for deployed military. Various respiratory hazards in the deployed environment include suspended geologic dusts, burn pits, vehicle exhaust emissions, industrial air pollution, and isolated exposure incidents and may give rise to both acute respiratory symptoms and chronic lung disease. In the evaluation of deployed military personnel, establishing the presence of actual pulmonary disease and the relationship of existing disease to deployment is an ongoing issue to both military and civilian physicians. This paper reviews the current evidence for chronic lung disease in the deployed military population and addresses any differences in diagnosis and management.

Silicone wristbands compared with traditional polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure assessment methods

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

Dixon, Holly M.; Scott, Richard P.; Holmes, Darrell

Currently there is a lack of inexpensive, easy-to-use technology to evaluate human exposure to environmental chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This is the first study in which silicone wristbands were deployed alongside other PAH exposure assessment methodologies. Wristbands were used within an established Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health birth cohort and compared to two traditional personal PAH exposure assessment methods: biological sampling with urine and active air monitoring with samplers (i.e. polyurethane foam (PUF) and filter) housed in backpacks. All samplers were deployed simultaneously on 22 pregnant women for 48-hours. Each woman provided one spot urine sample atmore » the end of the 48-hour period. Sixty-two and 20 PAHs were quantified in the wristbands and PUF/filter, respectively; and eight hydroxy-PAH (OH-PAH) metabolites were quantified in the urine. PAHs in the PUF/filter and OH-PAHs correlate significantly for two of the eight comparisons (rs=0.53 and p=0.01; rs=0.44 and p=0.04). PAHs in the wristband and OH-PAHs correlate significantly for four of the eight comparisons; 1-OH-phenanthrene and 1-OH-pyrene strongly correlate with the parent PAHs in the wristband (rs=0.76 and p=<0.0001; rs=0.66 and p=0.0009). These results suggest wristbands are more closely associated with OH-PAHs in urine than active personal air monitoring methods.« less

Continuous Tidal Streamflow and Gage-Height Data for Bass and Cinder Creeks on Kiawah Island, South Carolina, September 2007

USGS Publications Warehouse

Conrads, Paul; Erbland, John W.

2009-01-01

A three-dimensional model of Bass and Cinder Creeks on Kiawah Island, South Carolina, was developed to evaluate methodologies for determining fecal coliform total maximum daily loads for shellfish waters. To calibrate the model, two index-velocity sites on the creeks were instrumented with continuous acoustic velocity meters and water-level sensors to compute a 21-day continuous record of tidal streamflows. In addition to monitoring tidal cycles, streamflow measurements were made at the index-velocity sites, and tidal-cycle streamflow measurements were made at the mouth of Bass Creek and on the Stono River to characterize the streamflow dynamics near the ocean boundary of the three-dimensional model at the beginning, September 6, 2007, and end, September 26, 2007, of the index-velocity meter deployment. The maximum floodtide and ebbtide measured on the Stono River by the mouth of Bass Creek for the two measurements were -155,000 and 170,000 cubic feet per second (ft3/s). At the mouth of Bass Creek, the maximum floodtide and ebbtide measurements during the 2 measurement days were +/-10,200 ft3/s. Tidal streamflows for the 21-day deployment on Bass Creek ranged from -2,510 ft3/s for an incoming tide to 4,360 ft3/s for an outgoing tide. On Cinder Creek, the incoming and outgoing tide varied from -2,180 to 2,400 ft3/s during the same period.

A new real-time tsunami detection algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chierici, F.; Embriaco, D.; Pignagnoli, L.

2016-12-01

Real-time tsunami detection algorithms play a key role in any Tsunami Early Warning System. We have developed a new algorithm for tsunami detection based on the real-time tide removal and real-time band-pass filtering of sea-bed pressure recordings. The algorithm greatly increases the tsunami detection probability, shortens the detection delay and enhances detection reliability, at low computational cost. The algorithm is designed to be used also in autonomous early warning systems with a set of input parameters and procedures which can be reconfigured in real time. We have also developed a methodology based on Monte Carlo simulations to test the tsunami detection algorithms. The algorithm performance is estimated by defining and evaluating statistical parameters, namely the detection probability, the detection delay, which are functions of the tsunami amplitude and wavelength, and the occurring rate of false alarms. Pressure data sets acquired by Bottom Pressure Recorders in different locations and environmental conditions have been used in order to consider real working scenarios in the test. We also present an application of the algorithm to the tsunami event which occurred at Haida Gwaii on October 28th, 2012 using data recorded by the Bullseye underwater node of Ocean Networks Canada. The algorithm successfully ran for test purpose in year-long missions onboard the GEOSTAR stand-alone multidisciplinary abyssal observatory, deployed in the Gulf of Cadiz during the EC project NEAREST and on NEMO-SN1 cabled observatory deployed in the Western Ionian Sea, operational node of the European research infrastructure EMSO.

cl-dash: rapid configuration and deployment of Hadoop clusters for bioinformatics research in the cloud.

PubMed

Hodor, Paul; Chawla, Amandeep; Clark, Andrew; Neal, Lauren

2016-01-15

: One of the solutions proposed for addressing the challenge of the overwhelming abundance of genomic sequence and other biological data is the use of the Hadoop computing framework. Appropriate tools are needed to set up computational environments that facilitate research of novel bioinformatics methodology using Hadoop. Here, we present cl-dash, a complete starter kit for setting up such an environment. Configuring and deploying new Hadoop clusters can be done in minutes. Use of Amazon Web Services ensures no initial investment and minimal operation costs. Two sample bioinformatics applications help the researcher understand and learn the principles of implementing an algorithm using the MapReduce programming pattern. Source code is available at https://bitbucket.org/booz-allen-sci-comp-team/cl-dash.git. hodor_paul@bah.com. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press.

cl-dash: rapid configuration and deployment of Hadoop clusters for bioinformatics research in the cloud

PubMed Central

Hodor, Paul; Chawla, Amandeep; Clark, Andrew; Neal, Lauren

2016-01-01

Summary: One of the solutions proposed for addressing the challenge of the overwhelming abundance of genomic sequence and other biological data is the use of the Hadoop computing framework. Appropriate tools are needed to set up computational environments that facilitate research of novel bioinformatics methodology using Hadoop. Here, we present cl-dash, a complete starter kit for setting up such an environment. Configuring and deploying new Hadoop clusters can be done in minutes. Use of Amazon Web Services ensures no initial investment and minimal operation costs. Two sample bioinformatics applications help the researcher understand and learn the principles of implementing an algorithm using the MapReduce programming pattern. Availability and implementation: Source code is available at https://bitbucket.org/booz-allen-sci-comp-team/cl-dash.git. Contact: hodor_paul@bah.com PMID:26428290

Design of Spacecraft Missions to Test Kinetic Impact for Asteroid Deflection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hernandez, Sonia; Barbee, Brent W.

2011-01-01

There are currently over 8,000 known near-Earth asteroids (NEAs), and more are being discovered on a continual basis. More than 1,200 of these are classified as Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) because their Minimum Orbit Intersection Distance (MOID) with Earth's orbit is <= 0.05 AU and their estimated diameters are >= 150 m. To date, 178 Earth impact structures have been discovered, indicating that our planet has previously been struck with devastating force by NEAs and will be struck again. Such collisions are aperiodic events and can occur at any time. A variety of techniques have been proposed to defend our planet from NEA impacts by deflecting the incoming asteroid. However, none of these techniques have been tested. Unless rigorous testing is conducted to produce reliable asteroid deflection systems, we will be forced to deploy completely untested -- and therefore unreliable -- deflection missions when a sizable asteroid on a collision course with Earth is discovered. Such missions will have a high probability of failure. We propose to address this problem with a campaign of deflection technology test missions deployed to harmless NEAs. The objective of these missions is to safely evaluate and refine the mission concepts and asteroid deflection system designs. Our current research focuses on the kinetic impactor, one of the simplest proposed asteroid deflection techniques in which a spacecraft is sent to collide with an asteroid at high relative velocity. By deploying test missions in the near future, we can characterize the performance of this deflection technique and resolve any problems inherent to its execution before needing to rely upon it during a true emergency. In this paper we present the methodology and results of our survey, including lists of NEAs for which safe and effective kinetic impactor test missions may be conducted within the next decade. Full mission designs are also presented for the NEAs which offer the best mission opportunities.

Demand Response and Energy Storage Integration Study

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

Ma, Ookie; Cheung, Kerry; Olsen, Daniel J.

2016-03-01

Demand response and energy storage resources present potentially important sources of bulk power system services that can aid in integrating variable renewable generation. While renewable integration studies have evaluated many of the challenges associated with deploying large amounts of variable wind and solar generation technologies, integration analyses have not yet fully incorporated demand response and energy storage resources. This report represents an initial effort in analyzing the potential integration value of demand response and energy storage, focusing on the western United States. It evaluates two major aspects of increased deployment of demand response and energy storage: (1) Their operational valuemore » in providing bulk power system services and (2) Market and regulatory issues, including potential barriers to deployment.« less

Demand Response and Energy Storage Integration Study

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

Ma, Ookie; Cheung, Kerry

Demand response and energy storage resources present potentially important sources of bulk power system services that can aid in integrating variable renewable generation. While renewable integration studies have evaluated many of the challenges associated with deploying large amounts of variable wind and solar generation technologies, integration analyses have not yet fully incorporated demand response and energy storage resources. This report represents an initial effort in analyzing the potential integration value of demand response and energy storage, focusing on the western United States. It evaluates two major aspects of increased deployment of demand response and energy storage: (1) Their operational valuemore » in providing bulk power system services and (2) Market and regulatory issues, including potential barriers to deployment.« less

A Polygon Model for Wireless Sensor Network Deployment with Directional Sensing Areas

PubMed Central

Wu, Chun-Hsien; Chung, Yeh-Ching

2009-01-01

The modeling of the sensing area of a sensor node is essential for the deployment algorithm of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In this paper, a polygon model is proposed for the sensor node with directional sensing area. In addition, a WSN deployment algorithm is presented with topology control and scoring mechanisms to maintain network connectivity and improve sensing coverage rate. To evaluate the proposed polygon model and WSN deployment algorithm, a simulation is conducted. The simulation results show that the proposed polygon model outperforms the existed disk model and circular sector model in terms of the maximum sensing coverage rate. PMID:22303159

Connected vehicle insights : fourth generation wireless - vehicle and highway gateways to the cloud.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-07

The purpose of this document is to present state-level statistics for the CVISN deployment described in the national report. These data will allow state stakeholders to evaluate their own deployment standings in relation to national averages. The nat...

Development Of Human Factors Guidelines For Advanced Traveler Information Systens And Commercial Vehicle Operations: Comparable Systems Analysis

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-11-01

This document describes the strategy used to evaluate the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Joint Program Offices Metropolitan Model Deployment Initiative (MMDI). The MMDI is an aggressive deployment of ITS at four urban sites: New York/New...

Los Angeles congestion reduction demonstration (Metro ExpressLanes) program. National evaluation : surveys, interviews, and workshops test plan.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-09-01

Integration of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) within a metropolitan area is crucial for effective deployment. The Early Deployment Planning (EDP) Process is one tool that allows transportation officials to plan for and implement ITS technol...

Application of the ADAMS program to deployable space truss structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Calleson, R. E.

1985-01-01

The need for a computer program to perform kinematic and dynamic analyses of large truss structures while deploying from a packaged configuration in space led to the evaluation of several existing programs. ADAMS (automatic dynamic analysis of mechanical systems), a generalized program from performing the dynamic simulation of mechanical systems undergoing large displacements, is applied to two concepts of deployable space antenna units. One concept is a one cube folding unit of Martin Marietta's Box Truss Antenna and the other is a tetrahedral truss unit of a Tetrahedral Truss Antenna. Adequate evaluation of dynamic forces during member latch-up into the deployed configuration is not yet available from the present version of ADAMS since it is limited to the assembly of rigid bodies. Included is a method for estimating the maximum bending stress in a surface member at latch-up. Results include member displacement and velocity responses during extension and an example of member bending stresses at latch-up.

Addiction treatment outcomes, process and change: Texas Institute of Behavioral Research at Texas Christian University.

PubMed

Simpson, D Dwayne; Joe, George W; Dansereau, Donald F; Flynn, Patrick M

2011-10-01

For more than 40 years the Texas Institute of Behavioral Research (IBR) has given special attention to assessment and evaluation of drug user populations, addiction treatment services and various cognitive and behavioral interventions. Emphasis has been on studies in real-world settings and the use of multivariate methodologies to address evaluation issues within the context of longitudinal natural designs. Historically, its program of addiction treatment research may be divided into three sequential epochs-the first era dealt mainly with client assessment and its role in treatment outcome and evaluation (1969-89), the second focused upon modeling the treatment process and the importance of conceptual frameworks (1989-2009) in explaining the relationships among treatment environment, client attributes, treatment process and outcome, and the third (and current) era has expanded into studying tactical deployment of innovations and implementation. Recent projects focus upon adapting and implementing innovations for improving early engagement in adolescent residential treatment settings and drug-dependent criminal justice populations. Related issues include the spread of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome and other infectious diseases, organizational and systems functioning, treatment costs and process related to implementation of evidence-based practices. © 2010 The Authors, Addiction © 2010 Society for the Study of Addiction.

Smith Newton Vehicle Performance Evaluation – Gen 2 – Cumulative; Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)

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

None

2014-10-01

The Fleet Test and Evaluation Team at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory is evaluating and documenting the performance of electric and plug-in hybrid electric drive systems in medium-duty trucks across the nation. U.S. companies participating in this evaluation project received funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to cover part of the cost of purchasing these vehicles. Through this project, Smith Electric Vehicles is building and deploying 500 all-electric medium-duty trucks that will be deployed by a variety of companies in diverse climates across the country.

Smith Newton Vehicle Performance Evaluation – 4th Quarter 2013; NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

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

None

2014-01-01

The Fleet Test and Evaluation Team at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory is evaluating and documenting the performance of electric and plug-in hybrid electric drive systems in medium-duty trucks across the nation. U.S. companies participating in this evaluation project received funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to cover part of the cost of purchasing these vehicles. Through this project, Smith Electric Vehicles is building and deploying 500 all-electric medium-duty trucks that will be deployed by a variety of companies in diverse climates across the country.

Future of Assurance: Ensuring that a System is Trustworthy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadeghi, Ahmad-Reza; Verbauwhede, Ingrid; Vishik, Claire

Significant efforts are put in defining and implementing strong security measures for all components of the comput-ing environment. It is equally important to be able to evaluate the strength and robustness of these measures and establish trust among the components of the computing environment based on parameters and attributes of these elements and best practices associated with their production and deployment. Today the inventory of techniques used for security assurance and to establish trust -- audit, security-conscious development process, cryptographic components, external evaluation - is somewhat limited. These methods have their indisputable strengths and have contributed significantly to the advancement in the area of security assurance. However, shorter product and tech-nology development cycles and the sheer complexity of modern digital systems and processes have begun to decrease the efficiency of these techniques. Moreover, these approaches and technologies address only some aspects of security assurance and, for the most part, evaluate assurance in a general design rather than an instance of a product. Additionally, various components of the computing environment participating in the same processes enjoy different levels of security assurance, making it difficult to ensure adequate levels of protection end-to-end. Finally, most evaluation methodologies rely on the knowledge and skill of the evaluators, making reliable assessments of trustworthiness of a system even harder to achieve. The paper outlines some issues in security assurance that apply across the board, with the focus on the trustworthiness and authenticity of hardware components and evaluates current approaches to assurance.

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

Merchant, Bion J.

The Seismo-Hydroacoustic Data Acquisition System (SHDAS) is undergoing evaluation in preparation for its engineering, development, and deployment by the U.S Navy as an ocean bottom seismic monitoring system. At the current stage of development, the production digitizers are being evaluated to confirm their performance prior to packaging and assembly for deployment. The testing of the digitizers is being conducted at Delta Group Electronics, the digitizer fabricator, in San Diego, California, performed by Sandia National Laboratories with the assistance of Leidos and Delta Group Electronics.

Evaluating the Measure of Effectiveness of Using a Deployed Command and Control System on Land Battlefield

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-01

SOA Service-Oriented Architecture SOTM Satellite Communications-on-the-Move SoS System of Systems SwCIs Software Criticality Indices TPM Technical...into the C2 system. To manage stakeholders’ expectations, there is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of the deployed C2 system having implemented ...the C2 system. However, there is a need to recognize the limitations and constraints on the land battlefield to implement these requirements. There

Comparing Alternatives For Replacing Harmful Chemicals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cruit, W.; Schutzenhofer, S.; Goldberg, B.; Everhart, K.

1995-01-01

Methodology developed to provide guidance for replacement of industrial chemicals that must be phased out by law because they are toxic and/or affect environment adversely. Chemicals and processes ranked numerically. Applies mostly to chemicals contributing to depletion of ozone in upper atmosphere; some other harmful chemicals included. Quality function deployment matrix format provides convenient way to compare alternative processes and chemicals. Overall rating at bottom of each process-and-chemical column indicates relative advantage.

What have we learned about intelligent transportation systems? Chapter 9, What have we learned about ITS? Final comments

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-09-30

This document presents the findings of the national evaluation of the 511 telephone traveler information system Model Deployment in Arizona. The United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) National 511 Model Deployment supported a wid...

Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Program Phase 1, Performance Measurement and Evaluation Support Plan – ICF/Wyoming.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-06-06

The Wyoming Department of Transportations (WYDOT) Connected Vehicle (CV) Pilot Deployment Program is intended to develop a suite of applications that utilize vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) and vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communication technology to ...

Key informant interviews test plan : model deployment of a regional, multi-modal 511 traveler information system

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-01-28

This document presents the detailed plan to conduct the Key Informants Interviews Test, one of several test activities to be conducted as part of the national evaluation of the regional, multi-modal 511 Traveler Information System Model Deployment. T...

Toward the characterization of biological toxins using field-based FT-IR spectroscopic instrumentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schiering, David W.; Walton, Robert B.; Brown, Christopher W.; Norman, Mark L.; Brewer, Joseph; Scott, James

2004-12-01

IR spectroscopy is a broadly applicable technique for the identification of covalent materials. Recent advances in instrumentation have made Fourier Transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy available for field characterization of suspect materials. Presently, this instrumentation is broadly deployed and used for the identification of potential chemical hazards. This discussion concerns work towards expanding the analytical utility of field-based FT-IR spectrometry in the characterization of biological threats. Two classes of materials were studied: biologically produced chemical toxins which were non-peptide in nature and peptide toxin. The IR spectroscopic identification of aflatoxin-B1, trichothecene T2 mycotoxin, and strychnine was evaluated using the approach of spectral searching against large libraries of materials. For pure components, the IR method discriminated the above toxins at better than the 99% confidence level. The ability to identify non-peptide toxins in mixtures was also evaluated using a "spectral stripping" search approach. For the mixtures evaluated, this method was able to identify the mixture components from ca. 32K spectral library entries. Castor bean extract containing ricin was used as a representative peptide toxin. Due to similarity in protein spectra, a SIMCA pattern recognition methodology was evaluated for classifying peptide toxins. In addition to castor bean extract the method was validated using bovine serum albumin and myoglobin as simulants. The SIMCA approach was successful in correctly classifying these samples at the 95% confidence level.

Deployment-related Respiratory Issues.

PubMed

Morris, Michael J; Rawlins, Frederic A; Forbes, Damon A; Skabelund, Andrew J; Lucero, Pedro F

2016-01-01

Military deployment to Southwest Asia since 2003 in support of Operations Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn has presented unique challenges from a pulmonary perspective. Various airborne hazards in the deployed environment include suspended geologic dusts, burn pit smoke, vehicle exhaust emissions, industrial air pollution, and isolated exposure incidents. These exposures may give rise to both acute respiratory symptoms and in some instances development of chronic lung disease. While increased respiratory symptoms during deployment are well documented, there is limited data on whether inhalation of airborne particulate matter is causally related to an increase in either common or unique pulmonary diseases. While disease processes such as acute eosinophilic pneumonia and exacerbation of preexisting asthma have been adequately documented, there is significant controversy surrounding the potential effects of deployment exposures and development of rare pulmonary disorders such as constrictive bronchiolitis. The role of smoking and related disorders has yet to be defined. This article presents the current evidence for deployment-related respiratory symptoms and ongoing Department of Defense studies. Further, it also provides general recommendations for evaluating pulmonary health in the deployed military population.

U.S. Army Reserve (Medical) soldier prescription challenges during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

PubMed

Savitala, Murty; Dydek, George J

2004-12-01

The continuous requirement to mobilize and deploy reserve soldiers presents numerous challenges for the Army Medical Department. One of the challenges in the preparation for deployment of reserve soldiers is the assessment of chronic prescription medication requirements and the eventual filling of these requirements during deployment. The assigned unit pharmacy officer can provide a value-added service through the identification and coordination of the pharmaceutical needs of an activated deploying unit. A unit pharmacy officer conducted a prescription medication use analysis on an activated Army Reserve Medical Unit before deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The study population consisted of 181 soldiers identified through a volunteer survey administered by the assigned pharmacy officer. The prescription medication requirements for the unit were identified in a predeployment status and an evaluation was conducted to determine the ability to sustain the medication requirements once the unit was to be deployed. Gaps in the availability of prescription medication requirements in a predeployed status were identified indicating potential deficiencies in the capability to replenish prescription medication requirements during deployment.

Deploy production sliding mesh capability with linear solver benchmarking.

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

Domino, Stefan P.; Thomas, Stephen; Barone, Matthew F.

Wind applications require the ability to simulate rotating blades. To support this use-case, a novel design-order sliding mesh algorithm has been developed and deployed. The hybrid method combines the control volume finite element methodology (CVFEM) with concepts found within a discontinuous Galerkin (DG) finite element method (FEM) to manage a sliding mesh. The method has been demonstrated to be design-order for the tested polynomial basis (P=1 and P=2) and has been deployed to provide production simulation capability for a Vestas V27 (225 kW) wind turbine. Other stationary and canonical rotating ow simulations are also presented. As the majority of wind-energymore » applications are driving extensive usage of hybrid meshes, a foundational study that outlines near-wall numerical behavior for a variety of element topologies is presented. Results indicate that the proposed nonlinear stabilization operator (NSO) is an effective stabilization methodology to control Gibbs phenomena at large cell Peclet numbers. The study also provides practical mesh resolution guidelines for future analysis efforts. Application-driven performance and algorithmic improvements have been carried out to increase robustness of the scheme on hybrid production wind energy meshes. Specifically, the Kokkos-based Nalu Kernel construct outlined in the FY17/Q4 ExaWind milestone has been transitioned to the hybrid mesh regime. This code base is exercised within a full V27 production run. Simulation timings for parallel search and custom ghosting are presented. As the low-Mach application space requires implicit matrix solves, the cost of matrix reinitialization has been evaluated on a variety of production meshes. Results indicate that at low element counts, i.e., fewer than 100 million elements, matrix graph initialization and preconditioner setup times are small. However, as mesh sizes increase, e.g., 500 million elements, simulation time associated with \\setup-up" costs can increase to nearly 50% of overall simulation time when using the full Tpetra solver stack and nearly 35% when using a mixed Tpetra- Hypre-based solver stack. The report also highlights the project achievement of surpassing the 1 billion element mesh scale for a production V27 hybrid mesh. A detailed timing breakdown is presented that again suggests work to be done in the setup events associated with the linear system. In order to mitigate these initialization costs, several application paths have been explored, all of which are designed to reduce the frequency of matrix reinitialization. Methods such as removing Jacobian entries on the dynamic matrix columns (in concert with increased inner equation iterations), and lagging of Jacobian entries have reduced setup times at the cost of numerical stability. Artificially increasing, or bloating, the matrix stencil to ensure that full Jacobians are included is developed with results suggesting that this methodology is useful in decreasing reinitialization events without loss of matrix contributions. With the above foundational advances in computational capability, the project is well positioned to begin scientific inquiry on a variety of wind-farm physics such as turbine/turbine wake interactions.« less

Visual soil evaluation - future research requirements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emmet-Booth, Jeremy; Forristal, Dermot; Fenton, Owen; Ball, Bruce; Holden, Nick

2017-04-01

A review of Visual Soil Evaluation (VSE) techniques (Emmet-Booth et al., 2016) highlighted their established utility for soil quality assessment, though some limitations were identified; (1) The examination of aggregate size, visible intra-porosity and shape forms a key assessment criterion in almost all methods, thus limiting evaluation to structural form. The addition of criteria that holistically examine structure may be desirable. For example, structural stability can be indicated using dispersion tests or examining soil surface crusting, while the assessment of soil colour may indirectly indicate soil organic matter content, a contributor to stability. Organic matter assessment may also indicate structural resilience, along with rooting, earthworm numbers or shrinkage cracking. (2) Soil texture may influence results or impeded method deployment. Modification of procedures to account for extreme texture variation is desirable. For example, evidence of compaction in sandy or single grain soils greatly differs to that in clayey soils. Some procedures incorporate separate classification systems or adjust deployment based on texture. (3) Research into impacts of soil moisture content on VSE evaluation criteria is required. Criteria such as rupture resistance and shape may be affected by moisture content. It is generally recommended that methods are deployed on moist soils and quantification of influences of moisture variation on results is necessary. (4) Robust sampling strategies for method deployment are required. Dealing with spatial variation differs between methods, but where methods can be deployed over large areas, clear instruction on sampling is required. Additionally, as emphasis has been placed on the agricultural production of soil, so the ability of VSE for exploring structural quality in terms of carbon storage, water purification and biodiversity support also requires research. References Emmet-Booth, J.P., Forristal. P.D., Fenton, O., Ball, B.C. & Holden, N.M. 2016. A review of visual soil evaluation techniques for soil structure. Soil Use and Management, 32, 623-634.

Development of bridge-scour instrumentation for inspection and maintenance personnel

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mueller, David S.; Landers, Mark N.; ,

1993-01-01

Inspecting bridges and monitoring scour during high flow can improve public transportation safety by providing early identification of scour and stream stability problems at bridges. Most bridge-inspection data are collected during low flow, when scour holes may have refilled. More than 25 percent of the States that responded to a questionnaire identified lack of adequate methodology and/or equipment as reasons for not collecting scour data during high-flow conditions. Therefore, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, has begun to develop instrumentation for measuring scour that could be used by inspection and maintenance personnel during high-flow conditions. A variety of instruments and techniques for measuring scour were tested and evaluated in real-time bridge-scour data-collection studies by the USGS. In the National Scour study, fathometers were found to be superior to sounding weights and will be the primary bed-measuring instrument. The ability of low-cost fathometers and fish finders to locate the bed accurately is being evaluated. Simple and efficient methods for deploying the transducer during floods are also important for a successful measurement. The information and additional testing are being used to design new, portable scour-measuring systems.

Contributions and challenges for worldwide vaccine safety: The Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety at 15 years.

PubMed

Asturias, Edwin J; Wharton, Melinda; Pless, Robert; MacDonald, Noni E; Chen, Robert T; Andrews, Nicholas; Salisbury, David; Dodoo, Alexander N; Hartigan-Go, Kenneth; Zuber, Patrick L F

2016-06-17

In 1999, the Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide independent scientific advice on issues relating to the safety of vaccines and immunization. Fifteen years onward, we conducted a multi-faceted review to evaluate the impact, reach and challenges facing GACVS, including the role GACVS plays in informing global, regional and WHO member state vaccine policy. The methods included measures of organizational structure, citation impact, themes approached, and a discussion by previous and current members to evaluate past, present and future challenges. Given the increasing range of data sources and the deployment of many new vaccines, the Committee is facing the complex task of identifying the best available evidence for recommendations on vaccine safety. To help meet the increased demand for public transparency in decision making, GACVS-structured methodology for evidence-based decisions is evolving. GACVS also promotes best practices and capacity building for timely and accurate risk assessment; risk communications; outreach to help countries maintain and, if needed, rebuild public trust in vaccines; and advocacy for bridging the major gaps in vaccine safety capacity globally. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design Of Measurements For Evaluating Readiness Of Technoware Components To Meet The Required Standard Of Products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fauzi, Ilham; Muharram Hasby, Fariz; Irianto, Dradjad

2018-03-01

Although government is able to make mandatory standards that must be obeyed by the industry, the respective industries themselves often have difficulties to fulfil the requirements described in those standards. This is especially true in many small and medium sized enterprises that lack the required capital to invest in standard-compliant equipment and machineries. This study aims to develop a set of measurement tools for evaluating the level of readiness of production technology with respect to the requirements of a product standard based on the quality function deployment (QFD) method. By combining the QFD methodology, UNESCAP Technometric model [9] and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), this model is used to measure a firm’s capability to fulfill government standard in the toy making industry. Expert opinions from both the governmental officers responsible for setting and implementing standards and the industry practitioners responsible for managing manufacturing processes are collected and processed to find out the technological capabilities that should be improved by the firm to fulfill the existing standard. This study showed that the proposed model can be used successfully to measure the gap between the requirements of the standard and the readiness of technoware technological component in a particular firm.

A Comparative Analysis of Disaster Risk, Vulnerability and Resilience Composite Indicators.

PubMed

Beccari, Benjamin

2016-03-14

In the past decade significant attention has been given to the development of tools that attempt to measure the vulnerability, risk or resilience of communities to disasters. Particular attention has been given to the development of composite indices to quantify these concepts mirroring their deployment in other fields such as sustainable development. Whilst some authors have published reviews of disaster vulnerability, risk and resilience composite indicator methodologies, these have been of a limited nature. This paper seeks to dramatically expand these efforts by analysing 106 composite indicator methodologies to understand the breadth and depth of practice. An extensive search of the academic and grey literature was undertaken for composite indicator and scorecard methodologies that addressed multiple/all hazards; included social and economic aspects of risk, vulnerability or resilience; were sub-national in scope; explained the method and variables used; focussed on the present-day; and, had been tested or implemented. Information on the index construction, geographic areas of application, variables used and other relevant data was collected and analysed. Substantial variety in construction practices of composite indicators of risk, vulnerability and resilience were found. Five key approaches were identified in the literature, with the use of hierarchical or deductive indices being the most common. Typically variables were chosen by experts, came from existing statistical datasets and were combined by simple addition with equal weights. A minimum of 2 variables and a maximum of 235 were used, although approximately two thirds of methodologies used less than 40 variables. The 106 methodologies used 2298 unique variables, the most frequently used being common statistical variables such as population density and unemployment rate. Classification of variables found that on average 34% of the variables used in each methodology related to the social environment, 25% to the disaster environment, 20% to the economic environment, 13% to the built environment, 6% to the natural environment and 3% were other indices. However variables specifically measuring action to mitigate or prepare for disasters only comprised 12%, on average, of the total number of variables in each index. Only 19% of methodologies employed any sensitivity or uncertainty analysis and in only a single case was this comprehensive. A number of potential limitations of the present state of practice and how these might impact on decision makers are discussed. In particular the limited deployment of sensitivity and uncertainty analysis and the low use of direct measures of disaster risk, vulnerability and resilience could significantly limit the quality and reliability of existing methodologies. Recommendations for improvements to indicator development and use are made, as well as suggested future research directions to enhance the theoretical and empirical knowledge base for composite indicator development.

A Comparative Analysis of Disaster Risk, Vulnerability and Resilience Composite Indicators

PubMed Central

Beccari, Benjamin

2016-01-01

Introduction: In the past decade significant attention has been given to the development of tools that attempt to measure the vulnerability, risk or resilience of communities to disasters. Particular attention has been given to the development of composite indices to quantify these concepts mirroring their deployment in other fields such as sustainable development. Whilst some authors have published reviews of disaster vulnerability, risk and resilience composite indicator methodologies, these have been of a limited nature. This paper seeks to dramatically expand these efforts by analysing 106 composite indicator methodologies to understand the breadth and depth of practice. Methods: An extensive search of the academic and grey literature was undertaken for composite indicator and scorecard methodologies that addressed multiple/all hazards; included social and economic aspects of risk, vulnerability or resilience; were sub-national in scope; explained the method and variables used; focussed on the present-day; and, had been tested or implemented. Information on the index construction, geographic areas of application, variables used and other relevant data was collected and analysed. Results: Substantial variety in construction practices of composite indicators of risk, vulnerability and resilience were found. Five key approaches were identified in the literature, with the use of hierarchical or deductive indices being the most common. Typically variables were chosen by experts, came from existing statistical datasets and were combined by simple addition with equal weights. A minimum of 2 variables and a maximum of 235 were used, although approximately two thirds of methodologies used less than 40 variables. The 106 methodologies used 2298 unique variables, the most frequently used being common statistical variables such as population density and unemployment rate. Classification of variables found that on average 34% of the variables used in each methodology related to the social environment, 25% to the disaster environment, 20% to the economic environment, 13% to the built environment, 6% to the natural environment and 3% were other indices. However variables specifically measuring action to mitigate or prepare for disasters only comprised 12%, on average, of the total number of variables in each index. Only 19% of methodologies employed any sensitivity or uncertainty analysis and in only a single case was this comprehensive. Discussion: A number of potential limitations of the present state of practice and how these might impact on decision makers are discussed. In particular the limited deployment of sensitivity and uncertainty analysis and the low use of direct measures of disaster risk, vulnerability and resilience could significantly limit the quality and reliability of existing methodologies. Recommendations for improvements to indicator development and use are made, as well as suggested future research directions to enhance the theoretical and empirical knowledge base for composite indicator development. PMID:27066298

Final test report for advanced traveler information systems (ATIS) and related standards as deployed by the Nebraska department of roads.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-03-14

This report contains the results, findings and conclusions generated from the evaluation and field testing of a specific subset of ITS Standards applicable to the center-to-center exchange of advanced traveler information as deployed by the Nebraska ...

KSC-2013-4495

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-20

MORRO BAY, Calif. – Drogue chutes open above Dragon test article during a test to evaluate the spacecraft's parachute deployment system. The drogue chutes stabilized the vehicle, in preparation for main chute deployment as part of a milestone under SpaceX's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability agreement with NASA's Commercial Crew Program. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-4496

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-20

MORRO BAY, Calif. – Drogue chutes open above Dragon test article during a test to evaluate the spacecraft's parachute deployment system. The drogue chutes stabilized the vehicle, in preparation for main chute deployment as part of a milestone under SpaceX's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability agreement with NASA's Commercial Crew Program. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-4497

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-20

MORRO BAY, Calif. – Drogue chutes open above Dragon test article during a test to evaluate the spacecraft's parachute deployment system. The drogue chutes stabilized the vehicle, in preparation for main chute deployment as part of a milestone under SpaceX's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability agreement with NASA's Commercial Crew Program. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

A robust and flexible Geospatial Modeling Interface (GMI) for environmental model deployment and evaluation

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This paper provides an overview of the GMI (Geospatial Modeling Interface) simulation framework for environmental model deployment and assessment. GMI currently provides access to multiple environmental models including AgroEcoSystem-Watershed (AgES-W), Nitrate Leaching and Economic Analysis 2 (NLEA...

A distributed agent architecture for real-time knowledge-based systems: Real-time expert systems project, phase 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, S. Daniel

1990-01-01

We propose a distributed agent architecture (DAA) that can support a variety of paradigms based on both traditional real-time computing and artificial intelligence. DAA consists of distributed agents that are classified into two categories: reactive and cognitive. Reactive agents can be implemented directly in Ada to meet hard real-time requirements and be deployed on on-board embedded processors. A traditional real-time computing methodology under consideration is the rate monotonic theory that can guarantee schedulability based on analytical methods. AI techniques under consideration for reactive agents are approximate or anytime reasoning that can be implemented using Bayesian belief networks as in Guardian. Cognitive agents are traditional expert systems that can be implemented in ART-Ada to meet soft real-time requirements. During the initial design of cognitive agents, it is critical to consider the migration path that would allow initial deployment on ground-based workstations with eventual deployment on on-board processors. ART-Ada technology enables this migration while Lisp-based technologies make it difficult if not impossible. In addition to reactive and cognitive agents, a meta-level agent would be needed to coordinate multiple agents and to provide meta-level control.

Capturing the Impact of Storage and Other Flexible Technologies on Electric System Planning

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

Hale, Elaine; Stoll, Brady; Mai, Trieu

Power systems of the future are likely to require additional flexibility. This has been well studied from an operational perspective, but has been more difficult to incorporate into capacity expansion models (CEMs) that study investment decisions on the decadal scale. There are two primary reasons for this. First, the necessary input data, including cost and resource projections, for flexibility options like demand response and storage are significantly uncertain. Second, it is computationally difficult to represent both investment and operational decisions in detail, the latter being necessary to properly value system flexibility, in CEMs for realistically sized systems. In this work,more » we extend a particular CEM, NREL's Resource Planning Model (RPM), to address the latter issue by better representing variable generation impacts on operations, and then adding two flexible technologies to RPM's suite of investment decisions: interruptible load and utility-scale storage. This work does not develop full suites of input data for these technologies, but is rather methodological and exploratory in nature. We thus exercise these new investment decisions in the context of exploring price points and value streams needed for significant deployment in the Western Interconnection by 2030. Our study of interruptible load finds significant variation by location, year, and overall system conditions. Some locations find no system need for interruptible load even with low costs, while others build the most expensive resources offered. System needs can include planning reserve capacity needs to ensure resource adequacy, but there are also particular cases in which spinning reserve requirements drive deployment. Utility-scale storage is found to require deep cost reductions to achieve wide deployment and is found to be more valuable in some locations with greater renewable deployment. Differences between more solar- and wind-reliant regions are also found: Storage technologies with lower energy capacities are deployed to support solar deployment, and higher energy capacity technologies support wind. Finally, we identify potential future research and areas of improvement to build on this initial analysis.« less

Streamflow Observations From Cameras: Large-Scale Particle Image Velocimetry or Particle Tracking Velocimetry?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tauro, F.; Piscopia, R.; Grimaldi, S.

2017-12-01

Image-based methodologies, such as large scale particle image velocimetry (LSPIV) and particle tracking velocimetry (PTV), have increased our ability to noninvasively conduct streamflow measurements by affording spatially distributed observations at high temporal resolution. However, progress in optical methodologies has not been paralleled by the implementation of image-based approaches in environmental monitoring practice. We attribute this fact to the sensitivity of LSPIV, by far the most frequently adopted algorithm, to visibility conditions and to the occurrence of visible surface features. In this work, we test both LSPIV and PTV on a data set of 12 videos captured in a natural stream wherein artificial floaters are homogeneously and continuously deployed. Further, we apply both algorithms to a video of a high flow event on the Tiber River, Rome, Italy. In our application, we propose a modified PTV approach that only takes into account realistic trajectories. Based on our findings, LSPIV largely underestimates surface velocities with respect to PTV in both favorable (12 videos in a natural stream) and adverse (high flow event in the Tiber River) conditions. On the other hand, PTV is in closer agreement than LSPIV with benchmark velocities in both experimental settings. In addition, the accuracy of PTV estimations can be directly related to the transit of physical objects in the field of view, thus providing tangible data for uncertainty evaluation.

Development and evaluation of an ultrasonic ground water seepage meter.

PubMed

Paulsen, R J; Smith, C F; O'Rourke, D; Wong, T F

2001-01-01

Submarine ground water discharge can influence significantly the near-shore transport and flux of chemicals into the oceans. Quantification of the sources and rates of such discharge requires a ground water seepage meter that provides continuous measurements at high resolution over an extended period of time. An ultrasonic flowmeter has been adapted for such measurements in the submarine environment. Connected to a steel collection funnel, the meter houses two piezoelectric transducers mounted at opposite ends of a cylindrical flow tube. By monitoring the perturbations of fluid flow on the propagation of sound waves inside the flow tube, the ultrasonic meter can measure both forward and reverse fluid flows in real time. Laboratory and field calibrations show that the ultrasonic meter can resolve ground water discharges on the order of 0.1 microm/sec, and it is sufficiently robust for deployment in the field for several days. Data from West Neck Bay, Shelter Island, New York, elucidate the temporal and spatial heterogeneity of submarine ground water discharge and its interplay with tidal loading. A negative correlation between the discharge and tidal elevation was generally observed. A methodology was also developed whereby data for the sound velocity as a function of temperature can be used to infer the salinity and source of the submarine discharge. Independent measurements of electrical conductance were performed to validate this methodology.

Interconnection Assessment Methodology and Cost Benefit Analysis for High-Penetration PV Deployment in the Arizona Public Service System

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

Baggu, Murali; Giraldez, Julieta; Harris, Tom

In an effort to better understand the impacts of high penetrations of photovoltaic (PV) generators on distribution systems, Arizona Public Service and its partners completed a multi-year project to develop the tools and knowledge base needed to safely and reliably integrate high penetrations of utility- and residential-scale PV. Building upon the APS Community Power Project-Flagstaff Pilot, this project investigates the impact of PV on a representative feeder in northeast Flagstaff. To quantify and catalog the effects of the estimated 1.3 MW of PV that will be installed on the feeder (both smaller units at homes and large, centrally located systems),more » high-speed weather and electrical data acquisition systems and digital 'smart' meters were designed and installed to facilitate monitoring and to build and validate comprehensive, high-resolution models of the distribution system. These models are being developed to analyze the impacts of PV on distribution circuit protection systems (including coordination and anti-islanding), predict voltage regulation and phase balance issues, and develop volt/VAr control schemes. This paper continues from a paper presented at the 2014 IEEE PVSC conference that described feeder model evaluation and high penetration advanced scenario analysis, specifically feeder reconfiguration. This paper presents results from Phase 5 of the project. Specifically, the paper discusses tool automation; interconnection assessment methodology and cost benefit analysis.« less

Short-term Inundation Forecasting for Tsunamis in the Caribbean Sea Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mercado-Irizarry, A.; Schmidt, W.

2007-05-01

After the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the USA Congress gave a mandate to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to assess the tsunami threat for all USA interests, and adapt to them the Short-term Inundation Forecasting for Tsunamis (SIFT) methodology first developed for the USA Pacific seaboard states. This methodology would be used with the DART buoys deployed in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The first step involved the evaluation and characterization of the major tsunamigenic regions in both regions, work done by the US Geological Survey (USGS). This was followed by the modeling of the generation and propagation of tsunamis due to unit slip tsunamigenic earthquakes located at different locations along the tsunamigenic zones identified by the USGS. These pre-computed results are stored and are used as sources (in an inverse modeling approach using the DART buoys) for so-called Standby Inundation Models (SIM's) being developed for selected coastal cities in Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and others along the Atlantic seaboard of the USA. It is the purpose of this presentation to describe the work being carried out in the Caribbean Sea region, where two SIM's for Puerto Rico have already being prepared, allowing for near real-time assessment (less than 10 minutes after detection by the DART buoys) of the expected tsunami impact for two major coastal cities.

Evaluation of Drogue Parachute Damping Effects Utilizing the Apollo Legacy Parachute Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Currin, Kelly M.; Gamble, Joe D.; Matz, Daniel A.; Bretz, David R.

2011-01-01

Drogue parachute damping is required to dampen the Orion Multi Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) crew module (CM) oscillations prior to deployment of the main parachutes. During the Apollo program, drogue parachute damping was modeled on the premise that the drogue parachute force vector aligns with the resultant velocity of the parachute attach point on the CM. Equivalent Cm(sub q) and Cm(sub alpha) equations for drogue parachute damping resulting from the Apollo legacy parachute damping model premise have recently been developed. The MPCV computer simulations ANTARES and Osiris have implemented high fidelity two-body parachute damping models. However, high-fidelity model-based damping motion predictions do not match the damping observed during wind tunnel and full-scale free-flight oscillatory motion. This paper will present the methodology for comparing and contrasting the Apollo legacy parachute damping model with full-scale free-flight oscillatory motion. The analysis shows an agreement between the Apollo legacy parachute damping model and full-scale free-flight oscillatory motion.

A cross impact methodology for the assessment of US telecommunications system with application to fiber optics development: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martino, J. P.; Lenz, R. C., Jr.; Chen, K. L.

1979-01-01

A cross impact model of the U.S. telecommunications system was developed. For this model, it was necessary to prepare forecasts of the major segments of the telecommunications system, such as satellites, telephone, TV, CATV, radio broadcasting, etc. In addition, forecasts were prepared of the traffic generated by a variety of new or expanded services, such as electronic check clearing and point of sale electronic funds transfer. Finally, the interactions among the forecasts were estimated (the cross impacts). Both the forecasts and the cross impacts were used as inputs to the cross impact model, which could then be used to stimulate the future growth of the entire U.S. telecommunications system. By varying the inputs, technology changes or policy decisions with regard to any segment of the system could be evaluated in the context of the remainder of the system. To illustrate the operation of the model, a specific study was made of the deployment of fiber optics, throughout the telecommunications system.

Real-time tracking using stereo and motion: Visual perception for space robotics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nishihara, H. Keith; Thomas, Hans; Huber, Eric; Reid, C. Ann

1994-01-01

The state-of-the-art in computing technology is rapidly attaining the performance necessary to implement many early vision algorithms at real-time rates. This new capability is helping to accelerate progress in vision research by improving our ability to evaluate the performance of algorithms in dynamic environments. In particular, we are becoming much more aware of the relative stability of various visual measurements in the presence of camera motion and system noise. This new processing speed is also allowing us to raise our sights toward accomplishing much higher-level processing tasks, such as figure-ground separation and active object tracking, in real-time. This paper describes a methodology for using early visual measurements to accomplish higher-level tasks; it then presents an overview of the high-speed accelerators developed at Teleos to support early visual measurements. The final section describes the successful deployment of a real-time vision system to provide visual perception for the Extravehicular Activity Helper/Retriever robotic system in tests aboard NASA's KC135 reduced gravity aircraft.

An operational information systems architecture for assessing sustainable transportation planning: principles and design.

PubMed

Borzacchiello, Maria Teresa; Torrieri, Vincenzo; Nijkamp, Peter

2009-11-01

This paper offers the description of an integrated information system framework for the assessment of transportation planning and management. After an introductory exposition, in the first part of the paper, a broad overview of international experiences regarding information systems on transportation is given, focusing in particular on the relationship between transportation system's performance monitoring and the decision-making process, and on the importance of this connection in the evaluation and planning process, in Italian and European cases. Next, the methodological design of an information system to support efficient and sustainable transportation planning and management aiming to integrate inputs from several different data sources is presented. The resulting framework deploys modular and integrated databases which include data stemming from different national or regional data banks and which integrate information belonging to different transportation fields. For this reason, it allows public administrations to account for many strategic elements that influence their decisions regarding transportation, both from a systemic and infrastructural point of view.

Analysis of Macro-micro Simulation Models for Service-Oriented Public Platform: Coordination of Networked Services and Measurement of Public Values

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kinoshita, Yumiko

When service sectors are a major driver for the growth of the world economy, we are challenged to implement service-oriented infrastructure as e-Gov platform to achieve further growth and innovation for both developed and developing countries. According to recent trends in service industry, it is clarified that main factors for the growth of service sectors are investment into knowledge, trade, and the enhanced capacity of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). In addition, the design and deployment of public service platform require appropriate evaluation methodology. Reflecting these observations, this paper proposes macro-micro simulation approach to assess public values (PV) focusing on MSMEs. Linkage aggregate variables (LAVs) are defined to show connection between macro and micro impacts of public services. As a result, the relationship of demography, business environment, macro economy, and socio-economic impact are clarified and their values are quantified from the behavioral perspectives of citizens and firms.

CONFU: Configuration Fuzzing Testing Framework for Software Vulnerability Detection

PubMed Central

Dai, Huning; Murphy, Christian; Kaiser, Gail

2010-01-01

Many software security vulnerabilities only reveal themselves under certain conditions, i.e., particular configurations and inputs together with a certain runtime environment. One approach to detecting these vulnerabilities is fuzz testing. However, typical fuzz testing makes no guarantees regarding the syntactic and semantic validity of the input, or of how much of the input space will be explored. To address these problems, we present a new testing methodology called Configuration Fuzzing. Configuration Fuzzing is a technique whereby the configuration of the running application is mutated at certain execution points, in order to check for vulnerabilities that only arise in certain conditions. As the application runs in the deployment environment, this testing technique continuously fuzzes the configuration and checks “security invariants” that, if violated, indicate a vulnerability. We discuss the approach and introduce a prototype framework called ConFu (CONfiguration FUzzing testing framework) for implementation. We also present the results of case studies that demonstrate the approach’s feasibility and evaluate its performance. PMID:21037923

Fuzzy Intervals for Designing Structural Signature: An Application to Graphic Symbol Recognition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luqman, Muhammad Muzzamil; Delalandre, Mathieu; Brouard, Thierry; Ramel, Jean-Yves; Lladós, Josep

The motivation behind our work is to present a new methodology for symbol recognition. The proposed method employs a structural approach for representing visual associations in symbols and a statistical classifier for recognition. We vectorize a graphic symbol, encode its topological and geometrical information by an attributed relational graph and compute a signature from this structural graph. We have addressed the sensitivity of structural representations to noise, by using data adapted fuzzy intervals. The joint probability distribution of signatures is encoded by a Bayesian network, which serves as a mechanism for pruning irrelevant features and choosing a subset of interesting features from structural signatures of underlying symbol set. The Bayesian network is deployed in a supervised learning scenario for recognizing query symbols. The method has been evaluated for robustness against degradations & deformations on pre-segmented 2D linear architectural & electronic symbols from GREC databases, and for its recognition abilities on symbols with context noise i.e. cropped symbols.

A cross impact methodology for the assessment of US telecommunications system with application to fiber optics development, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martino, J. P.; Lenz, R. C., Jr.; Chen, K. L.; Kahut, P.; Sekely, R.; Weiler, J.

1979-01-01

A cross impact model of the U.S. telecommunications system was developed. It was necessary to prepare forecasts of the major segments of the telecommunications system, such as satellites, telephone, TV, CATV, radio broadcasting, etc. In addition, forecasts were prepared of the traffic generated by a variety of new or expanded services, such as electronic check clearing and point of sale electronic funds transfer. Finally, the interactions among the forecasts were estimated (the cross impact). Both the forecasts and the cross impacts were used as inputs to the cross impact model, which could then be used to stimulate the future growth of the entire U.S. telecommunications system. By varying the inputs, technology changes or policy decisions with regard to any segment of the system could be evaluated in the context of the remainder of the system. To illustrate the operation of the model, a specific study was made of the deployment of fiber optics throughout the telecommunications system.

Integrating reliability and maintainability into a concurrent engineering environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phillips, Clifton B.; Peterson, Robert R.

1993-02-01

This paper describes the results of a reliability and maintainability study conducted at the University of California, San Diego and supported by private industry. Private industry thought the study was important and provided the university access to innovative tools under cooperative agreement. The current capability of reliability and maintainability tools and how they fit into the design process is investigated. The evolution of design methodologies leading up to today's capability is reviewed for ways to enhance the design process while keeping cost under control. A method for measuring the consequences of reliability and maintainability policy for design configurations in an electronic environment is provided. The interaction of selected modern computer tool sets is described for reliability, maintainability, operations, and other elements of the engineering design process. These tools provide a robust system evaluation capability that brings life cycle performance improvement information to engineers and their managers before systems are deployed, and allow them to monitor and track performance while it is in operation.

Supporting Collaborative Model and Data Service Development and Deployment with DevOps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

David, O.

2016-12-01

Adopting DevOps practices for model service development and deployment enables a community to engage in service-oriented modeling and data management. The Cloud Services Integration Platform (CSIP) developed the last 5 years at Colorado State University provides for collaborative integration of environmental models into scalable model and data services as a micro-services platform with API and deployment infrastructure. Originally developed to support USDA natural resource applications, it proved suitable for a wider range of applications in the environmental modeling domain. While extending its scope and visibility it became apparent community integration and adequate work flow support through the full model development and application cycle drove successful outcomes.DevOps provide best practices, tools, and organizational structures to optimize the transition from model service development to deployment by minimizing the (i) operational burden and (ii) turnaround time for modelers. We have developed and implemented a methodology to fully automate a suite of applications for application lifecycle management, version control, continuous integration, container management, and container scaling to enable model and data service developers in various institutions to collaboratively build, run, deploy, test, and scale services within minutes.To date more than 160 model and data services are available for applications in hydrology (PRMS, Hydrotools, CFA, ESP), water and wind erosion prediction (WEPP, WEPS, RUSLE2), soil quality trends (SCI, STIR), water quality analysis (SWAT-CP, WQM, CFA, AgES-W), stream degradation assessment (SWAT-DEG), hydraulics (cross-section), and grazing management (GRAS). In addition, supporting data services include soil (SSURGO), ecological site (ESIS), climate (CLIGEN, WINDGEN), land management and crop rotations (LMOD), and pesticides (WQM), developed using this workflow automation and decentralized governance.

Aggressive and violent behavior among military personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan: prevalence and link with deployment and combat exposure.

PubMed

MacManus, Deirdre; Rona, Roberto; Dickson, Hannah; Somaini, Greta; Fear, Nicola; Wessely, Simon

2015-01-01

A systematic review and meta-analyses were conducted on studies of the prevalence of aggressive and violent behavior, as well as of violent offenses and convictions, among military personnel following deployment to Iraq and/or Afghanistan; the relationship with deployment and combat exposure; and the role that mental health problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), have on the pathway between deployment and combat to violence. Seventeen studies published between January 1, 2001, and February 12, 2014, in the United States and the United Kingdom met the inclusion criteria. Despite methodological differences across studies, aggressive behavior was found to be prevalent among serving and formerly serving personnel, with pooled estimates of 10% (95% confidence interval (CI): 1, 20) for physical assault and 29% (95% CI: 25, 36) for all types of physical aggression in the last month, and worthy of further exploration. In both countries, rates were increased among combat-exposed, formerly serving personnel. The majority of studies suggested a small-to-moderate association between combat exposure and postdeployment physical aggression and violence, with a pooled estimate of the weighted odds ratio = 3.24 (95% CI: 2.75, 3.82), with several studies finding that violence increased with intensity and frequency of exposure to combat traumas. The review's findings support the mediating role of PTSD between combat and postdeployment violence and the importance of alcohol, especially if comorbid with PTSD. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Vibration characteristics of a deployable controllable-geometry truss boom

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dorsey, J. T.

1983-01-01

An analytical study was made to evaluate changes in the fundamental frequency of a two dimensional cantilevered truss boom at various stages of deployment. The truss could be axially deployed or retracted and undergo a variety of controlled geometry changes by shortening or lengthening the telescoping diagonal members in each bay. Both untapered and tapered versions of the truss boom were modeled and analyzed by using the finite element method. Large reductions in fundamental frequency occurred for both the untapered and tapered trusses when they were uniformly retracted or maneuvered laterally from their fully deployed position. These frequency reductions can be minimized, however, if truss geometries are selected which maintain cantilever root stiffness during truss maneuvers.

Categorizing Biases in High-Confidence High-Throughput Protein-Protein Interaction Data Sets*

PubMed Central

Yu, Xueping; Ivanic, Joseph; Memišević, Vesna; Wallqvist, Anders; Reifman, Jaques

2011-01-01

We characterized and evaluated the functional attributes of three yeast high-confidence protein-protein interaction data sets derived from affinity purification/mass spectrometry, protein-fragment complementation assay, and yeast two-hybrid experiments. The interacting proteins retrieved from these data sets formed distinct, partially overlapping sets with different protein-protein interaction characteristics. These differences were primarily a function of the deployed experimental technologies used to recover these interactions. This affected the total coverage of interactions and was especially evident in the recovery of interactions among different functional classes of proteins. We found that the interaction data obtained by the yeast two-hybrid method was the least biased toward any particular functional characterization. In contrast, interacting proteins in the affinity purification/mass spectrometry and protein-fragment complementation assay data sets were over- and under-represented among distinct and different functional categories. We delineated how these differences affected protein complex organization in the network of interactions, in particular for strongly interacting complexes (e.g. RNA and protein synthesis) versus weak and transient interacting complexes (e.g. protein transport). We quantified methodological differences in detecting protein interactions from larger protein complexes, in the correlation of protein abundance among interacting proteins, and in their connectivity of essential proteins. In the latter case, we showed that minimizing inherent methodology biases removed many of the ambiguous conclusions about protein essentiality and protein connectivity. We used these findings to rationalize how biological insights obtained by analyzing data sets originating from different sources sometimes do not agree or may even contradict each other. An important corollary of this work was that discrepancies in biological insights did not necessarily imply that one detection methodology was better or worse, but rather that, to a large extent, the insights reflected the methodological biases themselves. Consequently, interpreting the protein interaction data within their experimental or cellular context provided the best avenue for overcoming biases and inferring biological knowledge. PMID:21876202

Military deployment to the Gulf War as a risk factor for psychiatric illness among US troops.

PubMed

Fiedler, Nancy; Ozakinci, Gozde; Hallman, William; Wartenberg, Daniel; Brewer, Noel T; Barrett, Drue H; Kipen, Howard M

2006-05-01

Several studies document an excess of psychiatric symptoms among veterans of the the 1991 Gulf War. However, little is known about the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in those who were deployed to that conflict. To compare the 12-month prevalence and associated risk factors for DSM Axis I psychiatric diagnoses between random samples of Gulf War-deployed veterans and veterans of the same era not deployed to the Persian Gulf (era veterans). Interview data from 967 Gulf War veterans and 784 era veterans were examined to determine current health status, medical conditions, symptoms and Axis I psychiatric disorders. Logistic regression models evaluated risk factors for psychiatric disorder. Gulf War veterans had a significantly higher prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses, with twice the prevalence of anxiety disorders and depression. Lower rank, female gender and divorced or single marital status were significant independent predictors of psychiatric disorder. Deployment to the Gulf War is associated with a range of mental health outcomes more than 10 years after deployment.

Challenges towards realization of health care sector goals of Tanzania development vision 2025: training and deployment of graduate human resource for health.

PubMed

Siril, Nathanael; Kiwara, Angwara; Simba, Daud

2013-06-01

Human resource for health (HRH) is an essential building block for effective and efficient health care system. In Tanzania this component is faced by many challenges which in synergy with others make the health care system inefficient. In vision 2025 the country recognizes the importance of the health care sector in attaining quality livelihood for its citizens. The vision is in its 13th year since its launch. Given the central role of HRH in attainment of this vision, how the HRH is trained and deployed deserves a deeper understanding. To analyze the factors affecting training and deployment process of graduate level HRH of three core cadres; Medical Doctors, Doctor of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Pharmacy towards realization of development vision 2025. Explorative study design in five training institutions for health and Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW) headquarters utilizing in-depth interviews, observations and review of available documents methodology. The training Institutions which are cornerstone for HRH training are understaffed, underfunded (donor dependent), have low admitting capacities and lack co-ordination with other key stakeholders dealing with health. The deployment of graduate level HRH is affected by; limited budget, decision on deployment handled by another ministry rather than MoHSW, competition between health care sector and other sectors and lack of co-ordination between employer, trainers and other key health care sector stakeholders. Awareness on vision 2025 is low in the training institutions. For the vision 2025 health care sector goals to be realized well devised strategies on raising its awareness in the training institutions is recommended. Quality livelihood as stated in vision 2025 will be a forgotten dream if the challenges facing the training and deployment of graduate level HRH will not be addressed timely. It is the authors' view that reduction of donor dependency syndrome, extension of retirement age for academic Staffs in the training institutions for health and synergizing the training and deployment of the graduate level HRH can be among the initial strategies towards addressing these challenges.

Evaluation of a Family-Centered Prevention Intervention for Military Children and Families Facing Wartime Deployments

PubMed Central

Saltzman, William R.; Woodward, Kirsten; Glover, Dorie; Leskin, Gregory A.; Bursch, Brenda; Pynoos, Robert; Beardslee, William

2012-01-01

Objectives. We evaluated the Families OverComing Under Stress program, which provides resiliency training designed to enhance family psychological health in US military families affected by combat- and deployment-related stress. Methods. We performed a secondary analysis of Families OverComing Under Stress program evaluation data that was collected between July 2008 and February 2010 at 11 military installations in the United States and Japan. We present data at baseline for 488 unique families (742 parents and 873 children) and pre–post outcomes for 331 families. Results. Family members reported high levels of satisfaction with the program and positive impact on parent–child indicators. Psychological distress levels were elevated for service members, civilian parents, and children at program entry compared with community norms. Change scores showed significant improvements across all measures for service member and civilian parents and their children (P < .001). Conclusions. Evaluation data provided preliminary support for a strength-based, trauma-informed military family prevention program to promote resiliency and mitigate the impact of wartime deployment stress. PMID:22033756

Evaluation of a Multimedia Intervention for Children and Families Facing Multiple Military Deployments.

PubMed

Flittner O'Grady, Allison; Thomaseo Burton, E; Chawla, Neelu; Topp, David; MacDermid Wadsworth, Shelley

2016-02-01

Repeated military deployments have been a common experience for many military families in the past 15 years. While there has been an increase in research and intervention focused on the effects on families of military deployments, much of this work has not focused specifically on the particular needs of young children. Talk, Listen, Connect: Multiple Deployments (TLC-II MD), a multimedia kit designed for home use, is among the first interventions directed toward young children. Created by Sesame Workshop and using popular Sesame Street characters, TLC-II MD was designed to support and equip families with young children with skills to address challenges associated with multiple deployments. This study utilized a randomized experimental design to evaluate the impact of TLC-II MD relative to a control condition using a Sesame Workshop multimedia kit not tailored to military families. Parents in both groups reported that children enjoyed the video overall and watched it repeatedly. Also in both groups, caregivers' depressive symptoms and children's aggressive behaviors declined significantly over time. Caregivers in the test group reported significantly larger increases in comfort discussing the deployment with their child and stronger perceptions that the DVD helped children to cope. Thus, the resilience-oriented materials were helpful to both groups, but those tailored to military families were significantly more likely to be perceived as helpful. Findings offer evidence regarding the ability of multimedia self-administered interventions to assist military families.

Evaluation of Trap Designs and Deployment Strategies for Capturing Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

PubMed Central

Morrison, William R.; Cullum, John P.; Leskey, Tracy C.

2015-01-01

Halyomorpha halys (Stål) is an invasive pest that attacks numerous crops. For growers to make informed management decisions against H. halys, an effective monitoring tool must be in place. We evaluated various trap designs baited with the two-component aggregation pheromone of H. halys and synergist and deployed in commercial apple orchards. We compared our current experimental standard trap, a black plywood pyramid trap 1.22 m in height deployed between border row apple trees with other trap designs for two growing seasons. These included a black lightweight coroplast pyramid trap of similar dimension, a smaller (29 cm) pyramid trap also ground deployed, a smaller limb-attached pyramid trap, a smaller pyramid trap hanging from a horizontal branch, and a semipyramid design known as the Rescue trap. We found that the coroplast pyramid was the most sensitive, capturing more adults than all other trap designs including our experimental standard. Smaller pyramid traps performed equally in adult captures to our experimental standard, though nymphal captures were statistically lower for the hanging traps. Experimental standard plywood and coroplast pyramid trap correlations were strong, suggesting that standard plywood pyramid traps could be replaced with lighter, cheaper coroplast pyramid traps. Strong correlations with small ground- and limb-deployed pyramid traps also suggest that these designs offer promise as well. Growers may be able to adopt alternative trap designs that are cheaper, lighter, and easier to deploy to monitor H. halys in orchards without a significant loss in sensitivity. PMID:26470309

Evaluation of Methods for In-Situ Calibration of Field-Deployable Microphone Phased Arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Humphreys, William M.; Lockard, David P.; Khorrami, Mehdi R.; Culliton, William G.; McSwain, Robert G.

2017-01-01

Current field-deployable microphone phased arrays for aeroacoustic flight testing require the placement of hundreds of individual sensors over a large area. Depending on the duration of the test campaign, the microphones may be required to stay deployed at the testing site for weeks or even months. This presents a challenge in regards to tracking the response (i.e., sensitivity) of the individual sensors as a function of time in order to evaluate the health of the array. To address this challenge, two different methods for in-situ tracking of microphone responses are described. The first relies on the use of an aerial sound source attached as a payload on a hovering small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) vehicle. The second relies on the use of individually excited ground-based sound sources strategically placed throughout the array pattern. Testing of the two methods was performed in microphone array deployments conducted at Fort A.P. Hill in 2015 and at Edwards Air Force Base in 2016. The results indicate that the drift in individual sensor responses can be tracked reasonably well using both methods. Thus, in-situ response tracking methods are useful as a diagnostic tool for monitoring the health of a phased array during long duration deployments.

Rooftop solar photovoltaic potential in cities: how scalable are assessment approaches?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castellanos, Sergio; Sunter, Deborah A.; Kammen, Daniel M.

2017-12-01

Distributed photovoltaics (PV) have played a critical role in the deployment of solar energy, currently making up roughly half of the global PV installed capacity. However, there remains significant unused economically beneficial potential. Estimates of the total technical potential for rooftop PV systems in the United States calculate a generation comparable to approximately 40% of the 2016 total national electric-sector sales. To best take advantage of the rooftop PV potential, effective analytic tools that support deployment strategies and aggressive local, state, and national policies to reduce the soft cost of solar energy are vital. A key step is the low-cost automation of data analysis and business case presentation for structure-integrated solar energy. In this paper, the scalability and resolution of various methods to assess the urban rooftop PV potential are compared, concluding with suggestions for future work in bridging methodologies to better assist policy makers.

The IceCube Neutrino Observatory: instrumentation and online systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aartsen, M. G.; Ackermann, M.; Adams, J.; Aguilar, J. A.; Ahlers, M.; Ahrens, M.; Altmann, D.; Andeen, K.; Anderson, T.; Ansseau, I.; Anton, G.; Archinger, M.; Argüelles, C.; Auer, R.; Auffenberg, J.; Axani, S.; Baccus, J.; Bai, X.; Barnet, S.; Barwick, S. W.; Baum, V.; Bay, R.; Beattie, K.; Beatty, J. J.; Becker Tjus, J.; Becker, K.-H.; Bendfelt, T.; BenZvi, S.; Berley, D.; Bernardini, E.; Bernhard, A.; Besson, D. Z.; Binder, G.; Bindig, D.; Bissok, M.; Blaufuss, E.; Blot, S.; Boersma, D.; Bohm, C.; Börner, M.; Bos, F.; Bose, D.; Böser, S.; Botner, O.; Bouchta, A.; Braun, J.; Brayeur, L.; Bretz, H.-P.; Bron, S.; Burgman, A.; Burreson, C.; Carver, T.; Casier, M.; Cheung, E.; Chirkin, D.; Christov, A.; Clark, K.; Classen, L.; Coenders, S.; Collin, G. H.; Conrad, J. M.; Cowen, D. F.; Cross, R.; Day, C.; Day, M.; de André, J. P. A. M.; De Clercq, C.; del Pino Rosendo, E.; Dembinski, H.; De Ridder, S.; Descamps, F.; Desiati, P.; de Vries, K. D.; de Wasseige, G.; de With, M.; DeYoung, T.; Díaz-Vélez, J. C.; di Lorenzo, V.; Dujmovic, H.; Dumm, J. P.; Dunkman, M.; Eberhardt, B.; Edwards, W. R.; Ehrhardt, T.; Eichmann, B.; Eller, P.; Euler, S.; Evenson, P. A.; Fahey, S.; Fazely, A. R.; Feintzeig, J.; Felde, J.; Filimonov, K.; Finley, C.; Flis, S.; Fösig, C.-C.; Franckowiak, A.; Frère, M.; Friedman, E.; Fuchs, T.; Gaisser, T. K.; Gallagher, J.; Gerhardt, L.; Ghorbani, K.; Giang, W.; Gladstone, L.; Glauch, T.; Glowacki, D.; Glüsenkamp, T.; Goldschmidt, A.; Gonzalez, J. G.; Grant, D.; Griffith, Z.; Gustafsson, L.; Haack, C.; Hallgren, A.; Halzen, F.; Hansen, E.; Hansmann, T.; Hanson, K.; Haugen, J.; Hebecker, D.; Heereman, D.; Helbing, K.; Hellauer, R.; Heller, R.; Hickford, S.; Hignight, J.; Hill, G. C.; Hoffman, K. D.; Hoffmann, R.; Hoshina, K.; Huang, F.; Huber, M.; Hulth, P. O.; Hultqvist, K.; In, S.; Inaba, M.; Ishihara, A.; Jacobi, E.; Jacobsen, J.; Japaridze, G. S.; Jeong, M.; Jero, K.; Jones, A.; Jones, B. J. P.; Joseph, J.; Kang, W.; Kappes, A.; Karg, T.; Karle, A.; Katz, U.; Kauer, M.; Keivani, A.; Kelley, J. L.; Kemp, J.; Kheirandish, A.; Kim, J.; Kim, M.; Kintscher, T.; Kiryluk, J.; Kitamura, N.; Kittler, T.; Klein, S. R.; Kleinfelder, S.; Kleist, M.; Kohnen, G.; Koirala, R.; Kolanoski, H.; Konietz, R.; Köpke, L.; Kopper, C.; Kopper, S.; Koskinen, D. J.; Kowalski, M.; Krasberg, M.; Krings, K.; Kroll, M.; Krückl, G.; Krüger, C.; Kunnen, J.; Kunwar, S.; Kurahashi, N.; Kuwabara, T.; Labare, M.; Laihem, K.; Landsman, H.; Lanfranchi, J. L.; Larson, M. J.; Lauber, F.; Laundrie, A.; Lennarz, D.; Leich, H.; Lesiak-Bzdak, M.; Leuermann, M.; Lu, L.; Ludwig, J.; Lünemann, J.; Mackenzie, C.; Madsen, J.; Maggi, G.; Mahn, K. B. M.; Mancina, S.; Mandelartz, M.; Maruyama, R.; Mase, K.; Matis, H.; Maunu, R.; McNally, F.; McParland, C. P.; Meade, P.; Meagher, K.; Medici, M.; Meier, M.; Meli, A.; Menne, T.; Merino, G.; Meures, T.; Miarecki, S.; Minor, R. H.; Montaruli, T.; Moulai, M.; Murray, T.; Nahnhauer, R.; Naumann, U.; Neer, G.; Newcomb, M.; Niederhausen, H.; Nowicki, S. C.; Nygren, D. R.; Obertacke Pollmann, A.; Olivas, A.; O'Murchadha, A.; Palczewski, T.; Pandya, H.; Pankova, D. V.; Patton, S.; Peiffer, P.; Penek, Ö.; Pepper, J. A.; Pérez de los Heros, C.; Pettersen, C.; Pieloth, D.; Pinat, E.; Price, P. B.; Przybylski, G. T.; Quinnan, M.; Raab, C.; Rädel, L.; Rameez, M.; Rawlins, K.; Reimann, R.; Relethford, B.; Relich, M.; Resconi, E.; Rhode, W.; Richman, M.; Riedel, B.; Robertson, S.; Rongen, M.; Roucelle, C.; Rott, C.; Ruhe, T.; Ryckbosch, D.; Rysewyk, D.; Sabbatini, L.; Sanchez Herrera, S. E.; Sandrock, A.; Sandroos, J.; Sandstrom, P.; Sarkar, S.; Satalecka, K.; Schlunder, P.; Schmidt, T.; Schoenen, S.; Schöneberg, S.; Schukraft, A.; Schumacher, L.; Seckel, D.; Seunarine, S.; Solarz, M.; Soldin, D.; Song, M.; Spiczak, G. M.; Spiering, C.; Stanev, T.; Stasik, A.; Stettner, J.; Steuer, A.; Stezelberger, T.; Stokstad, R. G.; Stößl, A.; Ström, R.; Strotjohann, N. L.; Sulanke, K.-H.; Sullivan, G. W.; Sutherland, M.; Taavola, H.; Taboada, I.; Tatar, J.; Tenholt, F.; Ter-Antonyan, S.; Terliuk, A.; Tešić, G.; Thollander, L.; Tilav, S.; Toale, P. A.; Tobin, M. N.; Toscano, S.; Tosi, D.; Tselengidou, M.; Turcati, A.; Unger, E.; Usner, M.; Vandenbroucke, J.; van Eijndhoven, N.; Vanheule, S.; van Rossem, M.; van Santen, J.; Vehring, M.; Voge, M.; Vogel, E.; Vraeghe, M.; Wahl, D.; Walck, C.; Wallace, A.; Wallraff, M.; Wandkowsky, N.; Weaver, Ch.; Weiss, M. J.; Wendt, C.; Westerhoff, S.; Wharton, D.; Whelan, B. J.; Wickmann, S.; Wiebe, K.; Wiebusch, C. H.; Wille, L.; Williams, D. R.; Wills, L.; Wisniewski, P.; Wolf, M.; Wood, T. R.; Woolsey, E.; Woschnagg, K.; Xu, D. L.; Xu, X. W.; Xu, Y.; Yanez, J. P.; Yodh, G.; Yoshida, S.; Zoll, M.

2017-03-01

The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is a cubic-kilometer-scale high-energy neutrino detector built into the ice at the South Pole. Construction of IceCube, the largest neutrino detector built to date, was completed in 2011 and enabled the discovery of high-energy astrophysical neutrinos. We describe here the design, production, and calibration of the IceCube digital optical module (DOM), the cable systems, computing hardware, and our methodology for drilling and deployment. We also describe the online triggering and data filtering systems that select candidate neutrino and cosmic ray events for analysis. Due to a rigorous pre-deployment protocol, 98.4% of the DOMs in the deep ice are operating and collecting data. IceCube routinely achieves a detector uptime of 99% by emphasizing software stability and monitoring. Detector operations have been stable since construction was completed, and the detector is expected to operate at least until the end of the next decade.

Concentrated photovoltaics system costs and learning curve analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haysom, Joan E.; Jafarieh, Omid; Anis, Hanan; Hinzer, Karin

2013-09-01

An extensive set of costs in /W for the installed costs of CPV systems has been amassed from a range of public sources, including both individual company prices and market reports. Cost reductions over time are very evident, with current prices for 2012 in the range of 3.0 ± 0.7 /W and a predicted cost of 1.5 /W for 2020. Cost data is combined with deployment volumes in a learning curve analysis, providing a fitted learning rate of either 18.5% or 22.3% depending on the methodology. This learning rate is compared to that of PV modules and PV installed systems, and the influence of soft costs is discussed. Finally, if an annual growth rate of 39% is assumed for deployed volumes, then, using the learning rate of 20%, this would predict the achievement of a cost point of 1.5 /W by 2016.

Tracer Methods for Characterizing Fracture Creation in Engineered Geothermal Systems

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

Rose, Peter; Harris, Joel

2014-05-08

The aim of this proposal is to develop, through novel high-temperature-tracing approaches, three technologies for characterizing fracture creation within Engineered Geothermal Systems (EGS). The objective of a first task is to identify, develop and demonstrate adsorbing tracers for characterizing interwell reservoir-rock surface areas and fracture spacing. The objective of a second task is to develop and demonstrate a methodology for measuring fracture surface areas adjacent to single wells. The objective of a third task is to design, fabricate and test an instrument that makes use of tracers for measuring fluid flow between newly created fractures and wellbores. In one methodmore » of deployment, it will be used to identify qualitatively which fractures were activated during a hydraulic stimulation experiment. In a second method of deployment, it will serve to measure quantitatively the rate of fluid flowing from one or more activated fracture during a production test following a hydraulic stimulation.« less

Emergent Adaptive Noise Reduction from Communal Cooperation of Sensor Grid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Kennie H.; Jones, Michael G.; Nark, Douglas M.; Lodding, Kenneth N.

2010-01-01

In the last decade, the realization of small, inexpensive, and powerful devices with sensors, computers, and wireless communication has promised the development of massive sized sensor networks with dense deployments over large areas capable of high fidelity situational assessments. However, most management models have been based on centralized control and research has concentrated on methods for passing data from sensor devices to the central controller. Most implementations have been small but, as it is not scalable, this methodology is insufficient for massive deployments. Here, a specific application of a large sensor network for adaptive noise reduction demonstrates a new paradigm where communities of sensor/computer devices assess local conditions and make local decisions from which emerges a global behaviour. This approach obviates many of the problems of centralized control as it is not prone to single point of failure and is more scalable, efficient, robust, and fault tolerant

A Content Markup Language for Data Services

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noviello, C.; Acampa, P.; Mango Furnari, M.

Network content delivery and documents sharing is possible using a variety of technologies, such as distributed databases, service-oriented applications, and so forth. The development of such systems is a complex job, because document life cycle involves a strong cooperation between domain experts and software developers. Furthermore, the emerging software methodologies, such as the service-oriented architecture and knowledge organization (e.g., semantic web) did not really solve the problems faced in a real distributed and cooperating settlement. In this chapter the authors' efforts to design and deploy a distribute and cooperating content management system are described. The main features of the system are a user configurable document type definition and a management middleware layer. It allows CMS developers to orchestrate the composition of specialized software components around the structure of a document. In this chapter are also reported some of the experiences gained on deploying the developed framework in a cultural heritage dissemination settlement.

A deployment of fine-grained sensor network and empirical analysis of urban temperature.

PubMed

Thepvilojanapong, Niwat; Ono, Takahiro; Tobe, Yoshito

2010-01-01

Temperature in an urban area exhibits a complicated pattern due to complexity of infrastructure. Despite geographical proximity, structures of a group of buildings and streets affect changes in temperature. To investigate the pattern of fine-grained distribution of temperature, we installed a densely distributed sensor network called UScan. In this paper, we describe the system architecture of UScan as well as experience learned from installing 200 sensors in downtown Tokyo. The field experiment of UScan system operated for two months to collect long-term urban temperature data. To analyze the collected data in an efficient manner, we propose a lightweight clustering methodology to study the correlation between the pattern of temperature and various environmental factors including the amount of sunshine, the width of streets, and the existence of trees. The analysis reveals meaningful results and asserts the necessity of fine-grained deployment of sensors in an urban area.

LCA of greywater management within a water circular economy restorative thinking framework.

PubMed

Dominguez, Sara; Laso, Jara; Margallo, María; Aldaco, Rubén; Rivero, Maria J; Irabien, Ángel; Ortiz, Inmaculada

2018-04-15

Greywater reuse is an attractive option for the sustainable management of water under water scarcity circumstances, within a water circular economy restorative thinking framework. Its successful deployment relies on the availability of low cost and environmentally friendly technologies. The life cycle assessment (LCA) approach provides the appropriate methodological tool for the evaluation of alternative treatments based on environmental decision criteria and, therefore, it is highly useful during the process conceptual design. This methodology should be employed in the early design phase to select those technologies with lower environmental impact. This work reports the comparative LCA of three scenarios for greywater reuse: photocatalysis, photovoltaic solar-driven photocatalysis and membrane biological reactor, in order to help the selection of the most environmentally friendly technology. The study has been focused on the removal of the surfactant sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, which is used in the formulation of detergents and personal care products and, thus, widely present in greywater. LCA was applied using the Environmental Sustainability Assessment methodology to obtain two main environmental indicators in order to simplify the decision making process: natural resources and environmental burdens. Energy consumption is the main contributor to both indicators owing to the high energy consumption of the light source for the photocatalytic greywater treatment. In order to reduce its environmental burdens, the most desirable scenario would be the use of solar light for the photocatalytic transformation. However, while the technological challenge of direct use of solar light is approached, the environmental suitability of the photovoltaic solar energy driven photocatalysis technology to greywater reuse has been demonstrated, as it involves the smallest environmental impact among the three studied alternatives. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

How Much Can Non-industry Standard Measurement Methodologies Benefit Methane Reduction Programs?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Risk, D. A.; O'Connell, L.; Atherton, E.

2017-12-01

In recent years, energy sector methane emissions have been recorded in large part by applying modern non-industry-standard techniques. Industry may lack the regulatory flexibility to use such techniques, or in some cases may not understand the possible associated economic advantage. As progressive jurisdictions move from estimation and towards routine measurement, the research community should provide guidance to help regulators and companies measure more effectively, and economically if possible. In this study, we outline a modelling experiment in which we explore the integration of non-industry-standard measurement techniques as part of a generalized compliance measurement program. The study was not intended to be exhaustive, or to recommend particular combinations, but instead to explore the inter-relationships between methodologies, development type, compliance practice. We first defined the role, applicable scale, detection limits, working distances, and approximate deployment cost of several measurement methodologies. We then considered a variety of development types differing mainly in footprint, density, and emissions "profile". Using a Monte Carlo approach, we evaluated the effect of these various factors on the cost and confidence of the compliance measurement program. We found that when added individually, some of the research techniques were indeed able to deliver an improvement in cost and/or confidence when used alongside industry-standard Optical Gas Imaging. When applied in combination, the ideal fraction of each measurement technique depended on development type, emission profile, and whether confidence or cost was more important. Results suggest that measurement cost and confidence could be improved if energy companies exploited a wider range of measurement techniques, and in a manner tailored to each development. In the short-term, combining clear scientific guidance with economic information could benefit immediate mitigation efforts over developing new super sensors.

The Visible Heart® project and free-access website 'Atlas of Human Cardiac Anatomy'.

PubMed

Iaizzo, Paul A

2016-12-01

Pre- and post-evaluations of implantable cardiac devices require innovative and critical testing in all phases of the design process. The Visible Heart ® Project was successfully launched in 1997 and 3 years later the Atlas of Human Cardiac Anatomy website was online. The Visible Heart ® methodologies and Atlas website can be used to better understand human cardiac anatomy, disease states and/or to improve cardiac device design throughout the development process. To date, Visible ® Heart methodologies have been used to reanimate 75 human hearts, all considered non-viable for transplantation. The Atlas is a unique free-access website featuring novel images of functional and fixed human cardiac anatomies from >400 human heart specimens. Furthermore, this website includes education tutorials on anatomy, physiology, congenital heart disease and various imaging modalities. For instance, the Device Tutorial provides examples of commonly deployed devices that were present at the time of in vitro reanimation or were subsequently delivered, including: leads, catheters, valves, annuloplasty rings, leadless pacemakers and stents. Another section of the website displays 3D models of vasculature, blood volumes, and/or tissue volumes reconstructed from computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance images (MRI) of various heart specimens. A new section allows the user to interact with various heart models. Visible Heart ® methodologies have enabled our laboratory to reanimate 75 human hearts and visualize functional cardiac anatomies and device/tissue interfaces. The website freely shares all images, video clips and CT/MRI DICOM files in honour of the generous gifts received from donors and their families. Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2016. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Assessment of Wind Resource in the Palk Strait using Different Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, T.; Khan, F.; Baidya Roy, S.; Miller, L.

2017-12-01

The Government of India has proposed a target of 60 GW in grid power from the wind by the year 2022. The Palk Strait is one of the potential offshore wind power generation sites in India. It is a 65-135 km wide and 135 km long channel lying between the south eastern tip of India and northern Sri Lanka. The complex terrain bounding the two sides of the strait leads to enhanced wind speed and reduced variability in the wind direction. Here, we compare 3 distinct methodologies for estimating the generation rates for a hypothetical offshore wind farm array located in the strait. The methodologies include: 1) traditional wind power density model that ignores the effect of turbine interactions on generation rates; 2) the PARK wake model; and 3) a high resolution weather model (WRF) with a wind turbine parameterization. Using the WRF model as our baseline, we find that the simple model overestimates generation by an order-of-magnitude, while the wake model underestimates generation rates by about 5%. The reason for these differences relates to the influence of wind turbines on the atmospheric flow, wherein, the WRF model is able to capture the effect of both the complex terrain and wind turbine atmospheric boundary layer interactions. Lastly, a model evaluation is conducted which shows that 10m wind speeds and directions from WRF are comparable with the satellite data. Hence, we conclude from the study that each of these methodologies may have merit, but should a wind farm is deployed in such a complex terrain, we expect the WRF method to give better estimates of wind resource assessment capturing the physical processes emerging due to the interactions between offshore wind farm and the surrounding terrain.

Closing the Certification Gaps in Adaptive Flight Control Software

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jacklin, Stephen A.

2008-01-01

Over the last five decades, extensive research has been performed to design and develop adaptive control systems for aerospace systems and other applications where the capability to change controller behavior at different operating conditions is highly desirable. Although adaptive flight control has been partially implemented through the use of gain-scheduled control, truly adaptive control systems using learning algorithms and on-line system identification methods have not seen commercial deployment. The reason is that the certification process for adaptive flight control software for use in national air space has not yet been decided. The purpose of this paper is to examine the gaps between the state-of-the-art methodologies used to certify conventional (i.e., non-adaptive) flight control system software and what will likely to be needed to satisfy FAA airworthiness requirements. These gaps include the lack of a certification plan or process guide, the need to develop verification and validation tools and methodologies to analyze adaptive controller stability and convergence, as well as the development of metrics to evaluate adaptive controller performance at off-nominal flight conditions. This paper presents the major certification gap areas, a description of the current state of the verification methodologies, and what further research efforts will likely be needed to close the gaps remaining in current certification practices. It is envisioned that closing the gap will require certain advances in simulation methods, comprehensive methods to determine learning algorithm stability and convergence rates, the development of performance metrics for adaptive controllers, the application of formal software assurance methods, the application of on-line software monitoring tools for adaptive controller health assessment, and the development of a certification case for adaptive system safety of flight.

[HL7 standard--features, principles, and methodology].

PubMed

Koncar, Miroslav

2005-01-01

The mission of HL7 Inc. non-profit organization is to provide standards for the exchange, management and integration of data that support clinical patient care, and the management, delivery and evaluation of healthcare services. As the standards developed by HL7 Inc. represent the world's most influential standardization efforts in the field of medical informatics, the HL7 family of standards has been recognized by the technical and scientific community as the foundation for the next generation healthcare information systems. Versions 1 and 2 of HL7 standard have solved many issues, but also demonstrated the size and complexity of health information sharing problem. As the solution complete new methodology has been adopted that is encompassed in the HL7 Version 3 recommendations. This approach standardizes Reference Information Model (RIM), which is the source of all derived domain models and message structures. Message design is now defined in detail, enabling interoperability between loosely coupled systems that are.designed by different vendors and deployed in various environments. At the start of the Primary Healthcare Information System project in the Republic of Croatia in 2002, the decision was to go directly to Version 3. The target scope of work includes clinical, financial and administrative data management in the domain of healthcare processes. By using HL7v3 standardized methodology we were able to completely map the Croatian primary healthcare domain to HL7v3 artefacts. Further refinement processes that are planned for the future will provide semantic interoperability and detailed description of all elements in HL7 messages. Our HL7 Business Component is in constant process of studying different legacy applications, making solid foundation for their integration to HL7-enabled communication environment.

A methodology for obtaining on-orbit SI-traceable spectral radiance measurements in the thermal infrared

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dykema, John A.; Anderson, James G.

2006-06-01

A methodology to achieve spectral thermal radiance measurements from space with demonstrable on-orbit traceability to the International System of Units (SI) is described. This technique results in measurements of infrared spectral radiance R(\\tilde {\\upsilon }) , with spectral index \\tilde {\\upsilon } in cm-1, with a relative combined uncertainty u_c[R(\\tilde {\\upsilon })] of 0.0015 (k = 1) for the average mid-infrared radiance emitted by the Earth. This combined uncertainty, expressed in brightness temperature units, is equivalent to ±0.1 K at 250 K at 750 cm-1. This measurement goal is achieved by utilizing a new method for infrared scale realization combined with an instrument design optimized to minimize component uncertainties and admit tests of radiometric performance. The SI traceability of the instrument scale is established by evaluation against source-based and detector-based infrared scales in defined laboratory protocols before launch. A novel strategy is executed to ensure fidelity of on-orbit calibration to the pre-launch scale. This strategy for on-orbit validation relies on the overdetermination of instrument calibration. The pre-launch calibration against scales derived from physically independent paths to the base SI units provides the foundation for a critical analysis of the overdetermined on-orbit calibration to establish an SI-traceable estimate of the combined measurement uncertainty. Redundant calibration sources and built-in diagnostic tests to assess component measurement uncertainties verify the SI traceability of the instrument calibration over the mission lifetime. This measurement strategy can be realized by a practical instrument, a prototype Fourier-transform spectrometer under development for deployment on a small satellite. The measurement record resulting from the methodology described here meets the observational requirements for climate monitoring and climate model testing and improvement.

Effect of passive acoustic sampling methodology on detecting bats after declines from white nose syndrome

USGS Publications Warehouse

Coleman, Laci S.; Ford, W. Mark; Dobony, Christopher A.; Britzke, Eric R.

2014-01-01

Concomitant with the emergence and spread of white-nose syndrome (WNS) and precipitous decline of many bat species in North America, natural resource managers need modified and/or new techniques for bat inventory and monitoring that provide robust occupancy estimates. We used Anabat acoustic detectors to determine the most efficient passive acoustic sampling design for optimizing detection probabilities of multiple bat species in a WNS-impacted environment in New York, USA. Our sampling protocol included: six acoustic stations deployed for the entire duration of monitoring as well as a 4 x 4 grid and five transects of 5-10 acoustic units that were deployed for 6-8 night sample durations surveyed during the summers of 2011-2012. We used Program PRESENCE to determine detection probability and site occupancy estimates. Overall, the grid produced the highest detection probabilities for most species because it contained the most detectors and intercepted the greatest spatial area. However, big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) and species not impacted by WNS were detected easily regardless of sampling array. Endangered Indiana (Myotis sodalis) and little brown (Myotis lucifugus) and tri-colored bats (Perimyotis subflavus) showed declines in detection probabilities over our study, potentially indicative of continued WNS-associated declines. Identification of species presence through efficient methodologies is vital for future conservation efforts as bat populations decline further due to WNS and other factors.   

U.S. Army physical demands study: Prevalence and frequency of performing physically demanding tasks in deployed and non-deployed settings.

PubMed

Boye, Michael W; Cohen, Bruce S; Sharp, Marilyn A; Canino, Maria C; Foulis, Stephen A; Larcom, Kathleen; Smith, Laurel

2017-11-01

To compare percentages of on-duty time spent performing physically demanding soldier tasks in non-deployed and deployed settings, and secondarily examine the number of physically demanding tasks performed among five Army combat arms occupational specialties. Job task analysis. Soldiers (n=1295; over 99% serving on active duty) across five Army jobs completed one of three questionnaires developed using reviews of job and task related documents, input from subject matter experts, observation of task performance, and conduct of focus groups. Soldiers reported estimates of the total on-duty time spent performing physically demanding tasks in both deployed and non-deployed settings. One-way analyses of variance and Duncan post-hoc tests were used to compare percentage time differences by job. Two-tailed t-tests were used to evaluate differences by setting. Frequency analyses were used to present supplementary findings. Soldiers reported performing physically demanding job-specific tasks 17.7% of the time while non-deployed and 19.6% of the time while deployed. There were significant differences in time spent on job-specific tasks across settings (p<0.05) for three of five occupational specialties. When categories of physically demanding tasks were grouped, all soldiers reported spending more time on physically demanding tasks when deployed (p<0.001). Twenty-five percent reported performing less than half the physically demanding tasks represented on the questionnaire in the last two years. Soldiers spent more time performing physically demanding tasks while deployed compared to non-deployed but spent similar amounts of time performing job-specific tasks. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Measuring Impact of U.S. DOE Geothermal Technologies Office Funding: Considerations for Development of a Geothermal Resource Reporting Metric

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

Young, Katherine R.; Wall, Anna M.; Dobson, Patrick F.

This paper reviews existing methodologies and reporting codes used to describe extracted energy resources such as coal and oil and describes a comparable proposed methodology to describe geothermal resources. The goal is to provide the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) with a consistent and comprehensible means of assessing the impacts of its funding programs. This framework will allow for GTO to assess the effectiveness of research, development, and deployment (RD&D) funding, prioritize funding requests, and demonstrate the value of RD&D programs to the U.S. Congress. Standards and reporting codes used in other countries and energy sectorsmore » provide guidance to inform development of a geothermal methodology, but industry feedback and our analysis suggest that the existing models have drawbacks that should be addressed. In order to formulate a comprehensive metric for use by GTO, we analyzed existing resource assessments and reporting methodologies for the geothermal, mining, and oil and gas industries, and we sought input from industry, investors, academia, national labs, and other government agencies. Using this background research as a guide, we describe a methodology for assessing and reporting on GTO funding according to resource knowledge and resource grade (or quality). This methodology would allow GTO to target funding or measure impact by progression of projects or geological potential for development.« less

Birth defects in infants born in 1998-2004 to men and women serving in the U.S. military during the 1990-1991 Gulf War era.

PubMed

Bukowinski, Anna T; DeScisciolo, Connie; Conlin, Ava Marie S; K Ryan, Margaret A; Sevick, Carter J; Smith, Tyler C

2012-09-01

Concerns about reproductive health persist among U.S. military members who served in the 1990-1991 Gulf War. This study explores the long-term impact of 1990-1991 Gulf War deployment on the prevalence of birth defects among infants of Gulf War veterans. Health care data from the Department of Defense Birth and Infant Health Registry and demographic and deployment information from the Defense Manpower Data Center were used to identify infants born between 1998 and 2004 to both male and female 1990-1991 Gulf War veterans. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated the adjusted odds of any birth defect and eight specific birth defects among infants of deployers versus non-deployers. In addition, birth defects were evaluated among infants born to 1990-1991 Gulf War veterans with deployment-specific exposures. Among 178,766 infants identified for these analyses, 3.4% were diagnosed with a birth defect in the first year of life. Compared to infants of non-deployers, infants of deployers were not at increased odds of being diagnosed with a birth defect, or any of eight specific birth defects, in the first year of life. A slightly increased prevalence of birth defects was observed among infants born to men who deployed to the 1990-1991 Gulf War for 153 to 200 days compared to those who deployed for 1 to 92 days. No other deployment-specific exposures were associated with birth defects in these infants. The 1990-1991 Gulf War deployers, including those with specific exposures of concern, were not found to be at increased risk for having infants with birth defects 7 to 14 years after deployment. Published 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evaluation of CFD Methods for Simulation of Two-Phase Boiling Flow Phenomena in a Helical Coil Steam Generator

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

Pointer, William David; Shaver, Dillon; Liu, Yang

The U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy charges participants in the Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) program with the development of advanced modeling and simulation capabilities that can be used to address design, performance and safety challenges in the development and deployment of advanced reactor technology. The NEAMS has established a high impact problem (HIP) team to demonstrate the applicability of these tools to identification and mitigation of sources of steam generator flow induced vibration (SGFIV). The SGFIV HIP team is working to evaluate vibration sources in an advanced helical coil steam generator using computational fluidmore » dynamics (CFD) simulations of the turbulent primary coolant flow over the outside of the tubes and CFD simulations of the turbulent multiphase boiling secondary coolant flow inside the tubes integrated with high resolution finite element method assessments of the tubes and their associated structural supports. This report summarizes the demonstration of a methodology for the multiphase boiling flow analysis inside the helical coil steam generator tube. A helical coil steam generator configuration has been defined based on the experiments completed by Polytecnico di Milano in the SIET helical coil steam generator tube facility. Simulations of the defined problem have been completed using the Eulerian-Eulerian multi-fluid modeling capabilities of the commercial CFD code STAR-CCM+. Simulations suggest that the two phases will quickly stratify in the slightly inclined pipe of the helical coil steam generator. These results have been successfully benchmarked against both empirical correlations for pressure drop and simulations using an alternate CFD methodology, the dispersed phase mixture modeling capabilities of the open source CFD code Nek5000.« less

Intelligent transportation systems deployment project for the Ada County Highway District FY99 Treasure Valley ITS : final self evaluation report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-11-01

In 1999, the Treasure Valley area of the State of Idaho received a federal earmark of $441,470 to develop an Incident Management Plan for the Treasure Valley and to design/deploy Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) devices for Interstates 84 and...

Washington state--British Columbia international mobility and trade corridor (IMTC) : ITS-CVO border crossing deployment, evaluation draft report : executive summary

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-10-01

The Washington state-British Columbia international mobility and trade corridor (IMTC) ITS-CVO Border Crossing Deployment is allowing for the completion of a bi-national freight border crossing ITS system at the border, and is a follow-on effort t...

Using SPMDs To Assess Natural Recovery Of PCB-Contaminated Sediments In Lake Hartwell, SC: I. A Field Test Of New In-Situ Deployment Methods

EPA Science Inventory

Results from the field testing of some innovative sampling methods developed to evaluate risk management strategies for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contaminated sediments are presented. Semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) were combined with novel deployment methods to quan...

METHODOLOGICAL QUALITY OF ECONOMIC EVALUATIONS ALONGSIDE TRIALS OF KNEE PHYSIOTHERAPY.

PubMed

García-Pérez, Lidia; Linertová, Renata; Arvelo-Martín, Alejandro; Guerra-Marrero, Carolina; Martínez-Alberto, Carlos Enrique; Cuéllar-Pompa, Leticia; Escobar, Antonio; Serrano-Aguilar, Pedro

2017-01-01

The methodological quality of an economic evaluation performed alongside a clinical trial can be underestimated if the paper does not report key methodological features. This study discusses methodological assessment issues on the example of a systematic review on cost-effectiveness of physiotherapy for knee osteoarthritis. Six economic evaluation studies included in the systematic review and related clinical trials were assessed using the 10-question check-list by Drummond and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. All economic evaluations were performed alongside a clinical trial but the studied interventions were too heterogeneous to be synthesized. Methodological quality of the economic evaluations reported in the papers was not free of drawbacks, and in some cases, it improved when information from the related clinical trial was taken into account. Economic evaluation papers dedicate little space to methodological features of related clinical trials; therefore, the methodological quality can be underestimated if evaluated separately from the trials. Future economic evaluations should follow more strictly the recommendations about methodology and the authors should pay special attention to the quality of reporting.

Effects of Deployment on Musculoskeletal and Physiological Characteristics and Balance.

PubMed

Nagai, Takashi; Abt, John P; Sell, Timothy C; Keenan, Karen A; McGrail, Mark A; Smalley, Brian W; Lephart, Scott M

2016-09-01

Despite many nonbattle injuries reported during deployment, few studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of deployment on musculoskeletal and physiological characteristics and balance. A total of 35 active duty U.S. Army Soldiers participated in laboratory testing before and after deployment to Afghanistan. The following measures were obtained for each Soldier: shoulder, trunk, hip, knee, and ankle strength and range of motion (ROM), balance, body composition, aerobic capacity, and anaerobic power/capacity. Additionally, Soldiers were asked about their physical activity and load carriage. Paired t tests or Wilcoxon tests with an α = 0.05 set a priori were used for statistical analyses. Shoulder external rotation ROM, torso rotation ROM, ankle dorsiflexion ROM, torso rotation strength, and anaerobic power significantly increased following deployment (p < 0.05). Shoulder extension ROM, shoulder external rotation strength, and eyes-closed balance (p < 0.05) were significantly worse following deployment. The majority of Soldiers (85%) engaged in physical activity. In addition, 58% of Soldiers reported regularly carrying a load (22 kg average). The deployment-related changes in musculoskeletal and physiological characteristics and balance as well as physical activity and load carriage during deployment may assist with proper preparation with the intent to optimize tactical readiness and mitigate injury risk. Reprint & Copyright © 2016 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Acquisition of Oceanographic Measurements from Baleen Whales: Field Deployments of Tags Developed Under Grant ONR (N00014-13-1-0854)

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-30

and on blue and humpback whales in Iceland. • To evaluate the reliability and quality of CTD data collected in arctic ice covered waters by slow...swimming bowhead whales and from the open ocean by fast swimming blue and humpback whales . APPROACH Diving ocean predators can act as “real-time...2014: Deployment of tags on bowhead whales in Disko Bay. June-July 2015: Deployment of tags on blue and humpback whales in Iceland. April-December

Integrated Model to Assess Cloud Deployment Effectiveness When Developing an IT-strategy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Razumnikov, S.; Prankevich, D.

2016-04-01

Developing an IT-strategy of cloud deployment is a complex issue since even the stage of its formation necessitates revealing what applications will be the best possible to meet the requirements of a company business-strategy, evaluate reliability and safety of cloud providers and analyze staff satisfaction. A system of criteria, as well an integrated model to assess cloud deployment effectiveness is offered. The model makes it possible to identify what applications being at the disposal of a company, as well as new tools to be deployed are reliable and safe enough for implementation in the cloud environment. The data on practical use of the procedure to assess cloud deployment effectiveness by a provider of telecommunication services is presented. The model was used to calculate values of integral indexes of services to be assessed, then, ones, meeting the criteria and answering the business-strategy of a company, were selected.

Rule-Based vs. Behavior-Based Self-Deployment for Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks

PubMed Central

Urdiales, Cristina; Aguilera, Francisco; González-Parada, Eva; Cano-García, Jose; Sandoval, Francisco

2016-01-01

In mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSN), nodes are allowed to move autonomously for deployment. This process is meant: (i) to achieve good coverage; and (ii) to distribute the communication load as homogeneously as possible. Rather than optimizing deployment, reactive algorithms are based on a set of rules or behaviors, so nodes can determine when to move. This paper presents an experimental evaluation of both reactive deployment approaches: rule-based and behavior-based ones. Specifically, we compare a backbone dispersion algorithm with a social potential fields algorithm. Most tests are done under simulation for a large number of nodes in environments with and without obstacles. Results are validated using a small robot network in the real world. Our results show that behavior-based deployment tends to provide better coverage and communication balance, especially for a large number of nodes in areas with obstacles. PMID:27399709

Operation United Assistance: infectious disease threats to deployed military personnel.

PubMed

Murray, Clinton K; Yun, Heather C; Markelz, Ana Elizabeth; Okulicz, Jason F; Vento, Todd J; Burgess, Timothy H; Cardile, Anthony P; Miller, R Scott

2015-06-01

As part of the international response to control the recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the Department of Defense has deployed military personnel to train Liberians to manage the disease and build treatment units and a hospital for health care volunteers. These steps have assisted in providing a robust medical system and augment Ebola diagnostic capability within the affected nations. In order to prepare for the deployment of U.S. military personnel, the infectious disease risks of the regions must be determined. This evaluation allows for the establishment of appropriate force health protection posture for personnel while deployed, as well as management plans for illnesses presenting after redeployment. Our objective was to detail the epidemiology and infectious disease risks for military personnel in West Africa, particularly for Liberia, along with lessons learned from prior deployments. Reprint & Copyright © 2015 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Delivering spacecraft control centers with embedded knowledge-based systems: The methodology issue

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ayache, S.; Haziza, M.; Cayrac, D.

1994-01-01

Matra Marconi Space (MMS) occupies a leading place in Europe in the domain of satellite and space data processing systems. The maturity of the knowledge-based systems (KBS) technology, the theoretical and practical experience acquired in the development of prototype, pre-operational and operational applications, make it possible today to consider the wide operational deployment of KBS's in space applications. In this perspective, MMS has to prepare the introduction of the new methods and support tools that will form the basis of the development of such systems. This paper introduces elements of the MMS methodology initiatives in the domain and the main rationale that motivated the approach. These initiatives develop along two main axes: knowledge engineering methods and tools, and a hybrid method approach for coexisting knowledge-based and conventional developments.

Integrated Systems Health Management (ISHM) Toolkit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Venkatesh, Meera; Kapadia, Ravi; Walker, Mark; Wilkins, Kim

2013-01-01

A framework of software components has been implemented to facilitate the development of ISHM systems according to a methodology based on Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM). This framework is collectively referred to as the Toolkit and was developed using General Atomics' Health MAP (TM) technology. The toolkit is intended to provide assistance to software developers of mission-critical system health monitoring applications in the specification, implementation, configuration, and deployment of such applications. In addition to software tools designed to facilitate these objectives, the toolkit also provides direction to software developers in accordance with an ISHM specification and development methodology. The development tools are based on an RCM approach for the development of ISHM systems. This approach focuses on defining, detecting, and predicting the likelihood of system functional failures and their undesirable consequences.

Rapid assessment of the HIV/AIDS crisis in racial and ethnic minority communities: an approach for timely community interventions.

PubMed

Needle, Richard H; Trotter, Robert T; Singer, Merrill; Bates, Christopher; Page, J Bryan; Metzger, David; Marcelin, Louis H

2003-06-01

The US Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the Congressional Black Caucus, created a new initiative to address the disproportionate ongoing HIV/AIDS crisis in racial/ethnic minority populations. This initiative included deploying technical assistance teams through the Office of HIV/AIDS Policy. The teams introduced rapid assessment and response methodologies and trained minority communities in their use. The first 3 eligible cities (Detroit, Miami, and Philadelphia) focused assessments in small geographic areas, using multiple methodologies to obtain data. Data from the first 3 eligible cities provided critical information about changing the dynamics of the HIV/AIDS epidemic at the local level, including program and policy changes and infrastructure redeployment targeted at the most serious social and environmental conditions.

An economic evaluation of alternative biofuel deployment scenarios in the USA

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

Oladosu, Gbadebo

Energy market conditions have shifted dramatically since the USA renewable fuel standards (RFS1 in 2005; RFS2 in 2007) were enacted. The USA has transitioned from an increasing dependence on oil imports to abundant domestic oil production. In addition, increases in the use of ethanol, the main biofuel currently produced in the USA, is now limited by the blend wall constraint. Given this, the current study evaluates alternative biofuel deployment scenarios in the USA, accounting for changes in market conditions. The analysis is performed with a general equilibrium model that reflects the structure of the USA biofuel market as the transitionmore » to advanced biofuel begins. Results suggest that ethanol consumption would increase, albeit slowly, if current biofuel deployment rates of about 10% are maintained as persistently lower oil prices lead to a gradual increase in the consumption of liquid transportation fuels. Without the blend wall constraint, this study finds that the overall economic impact of a full implementation of the USA RFS2 policy is largely neutral before 2022. However, the economic impacts become slightly negative under the blend wall constraint since more expensive bio-hydrocarbons are needed to meet the RFS2 mandates. Results for a scenario with reduced advanced biofuel deployment based on current policy plans show near neutral economic impacts up to 2027. This scenario is also consistent with another scenario where the volume of bio-hydrocarbons deployed is reduced to adjust for its higher cost and energy content relative to deploying the mandated RFS2 advanced biofuel volumes as ethanol. The important role of technological change is demonstrated under pioneer and accelerated technology scenarios, with the latter leading to neutral or positive economic effects up to 2023 under most blend wall scenarios. Here, all scenarios evaluated in this study are found to have positive long-term economic benefits for the USA economy.« less

An economic evaluation of alternative biofuel deployment scenarios in the USA

DOE PAGES

Oladosu, Gbadebo

2017-05-03

Energy market conditions have shifted dramatically since the USA renewable fuel standards (RFS1 in 2005; RFS2 in 2007) were enacted. The USA has transitioned from an increasing dependence on oil imports to abundant domestic oil production. In addition, increases in the use of ethanol, the main biofuel currently produced in the USA, is now limited by the blend wall constraint. Given this, the current study evaluates alternative biofuel deployment scenarios in the USA, accounting for changes in market conditions. The analysis is performed with a general equilibrium model that reflects the structure of the USA biofuel market as the transitionmore » to advanced biofuel begins. Results suggest that ethanol consumption would increase, albeit slowly, if current biofuel deployment rates of about 10% are maintained as persistently lower oil prices lead to a gradual increase in the consumption of liquid transportation fuels. Without the blend wall constraint, this study finds that the overall economic impact of a full implementation of the USA RFS2 policy is largely neutral before 2022. However, the economic impacts become slightly negative under the blend wall constraint since more expensive bio-hydrocarbons are needed to meet the RFS2 mandates. Results for a scenario with reduced advanced biofuel deployment based on current policy plans show near neutral economic impacts up to 2027. This scenario is also consistent with another scenario where the volume of bio-hydrocarbons deployed is reduced to adjust for its higher cost and energy content relative to deploying the mandated RFS2 advanced biofuel volumes as ethanol. The important role of technological change is demonstrated under pioneer and accelerated technology scenarios, with the latter leading to neutral or positive economic effects up to 2023 under most blend wall scenarios. Here, all scenarios evaluated in this study are found to have positive long-term economic benefits for the USA economy.« less

Application of US DOT ITS evaluation guidelines

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-09-01

This document covers the application of U.S. Department of Transportation evaluation guidelines for intelligent transportation systems and is organized into the following sections: Introduction; Evaluating and Planning ITS Deployment projects; Incorp...

Virtual evaluation of stent graft deployment: a validated modeling and simulation study.

PubMed

De Bock, S; Iannaccone, F; De Santis, G; De Beule, M; Van Loo, D; Devos, D; Vermassen, F; Segers, P; Verhegghe, B

2012-09-01

The presented study details the virtual deployment of a bifurcated stent graft (Medtronic Talent) in an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm model, using the finite element method. The entire deployment procedure is modeled, with the stent graft being crimped and bent according to the vessel geometry, and subsequently released. The finite element results are validated in vitro with placement of the device in a silicone mock aneurysm, using high resolution CT scans to evaluate the result. The presented work confirms the capability of finite element computer simulations to predict the deformed configuration after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). These simulations can be used to quantify mechanical parameters, such as neck dilations, radial forces and stresses in the device, that are difficult or impossible to obtain from medical imaging. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of simple deployment mechanism of multiple rovers by microgravity experiments using a drop tower

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshimitsu, Tetsuo; Yano, Hajime; Kubota, Takashi; Adachi, Tadashi; Ishigami, Genya

2012-07-01

Introduction, Japan has announced the official development of ``Hayabusa-2'', the second sample return mission to a Near-Earth asteroid. When the development is made smoothly, Hayabusa-2 will be launched in 2014. The predecessor spacecraft ``Hayabusa'' made a great success when it returned to the Earth in June 2010 with a capsule containing some particles obtained from S-type asteroid ``Itokawa.'' Rover system, The authors installed a tiny hopping rover called ``MINERVA'' into Hayabusa spacecraft. MINERVA weights only 591[g] but has an autonomous exploration capability on the microgravity environment on the small solar system bodies. MINERVA was successfully deployed from the mother spacecraft on 12 Nov 2005 at the vicinity of the target asteroid. But unfortunately it became a solar orbiting satellite since the relative position and the speed of the mother spacecraft around the target asteroid were worst. Nevertheless it worked well, demonstrating an autnomous capability and had survived until the comunication link was lost. The authors plan to install some rovers also into Hayabusa-2. The total concept is the same but this time multiple rovers are considered. Deployment mechanism, Two rovers are installed in one container and are developed at the same time. The maximum allowed weight for the container including two rovers is 2.5[kg] and we have to seek for a simple and a light-weighted deployment system. We developed a new deployment system drastically sophisticated from the one used for MINERVA in Hayabusa mission. Both the cover and the rovers are pushed by the springs after the tightly winded wire has been cut by the deployment trigger form the spacecraft. The new deployment system enables the following things. The cover and the rovers are deployed in different directions in one action. The uncertainty of the deployment speed is decreased. Microgravity experiment, Thanks to the courtesy of DLR (German Aerospace Center) based on the international cooperation between Germany and Japan on the development of Hayabusa-2 spacecraft, we had an opprotunity to evaluate the performance of the above mentioned deployment system by using the drop tower in Bremen. We made six drops in January 2012 to look at the speed and the direction of the cover and the rovers using various parameters, which were all performed successfully. This paper reports the result of the microgravity experiments.

Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program: Digital Technology Business Case Methodology Guide

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

Thomas, Ken; Lawrie, Sean; Hart, Adam

The Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program aims to develop and deploy technologies that will make the existing U.S. nuclear fleet more efficient and competitive. The program has developed a standard methodology for determining the impact of new technologies in order to assist nuclear power plant (NPP) operators in building sound business cases. The Advanced Instrumentation, Information, and Control (II&C) Systems Technologies Pathway is part of the DOE’s Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) Program. It conducts targeted research and development (R&D) to address aging and reliability concerns with the legacy instrumentation and control and related information systemsmore » of the U.S. operating light water reactor (LWR) fleet. This work involves two major goals: (1) to ensure that legacy analog II&C systems are not life-limiting issues for the LWR fleet and (2) to implement digital II&C technology in a manner that enables broad innovation and business improvement in the NPP operating model. Resolving long-term operational concerns with the II&C systems contributes to the long-term sustainability of the LWR fleet, which is vital to the nation’s energy and environmental security. The II&C Pathway is conducting a series of pilot projects that enable the development and deployment of new II&C technologies in existing nuclear plants. Through the LWRS program, individual utilities and plants are able to participate in these projects or otherwise leverage the results of projects conducted at demonstration plants. Performance advantages of the new pilot project technologies are widely acknowledged, but it has proven difficult for utilities to derive business cases for justifying investment in these new capabilities. Lack of a business case is often cited by utilities as a barrier to pursuing wide-scale application of digital technologies to nuclear plant work activities. The decision to move forward with funding usually hinges on demonstrating actual cost reductions that can be credited to budgets and thereby truly reduce O&M or capital costs. Technology enhancements, while enhancing work methods and making work more efficient, often fail to eliminate workload such that it changes overall staffing and material cost requirements. It is critical to demonstrate cost reductions or impacts on non-cost performance objectives in order for the business case to justify investment by nuclear operators. The Business Case Methodology (BCM) addresses the “benefit” side of the analysis—as opposed to the cost side—and how the organization evaluates discretionary projects (net present value (NPV), accounting effects of taxes, discount rates, etc.). The cost and analysis side is not particularly difficult for the organization and can usually be determined with a fair amount of precision (not withstanding implementation project cost overruns). It is in determining the "benefits" side of the analysis that utilities have more difficulty in technology projects and that is the focus of this methodology.« less

Deployment Efficiency and Barrier Effectiveness Testing of a Temporary Anti-Personnel (TAP) Barrier System.

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

Allen, David James; Hedrick, Charles D.; Martinez, Ruben

This report documents tests conducted by Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) on behalf of the U.S. Department of State to evaluate a temporary anti-personnel (TAP) barrier system developed by Mitigation Technologies. For this, the SNL Denial and Structural Assessment department developed a test protocol for the evaluation of the TAP barrier system on the basis of deployment efficiency and barrier effectiveness against a riotous/mob attack threat. The test protocol was then executed by SNL personnel and the results of the testing are documented.

Alcohol Misuse and Psychological Resilience among U.S. Iraq and Afghanistan Era Veteran Military Personnel

PubMed Central

Green, Kimberly T.; Beckham, Jean C.; Youssef, Nagy; Elbogen, Eric B.

2013-01-01

Objective The present study sought to investigate the longitudinal effects of psychological resilience against alcohol misuse adjusting for socio-demographic factors, trauma-related variables, and self-reported history of alcohol abuse. Methodology Data were from National Post-Deployment Adjustment Study (NPDAS) participants who completed both a baseline and one-year follow-up survey (N=1090). Survey questionnaires measured combat exposure, probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychological resilience, and alcohol misuse, all of which were measured at two discrete time periods (baseline and one-year follow-up). Baseline resilience and change in resilience (increased or decreased) were utilized as independent variables in separate models evaluating alcohol misuse at the one-year follow-up. Results Multiple linear regression analyses controlled for age, gender, level of educational attainment, combat exposure, PTSD symptom severity, and self-reported alcohol abuse. Accounting for these covariates, findings revealed that lower baseline resilience, younger age, male gender, and self-reported alcohol abuse were related to alcohol misuse at the one-year follow-up. A separate regression analysis, adjusting for the same covariates, revealed a relationship between change in resilience (from baseline to the one-year follow-up) and alcohol misuse at the one-year follow-up. The regression model evaluating these variables in a subset of the sample in which all the participants had been deployed to Iraq and/or Afghanistan was consistent with findings involving the overall era sample. Finally, logistic regression analyses of the one-year follow-up data yielded similar results to the baseline and resilience change models. Conclusions These findings suggest that increased psychological resilience is inversely related to alcohol misuse and is protective against alcohol misuse over time. Additionally, it supports the conceptualization of resilience as a process which evolves over time. Moreover, our results underscore the importance of assessing resilience as part of alcohol use screening for preventing alcohol misuse in Iraq and Afghanistan era military veterans. PMID:24090625

Experimental Evaluation Methodology for Spacecraft Proximity Maneuvers in a Dynamic Environment

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-01

NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA DISSERTATION EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION METHODOLOGY FOR SPACECRAFT PROXIMITY MANEUVERS IN A DYNAMIC...29, 2014 – June 16, 2017 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION METHODOLOGY FOR SPACECRAFT PROXIMITY MANEUVERS IN A DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT 5...LEFT BLANK ii Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited. EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION METHODOLOGY FOR SPACECRAFT PROXIMITY MANEUVERS IN A

Deployment simulation of a deployable reflector for earth science application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiaokai; Fang, Houfei; Cai, Bei; Ma, Xiaofei

2015-10-01

A novel mission concept namely NEXRAD-In-Space (NIS) has been developed for monitoring hurricanes, cyclones and other severe storms from a geostationary orbit. It requires a space deployable 35-meter diameter Ka-band (35 GHz) reflector. NIS can measure hurricane precipitation intensity, dynamics and its life cycle. These information is necessary for predicting the track, intensity, rain rate and hurricane-induced floods. To meet the requirements of the radar system, a Membrane Shell Reflector Segment (MSRS) reflector technology has been developed and several technologies have been evaluated. However, the deployment analysis of this large size and high-precision reflector has not been investigated. For a pre-studies, a scaled tetrahedral truss reflector with spring driving deployment system has been made and tested, deployment dynamics analysis of this scaled reflector has been performed using ADAMS to understand its deployment dynamic behaviors. Eliminating the redundant constraints in the reflector system with a large number of moving parts is a challenging issue. A primitive joint and flexible struts were introduced to the analytical model and they can effectively eliminate over constraints of the model. By using a high-speed camera and a force transducer, a deployment experiment of a single-bay tetrahedral module has been conducted. With the tested results, an optimization process has been performed by using the parameter optimization module of ADAMS to obtain the parameters of the analytical model. These parameters were incorporated to the analytical model of the whole reflector. It is observed from the analysis results that the deployment process of the reflector with a fixed boundary experiences three stages. These stages are rapid deployment stage, slow deployment stage and impact stage. The insight of the force peak distributions of the reflector can help the optimization design of the structure.

Exploring the Usage of a Video Application Tool: Experiences in Film Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ali, Nazlena Mohamad; Smeaton, Alan F.

2011-01-01

This paper explores our experiences in deploying a video application tool in film studies, and its evaluation in terms of realistic contextual end-users who have real tasks to perform in a real environment. We demonstrate our experiences and core lesson learnt in deploying our novel movie browser application with undergraduate and graduate…

A Conceptual Analysis of Quality in Quality Function Deployment-Based Contexts of Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matorera, Douglas

2015-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to assess and evaluate how higher education institutions (HEIs) using Quality Function Deployment draw out the relevancy and potential of the model in shaping their concept of "Quality" and how that Quality can be assured in higher education institutions' (HEIs') programmes. An intensive literature review was…

Evaluation of insecticides and repellents for the control of the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi to protect deployed U.S. Military personnel

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Phlebotomine sand flies, including Phlebotomus papatasi, are important blood feeders and vectors that transmit the disease agents (Leishmania) that cause Leishmaniasis. Deployed U.S. Military Personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan suffered from sand fly bites and the disease they transmit. A USDA-DoD joi...

Speed breeding for multiple quantitative traits in durum wheat.

PubMed

Alahmad, Samir; Dinglasan, Eric; Leung, Kung Ming; Riaz, Adnan; Derbal, Nora; Voss-Fels, Kai P; Able, Jason A; Bassi, Filippo M; Christopher, Jack; Hickey, Lee T

2018-01-01

Plant breeding requires numerous generations to be cycled and evaluated before an improved cultivar is released. This lengthy process is required to introduce and test multiple traits of interest. However, a technology for rapid generation advance named 'speed breeding' was successfully deployed in bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) to achieve six generations per year while imposing phenotypic selection for foliar disease resistance and grain dormancy. Here, for the first time the deployment of this methodology is presented in durum wheat ( Triticum durum Desf.) by integrating selection for key traits, including above and below ground traits on the same set of plants. This involved phenotyping for seminal root angle (RA), seminal root number (RN), tolerance to crown rot (CR), resistance to leaf rust (LR) and plant height (PH). In durum wheat, these traits are desirable in environments where yield is limited by in-season rainfall with the occurrence of CR and epidemics of LR. To evaluate this multi-trait screening approach, we applied selection to a large segregating F 2 population (n = 1000) derived from a bi-parental cross (Outrob4/Caparoi). A weighted selection index (SI) was developed and applied. The gain for each trait was determined by evaluating F 3 progeny derived from 100 'selected' and 100 'unselected' F 2 individuals. Transgressive segregation was observed for all assayed traits in the Outrob4/Caparoi F 2 population. Application of the SI successfully shifted the population mean for four traits, as determined by a significant mean difference between 'selected' and 'unselected' F 3 families for CR tolerance, LR resistance, RA and RN. No significant shift for PH was observed. The novel multi-trait phenotyping method presents a useful tool for rapid selection of early filial generations or for the characterization of fixed lines out-of-season. Further, it offers efficient use of resources by assaying multiple traits on the same set of plants. Results suggest that when performed in parallel with speed breeding in early generations, selection will enrich recombinant inbred lines with desirable alleles and will reduce the length and number of years required to combine these traits in elite breeding populations and therefore cultivars.

Occupational differences in US Army suicide rates.

PubMed

Kessler, R C; Stein, M B; Bliese, P D; Bromet, E J; Chiu, W T; Cox, K L; Colpe, L J; Fullerton, C S; Gilman, S E; Gruber, M J; Heeringa, S G; Lewandowski-Romps, L; Millikan-Bell, A; Naifeh, J A; Nock, M K; Petukhova, M V; Rosellini, A J; Sampson, N A; Schoenbaum, M; Zaslavsky, A M; Ursano, R J

2015-11-01

Civilian suicide rates vary by occupation in ways related to occupational stress exposure. Comparable military research finds suicide rates elevated in combat arms occupations. However, no research has evaluated variation in this pattern by deployment history, the indicator of occupation stress widely considered responsible for the recent rise in the military suicide rate. The joint associations of Army occupation and deployment history in predicting suicides were analysed in an administrative dataset for the 729 337 male enlisted Regular Army soldiers in the US Army between 2004 and 2009. There were 496 suicides over the study period (22.4/100 000 person-years). Only two occupational categories, both in combat arms, had significantly elevated suicide rates: infantrymen (37.2/100 000 person-years) and combat engineers (38.2/100 000 person-years). However, the suicide rates in these two categories were significantly lower when currently deployed (30.6/100 000 person-years) than never deployed or previously deployed (41.2-39.1/100 000 person-years), whereas the suicide rate of other soldiers was significantly higher when currently deployed and previously deployed (20.2-22.4/100 000 person-years) than never deployed (14.5/100 000 person-years), resulting in the adjusted suicide rate of infantrymen and combat engineers being most elevated when never deployed [odds ratio (OR) 2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1-4.1], less so when previously deployed (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.1), and not at all when currently deployed (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.8-1.8). Adjustment for a differential 'healthy warrior effect' cannot explain this variation in the relative suicide rates of never-deployed infantrymen and combat engineers by deployment status. Efforts are needed to elucidate the causal mechanisms underlying this interaction to guide preventive interventions for soldiers at high suicide risk.

Occupational differences in US Army suicide rates

PubMed Central

Kessler, R. C.; Stein, M. B.; Bliese, P. D.; Bromet, E. J.; Chiu, W. T.; Cox, K. L.; Colpe, L. J.; Fullerton, C. S.; Gilman, S. E.; Gruber, M. J.; Heeringa, S. G.; Lewandowski-Romps, L.; Millikan-Bell, A.; Naifeh, J. A.; Nock, M. K.; Petukhova, M. V.; Rosellini, A. J.; Sampson, N. A.; Schoenbaum, M.; Zaslavsky, A. M.; Ursano, R. J.

2016-01-01

Background Civilian suicide rates vary by occupation in ways related to occupational stress exposure. Comparable military research finds suicide rates elevated in combat arms occupations. However, no research has evaluated variation in this pattern by deployment history, the indicator of occupation stress widely considered responsible for the recent rise in the military suicide rate. Method The joint associations of Army occupation and deployment history in predicting suicides were analysed in an administrative dataset for the 729 337 male enlisted Regular Army soldiers in the US Army between 2004 and 2009. Results There were 496 suicides over the study period (22.4/100 000 person-years). Only two occupational categories, both in combat arms, had significantly elevated suicide rates: infantrymen (37.2/100 000 person-years) and combat engineers (38.2/100 000 person-years). However, the suicide rates in these two categories were significantly lower when currently deployed (30.6/100 000 person-years) than never deployed or previously deployed (41.2–39.1/100 000 person-years), whereas the suicide rate of other soldiers was significantly higher when currently deployed and previously deployed (20.2–22.4/100 000 person-years) than never deployed (14.5/100 000 person-years), resulting in the adjusted suicide rate of infantrymen and combat engineers being most elevated when never deployed [odds ratio (OR) 2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1–4.1], less so when previously deployed (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.1), and not at all when currently deployed (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.8–1.8). Adjustment for a differential ‘healthy warrior effect’ cannot explain this variation in the relative suicide rates of never-deployed infantrymen and combat engineers by deployment status. Conclusions Efforts are needed to elucidate the causal mechanisms underlying this interaction to guide preventive interventions for soldiers at high suicide risk. PMID:26190760

Potential of dynamic spectrum allocation in LTE macro networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoffmann, H.; Ramachandra, P.; Kovács, I. Z.; Jorguseski, L.; Gunnarsson, F.; Kürner, T.

2015-11-01

In recent years Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) worldwide are extensively deploying LTE networks in different spectrum bands and utilising different bandwidth configurations. Initially, the deployment is coverage oriented with macro cells using the lower LTE spectrum bands. As the offered traffic (i.e. the requested traffic from the users) increases the LTE deployment evolves with macro cells expanded with additional capacity boosting LTE carriers in higher frequency bands complemented with micro or small cells in traffic hotspot areas. For MNOs it is crucial to use the LTE spectrum assets, as well as the installed network infrastructure, in the most cost efficient way. The dynamic spectrum allocation (DSA) aims at (de)activating the available LTE frequency carriers according to the temporal and spatial traffic variations in order to increase the overall LTE system performance in terms of total network capacity by reducing the interference. This paper evaluates the DSA potential of achieving the envisaged performance improvement and identifying in which system and traffic conditions the DSA should be deployed. A self-optimised network (SON) DSA algorithm is also proposed and evaluated. The evaluations have been carried out in a hexagonal and a realistic site-specific urban macro layout assuming a central traffic hotspot area surrounded with an area of lower traffic with a total size of approximately 8 × 8 km2. The results show that up to 47 % and up to 40 % possible DSA gains are achievable with regards to the carried system load (i.e. used resources) for homogenous traffic distribution with hexagonal layout and for realistic site-specific urban macro layout, respectively. The SON DSA algorithm evaluation in a realistic site-specific urban macro cell deployment scenario including realistic non-uniform spatial traffic distribution shows insignificant cell throughput (i.e. served traffic) performance gains. Nevertheless, in the SON DSA investigations, a gain of up to 25 % has been observed when analysing the resource utilisation in the non-hotspot cells.

Measuring Turbulence from Moored Acoustic Doppler Velocimeters. A Manual to Quantifying Inflow at Tidal Energy Sites

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

Kilcher, Levi; Thomson, Jim; Talbert, Joe

This work details a methodology for measuring hub height inflow turbulence using moored acoustic Doppler velocimiters (ADVs). This approach is motivated by the shortcomings of alternatives. For example, remote velocity measurements (i.e., from acoustic Doppler profilers) lack sufficient precision for device simulation, and rigid tower-mounted measurements are very expensive and technically challenging in the tidal environment. Moorings offer a low-cost, site-adaptable and robust deployment platform, and ADVs provide the necessary precision to accurately quantify turbulence.

The Deployment Life Study: Methodological Overview and Baseline Sample Description

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

Iraq War Veterans,” American Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 164, No.  1 , 2007, pp. 150–153. Homer, The Odyssey of Homer, Richmond Lattimore, trans., New...returning from World War II (Hill, 1949). Across time, the aspirations of warriors and their families have not changed much. In survey after survey...Psychology, Vol. 63, No.  1 , March 1990, pp.  1 –18. American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed

CCSI and the role of advanced computing in accelerating the commercial deployment of carbon capture systems

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

Miller, David; Agarwal, Deborah A.; Sun, Xin

2011-09-01

The Carbon Capture Simulation Initiative is developing state-of-the-art computational modeling and simulation tools to accelerate the commercialization of carbon capture technology. The CCSI Toolset consists of an integrated multi-scale modeling and simulation framework, which includes extensive use of reduced order models (ROMs) and a comprehensive uncertainty quantification (UQ) methodology. This paper focuses on the interrelation among high performance computing, detailed device simulations, ROMs for scale-bridging, UQ and the integration framework.

CCSI and the role of advanced computing in accelerating the commercial deployment of carbon capture systems

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

Miller, D.; Agarwal, D.; Sun, X.

2011-01-01

The Carbon Capture Simulation Initiative is developing state-of-the-art computational modeling and simulation tools to accelerate the commercialization of carbon capture technology. The CCSI Toolset consists of an integrated multi-scale modeling and simulation framework, which includes extensive use of reduced order models (ROMs) and a comprehensive uncertainty quantification (UQ) methodology. This paper focuses on the interrelation among high performance computing, detailed device simulations, ROMs for scale-bridging, UQ and the integration framework.

Optimization of a heat-pipe-cooled space radiator for use with a reactor-powered Stirling engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moriarty, Michael P.; French, Edward P.

1987-01-01

The design optimization of a reactor-Stirling heat-pipe-cooled radiator is presented. The radiator is a self-deploying concept that uses individual finned heat pipe 'petals' to reject waste heat from a Stirling engine. Radiator optimization methodology is presented, and the results of a parametric analysis of the radiator design variables for a 100-kW(e) system are given. The additional steps of optiminzing the radiator resulted in a net system mass savings of 3 percent.

A stowing and deployment strategy for large membrane space systems on the example of Gossamer-1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seefeldt, Patric

2017-09-01

Deployment systems for innovative space applications such as solar sails require a technique for a controlled and autonomous deployment in space. The deployment process has a strong impact on the mechanism and structural design and sizing. On the example of the design implemented in the Gossamer-1 project of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), such a stowing and deployment process is analyzed. It is based on a combination of zig-zag folding and coiling of triangular sail segments spanned between crossed booms. The deployment geometry and forces introduced by the mechanism considered are explored in order to reveal how the loads are transferred through the membranes to structural components such as the booms. The folding geometry and force progressions are described by function compositions of an inverse trigonometric function with the considered trigonometric function itself. If these functions are evaluated over several periods of the trigonometric function, a non-smooth oscillating curve occurs. Depending on the trigonometric function, these are often vividly described as zig-zag or sawtooth functions. The developed functions are applied to the Gossamer-1 design. The deployment geometry reveals a tendency that the loads are transferred along the catheti of the sail segments and therefore mainly along the boom axes. The load introduced by the spool deployment mechanism is described. By combining the deployment geometry with that load, a prediction of the deployment load progression is achieved. The mathematical description of the stowing and deployment geometry, as well as the forces inflicted by the mechanism provides an understanding of how exactly the membrane deploys and through which edges the deployment forces are transferred. The mathematical analysis also gives an impression of sensitive parameters that could be influenced by manufacturing tolerances or unsymmetrical deployment of the sail segments. While the mathematical model was applied on the design of the Gossamer-1 hardware, it allows an analysis of other geometries. This is of particular interest as Gossamer-1 investigated deployment technology on a relatively small scale of 5m × 5m , while the currently considered solar sail missions require sails that are about one order of magnitude bigger.

Development and Deployment of Unmanned Aircraft Instrumentation for Measuring Quantities Related to Land Surface-Atmosphere Interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Boer, G.; Lawrence, D.; Elston, J.; Argrow, B. M.; Palo, S. E.; Curry, N.; Finamore, W.; Mack, J.; LoDolce, G.; Schmid, B.; Long, C. N.; Bland, G.; Maslanik, J. A.; Gao, R. S.; Telg, H.; Semmer, S.; Maclean, G.; Ivey, M.; Hock, T. F.; Bartram, B.; Bendure, A.; Stachura, M.

2015-12-01

Use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in evaluation of geophysical parameters is expanding at a rapid rate. Despite limitation imposed by necessary regulations related to operation of UAS in the federal airspace, several groups have developed and deployed a variety of UAS and the associated sensors to make measurements of the atmosphere, land surface, ocean and cryosphere. Included in this grouping is work completed at the University of Colorado - Boulder, which has an extended history of operating UAS and expanding their use in the earth sciences. Collaborative projects between the department of Aerospace Engineering, the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), the Research and Engineering Center for Unmanned Vehicles (RECUV), the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Centers for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) have resulted in deployment of UAS to a variety of environments, including the Arctic. In this presentation, I will give an overview of some recent efforts lead by the University of Colorado to develop and deploy a variety of UAS. Work presented will emphasize recent campaigns and instrument development and testing related to understanding the land-atmosphere interface. Specifically, information on systems established for evaluating surface radiation (including albedo), turbulent exchange of water vapor, heat and gasses, and aerosol processes will be presented, along with information on the use of terrestrial ecosystem sensing to provide critical measurments for the evaluation of lower atmospheric flux measurements.

A proposed ITS evaluation framework for Texas

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-03-01

This report presents a proposed intelligent transportation system (ITS) evaluation framework that can be used by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in developing evaluation plans for specific ITS applications and deployments in Texas. The...

Multidisciplinary Optimization Approach for Design and Operation of Constrained and Complex-shaped Space Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Dae Young

The design of a small satellite is challenging since they are constrained by mass, volume, and power. To mitigate these constraint effects, designers adopt deployable configurations on the spacecraft that result in an interesting and difficult optimization problem. The resulting optimization problem is challenging due to the computational complexity caused by the large number of design variables and the model complexity created by the deployables. Adding to these complexities, there is a lack of integration of the design optimization systems into operational optimization, and the utility maximization of spacecraft in orbit. The developed methodology enables satellite Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) that is extendable to on-orbit operation. Optimization of on-orbit operations is possible with MDO since the model predictive controller developed in this dissertation guarantees the achievement of the on-ground design behavior in orbit. To enable the design optimization of highly constrained and complex-shaped space systems, the spherical coordinate analysis technique, called the "Attitude Sphere", is extended and merged with an additional engineering tools like OpenGL. OpenGL's graphic acceleration facilitates the accurate estimation of the shadow-degraded photovoltaic cell area. This technique is applied to the design optimization of the satellite Electric Power System (EPS) and the design result shows that the amount of photovoltaic power generation can be increased more than 9%. Based on this initial methodology, the goal of this effort is extended from Single Discipline Optimization to Multidisciplinary Optimization, which includes the design and also operation of the EPS, Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS), and communication system. The geometry optimization satisfies the conditions of the ground development phase; however, the operation optimization may not be as successful as expected in orbit due to disturbances. To address this issue, for the ADCS operations, controllers based on Model Predictive Control that are effective for constraint handling were developed and implemented. All the suggested design and operation methodologies are applied to a mission "CADRE", which is space weather mission scheduled for operation in 2016. This application demonstrates the usefulness and capability of the methodology to enhance CADRE's capabilities, and its ability to be applied to a variety of missions.

Assessment of Mixed-Layer Height Estimation from Single-wavelength Ceilometer Profiles

PubMed Central

Knepp, Travis N.; Szykman, James J.; Long, Russell; Duvall, Rachelle M.; Krug, Jonathan; Beaver, Melinda; Cavender, Kevin; Kronmiller, Keith; Wheeler, Michael; Delgado, Ruben; Hoff, Raymond; Berkoff, Timothy; Olson, Erik; Clark, Richard; Wolfe, Daniel; Van Gilst, David; Neil, Doreen

2018-01-01

Differing boundary/mixed-layer height measurement methods were assessed in moderately-polluted and clean environments, with a focus on the Vaisala CL51 ceilometer. This intercomparison was performed as part of ongoing measurements at the Chemistry And Physics of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer Experiment (CAPABLE) site in Hampton, Virginia and during the 2014 Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality (DISCOVER-AQ) field campaign that took place in and around Denver, Colorado. We analyzed CL51 data that were collected via two different methods (BLView software, which applied correction factors, and simple terminal emulation logging) to determine the impact of data collection methodology. Further, we evaluated the STRucture of the ATmosphere (STRAT) algorithm as an open-source alternative to BLView (note that the current work presents an evaluation of the BLView and STRAT algorithms and does not intend to act as a validation of either). Filtering criteria were defined according to the change in mixed-layer height (MLH) distributions for each instrument and algorithm and were applied throughout the analysis to remove high-frequency fluctuations from the MLH retrievals. Of primary interest was determining how the different data-collection methodologies and algorithms compare to each other and to radiosonde-derived boundary-layer heights when deployed as part of a larger instrument network. We determined that data-collection methodology is not as important as the processing algorithm and that much of the algorithm differences might be driven by impacts of local meteorology and precipitation events that pose algorithm difficulties. The results of this study show that a common processing algorithm is necessary for LIght Detection And Ranging (LIDAR)-based MLH intercomparisons, and ceilometer-network operation and that sonde-derived boundary layer heights are higher (10–15% at mid-day) than LIDAR-derived mixed-layer heights. We show that averaging the retrieved MLH to 1-hour resolution (an appropriate time scale for a priori data model initialization) significantly improved correlation between differing instruments and differing algorithms. PMID:29682087

Power Hardware-in-the-Loop Evaluation of PV Inverter Grid Support on Hawaiian Electric Feeders: Preprint

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

Nelson, Austin; Prabakar, Kumaraguru; Nagarajan, Adarsh

As more grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) inverters become compliant with evolving interconnections requirements, there is increased interest from utilities in understanding how to best deploy advanced grid-support functions (GSF) in the field. One efficient and cost-effective method to examine such deployment options is to leverage power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) testing methods. Two Hawaiian Electric feeder models were converted to real-time models in the OPAL-RT real-time digital testing platform, and integrated with models of GSF capable PV inverters that were modeled from characterization test data. The integrated model was subsequently used in PHIL testing to evaluate the effects of different fixed power factormore » and volt-watt control settings on voltage regulation of the selected feeders. The results of this study were provided as inputs for field deployment and technical interconnection requirements for grid-connected PV inverters on the Hawaiian Islands.« less

Deployment and Evaluation of the Helicopter In-Flight Tracking System (HITS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daskalakis, Anastasios; Martone, Patrick

2004-01-01

The Gulf of Mexico airspace has two major operating regions: low altitude offshore (below 7,000 ft) and high altitude oceanic (above 18,000 ft). Both regions suffer significant inefficiencies due to the lack of continuous surveillance during Instrument Flight Rules operations. Provision of surveillance in the offshore region is hindered by its low-altitude nature, which makes coverage by conventional radars economically infeasible. Significant portions of the oceanic sectors are inaccessible to shore-based sensors, as they are beyond line-of-sight. Two emerging surveillance technologies were assessed that are relatively low cost and can be deployed on offshore platforms Wide Area Multilateration and Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast. Performance criteria were formulated using existing FAA specifications. Three configurations were developed and deployed representative of systems serving full-size and reduced-sized domestic terminal areas and an en-route/oceanic region. These configurations were evaluated during nine flight test periods using fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft.

Design and evaluation of a web-based decision support tool for district-level disease surveillance in a low-resource setting

PubMed Central

Pore, Meenal; Sengeh, David M.; Mugambi, Purity; Purswani, Nuri V.; Sesay, Tom; Arnold, Anna Lena; Tran, Anh-Minh A.; Myers, Ralph

2017-01-01

During the 2014 West African Ebola Virus outbreak it became apparent that the initial response to the outbreak was hampered by limitations in the collection, aggregation, analysis and use of data for intervention planning. As part of the post-Ebola recovery phase, IBM Research Africa partnered with the Port Loko District Health Management Team (DHMT) in Sierra Leone and GOAL Global, to design, implement and deploy a web-based decision support tool for district-level disease surveillance. This paper discusses the design process and the functionality of the first version of the system. The paper presents evaluation results prior to a pilot deployment and identifies features for future iterations. A qualitative assessment of the tool prior to pilot deployment indicates that it improves the timeliness and ease of using data for making decisions at the DHMT level. PMID:29854209

Regional Charging Infrastructure for Plug-In Electric Vehicles: A Case Study of Massachusetts

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

Wood, Eric; Raghavan, Sesha; Rames, Clement

Given the complex issues associated with plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) charging and options in deploying charging infrastructure, there is interest in exploring scenarios of future charging infrastructure deployment to provide insight and guidance to national and regional stakeholders. The complexity and cost of PEV charging infrastructure pose challenges to decision makers, including individuals, communities, and companies considering infrastructure installations. The value of PEVs to consumers and fleet operators can be increased with well-planned and cost-effective deployment of charging infrastructure. This will increase the number of miles driven electrically and accelerate PEV market penetration, increasing the shared value of charging networksmore » to an expanding consumer base. Given these complexities and challenges, the objective of the present study is to provide additional insight into the role of charging infrastructure in accelerating PEV market growth. To that end, existing studies on PEV infrastructure are summarized in a literature review. Next, an analysis of current markets is conducted with a focus on correlations between PEV adoption and public charging availability. A forward-looking case study is then conducted focused on supporting 300,000 PEVs by 2025 in Massachusetts. The report concludes with a discussion of potential methodology for estimating economic impacts of PEV infrastructure growth.« less

Evaluation Methodology. The Evaluation Exchange. Volume 11, Number 2, Summer 2005

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coffman, Julia, Ed.

2005-01-01

This is the third issue of "The Evaluation Exchange" devoted entirely to the theme of methodology, though every issue tries to identify new methodological choices, the instructive ways in which people have applied or combined different methods, and emerging methodological trends. For example, lately "theories of change" have gained almost…