Experimental and numerical study of high order Stokes lines in Brillouin-erbium fiber laser

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

Yuan, Yijun; College of Physics Science and Engineering Technology, Yichun University, Yichun, Jiangxi Province 336000; Yao, Yong, E-mail: yaoyong@hit.edu.cn

2014-01-28

We experimentally study the dependences of high-order Stokes lines on the erbium-doped fiber (EDF) pump power P{sub EDF}, the Brillouin pump (BP) power P{sub BP}, and its working wavelength in a multiwavelength Brillouin erbium-doped fiber laser (MBEFL). By using the rate and propagation equations, and the coupled wave equations of stimulated Brillouin scattering, we establish a lumped model to describe the MBEFL. Numerical simulations show that the number of Stokes lines can be increased by decreasing the spacing between the BP wavelength and the EDF peak gain or P{sub BP} as long as it is larger than a critical valuemore » P{sub BP}{sup (cr)}=1.7 mW, or by increasing P{sub EDF} without reaching a saturation value P{sub EDF}{sup (cr)}=250 mW. However, when P{sub BP} and P{sub EDF} are varied beyond P{sub BP}{sup (cr)} and P{sub EDF}{sup (cr)}, respectively, the number of Stokes lines is reduced, accompanied by some self-lasing cavity modes. These results by numerical simulation are consistent with experimental observations from the MBEFL.« less

Strategy proposed by Electricite de France in the development of automatic tools

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

Castaing, C.; Cazin, B.

1995-03-01

The strategy proposed by EDF in the development of a means to limit personal and collective dosimetry is recent. It follows in the steps of a policy that consisted of developing remote operation means for those activities of inspection and maintenance on the reactor, pools bottom, steam generators (SGs), also reactor building valves; target activities because of their high dosimetric cost. One of the main duties of the UTO (Technical Support Department), within the EDF, is the maintenance of Pressurized Water Reactors in French Nuclear Power Plant Operations (consisting of 54 units) and the development and monitoring of specialized tools.more » To achieve this, the UTO has started a national think-tank on the implementation of the ALARA process in its field of activity and created an ALARA Committee responsible for running and monitoring it, as well as a policy for developing tools. This point will be illustrated in the second on reactor vessel heads.« less

Derivation and application of the energy dissipation factor in the design of fishways

USGS Publications Warehouse

Towler, Brett; Mulligan, Kevin; Haro, Alexander J.

2015-01-01

Reducing turbulence and associated air entrainment is generally considered advantageous in the engineering design of fish passage facilities. The well-known energy dissipation factor, or EDF, correlates with observations of the phenomena. However, inconsistencies in EDF forms exist and the bases for volumetric energy dissipation rate criteria are often misunderstood. A comprehensive survey of EDF criteria is presented. Clarity in the application of the EDF and resolutions to these inconsistencies are provided through formal derivations; it is demonstrated that kinetic energy represents only 1/3 of the total energy input for the special case of a broad-crested weir. Specific errors in published design manuals are identified and resolved. New, fundamentally sound, design equations for culvert outlet pools and standard Denil Fishway resting pools are developed. The findings underscore the utility of EDF equations, demonstrate the transferability of volumetric energy dissipation rates, and provide a foundation for future refinement of component-, species-, and life-stage-specific EDF criteria.

Q-switched Erbium-doped fiber laser at 1600 nm for photoacoustic imaging application

PubMed Central

Zeng, Lvming; Chen, Zhongping; Kim, Chang-Seok

2016-01-01

We present a nanosecond Q-switched Erbium-doped fiber (EDF) laser system operating at 1600 nm with a tunable repetition rate from 100 kHz to 1 MHz. A compact fiber coupled, acousto-optic modulator-based EDF ring cavity was used to generate a nanosecond seed laser at 1600 nm, and a double-cladding EDF based power amplifier was applied to achieve the maximum average power of 250 mW. In addition, 12 ns laser pulses with the maximum pulse energy of 2.4 μJ were obtained at 100 kHz. Furthermore, the Stokes shift by Raman scattering over a 25 km long fiber was measured, indicating that the laser can be potentially used to generate the high repetition rate pulses at the 1.7 μm region. Finally, we detected the photoacoustic signal from a human hair at 200 kHz repetition rate with a pulse energy of 1.2 μJ, which demonstrates that a Q-switched Er-doped fiber laser can be a promising light source for the high speed functional photoacoustic imaging. PMID:27110032

Q-switched Erbium-doped fiber laser at 1600 nm for photoacoustic imaging application

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

Piao, Zhonglie; Beckman Laser Institute, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, California 92612; Zeng, Lvming

We present a nanosecond Q-switched Erbium-doped fiber (EDF) laser system operating at 1600 nm with a tunable repetition rate from 100 kHz to 1 MHz. A compact fiber coupled, acousto-optic modulator-based EDF ring cavity was used to generate a nanosecond seed laser at 1600 nm, and a double-cladding EDF based power amplifier was applied to achieve the maximum average power of 250 mW. In addition, 12 ns laser pulses with the maximum pulse energy of 2.4 μJ were obtained at 100 kHz. Furthermore, the Stokes shift by Raman scattering over a 25 km long fiber was measured, indicating that the laser can be potentially used to generate the highmore » repetition rate pulses at the 1.7 μm region. Finally, we detected the photoacoustic signal from a human hair at 200 kHz repetition rate with a pulse energy of 1.2 μJ, which demonstrates that a Q-switched Er-doped fiber laser can be a promising light source for the high speed functional photoacoustic imaging.« less

77 FR 41976 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-17

...-2200-002; ER12-1716-001. Applicants: Noble Americas Gas & Power Corp., Noble Americas Energy Solutions LLC, Your Energy Holdings, LLC. Description: Notice of Change in Status of Noble Americas Gas & Power...-004. Applicants: EDF Trading North America, LLC, EDF Industrial Power Services (IL), LLC, EDF...

78 FR 39724 - Combined Notice of Filings #2

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-02

... Trading North America, LLC, EDF Industrial Power Services (NY), LLC, EDF Industrial Power Services (IL), LLC, EDF Industrial Power Services (CA), LLC, Tanner Street Generation, LLC. Description: Notice of...: AP Holdings, LLC, AP Gas & Electric (PA), LLC, AP Gas & Electric (TX), LLC, AP Gas & Electric (MD...

Dynamic translabial ultrasound versus echodefecography combined with the endovaginal approach to assess pelvic floor dysfunctions: How effective are these techniques?

PubMed

Murad-Regadas, S M; Karbage, S A; Bezerra, L S; Regadas, F S P; da Silva Vilarinho, A; Borges, L B; Regadas Filho, F S P; Veras, L B

2017-07-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of dynamic translabial ultrasound (TLUS) in the assessment of pelvic floor dysfunction and compare the results with echodefecography (EDF) combined with the endovaginal approach. Consecutive female patients with pelvic floor dysfunction were eligible. Each patient was assessed with EDF combined with the endovaginal approach and TLUS. The diagnostic accuracy of the TLUS was evaluated using the results of EDF as the standard for comparison. A total of 42 women were included. Four sphincter defects were identified with both techniques, and EDF clearly showed if the defect was partial or total and additionally identified the pubovisceral muscle defect. There was substantial concordance regarding normal relaxation and anismus. Perfect concordance was found with rectocele and cystocele. The rectocele depth was measured with TLUS and quantified according to the EDF classification. Fair concordance was found for intussusception. There was no correlation between the displacement of the puborectal muscle at maximum straining on EDF with the displacement of the anorectal junction (ARJ), compared at rest with maximal straining on TLUS to determine perineal descent (PD). The mean ARJ displacement was similar in patients with normal and those with excessive PD on TLUS. Both modalities can be used as a method to assess pelvic floor dysfunction. The EDF using 3D anorectal and endovaginal approaches showed advantages in identification of the anal sphincters and pubodefects (partial or total). There was good correlation between the two techniques, and a TLUS rectocele classification based on size that corresponds to the established classification using EDF was established.

Electricite de France`s ALARA policy

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

Stricker, L.; Rollin, P.

1995-03-01

In 1992, Electricite de France - EDF decided to improve the degree to which radiological protection is incorporated in overall management of the utility and set itself the objective of ensuring the same level of protection for workers from contractors as for those from EDF. This decision was taken in a context marked by a deterioration in exposure figures for French plants and by the new recommendations issued by the ICRP. This document describes the policy adopted by EDF at both corporate and plant level to meet these objectives, by: (1) setting up management systems which were responsive but notmore » cumbersome; (2) a broad policy of motivation; (3) the development and use of suitable tools. The document then describes some quite positive results of EDF`s ALARA policy, giving concrete examples and analyzing the changes in global indicators.« less

Experimental Plan for EDF Energy Creep Rabbit Graphite Irradiations- Rev. 2 (replaces Rev. 0 ORNL/TM/2013/49).

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

Burchell, Timothy D

2014-07-01

The experimental results obtained here will assist in the development and validation of future models of irradiation induced creep of graphite by providing the following data: Inert creep stain data from low to lifetime AGR fluence Inert creep-property data (especially CTE) from low to lifetime AGR fluence Effect of oxidation on creep modulus (by indirect comparison with experiment 1 and direct comparison with experiment 3 NB. Experiment 1 and 3 are not covered here) Data to develop a mechanistic understanding, including oAppropriate creep modulus (including pinning and high dose effects on structure) oInvestigation of CTE-creep strain behavior under inert conditionsmore » oInformation on the effect of applied stress/creep strain on crystallite orientation (requires XRD) oEffect of creep strain on micro-porosity (requires tomography & microscopy) This document describes the experimental work planned to meet the requirements of project technical specification [1] and EDF Energy requests for additional Pre-IE work. The PIE work is described in detail in this revision (Section 8 and 9).« less

Comparison of ensemble post-processing approaches, based on empirical and dynamical error modelisation of rainfall-runoff model forecasts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chardon, J.; Mathevet, T.; Le Lay, M.; Gailhard, J.

2012-04-01

In the context of a national energy company (EDF : Electricité de France), hydro-meteorological forecasts are necessary to ensure safety and security of installations, meet environmental standards and improve water ressources management and decision making. Hydrological ensemble forecasts allow a better representation of meteorological and hydrological forecasts uncertainties and improve human expertise of hydrological forecasts, which is essential to synthesize available informations, coming from different meteorological and hydrological models and human experience. An operational hydrological ensemble forecasting chain has been developed at EDF since 2008 and is being used since 2010 on more than 30 watersheds in France. This ensemble forecasting chain is characterized ensemble pre-processing (rainfall and temperature) and post-processing (streamflow), where a large human expertise is solicited. The aim of this paper is to compare 2 hydrological ensemble post-processing methods developed at EDF in order improve ensemble forecasts reliability (similar to Monatanari &Brath, 2004; Schaefli et al., 2007). The aim of the post-processing methods is to dress hydrological ensemble forecasts with hydrological model uncertainties, based on perfect forecasts. The first method (called empirical approach) is based on a statistical modelisation of empirical error of perfect forecasts, by streamflow sub-samples of quantile class and lead-time. The second method (called dynamical approach) is based on streamflow sub-samples of quantile class and streamflow variation, and lead-time. On a set of 20 watersheds used for operational forecasts, results show that both approaches are necessary to ensure a good post-processing of hydrological ensemble, allowing a good improvement of reliability, skill and sharpness of ensemble forecasts. The comparison of the empirical and dynamical approaches shows the limits of the empirical approach which is not able to take into account hydrological dynamic and processes, i. e. sample heterogeneity. For a same streamflow range corresponds different processes such as rising limbs or recession, where uncertainties are different. The dynamical approach improves reliability, skills and sharpness of forecasts and globally reduces confidence intervals width. When compared in details, the dynamical approach allows a noticeable reduction of confidence intervals during recessions where uncertainty is relatively lower and a slight increase of confidence intervals during rising limbs or snowmelt where uncertainty is greater. The dynamic approach, validated by forecaster's experience that considered the empirical approach not discriminative enough, improved forecaster's confidence and communication of uncertainties. Montanari, A. and Brath, A., (2004). A stochastic approach for assessing the uncertainty of rainfall-runoff simulations. Water Resources Research, 40, W01106, doi:10.1029/2003WR002540. Schaefli, B., Balin Talamba, D. and Musy, A., (2007). Quantifying hydrological modeling errors through a mixture of normal distributions. Journal of Hydrology, 332, 303-315.

Multi-core fiber amplifier arrays for intra-satellite links

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kechagias, Marios; Crabb, Jonathan; Stampoulidis, Leontios; Farzana, Jihan; Kehayas, Efstratios; Filipowicz, Marta; Napierala, Marek; Murawski, Michal; Nasilowski, Tomasz; Barbero, Juan

2017-09-01

In this paper we present erbium doped fibre (EDF) aimed at signal amplification within satellite photonic payload systems operating in C telecommunication band. In such volume-hungry applications, the use of advanced optical transmission techniques such as space division multiplexing (SDM) can be advantageous to reduce the component and cable count.

630 kVA high temperature superconducting transformer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zueger, H.

This document describes the 630 KVA HTS transformer project made by ABB jointly with EDF and ASC. The project started April 1994 and its goal was to manufacture a real scale superconducting distribution transformer and to operate it during one year in the grid of Geneva's utility (SIG). The conclusion highlights the future perspective of HTS transformers.

Evaluation of the optical switching characteristics of erbium-doped fibres for the development of a fibre Bragg grating sensor interrogator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rigas, Evangelos; Correia, R.; Stathopoulos, N. A.; Savaidis, S. P.; James, S. W.; Bhattacharyya, D.; Kirby, P. B.; Tatam, R. P.

2014-05-01

A polling topology that employs optical switching based on the properties of erbium-doped fibres (EDFs) is used to interrogate an array of FBGs. The properties of the EDF are investigated in its pumped and un-pumped states and the EDFs' switching properties are evaluated by comparing them with a high performance electronically controlled MEM optical switch. Potential advantages of the proposed technique are discussed.

Serial elongation derotation flexion (EDF) casting for patients with infantile and juvenile scoliosis.

PubMed

Canavese, Federico; Rousset, Marie; Mansour, Mounira; Samba, Antoine; Dimeglio, Alain

2016-02-01

Infantile and juvenile scoliosis, among different types of spinal deformity, is still a challenge for pediatric orthopedic surgeons. The ideal treatment of infantile and juvenile scoliosis has not yet been identified as both clinicians and surgeons still face multiple challenges, including preservation of the thoracic spine, thoracic cage, lung growth and cardiac function without reducing spinal motion. Elongation, derotation, flexion (EDF) casting technique is a custom-made thoracolumbar cast based on a three dimensional correction concept. This cast offers three-dimensional correction and can control the evolution of the deformity in some cases. Spinal growth can be guided by EDF casting as it can influence the initially curved spine to grow straighter. This article aimed to provide a comprehensive review of how infantile and juvenile scoliosis can affect normal spine and thorax and how these deformities can be treated with serial EDF casting technique. A current literature review is mandatory in order to understand the principles of the serial EDF casting technique and the effectiveness of conservative treatment in young and very young patients.

Environmental Defense Fund Oil and Gas Methane Studies: Principles for Collaborating with Industry Partners while Maintaining Scientific Objectivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamburg, S.

2016-12-01

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) launched a series of 16 research studies in 2012 to quantify methane emissions from the U.S. oil and gas (O&G) supply chain. In addition to EDF's funding from philanthropic individuals and foundations and in-kind contributions from universities, over forty O&G companies contributed money to the studies. For a subset of studies that required partner companies to provide site access to measure their equipment, five common principles were followed to assure that research was objective and scientifically rigorous. First, academic scientists were selected as principal investigators (PIs) to lead the studies. In line with EDF's policy of not accepting money from corporate partners, O&G companies provided funding directly to academic PIs. Technical work groups and steering committees consisting of EDF and O&G partner staff advised the PIs in the planning and implementation of research, but PIs had the final authority in scientific decisions including publication content. Second, scientific advisory panels of independent experts advised the PIs in the study design, data analysis, and interpretation. Third, studies employed multiple methodologies when possible, including top-down and bottom-up measurements. This helped overcome the limitations of individual approaches to decrease the uncertainty of emission estimates and minimize concerns with data being "cherry-picked". Fourth, studies were published in peer-reviewed journals to undergo an additional round of independent review. Fifth, transparency of data was paramount. Study data were released after publication, although operator and site names of individual data points were anonymized to ensure transparency and allow independent analysis. Following these principles allowed an environmental organization, O&G companies, and academic scientists to collaborate in scientific research while minimizing conflicts of interest. This approach can serve as a model for a scientifically rigorous process minimally influenced by study partners.

The taxation of unhealthy energy-dense foods (EDFs) and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs): An overview of patterns observed in the policy content and policy context of 13 case studies.

PubMed

Hagenaars, Luc Louis; Jeurissen, Patrick Paulus Theodoor; Klazinga, Niek Sieds

2017-08-01

Taxation of energy-dense foods (EDFs) and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is increasingly of interest as a novel public health and fiscal policy instrument. However academic interest in policy determinants has remained limited. We address this paucity by comparing the policy content and policy context of EDF/SSB taxes witnessed in 13 case studies, of which we assume the tax is sufficiently high to induce behavioural change. The observational and non-randomized studies published on our case studies seem to indicate that the EDF/SSB taxes under investigation generally had the desired effects on prices and consumption of targeted products. The revenue collection of EDF/SSB taxes is minimal yet significant. Administrative practicalities in tax levying are important, possibly explaining why a drift towards solely taxing SSBs can be noted, as these can be demarcated more easily, with levies seemingly increasing in more recent case studies. Despite the growing body of evidence suggesting that EDF/SSB taxes have the potential to improve health, fiscal needs more often seem to lay their policy foundation rather than public health advocacy. A remarkable amount of conservative/liberal governments have adopted these taxes, although in many cases revenues are earmarked for benefits compensating regressive income effects. Governments voice diverse policy rationales, ranging from explicitly describing the tax as a public health instrument, to solely explicating revenue raising. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Software for Building Models of 3D Objects via the Internet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schramer, Tim; Jensen, Jeff

2003-01-01

The Virtual EDF Builder (where EDF signifies Electronic Development Fixture) is a computer program that facilitates the use of the Internet for building and displaying digital models of three-dimensional (3D) objects that ordinarily comprise assemblies of solid models created previously by use of computer-aided-design (CAD) programs. The Virtual EDF Builder resides on a Unix-based server computer. It is used in conjunction with a commercially available Web-based plug-in viewer program that runs on a client computer. The Virtual EDF Builder acts as a translator between the viewer program and a database stored on the server. The translation function includes the provision of uniform resource locator (URL) links to other Web-based computer systems and databases. The Virtual EDF builder can be used in two ways: (1) If the client computer is Unix-based, then it can assemble a model locally; the computational load is transferred from the server to the client computer. (2) Alternatively, the server can be made to build the model, in which case the server bears the computational load and the results are downloaded to the client computer or workstation upon completion.

Stabilized single-longitudinal-mode erbium fibre laser employing silicon-micro-ring resonator and saturable absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Yung; Yeh, Chien-Hung; Chow, Chi-Wai; Chang, Yuan-Chia; Cheng, Hao-Yun

2018-07-01

In the paper, a wavelength-tunable erbium-doped fiber (EDF) ring laser with stable single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) oscillation is proposed and investigated. Here, a silicon-micro-ring-resonator can be applied in a laser cavity for tuning wavelength in the C-band range. To complete the SLM oscillation, an unpumped EDF-based saturable absorber is used to act as ultra-narrowband filter for suppressing other oscillation modes. Additionally, the output stabilities of power and wavelength in the proposed EDF ring laser are also executed and discussed.

Limiting variety in non-nutrient-dense, energy-dense foods during a lifestyle intervention: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Raynor, Hollie A; Steeves, Elizabeth A; Hecht, Jacki; Fava, Joseph L; Wing, Rena R

2012-06-01

Dietary variety is a factor that influences consumption but has received little attention in obesity treatment. This study examined the effect of limiting the variety of different non-nutrient-dense, energy-dense foods (NND-EDFs) (i.e., chips, ice cream, cookies) on dietary intake and weight loss during an 18-mo lifestyle intervention. Two hundred two adults aged 51.3 ± 9.5 y with a BMI (in kg/m2) of 34.9 ± 4.3 (57.8% women, 92.2% white) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 interventions: Lifestyle (1200-1500 kcal/d, ≤30% of energy as fat; n = 101) or Lifestyle + limited variety (LV) (limit variety of NND-EDFs, i.e., 2 choices; n = 101). Both interventions involved 48 group sessions. Dietary intake, NND-EDF hedonics, NND-EDF variety in the home, and weight were assessed at 0, 6, 12, and 18 mo. Intent-to-treat analyses showed that the Lifestyle+LV group consumed less variety (P < 0.01) and energy daily (P < 0.05) from NND-EDFs than did the Lifestyle group at 6, 12, and 18 mo. The Lifestyle+LV group consumed less total energy daily (P < 0.05) at 6 mo than did the Lifestyle group. The Lifestyle+LV group reported less (P < 0.05) NND-EDF variety in the home at 6 and 18 mo than did the Lifestyle group. The hedonics of one chosen NND-EDF decreased more (P < 0.05) in the Lifestyle+LV group. Despite these effects, no difference in percentage weight loss occurred at 18 mo (Lifestyle+LV: -9.9 ± 7.6%; Lifestyle: -9.6 ± 9.2%). Limitations in dietary variety decreased intakes in the targeted area but did not affect weight loss. Limiting variety in more areas may be needed to improve weight loss and weight-loss maintenance. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01096719.

Limiting variety in non-nutrient-dense, energy-dense foods during a lifestyle intervention: a randomized controlled trial123

PubMed Central

Steeves, Elizabeth A; Hecht, Jacki; Fava, Joseph L; Wing, Rena R

2012-01-01

Background: Dietary variety is a factor that influences consumption but has received little attention in obesity treatment. Objective: This study examined the effect of limiting the variety of different non-nutrient-dense, energy-dense foods (NND-EDFs) (ie, chips, ice cream, cookies) on dietary intake and weight loss during an 18-mo lifestyle intervention. Design: Two hundred two adults aged 51.3 ± 9.5 y with a BMI (in kg/m2) of 34.9 ± 4.3 (57.8% women, 92.2% white) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 interventions: Lifestyle (1200–1500 kcal/d, ≤30% of energy as fat; n = 101) or Lifestyle + limited variety (LV) (limit variety of NND-EDFs, ie, 2 choices; n = 101). Both interventions involved 48 group sessions. Dietary intake, NND-EDF hedonics, NND-EDF variety in the home, and weight were assessed at 0, 6, 12, and 18 mo. Results: Intent-to-treat analyses showed that the Lifestyle+LV group consumed less variety (P < 0.01) and energy daily (P < 0.05) from NND-EDFs than did the Lifestyle group at 6, 12, and 18 mo. The Lifestyle+LV group consumed less total energy daily (P < 0.05) at 6 mo than did the Lifestyle group. The Lifestyle+LV group reported less (P < 0.05) NND-EDF variety in the home at 6 and 18 mo than did the Lifestyle group. The hedonics of one chosen NND-EDF decreased more (P < 0.05) in the Lifestyle+LV group. Despite these effects, no difference in percentage weight loss occurred at 18 mo (Lifestyle+LV: −9.9 ± 7.6%; Lifestyle: −9.6 ± 9.2%). Conclusions: Limitations in dietary variety decreased intakes in the targeted area but did not affect weight loss. Limiting variety in more areas may be needed to improve weight loss and weight-loss maintenance. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01096719. PMID:22552025

Parameter estimation techniques based on optimizing goodness-of-fit statistics for structural reliability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Starlinger, Alois; Duffy, Stephen F.; Palko, Joseph L.

1993-01-01

New methods are presented that utilize the optimization of goodness-of-fit statistics in order to estimate Weibull parameters from failure data. It is assumed that the underlying population is characterized by a three-parameter Weibull distribution. Goodness-of-fit tests are based on the empirical distribution function (EDF). The EDF is a step function, calculated using failure data, and represents an approximation of the cumulative distribution function for the underlying population. Statistics (such as the Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistic and the Anderson-Darling statistic) measure the discrepancy between the EDF and the cumulative distribution function (CDF). These statistics are minimized with respect to the three Weibull parameters. Due to nonlinearities encountered in the minimization process, Powell's numerical optimization procedure is applied to obtain the optimum value of the EDF. Numerical examples show the applicability of these new estimation methods. The results are compared to the estimates obtained with Cooper's nonlinear regression algorithm.

A narrow linewidth tunable single longitudinal mode Ga-EDF fiber laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamed Halip, N. H.; Abu Bakar, M. H.; Latif, A. A.; Muhd-Yasin, S. Z.; Zulkifli, M. I.; Mat-Sharif, K. A.; Omar, N. Y. M.; Mansoor, A.; Abdul-Rashid, H. A.; Mahdi, M. A.

2018-05-01

A tunable ring cavity single longitudinal mode (SLM) fiber laser incorporating Gallium-Erbium co-doped fiber (Ga-EDF) gain medium and several mode filtration techniques is demonstrated. With Ga-EDF, high emission power was accorded in short fiber length, allowing shorter overall cavity length and wider free spectral range. Tunable bandpass filter, sub-ring structure, and cascaded dissimilar fiber taper were utilized to filter multi-longitudinal modes. Each of the filter mechanism was tested individually within the laser cavity to assess its performance. Once the performance of each filter was obtained, all of them were deployed into the laser system. Ultimately, the 1561.47 nm SLM laser achieved a narrow linewidth laser, optical signal-to-noise ratio, and power fluctuation of 1.19 kHz, 61.52 dB and 0.16 dB, respectively. This work validates the feasibility of Ga-EDF to attain a stable SLM output in simple laser configuration.

78 FR 21133 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-09

... using an online survey tool. At this time, CSAT is requesting approval to extend the use of these five... (EDF). The EDF collects descriptive information about each of the events of the ATTC Network. This...

Utilizing wheel-ring architecture for stable and selectable single-longitudinal-mode erbium fiber laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeh, Chien-Hung; Yang, Zi-Qing; Huang, Tzu-Jung; Chow, Chi-Wai

2018-03-01

To achieve a steady single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) erbium-doped fiber (EDF) laser, the wheel-ring architecture is proposed in the laser cavity. According to Vernier effect, the proposed wheel-ring can produce three different free spectrum ranges (FSRs) to serve as the mode-filter for suppressing the densely multi-longitudinal-mode (MLM). Here, to complete wavelength-tunable EDF laser, an optical tunable bandpass filter (OTBF) is utilized inside the cavity for tuning arbitrarily. In addition, the entire output performances of the proposed EDF wheel-ring laser are also discussed and analyzed experimentally.

Serial elongation-derotation-flexion casting for children with early-onset scoliosis.

PubMed

Canavese, Federico; Samba, Antoine; Dimeglio, Alain; Mansour, Mounira; Rousset, Marie

2015-12-18

Various early-onset spinal deformities, particularly infantile and juvenile scoliosis (JS), still pose challenges to pediatric orthopedic surgeons. The ideal treatment of these deformities has yet to emerge, as both clinicians and surgeons still face multiple challenges including preservation of thoracic motion, spine and cage, and protection of cardiac and lung growth and function. Elongation-derotation-flexion (EDF) casting is a technique that uses a custom-made thoracolumbar cast based on a three-dimensional correction concept. EDF can control progression of the deformity and - in some cases-coax the initially-curved spine to grow straighter by acting simultaneously in the frontal, sagittal and coronal planes. Here we provide a comprehensive review of how infantile and JS can affect normal spine and thorax and how serial EDF casting can be used to manage these spinal deformities. A fresh review of the literature helps fully understand the principles of the serial EDF casting technique and the effectiveness of conservative treatment in patients with early-onset spinal deformities, particularly infantile and juvenile scolisois.

Serial elongation-derotation-flexion casting for children with early-onset scoliosis

PubMed Central

Canavese, Federico; Samba, Antoine; Dimeglio, Alain; Mansour, Mounira; Rousset, Marie

2015-01-01

Various early-onset spinal deformities, particularly infantile and juvenile scoliosis (JS), still pose challenges to pediatric orthopedic surgeons. The ideal treatment of these deformities has yet to emerge, as both clinicians and surgeons still face multiple challenges including preservation of thoracic motion, spine and cage, and protection of cardiac and lung growth and function. Elongation-derotation-flexion (EDF) casting is a technique that uses a custom-made thoracolumbar cast based on a three-dimensional correction concept. EDF can control progression of the deformity and - in some cases-coax the initially-curved spine to grow straighter by acting simultaneously in the frontal, sagittal and coronal planes. Here we provide a comprehensive review of how infantile and JS can affect normal spine and thorax and how serial EDF casting can be used to manage these spinal deformities. A fresh review of the literature helps fully understand the principles of the serial EDF casting technique and the effectiveness of conservative treatment in patients with early-onset spinal deformities, particularly infantile and juvenile scolisois. PMID:26716089

Production of nuclear transfer embryos by using somatic cells isolated from milk in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

PubMed

Golla, K; Selokar, N L; Saini, M; Chauhan, M S; Manik, R S; Palta, P; Singla, S K

2012-10-01

Somatic cells in milk are a potential source of nuclei for nuclear transfer to produce genetically identical animals; this is especially important in animals that are susceptible to risks of bacterial infection on biopsy collection. In this study, a minimum of 10 milk samples were collected from each of the three buffaloes representing Murrah breed. All the samples were processed immediately and cell colonies were obtained. Cell colonies from one buffalo (MU-442) survived beyond 10 passages and were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and used in nuclear transfer experiments. In culture, these cells expressed vimentin, indicating they were of fibroblast origin similar to ear cells. We compared the effectiveness of cloning using those milk-derived fibroblast (MDF) cells and fibroblast cells derived from the ear derived fibroblast (EDF). Fusion and cleavage rates of MDF-NT and EDF-NT embryos were found to be similar (92.43 ± 1.28% vs 94.98 ± 1.24%, and 80.27 ± 1.75% vs 84.56 ± 3.73%, respectively; p > 0.01); however, development to blastocyst stage and total cell number was higher for EDF-NT embryos (50.24 ± 2.54%, 227.14 ± 13.04, respectively, p < 0.01), than for MDF-NT embryos (16.44 ± 0.75%, 170.57 ± 4.50 respectively). We conclude that somatic cells from milk can be cultured effectively and used as nucleus donor to produce cloned blastocyst-stage embryos. © 2012 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Switchable dual-wavelength single-longitudinal-mode erbium fiber laser utilizing a dual-ring scheme with a saturable absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Zi-Qing; Huang, Tzu-Jung; Chang, Yao-Jen; Yeh, Chien-Hung; Chow, Chi-Wai; Chen, Jing-Heng; Chen, Kun-Huang

2018-06-01

In this work, we propose and demonstrate a switchable dual-wavelength erbium-doped fiber (EDF) ring laser with stable single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) output. Here, a dual-ring (DR) structure with an unpumped EDF of 2 m is designed to achieve SLM oscillation. Five fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) are applied in the laser cavity serving as the reflective element to generate different dual-wavelength outputs. In the measurement, six sets of generated dual-wavelengths with various mode-spacing (Δλ) can be achieved via the five FBGs. Additionally, the stability performance of the proposed EDF DR laser is also demonstrated.

Current and anticipated uses of the CATHARE code at EDF and FRAMATOME

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

Gandrille, J.L.; Vacher, J.L.; Poizat, F.

1997-07-01

This paper presents current industrial applications of the CATHARE code in the fields of Safety Studies and Simulators where the code is intensively used by FRAMATOME, EDF and CEA, the development partners of CATHARE. Future needs in these fields are also recapitulated.

77 FR 66828 - Combined Notice of Filings #2

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... Industrial Power Services (NY), LLC, EDF Industrial Power Services (IL), LLC, EDF Industrial Power Services... reports: Docket Numbers: LA12-3-000. Applicants: Carolina Power & Light Company, Cimarron Windpower II... Duke Energy Ohio, Inc. Duke Energy Retail Sales, LLC, Duke Energy Washington II, LLC, Florida Power...

Developing an ecosystem diversity framework for landscape assessment

Treesearch

Robert D. Pfister; Michael D. Sweet

2000-01-01

Ecological diversity is being addressed in various research and management efforts, but a common foundation is not explicitly defined or displayed. A formal Ecosystem Diversity Framework (EDF) would improve landscape analysis and communication across multiple scales. The EDF represents a multiple-component vegetation classification system with inherent flexibility for...

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...-5152. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 6/11/12. Docket Numbers: ER12-1825-000. Applicants: EDF Industrial Power Services (CA), LLC. Description: EDF Industrial Power Services (CA), LLC submits tariff filing per 35.12... following electric securities filings: Docket Numbers: ES12-13-000. Applicants: AEP Texas North Company...

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... the proposed action will not adversely impact on the reliability of the U.S. electric power supply... from electric utilities, Federal power marketing agencies and other entities within the United States... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY [OE Docket No. EA-373] Application to Export Electric Energy; EDF Trading...

Pygmy and core polarization dipole modes in 206Pb: Connecting nuclear structure to stellar nucleosynthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tonchev, A. P.; Tsoneva, N.; Bhatia, C.; Arnold, C. W.; Goriely, S.; Hammond, S. L.; Kelley, J. H.; Kwan, E.; Lenske, H.; Piekarewicz, J.; Raut, R.; Rusev, G.; Shizuma, T.; Tornow, W.

2017-10-01

A high-resolution study of the electromagnetic response of 206Pb below the neutron separation energy is performed using a (γ → ,γ‧) experiment at the HI γ → S facility. Nuclear resonance fluorescence with 100% linearly polarized photon beams is used to measure spins, parities, branching ratios, and decay widths of excited states in 206Pb from 4.9 to 8.1 MeV. The extracted ΣB (E 1) ↑ and ΣB (M 1) ↑ values for the total electric and magnetic dipole strength below the neutron separation energy are 0.9 ± 0.2 e2fm2 and 8.3 ± 2.0 μN2, respectively. These measurements are found to be in very good agreement with the predictions from an energy-density functional (EDF) plus quasiparticle phonon model (QPM). Such a detailed theoretical analysis allows to separate the pygmy dipole resonance from both the tail of the giant dipole resonance and multi-phonon excitations. Combined with earlier photonuclear experiments above the neutron separation energy, one extracts a value for the electric dipole polarizability of 206Pb of αD = 122 ± 10 mb /MeV. When compared to predictions from both the EDF+QPM and accurately calibrated relativistic EDFs, one deduces a range for the neutron-skin thickness of Rskin206 = 0.12- 0.19 fm and a corresponding range for the slope of the symmetry energy of L = 48- 60 MeV. This newly obtained information is also used to estimate the Maxwellian-averaged radiative cross section 205Pb (n , γ)206Pb at 30 keV to be σ = 130 ± 25 mb. The astrophysical impact of this measurement-on both the s-process in stellar nucleosynthesis and on the equation of state of neutron-rich matter-is discussed.

Pygmy and core polarization dipole modes in 206Pb: Connecting nuclear structure to stellar nucleosynthesis

DOE PAGES

Tonchev, A. P.; Tsoneva, N.; Bhatia, C.; ...

2017-08-02

A high-resolution study of the electromagnetic response of 206Pb below the neutron separation energy is performed using a (γ→,γ') experiment at the HIγ→S facility. Nuclear resonance fluorescence with 100% linearly polarized photon beams is used to measure spins, parities, branching ratios, and decay widths of excited states in 206Pb from 4.9 to 8.1 MeV. The extracted ΣB(E1)↑ and ΣB(M1)↑ values for the total electric and magnetic dipole strength below the neutron separation energy are 0.9±0.2e 2fm 2 and 8.3±2.0μmore » $$2\\atop{N}$$, respectively. These measurements are found to be in very good agreement with the predictions from an energy-density functional (EDF) plus quasiparticle phonon model (QPM). Such a detailed theoretical analysis allows to separate the pygmy dipole resonance from both the tail of the giant dipole resonance and multi-phonon excitations. Combined with earlier photonuclear experiments above the neutron separation energy, one extracts a value for the electric dipole polarizability of 206Pb of α D=122±10mb/MeV. When compared to predictions from both the EDF+QPM and accurately calibrated relativistic EDFs, one deduces a range for the neutron-skin thickness of R$$206\\atop{skin}$$=0.12–0.19fm and a corresponding range for the slope of the symmetry energy of L=48–60MeV. This newly obtained information is also used to estimate the Maxwellian-averaged radiative cross section 205Pb(n,γ)Pb 206 at 30 keV to be σ=130±25mb. In conclusion, the astrophysical impact of this measurement—on both the s-process in stellar nucleosynthesis and on the equation of state of neutron-rich matter—is discussed.« less

Two-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann method for the anisotropic dispersive Henry problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Servan-Camas, Borja; Tsai, Frank T.-C.

2010-02-01

This study develops a lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) with a two-relaxation-time collision operator (TRT) to cope with anisotropic heterogeneous hydraulic conductivity and anisotropic velocity-dependent hydrodynamic dispersion in the saltwater intrusion problem. The directional-speed-of-sound technique is further developed to address anisotropic hydraulic conductivity and dispersion tensors. Forcing terms are introduced in the LBM to correct numerical errors that arise during the recovery procedure and to describe the sink/source terms in the flow and transport equations. In order to facilitate the LBM implementation, the forcing terms are combined with the equilibrium distribution functions (EDFs) to create pseudo-EDFs. This study performs linear stability analysis and derives LBM stability domains to solve the anisotropic advection-dispersion equation. The stability domains are used to select the time step at which the lattice Boltzmann method provides stable solutions to the numerical examples. The LBM was implemented for the anisotropic dispersive Henry problem with high ratios of longitudinal to transverse dispersivities, and the results compared well to the solutions in the work of Abarca et al. (2007).

Radiation hardening commercial off-the-shelf erbium doped fibers by optimal photo-annealing source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Tz-Shiuan; Liu, Ren-Young; Lin, Yen-Chih; Mao, Ming-Hua; Wang, Lon A.

2017-09-01

Erbium doped fibers (EDFs) based devices are widely employed in space for optical communication [1], remote sensing [2], and navigation applications, e.g. interferometric fiber optic gyroscope (IFOG). However, the EDF suffers severely radiation induced attenuation (RIA) in radiation environments, e.g. space applications and nuclear reactors [3].

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78 FR 36769 - EDF Industrial Power Services (OH), LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate...

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... Industrial Power Services (OH), LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes... proceeding, of EDF Industrial Power Services (OH), LLC's application for market- based rate authority, with... authorization, under 18 CFR Part 34, of future issuances of securities and assumptions of liability. Any person...

Deformation properties of lead isotopes

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

Tolokonnikov, S. V.; Borzov, I. N.; Lutostansky, Yu. S.

2016-01-15

The deformation properties of a long lead isotopic chain up to the neutron drip line are analyzed on the basis of the energy density functional (EDF) in the FaNDF{sup 0} Fayans form. The question of whether the ground state of neutron-deficient lead isotopes can have a stable deformation is studied in detail. The prediction of this deformation is contained in the results obtained on the basis of the HFB-17 and HFB-27 Skyrme EDF versions and reported on Internet. The present analysis reveals that this is at odds with experimental data on charge radii and magnetic moments of odd lead isotopes.more » The Fayans EDF version predicts a spherical ground state for all light lead isotopes, but some of them (for example, {sup 180}Pb and {sup 184}Pb) prove to be very soft—that is, close to the point of a phase transition to a deformed state. Also, the results obtained in our present study are compared with the predictions of some other Skyrme EDF versions, including SKM*, SLy4, SLy6, and UNE1. By and large, their predictions are closer to the results arising upon the application of the Fayans functional. For example, the SLy4 functional predicts, in just the same way as the FaNDF{sup 0} functional, a spherical shape for all nuclei of this region. The remaining three Skyrme EDF versions lead to a deformation of some light lead isotopes, but their number is substantially smaller than that in the case of the HFB-17 and HFB-27 functionals. Moreover, the respective deformation energy is substantially lower, which gives grounds to hope for the restoration of a spherical shape upon going beyond the mean-field approximation, which we use here. Also, the deformation properties of neutron-rich lead isotopes are studied up to the neutron drip line. Here, the results obtained with the FaNDF{sup 0} functional are compared with the predictions of the HFB-17, HFB-27, SKM*, and SLy4 Skyrme EDF versions. All of the EDF versions considered here predict the existence of a region where neutron-rich lead isotopes undergo deformations, but the size of this region is substantially different for the different functionals being considered. Once again, it is maximal for the HFB-17 and HFB-27 functionals, is substantially narrower for the FaNDF{sup 0} functional, and is still narrower for the SKM* and SLy4 functionals. The two-neutron drip line proved to be A{sub drip}{sup 2n} = 266 for all of the EDF versions considered here, with the exception of SKM*, for which it is shifted to A{sub drip}{sup 2n}(SKM*) = 272.« less

Non preemptive soft real time scheduler: High deadline meeting rate on overload

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalib, Zahereel Ishwar Abdul; Ahmad, R. Badlishah; El-Shaikh, Mohamed

2015-05-01

While preemptive scheduling has gain more attention among researchers, current work in non preemptive scheduling had shown promising result in soft real time jobs scheduling. In this paper we present a non preemptive scheduling algorithm meant for soft real time applications, which is capable of producing better performance during overload while maintaining excellent performance during normal load. The approach taken by this algorithm has shown more promising results compared to other algorithms including its immediate predecessor. We will present the analysis made prior to inception of the algorithm as well as simulation results comparing our algorithm named gutEDF with EDF and gEDF. We are convinced that grouping jobs utilizing pure dynamic parameters would produce better performance.

Amplification and noise properties of an erbium-doped multicore fiber amplifier.

PubMed

Abedin, K S; Taunay, T F; Fishteyn, M; Yan, M F; Zhu, B; Fini, J M; Monberg, E M; Dimarcello, F V; Wisk, P W

2011-08-15

A multicore erbium-doped fiber (MC-EDF) amplifier for simultaneous amplification in the 7-cores has been developed, and the gain and noise properties of individual cores have been studied. The pump and signal radiation were coupled to individual cores of MC-EDF using two tapered fiber bundled (TFB) couplers with low insertion loss. For a pump power of 146 mW, the average gain achieved in the MC-EDF fiber was 30 dB, and noise figure was less than 4 dB. The net useful gain from the multicore-amplifier, after taking into consideration of all the passive losses, was about 23-27 dB. Pump induced ASE noise transfer between the neighboring channel was negligible. © 2011 Optical Society of America

Carbonyl compound emissions from a heavy-duty diesel engine fueled with diesel fuel and ethanol-diesel blend.

PubMed

Song, Chonglin; Zhao, Zhuang; Lv, Gang; Song, Jinou; Liu, Lidong; Zhao, Ruifen

2010-05-01

This paper presents an investigation of the carbonyl emissions from a direct injection heavy-duty diesel engine fueled with pure diesel fuel (DF) and blended fuel containing 15% by volume of ethanol (E/DF). The tests have been conducted under steady-state operating conditions at 1200, 1800, 2600 rpm and idle speed. The experimental results show that acetaldehyde is the most predominant carbonyl, followed by formaldehyde, acrolein, acetone, propionaldehyde and crotonaldehyde, produced from both fuels. The emission factors of total carbonyls vary in the range 13.8-295.9 mg(kWh)(-1) for DF and 17.8-380.2mg(kWh)(-1) for E/DF, respectively. The introduction of ethanol into diesel fuel results in a decrease in acrolein emissions, while the other carbonyls show general increases: at low engine speed (1200 rpm), 0-55% for formaldehyde, 4-44% for acetaldehyde, 38-224% for acetone, and 5-52% for crotonaldehyde; at medium engine speed (1800 rpm), 106-413% for formaldehyde, 4-143% for acetaldehyde, 74-113% for acetone, 114-1216% for propionaldehyde, and 15-163% for crotonaldehyde; at high engine speed (2600 rpm), 36-431% for formaldehyde, 18-61% for acetaldehyde, 22-241% for acetone, and 6-61% for propionaldehyde. A gradual reduction in the brake specific emissions of each carbonyl compound from both fuels is observed with increase in engine load. Among three levels of engine speed employed, both DF and E/DF emit most CBC emissions at high engine speed. On the whole, the presence of ethanol in diesel fuel leads to an increase in aldehyde emissions. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

ALARA and work management

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

Schieber, C.; Perin, M.; Saumon, P.

1995-03-01

At the request of Electricite de France (EDF) and Framatome, the Nuclear Protection Evaluation Centre (CEPN) developed a three-year research project, between 1991 and 1993, to evaluate the impact of various work management factors that can influence occupational exposures in nuclear power plants (NPPs) and to assess the effectiveness of protective actions implemented to reduce them. Three different categories of factors have been delineated: those linked to working conditions (such as ergonomic of work areas and protective suits), those characterizing the operators (qualification, experience level, motivation, etc.). In order to quantify the impact of these factors, a detailed survey wasmore » carried out in five French NPPs, focusing on three types of operations: primary valves maintenance, decontamination of reactor cavity, and specialized maintenance operations on the steam generator. This survey was augmented by a literature review on the influence of {open_quotes}hostile{close_quotes} environment on working conditions. Finally, a specific study was performed in order to quantify the impact of various types of protective suits used in French nuclear installations according to the type of work to be done. All of these factors have been included in a model aiming at quantifying the effectiveness of protection actions, both from dosimetric and economic point of views.« less

Random fiber lasers based on artificially controlled backscattering fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Daru; Wang, Xiaoliang; She, Lijuan; Qiang, Zexuan; Yu, Zhangwei

2017-10-01

The random fiber laser (RFL) which is a milestone in laser physics and nonlinear optics, has attracted considerable attention recently. Most previous RFLs are based on distributed feedback of Rayleigh scattering amplified through stimulated Raman/Brillouin scattering effect in single mode fibers, which required long-distance (tens of kilometers) single mode fibers and high threshold up to watt-level due to the extremely small Rayleigh scattering coefficient of the fiber. We proposed and demonstrated a half-open cavity RFL based on a segment of a artificially controlled backscattering SMF(ACB-SMF) with a length of 210m, 310m or 390m. A fiber Bragg grating with the central wavelength of 1530nm and a segment of ACB-SMF forms the half-open cavity. The proposed RFL achieves the threshold of 25mW, 30mW and 30mW, respectively. Random lasing at the wavelength of 1530nm and the extinction ratio of 50dB is achieved when a segment of 5m EDF is pumped by a 980nm LD in the RFL. Another half-open cavity RFL based on a segment of a artificially controlled backscattering EDF(ACBS-EDF) is also demonstrated without an ACB-SMF. The 3m ACB-EDF is fabricated by using the femtosecond laser with pulse energy of 0.34mJ which introduces about 50 reflectors in the EDF. Random lasing at the wavelength of 1530nm is achieved with the output power of 7.5mW and the efficiency of 1.88%. Two novel RFLs with much short cavities have been achieved with low threshold and high efficiency.

Generation of an ultrafast femtosecond soliton fiber laser by carbon nanotube as saturable absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salim, M. A. M.; Ahmad, H.; Harun, S. W.; Bidin, N.; Krishnan, G.

2018-05-01

This paper reports the demonstration of ultrafast fiber laser in a simple erbium-doped fiber (EDF) laser that employed a carbon nanotube (CNT) thin film saturable absorber (SA) to generate a stable soliton pulse. The repetition rate of 10.8 MHz pulse consistently achieved has narrowest pulse width of 640 fs and 1555.78 nm central wavelength for an hour operation in room temperature. This proposed setup has the capability for reliable and stable system features.

Cascade Model of Ionization Multiplication of Electrons in Glow Discharge Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romanenko, V. A.; Solodky, S. A.; Kudryavtsev, A. A.; Suleymanov, I. A.

1996-10-01

For determination of EDF in non-uniform fields a Monte-Carlo simulation(Tran Ngoc An et al., J.Phys.D: Appl. Phys. 10, 2317 (1977))^,(J.P. Boeuf et al., Phys.D: Appl.Phys. 15, 2169 (1982)) is applied. As alternative multi-beam cascade model(H.B. Valentini, Contrib.Plasma Phys. 27, 331 (1987)) is offered. Our model eliminates defects of that model and enables to determine EDF of low pressure plasma in non-uniform fields. A cascade model (with EDF dividing in monoenergetic electron groups) for arbitrary electric potential profile was used. Modeling was carried out for electron forward scattering only, constant electron mean free path; ionization was considered only. The equation system was solved for the region with kinetic energies more than ionization energy. The boundary conditions (on ionization energy curve) take into account electron transitions from higher-lying level in the less than ionization energy region and secondary electron production. The problem solution in analytical functions was obtained. The insertion of additional processes does not make significant difficulties. EDF and electrokinetical parameters in helium from numerical calculations are well agreed with above-mentioned authors. Work was carried out under RFFI (project N 96-02-18417) support.

Ribbon networks for modeling navigable paths of autonomous agents in virtual environments.

PubMed

Willemsen, Peter; Kearney, Joseph K; Wang, Hongling

2006-01-01

This paper presents the Environment Description Framework (EDF) for modeling complex networks of intersecting roads and pathways in virtual environments. EDF represents information about the layout of streets and sidewalks, the rules that govern behavior on roads and walkways, and the locations of agents with respect to navigable structures. The framework serves as the substrate on which behavior programs for autonomous vehicles and pedestrians are built. Pathways are modeled as ribbons in space. The ribbon structure provides a natural coordinate frame for defining the local geometry of navigable surfaces. EDF includes a powerful runtime interface supported by robust and efficient code for locating objects on the ribbon network, for mapping between Cartesian and ribbon coordinates, and for determining behavioral constraints imposed by the environment.

Image Analysis of DNA Fiber and Nucleus in Plants.

PubMed

Ohmido, Nobuko; Wako, Toshiyuki; Kato, Seiji; Fukui, Kiichi

2016-01-01

Advances in cytology have led to the application of a wide range of visualization methods in plant genome studies. Image analysis methods are indispensable tools where morphology, density, and color play important roles in the biological systems. Visualization and image analysis methods are useful techniques in the analyses of the detailed structure and function of extended DNA fibers (EDFs) and interphase nuclei. The EDF is the highest in the spatial resolving power to reveal genome structure and it can be used for physical mapping, especially for closely located genes and tandemly repeated sequences. One the other hand, analyzing nuclear DNA and proteins would reveal nuclear structure and functions. In this chapter, we describe the image analysis protocol for quantitatively analyzing different types of plant genome, EDFs and interphase nuclei.

Erbium-doped fiber ring resonator for resonant fiber optical gyro applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Chunming; Zhao, Rui; Tang, Jun; Xia, Meijing; Guo, Huiting; Xie, Chengfeng; Wang, Lei; Liu, Jun

2018-04-01

This paper reports a fiber ring resonator with erbium-doped fiber (EDF) for resonant fiber optical gyro (RFOG). To analyze compensation mechanism of the EDF on resonator, a mathematical model of the erbium-doped fiber ring resonator (EDFRR) is established based on Jones matrix to be followed by the design and fabrication of a tunable EDFRR. The performances of the fabricated EDFRR were measured and the experimental Q-factor of 2 . 47 × 108 and resonant depth of 109% were acquired separately. Compared with the resonator without the EDF, the resonant depth and Q-factor of the proposed device are increased by 2.5 times and 14 times, respectively. A potential optimum shot noise limited resolution of 0 . 042∘ / h can be obtained for the RFOG, which is promising for low-cost and high precise detection.

Designing on-Board Data Handling for EDF (Electric Ducted Fan) Rocket

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mulyana, A.; Faiz, L. A. A.

2018-02-01

The EDF (Electric Ducted Fan) rocket to launch requires a system of monitoring, tracking and controlling to allow the rocket to glide properly. One of the important components in the rocket is OBDH (On-Board Data Handling) which serves as a medium to perform commands and data processing. However, TTC (Telemetry, Tracking, and Command) are required to communicate between GCS (Ground Control Station) and OBDH on EDF rockets. So the design control system of EDF rockets and GCS for telemetry and telecommand needs to be made. In the design of integrated OBDH controller uses a lot of electronics modules, to know the behavior of rocket used IMU sensor (Inertial Measurement Unit) in which consist of 3-axis gyroscope sensor and Accelerometer 3-axis. To do tracking using GPS, compass sensor as a determinant of the direction of the rocket as well as a reference point on the z-axis of gyroscope sensor processing and used barometer sensors to measure the height of the rocket at the time of glide. The data can be known in real-time by sending data through radio modules at 2.4 GHz frequency using XBee-Pro S2B to GCS. By using windows filter, noises can be reduced, and it used to guarantee monitoring and controlling system can work properly.

EDF: Computing electron number probability distribution functions in real space from molecular wave functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Francisco, E.; Pendás, A. Martín; Blanco, M. A.

2008-04-01

Given an N-electron molecule and an exhaustive partition of the real space ( R) into m arbitrary regions Ω,Ω,…,Ω ( ⋃i=1mΩ=R), the edf program computes all the probabilities P(n,n,…,n) of having exactly n electrons in Ω, n electrons in Ω,…, and n electrons ( n+n+⋯+n=N) in Ω. Each Ω may correspond to a single basin (atomic domain) or several such basins (functional group). In the later case, each atomic domain must belong to a single Ω. The program can manage both single- and multi-determinant wave functions which are read in from an aimpac-like wave function description ( .wfn) file (T.A. Keith et al., The AIMPAC95 programs, http://www.chemistry.mcmaster.ca/aimpac, 1995). For multi-determinantal wave functions a generalization of the original .wfn file has been introduced. The new format is completely backwards compatible, adding to the previous structure a description of the configuration interaction (CI) coefficients and the determinants of correlated wave functions. Besides the .wfn file, edf only needs the overlap integrals over all the atomic domains between the molecular orbitals (MO). After the P(n,n,…,n) probabilities are computed, edf obtains from them several magnitudes relevant to chemical bonding theory, such as average electronic populations and localization/delocalization indices. Regarding spin, edf may be used in two ways: with or without a splitting of the P(n,n,…,n) probabilities into α and β spin components. Program summaryProgram title: edf Catalogue identifier: AEAJ_v1_0 Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEAJ_v1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.html No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 5387 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 52 381 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: Fortran 77 Computer: 2.80 GHz Intel Pentium IV CPU Operating system: GNU/Linux RAM: 55 992 KB Word size: 32 bits Classification: 2.7 External routines: Netlib Nature of problem: Let us have an N-electron molecule and define an exhaustive partition of the physical space into m three-dimensional regions. The edf program computes the probabilities P(n,n,…,n)≡P({n}) of all possible allocations of n electrons to Ω, n electrons to Ω,…, and n electrons to Ω,{n} being integers. Solution method: Let us assume that the N-electron molecular wave function, Ψ(1,N), is a linear combination of M Slater determinants, Ψ(1,N)=∑rMCψ(1,N). Calling SΩrs the overlap matrix over the 3D region Ω between the (real) molecular spin-orbitals (MSO) in ψ(χ1r,…χNr) and the MSOs in ψ,(χ1s,…,χNs), edf finds all the P({n})'s by solving the linear system ∑{n}{∏kmtkn}P({n})=∑r,sMCCdet[∑kmtSΩrs], where t=1 and t,…,t are arbitrary real numbers. Restrictions: The number of {n} sets grows very fast with m and N, so that the dimension of the linear system (1) soon becomes very large. Moreover, the computer time required to obtain the determinants in the second member of Eq. (1) scales quadratically with M. These two facts limit the applicability of the method to relatively small molecules. Unusual features: Most of the real variables are of precision real*16. Running time: 0.030, 2.010, and 0.620 seconds for Test examples 1, 2, and 3, respectively. References: [1] A. Martín Pendás, E. Francisco, M.A. Blanco, Faraday Discuss. 135 (2007) 423-438. [2] A. Martín Pendás, E. Francisco, M.A. Blanco, J. Phys. Chem. A 111 (2007) 1084-1090. [3] A. Martín Pendás, E. Francisco, M.A. Blanco, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 9 (2007) 1087-1092. [4] E. Francisco, A. Martín Pendás, M.A. Blanco, J. Chem. Phys. 126 (2007) 094102. [5] A. Martín Pendás, E. Francisco, M.A. Blanco, C. Gatti, Chemistry: A European Journal 113 (2007) 9362-9371.

Eddy current NDE performance demonstrations using simulation tools

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

Maurice, L.; Costan, V.; Guillot, E.

2013-01-25

To carry out performance demonstrations of the Eddy-Current NDE processes applied on French nuclear power plants, EDF studies the possibility of using simulation tools as an alternative to measurements on steam generator tube mocks-up. This paper focuses on the strategy led by EDF to assess and use code{sub C}armel3D and Civa, on the case of Eddy-Current NDE on wears problem which may appear in the U-shape region of steam generator tubes due to the rubbing of anti-vibration bars.

EDF involvement in research and development of RF and microwave industrial processes in Europe. The "Club Rayonnements".

PubMed

Moneuse, M

2001-01-01

In France, RF and microwave techniques are now mature. They are commercialized by industries having now reliable references in different fields of manufacturing industry. The present situation is the result of many studies and collaborations where universities and public technical centers were strongly involved during the last three decades. During this period, the "Club Rayonnements" sponsored by EDF has been a real "melting pot" for people coming from university, industry and technical centers.

Using multi-ring structure for suppression of mode competition in stable single-longitudinal-mode erbium fiber laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeh, Chien-Hung; Huang, Tzu-Jung; Yang, Zi-Qing; Chow, Chi-Wai

2017-12-01

In this demonstration, a stable and tunable single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) erbium-doped fiber (EDF) laser with multiple-ring configuration is proposed and investigated. The proposed compound-ring structure can create different free spectrum ranges (FSRs) to result in the mode-filter effect based on the Vernier effect for suppressing the other modes. Additionally, the output stabilization of power and wavelength in the proposed EDF multiple-ring laser are also discussed.

Schmallenberg virus: Predicting within-herd seroprevalence using bulk-tank milk antibody titres and exploring individual animal antibody titres using empirical distribution functions (EDF).

PubMed

Collins, Á B; Grant, J; Barrett, D; Doherty, M L; Hallinan, A; Mee, J F

2017-08-01

Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is transmitted by Culicoides spp. biting midges and can cause abortions and congenital malformations in ruminants and milk drop in dairy cattle. Estimating true within-herd seroprevalence is an essential component of efficient and cost-effective SBV surveillance programs. The objectives of this study were: (1) determine the correlation between bulk-tank milk (BTM)-ELISA results and within-herd seroprevalence, (2) evaluate the ability of BTM-ELISA results to predict within-herd seroprevalence and (3) explore the distributions of individual animal serology results using novel statistical methodology. BTM samples (n=24) and blood samples (n=4019) collected from all lactating cows contributing to the BTM in 26 Irish dairy herds (58-444 cows/herd) in 2014 located in a region exposed to SBV in 2012/2013, were analysed for SBV-specific antibodies using IDVet ® ELISA kits. The correlation between BTM-ELISA results and within-herd seroprevalence was determined by calculating Pearson's correlation coefficient. Linear regression models were used to assess the ability of BTM-ELISA results to predict within-herd seroprevalence. The distributions of individual animal serology results were explored by determining the empirical distribution functions (EDF) of the individual animal serum ELISA results in each herd. EDFs were compared pairwise across herds, using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistical test. Herds with similar BTM-ELISA results, herds with similar within-herd seroprevalence and herds with similar mean-herd serology ELISA results were stratified in order to explore their respective paired-herd EDF comparisons. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Twenty-two herds were BTM-ELISA-positive (within-herd seroprevalence 30.6-100%) and two herds were BTM-ELISA-negative (within-herd seroprevalence 10.7 and 16.2%) indicating BTM-ELISA-negative herds can have seropositive animals present. BTM-ELISA results were highly correlated (r=0.807, p<0.0001) with, and predictive of (R 2 =0.832, p<0.0001) of within-herd seroprevalence. Predictions were most accurate for upper-range BTM-ELISA antibody titres, while they were less accurate at higher and lower antibody titres. This is likely a result of the overall high within-herd seroprevalence. In herds with similar BTM-ELISA results 82% of the paired-herd EDF comparisons were significantly different. In herds with similar within-herd seroprevalence and in herds with similar mean-herd serology ELISA results, 46% and 47% of the paired-herd EDF comparisons were significantly different, respectively. These results demonstrate that BTM antibody titres are highly predictive of within-herd seroprevalence in an SBV exposed region. Furthermore, exploring the serum EDFs revealed that the variation observed in the predicted within-herd seroprevalence in the regression models is likely a result of individual animal variation in serum antibody titres in these herds. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An open library of relativistic core electron density function for the QTAIM analysis with pseudopotentials.

PubMed

Zou, Wenli; Cai, Ziyu; Wang, Jiankang; Xin, Kunyu

2018-04-29

Based on two-component relativistic atomic calculations, a free electron density function (EDF) library has been developed for nearly all the known ECPs of the elements Li (Z = 3) up to Ubn (Z = 120), which can be interfaced into modern quantum chemistry programs to save the .wfx wavefunction file. The applicability of this EDF library is demonstrated by the analyses of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and other real space functions on HeCuF, PtO42+, OgF 4 , and TlCl 3 (DMSO) 2 . When a large-core ECP is used, it shows that the corrections by EDF may significantly improve the properties of some density-derived real space functions, but they are invalid for the wavefunction-depending real space functions. To classify different chemical bonds and especially some nonclassical interactions, a list of universal criteria has also been proposed. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

On electron bunching and stratification of glow discharges

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

Golubovskii, Yuri B.; Kolobov, Vladimir I.; Nekuchaev, Vladimir O.

2013-10-15

Plasma stratification and excitation of ionization waves is one of the fundamental problems in gas discharge physics. Significant progress in this field is associated with the name of Lev Tsendin. He advocated the need for the kinetic approach to this problem contrary to the traditional hydrodynamic approach, introduced the idea of electron bunching in spatially periodic electric fields, and developed a theory of kinetic resonances for analysis of moving striations in rare gases. The present paper shows how Tsendin's ideas have been further developed and applied for understanding the nature of the well-known S-, P-, and R-striations observed in glowmore » discharges of inert gases at low pressures and currents. We review numerical solutions of a Fokker-Planck kinetic equation in spatially periodic electric fields under the effects of elastic and inelastic collisions of electrons with atoms. We illustrate the formation of kinetic resonances at specific field periods for different shapes of injected Electron Distribution Functions (EDF). Computer simulations illustrate how self-organization of the EDFs occurs under nonlocal conditions and how Gaussian-like peaks moving along resonance trajectories are formed in a certain range of discharge conditions. The calculated EDFs agree well with the experimentally measured EDFs for the S, P, and R striations in noble gases. We discuss how kinetic resonances affect dispersion characteristics of moving striations and mention some non-linear effects associated with glow discharge stratification. We propose further studies of stratification phenomena combining physical kinetics and non-linear physics.« less

Fast and slow light property improvement in erbium-doped amplifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, P. C.; Wu, F. K.; Kao, W. C.; Chen, J.; Lin, C. T.; Chi, S.

2013-01-01

This work experimentally demonstrates improvement of the fast light property in erbium-doped amplifiers at room temperature. The difference between the signal power and the pump power associated with bending loss is used to control the signal power at the different positions of the erbium-doped fiber (EDF) to improve the fast light property. Periodic bending of the EDF increases the time advance of the probe signal by over 288%. Additionally, this concept also could improve the fast light property using coherent population oscillations in semiconductor optical amplifiers.

Influence of thermodynamic properties of a thermo-acoustic emitter on the efficiency of thermal airborne ultrasound generation.

PubMed

Daschewski, M; Kreutzbruck, M; Prager, J

2015-12-01

In this work we experimentally verify the theoretical prediction of the recently published Energy Density Fluctuation Model (EDF-model) of thermo-acoustic sound generation. Particularly, we investigate experimentally the influence of thermal inertia of an electrically conductive film on the efficiency of thermal airborne ultrasound generation predicted by the EDF-model. Unlike widely used theories, the EDF-model predicts that the thermal inertia of the electrically conductive film is a frequency-dependent parameter. Its influence grows non-linearly with the increase of excitation frequency and reduces the efficiency of the ultrasound generation. Thus, this parameter is the major limiting factor for the efficient thermal airborne ultrasound generation in the MHz-range. To verify this theoretical prediction experimentally, five thermo-acoustic emitter samples consisting of Indium-Tin-Oxide (ITO) coatings of different thicknesses (from 65 nm to 1.44 μm) on quartz glass substrates were tested for airborne ultrasound generation in a frequency range from 10 kHz to 800 kHz. For the measurement of thermally generated sound pressures a laser Doppler vibrometer combined with a 12 μm thin polyethylene foil was used as the sound pressure detector. All tested thermo-acoustic emitter samples showed a resonance-free frequency response in the entire tested frequency range. The thermal inertia of the heat producing film acts as a low-pass filter and reduces the generated sound pressure with the increasing excitation frequency and the ITO film thickness. The difference of generated sound pressure levels for samples with 65 nm and 1.44 μm thickness is in the order of about 6 dB at 50 kHz and of about 12 dB at 500 kHz. A comparison of sound pressure levels measured experimentally and those predicted by the EDF-model shows for all tested emitter samples a relative error of less than ±6%. Thus, experimental results confirm the prediction of the EDF-model and show that the model can be applied for design and optimization of thermo-acoustic airborne ultrasound emitters. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Material control and accountancy at EDF PWR plants; GCN: Gestion du Combustible Nucleaire

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

de Cormis, F.

1991-01-01

The paper describes the comprehensive system which is developed and implemented at Electricite de France to provide a single reliable nuclear material control and accounting system for all nuclear plants. This software aims at several objectives among which are: the control and the accountancy of nuclear material at the plant, the optimization of the consistency of data by minimizing the possibility of transcription errors, the fulfillment of the statutory requirements by automatic transfer of reports to national and international safeguards authorities, the servicing of other EDF users of nuclear material data for technical or commercial purposes.

Advances in Multi-Sensor Scanning and Visualization of Complex Plants: the Utmost Case of a Reactor Building

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hullo, J.-F.; Thibault, G.; Boucheny, C.

2015-02-01

In a context of increased maintenance operations and workers generational renewal, a nuclear owner and operator like Electricité de France (EDF) is interested in the scaling up of tools and methods of "as-built virtual reality" for larger buildings and wider audiences. However, acquisition and sharing of as-built data on a large scale (large and complex multi-floored buildings) challenge current scientific and technical capacities. In this paper, we first present a state of the art of scanning tools and methods for industrial plants with very complex architecture. Then, we introduce the inner characteristics of the multi-sensor scanning and visualization of the interior of the most complex building of a power plant: a nuclear reactor building. We introduce several developments that made possible a first complete survey of such a large building, from acquisition, processing and fusion of multiple data sources (3D laser scans, total-station survey, RGB panoramic, 2D floor plans, 3D CAD as-built models). In addition, we present the concepts of a smart application developed for the painless exploration of the whole dataset. The goal of this application is to help professionals, unfamiliar with the manipulation of such datasets, to take into account spatial constraints induced by the building complexity while preparing maintenance operations. Finally, we discuss the main feedbacks of this large experiment, the remaining issues for the generalization of such large scale surveys and the future technical and scientific challenges in the field of industrial "virtual reality".

Correlative Light-Electron Fractography of Interlaminar Fracture in a Carbon-Epoxy Composite.

PubMed

Hein, Luis Rogerio de O; Campos, Kamila A de

2015-12-01

This work evaluates the use of light microscopes (LMs) as a tool for interlaminar fracture of polymer composite investigation with the aid of correlative fractography. Correlative fractography consists of an association of the extended depth of focus (EDF) method, based on reflected LM, with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate interlaminar fractures. The use of these combined techniques is exemplified here for the mode I fracture of carbon-epoxy plain-weave reinforced composite. The EDF-LM is a digital image-processing method that consists of the extraction of in-focus pixels for each x-y coordinate in an image from a stack of Z-ordered digital pictures from an LM, resulting in a fully focused picture and a height elevation map for each stack. SEM is the most used tool for the identification of fracture mechanisms in a qualitative approach, with the combined advantages of a large focus depth and fine lateral resolution. However, LMs, with EDF software, may bypass the restriction on focus depth and present enough lateral resolution at low magnification. Finally, correlative fractography can provide the general comprehension of fracture processes, with the benefits of the association of different resolution scales and contrast modes.

A connection between domain-averaged Fermi hole orbitals and electron number distribution functions in real space.

PubMed

Francisco, E; Martín Pendás, A; Blanco, M A

2009-09-28

We show in this article how for single-determinant wave functions the one-electron functions derived from the diagonalization of the Fermi hole, averaged over an arbitrary domain Omega of real space, and expressed in terms of the occupied canonical orbitals, describe coarse-grained statistically independent electrons. With these domain-averaged Fermi hole (DAFH) orbitals, the full electron number distribution function (EDF) is given by a simple product of one-electron events. This useful property follows from the simultaneous orthogonality of the DAFH orbitals in Omega, Omega(')=R(3)-Omega, and R(3). We also show how the interfragment (shared electron) delocalization index, delta(Omega,Omega(')), transforms into a sum of one-electron DAFH contributions. Description of chemical bonding in terms of DAFH orbitals provides a vivid picture relating bonding and delocalization in real space. DAFH and EDF analyses are performed on several test systems to illustrate the close relationship between both concepts. Finally, these analyses clearly prove how DAFH orbitals well localized in Omega or Omega(') can be simply ignored in computing the EDFs and/or delta(Omega,Omega(')), and thus do not contribute to the chemical bonding between the two fragments.

Dynamic detailed model of a molten salt tower receiver, with ThermoSysPro library: Impacts of several failures or operational transients on the receiver dynamic behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hefni, Baligh El; Bourdil, Charles

2017-06-01

Molten salt technology represents nowadays the most cost-effective technology for electricity generation for solar power plant. The molten salt tower receiver is based on a field of individually sun-tracking mirrors (heliostats) that reflect the incident sunshine to a receiver at the top of a centrally located tower. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of several transients issued from different scenarios (failure or normal operation mode) on the receiver dynamic behavior. A dynamic detailed model of Solar Two molten salt central receiver has been developed. The component model is meant to be used for receiver modeling with the ThermoSysPro library, developed by EDF. The paper also gives the results of the dynamic simulation for the selected scenarios on Solar Two receiver.

Noise removal in extended depth of field microscope images through nonlinear signal processing.

PubMed

Zahreddine, Ramzi N; Cormack, Robert H; Cogswell, Carol J

2013-04-01

Extended depth of field (EDF) microscopy, achieved through computational optics, allows for real-time 3D imaging of live cell dynamics. EDF is achieved through a combination of point spread function engineering and digital image processing. A linear Wiener filter has been conventionally used to deconvolve the image, but it suffers from high frequency noise amplification and processing artifacts. A nonlinear processing scheme is proposed which extends the depth of field while minimizing background noise. The nonlinear filter is generated via a training algorithm and an iterative optimizer. Biological microscope images processed with the nonlinear filter show a significant improvement in image quality and signal-to-noise ratio over the conventional linear filter.

Stabilized and tunable single-longitudinal-mode erbium fiber laser employing ytterbium-doped fiber based interference filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeh, Chien-Hung; Tsai, Ning; Zhuang, Yuan-Hong; Chow, Chi-Wai; Chen, Jing-Heng

2017-02-01

In this demonstration, to achieve stabilized and wavelength-selectable single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) erbium-doped fiber (EDF) laser, a short length of ytterbium-doped fiber (YDF) is utilized to serve as a spatial multi-mode interference (MMI) inside a fiber cavity for suppressing multi-longitudinal-mode (MLM) significantly. In the measurement, the output powers and optical signal to noise ratios (OSNRs) of proposed EDF ring laser are measured between -9.85 and -5.71 dBm; and 38.03 and 47.95 dB, respectively, in the tuning range of 1530.0-1560.0 nm. In addition, the output SLM and stability performance are also analyzed and discussed experimentally.

Properties of nuclei in the nobelium region studied within the covariant, Skyrme, and Gogny energy density functionals

DOE PAGES

Dobaczewski, J.; Afanasjev, A. V.; Bender, M.; ...

2015-07-29

In this study, we calculate properties of the ground and excited states of nuclei in the nobelium region for proton and neutron numbers of 92 ≤ Z ≤ 104 and 144 ≤ N ≤ 156, respectively. We use three different energy-density-functional (EDF) approaches, based on covariant, Skyrme, and Gogny functionals, each with two different parameter sets. A comparative analysis of the results obtained for quasiparticle spectra, odd–even and two-particle mass staggering, and moments of inertia allows us to identify single-particle and shell effects that are characteristic to these different models and to illustrate possible systematic uncertainties related to using themore » EDF modelling.« less

Influence of Stress Corrosion Crack Morphology on Ultrasonic Examination Performances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dupond, O.; Duwig, V.; Fouquet, T.

2009-03-01

Stress Corrosion Cracking represents a potential damage for several components in PWR. For this reason, NDE of stress corrosion cracks corresponds to an important stake for Electricité de France (EDF) both for availability and for safety of plants. This paper is dedicated to the ultrasonic examination of SCC crack defects. The study mixes an experimental approach conducted on artificial flaws—meant to represent the characteristic morphologic features often encountered on SCC cracks—and a 2D finite element modelling with the code ATHENA 2D developed by EDF. Results indicate that ATHENA reproduces correctly the interaction of the beam on the complex defect. Indeed specific ultrasonic responses resulting from the defect morphology have been observed experimentally and reproduced with the modelling.

High energy Er-doped Q-switched fiber laser with WS2 saturable absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Lu; Wang, Yonggang; Wang, Zhen Fu; Wang, Xi; Yang, Guowen

2018-01-01

The report presents a stable Q-switched Er-doped fiber (EDF) laser with WS2-based saturable absorber (SA). The SA is obtained by mixing WS2 dispersion with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) into polystyrene cells, and then evaporating them to form WS2/PVA film. The modulation depth (MD) of WS2/PVA is 2% and the saturable intensity (Isat) is 27.2 MW/cm2. Employing the WS2/PVA film into EDF laser cavity, stable Q-switched operation is achieved with central wavelength of 1560 nm. The repetition rate can be tuned from 16.15 to 60.88 kHz with increasing pump power from 30 to 320 mW. The single pulse energy increases from 82 to 195 nJ and then decreases down to 156 nJ with increasing pump power from 30 to 320 mW. The pulse width shows the same variation trend. The shortest pulse duration of 2.396 μs and the maximum single pulse energy of 195 nJ are obtained at the pump power of 220 mW. To the best of our knowledge, 195 nJ is the largest single pulse energy at 1.55 μm region with TMDs as Q-switcher. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is measured to be 60 dB at the pump power of 130 mW. The long term stability of working is good too. The experimental results evidently show that the WS2/PVA SA can work as a promising Q-switcher for high power fiber lasers.

Definition and sensitivity of the conceptual MORDOR rainfall-runoff model parameters using different multi-criteria calibration strategies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garavaglia, F.; Seyve, E.; Gottardi, F.; Le Lay, M.; Gailhard, J.; Garçon, R.

2014-12-01

MORDOR is a conceptual hydrological model extensively used in Électricité de France (EDF, French electric utility company) operational applications: (i) hydrological forecasting, (ii) flood risk assessment, (iii) water balance and (iv) climate change studies. MORDOR is a lumped, reservoir, elevation based model with hourly or daily areal rainfall and air temperature as the driving input data. The principal hydrological processes represented are evapotranspiration, direct and indirect runoff, ground water, snow accumulation and melt and routing. The model has been intensively used at EDF for more than 20 years, in particular for modeling French mountainous watersheds. In the matter of parameters calibration we propose and test alternative multi-criteria techniques based on two specific approaches: automatic calibration using single-objective functions and a priori parameter calibration founded on hydrological watershed features. The automatic calibration approach uses single-objective functions, based on Kling-Gupta efficiency, to quantify the good agreement between the simulated and observed runoff focusing on four different runoff samples: (i) time-series sample, (I) annual hydrological regime, (iii) monthly cumulative distribution functions and (iv) recession sequences.The primary purpose of this study is to analyze the definition and sensitivity of MORDOR parameters testing different calibration techniques in order to: (i) simplify the model structure, (ii) increase the calibration-validation performance of the model and (iii) reduce the equifinality problem of calibration process. We propose an alternative calibration strategy that reaches these goals. The analysis is illustrated by calibrating MORDOR model to daily data for 50 watersheds located in French mountainous regions.

A framework for semisupervised feature generation and its applications in biomedical literature mining.

PubMed

Li, Yanpeng; Hu, Xiaohua; Lin, Hongfei; Yang, Zhihao

2011-01-01

Feature representation is essential to machine learning and text mining. In this paper, we present a feature coupling generalization (FCG) framework for generating new features from unlabeled data. It selects two special types of features, i.e., example-distinguishing features (EDFs) and class-distinguishing features (CDFs) from original feature set, and then generalizes EDFs into higher-level features based on their coupling degrees with CDFs in unlabeled data. The advantage is: EDFs with extreme sparsity in labeled data can be enriched by their co-occurrences with CDFs in unlabeled data so that the performance of these low-frequency features can be greatly boosted and new information from unlabeled can be incorporated. We apply this approach to three tasks in biomedical literature mining: gene named entity recognition (NER), protein-protein interaction extraction (PPIE), and text classification (TC) for gene ontology (GO) annotation. New features are generated from over 20 GB unlabeled PubMed abstracts. The experimental results on BioCreative 2, AIMED corpus, and TREC 2005 Genomics Track show that 1) FCG can utilize well the sparse features ignored by supervised learning. 2) It improves the performance of supervised baselines by 7.8 percent, 5.0 percent, and 5.8 percent, respectively, in the tree tasks. 3) Our methods achieve 89.1, 64.5 F-score, and 60.1 normalized utility on the three benchmark data sets.

Chooz A, First Pressurized Water Reactor to be Dismantled in France - 13445

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

Boucau, Joseph; Mirabella, C.; Nilsson, Lennart

2013-07-01

Nine commercial nuclear power plants have been permanently shut down in France to date, of which the Chooz A plant underwent an extensive decommissioning and dismantling program. Chooz Nuclear Power Station is located in the municipality of Chooz, Ardennes region, in the northeast part of France. Chooz B1 and B2 are 1,500 megawatt electric (MWe) pressurized water reactors (PWRs) currently in operation. Chooz A, a 305 MWe PWR implanted in two caves within a hill, began operations in 1967 and closed in 1991, and will now become the first PWR in France to be fully dismantled. EDF CIDEN (Engineering Centermore » for Dismantling and Environment) has awarded Westinghouse a contract for the dismantling of its Chooz A reactor vessel (RV). The project began in January 2010. Westinghouse is leading the project in a consortium with Nuvia France. The project scope includes overall project management, conditioning of the reactor vessel (RV) head, RV and RV internals segmentation, reactor nozzle cutting for lifting the RV out of the pit and seal it afterwards, dismantling of the RV thermal insulation, ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) forecast to ensure acceptable doses for the personnel, complementary vacuum cleaner to catch the chips during the segmentation work, needs and facilities, waste characterization and packaging, civil work modifications, licensing documentation. The RV and RV internals will be segmented based on the mechanical cutting technology that Westinghouse applied successfully for more than 13 years. The segmentation activities cover the cutting and packaging plan, tooling design and qualification, personnel training and site implementation. Since Chooz A is located inside two caves, the project will involve waste transportation from the reactor cave through long galleries to the waste buffer area. The project will end after the entire dismantling work is completed, and the waste storage is outside the caves and ready to be shipped either to the ANDRA (French National Radioactive Waste Management Agency) waste disposal facilities - (for low-level waste [LLW] and very low-level waste [VLLW], which are considered short lived) - or to the EDF Interim Storage Facility planned to be built on another site - (for low- and intermediate-level waste [LILW], which is considered long lived). The project has started with a detailed conceptual study that determines the step-by-step approach for dismantling the reactor and eventually supplying the packed containers ready for final disposal. All technical reports must be verified and approved by EDF and the French Nuclear Safety Authority before receiving the authorization to start the site work. The detailed conceptual study has been completed to date and equipment design and manufacturing is ongoing. This paper will present the conceptual design of the reactor internals segmentation and packaging process that will be implemented at Chooz A, including the planning, methodology, equipment, waste management, and packaging strategy. (authors)« less

Executive Energy Leadership Academy | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Management-Development, EDF Renewable Energy, Class of 2017 Executive Energy Leadership Academy Alumni Since Energy Leadership Academy. See the list of alumni sorted by program and year

Study of Selected Petroleum Refining Residuals

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The document describes EPA's approach to conducting the industry study required by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)/EPA consent decree and characterizes the study residuals and how they are managed.

Nonextensive models for earthquakes

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

Silva, R.; Franca, G.S.; Vilar, C.S.

2006-02-15

We have revisited the fragment-asperity interaction model recently introduced by Sotolongo-Costa and Posadas [Phy. Rev. Lett. 92, 048501 (2004)] by considering a different definition for mean values in the context of Tsallis nonextensive statistics and introducing a scale between the earthquake energy and the size of fragment {epsilon}{proportional_to}r{sup 3}. The energy-distribution function (EDF) deduced in our approach is considerably different from the one obtained in the above reference. We have also tested the viability of this EDF with data from two different catalogs (in three different areas), namely, the NEIC and the Bulletin Seismic of the Revista Brasileira de Geofisica.more » Although both approaches provide very similar values for the nonextensive parameter q, other physical quantities, e.g., energy density, differ considerably by several orders of magnitude.« less

Descriptions of carbon isotopes within the energy density functional theory

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

Ismail, Atef; Cheong, Lee Yen; Yahya, Noorhana

2014-10-24

Within the energy density functional (EDF) theory, the structure properties of Carbon isotopes are systematically studied. The shell model calculations are done for both even-A and odd-A nuclei, to study the structure of rich-neutron Carbon isotopes. The EDF theory indicates the single-neutron halo structures in {sup 15}C, {sup 17}C and {sup 19}C, and the two-neutron halo structures in {sup 16}C and {sup 22}C nuclei. It is also found that close to the neutron drip-line, there exist amazing increase in the neutron radii and decrease on the binding energies BE, which are tightly related with the blocking effect and correspondingly themore » blocking effect plays a significant role in the shell model configurations.« less

Microscopic derivation of IBM and structural evolution in nuclei

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

Nomura, Kosuke

A Hamiltonian of the interacting boson model (IBM) is derived based on the mean-field calculations with nuclear energy density functionals (EDFs). The multi-nucleon dynamics of the surface deformation is simulated in terms of the boson degrees of freedom. The interaction strengths of the IBM Hamiltonian are determined by mapping the potential energy surfaces (PESs) of a given EDF with quadrupole degrees of freedom onto the corresponding PES of IBM. A fermion-to-boson mapping for a rotational nucleus is discussed in terms of the rotational response, which reflects a specific time-dependent feature. Ground-state correlation energy is evaluated as a signature of structuralmore » evolution. Some examples resulting from the present spectroscopic calculations are shown for neutron-rich Pt, Os and W isotopes including exotic ones.« less

Nonextensive models for earthquakes.

PubMed

Silva, R; França, G S; Vilar, C S; Alcaniz, J S

2006-02-01

We have revisited the fragment-asperity interaction model recently introduced by Sotolongo-Costa and Posadas [Phy. Rev. Lett. 92, 048501 (2004)] by considering a different definition for mean values in the context of Tsallis nonextensive statistics and introducing a scale between the earthquake energy and the size of fragment epsilon proportional to r3. The energy-distribution function (EDF) deduced in our approach is considerably different from the one obtained in the above reference. We have also tested the viability of this EDF with data from two different catalogs (in three different areas), namely, the NEIC and the Bulletin Seismic of the Revista Brasileira de Geofísica. Although both approaches provide very similar values for the nonextensive parameter , other physical quantities, e.g., energy density, differ considerably by several orders of magnitude.

Getting ready for petaflop capacities and beyond: a utility perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamelin, J. F.; Berthou, J. Y.

2008-07-01

Why should EDF, the leading producer and marketer of electricity in Europe, start adding teraflops to its terawatt-hours and become involved in high-performance computing (HPC)? In this paper we answer this question through examples of major opportunities that HPC brings to our business today and, we hope well into the future of petaflop and exaflop computing. Five cases are presented dealing with nondestructive testing, nuclear fuel management, mechanical behavior of nuclear fuel assemblies, water management, and energy management. For each case we show the benefits brought by HPC, describe the current level of numerical simulation performance, and discuss the perspectives for future steps. We also present the general background that explains why EDF is moving to this technology and briefly comment on the development of user-oriented simulation platforms.

The role of heme oxygenase-1 in drug metabolizing dysfunction in the alcoholic fatty liver exposed to ischemic injury

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

Park, Sang Won; Kang, Jung-Woo; Lee, Sun-Mee, E-mail: sunmee@skku.edu

This study was designed to investigate the role of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in hepatic drug metabolizing dysfunction after ischemia/reperfusion (IR) in alcoholic fatty liver (AFL). Rats were fed a Lieber–DeCarli diet for five weeks to allow for development of AFL and were then subjected to 90 min of hepatic ischemia and 5 h of reperfusion. Rats were pretreated with hemin (HO-1 inducer) or ZnPP (HO-1 inhibitor) for 16 h and 3 h before hepatic ischemia. After hepatic IR, ethanol diet (ED)-fed rats had higher serum aminotransferase activities and more severe hepatic necrosis compared to the control diet (CD)-fed rats. Thesemore » changes were attenuated by hemin and exacerbated by ZnPP. The activity and gene expression of HO-1 and its transcription factor (Nrf2) level increased significantly after 5 h of reperfusion in CD-fed rats but not in ED-fed rats. After reperfusion, cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1, 1A2, and 2B1 activities were reduced to levels lower than those observed in sham group, whereas CYP2E1 activity increased. The decrease in CYP2B1 activity and the increase in CYP2E1 activity were augmented after hepatic IR in ED-fed animals. These changes were significantly attenuated by hemin but aggravated by ZnPP. Finally, CHOP expression and PERK phosphorylation, microsomal lipid peroxidation, and levels of proinflammatory mediators increased in ED-fed rats compared to CD-fed rats after reperfusion. These increases were attenuated by hemin. Our results suggest that AFL exacerbates hepatic drug metabolizing dysfunction during hepatic IR via endoplasmic reticulum stress and lipid peroxidation and this is associated with impaired HO-1 induction. - Highlights: • Endogenous HO-1 is generated in insufficient quantities in steatotic ischemic injury. • Impaired HO-1 induction leads to excessive ER stress response and lipid peroxidation. • Alcoholic steatosis exacerbates IR-induced hepatic drug-metabolizing dysfunction. • HO-1 induction is required for appropriate medication in patients with steatosis.« less

Association of maternal characteristics and behaviours with 4-year-old children's dietary patterns.

PubMed

Durão, Catarina; Severo, Milton; Oliveira, Andreia; Moreira, Pedro; Guerra, António; Barros, Henrique; Lopes, Carla

2017-04-01

This study examined the association of family and maternal characteristics with preschool children's dietary patterns. Trained interviewers evaluated subsample 3422 mothers and children enrolled in the population-based birth cohort Generation XXI (Porto, Portugal, 2005-2006). Maternal characteristics and behaviours (exercise, smoking habits, diet and child-feeding practices) and family characteristics were evaluated. Maternal diet was classified by a dietary score, and children's dietary patterns were identified by latent class analysis. Odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated by multinomial regression models. The analysis was based on a framework with four conceptual levels: maternal socio-economic position (SEP) at 12 years, maternal socio-economic and demographic characteristics at child's delivery, family characteristics and maternal behaviours at child's 4 years. Three dietary patterns were identified in children: high in energy-dense foods (EDF); low in foods typically consumed at main meals and intermediate in snacks (Snacking); higher in healthy foods; and lower in unhealthy ones (Healthier, reference). Lower maternal SEP had an overall effect on children's diet (low vs. high SEP; EDF, OR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.42-2.18; Snacking, OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.27-2.35), while maternal education was directly associated with it (≤9 vs. >12 schooling years, EDF, OR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.70-2.81; Snacking, OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.82-3.55). Children whose mothers had worse dietary score were significantly more likely to follow unhealthier patterns (first vs. fourth quartile; EDF, OR = 9.94, 95% CI: 7.35-13.44, P-trend < 0.001; Snacking, OR = 4.21, 95% CI: 2.94-6.05, P-trend < 0.001). Maternal diet was the key factor associated with children's diet, above and beyond socio-economic and demographic characteristics, accounting for one-third of the determination coefficient of the fully adjusted model. At preschool age, interventions should give a particular focus on maternal diet and low SEP groups. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons.

R and D program for core instrumentation improvements devoted for French sodium fast reactors

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

Jeannot, J. P.; Rodriguez, G.; Jammes, C.

2011-07-01

Under the framework of French R and D studies for Generation IV reactors and more specifically for sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFR); the CEA, EDF and AREVA have launched a joint coordinated research programme. This paper deals with the R and D sets out to achieve better inspection, maintenance, availability and decommissioning. In particular the instrumentation requirements for core monitoring and detection in the case of accidental events. Requirements mainly involve diversifying the means of protection and improving instrumentation performance in terms of responsiveness and sensitivity. Operation feedback from the Phenix and Superphenix prototype reactors and studies, carried out within themore » scope of the EFR projects, has been used to define the needs for instrumentation enhancement. (authors)« less

ALARA and planning of interventions

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

Rocaboy, A.

1995-03-01

The implementation of ALARA programs implies integration of radiation protection criterion at all stages of outage management. Within the framework of its ALARA policy, Electricide de France (EDF) has given an incentive to all of its nuclear power plants to develop {open_quotes}good practices{close_quotes} in this domain, and to exchange their experience by the way of a national feed back file. Among the developments in the field of outage organization, some plants have focused on the planning stage of activities because of its influence on the radiological conditions of interventions and on the good succession of tasks within the radiological controlledmore » areas. This paper presents the experience of Chinon nuclear power plant. At Chinon, we are pursuing this goal through careful outage planning. We want the ALARA program during outages to be part of the overall maintenance task planning. This planning includes the provision of the availability of every safety-related component, and of the variations of water levels in hthereactor and steam generators to take advantage of the shield created by the water. We have developed a computerized data base with the exact position of all the components in the reactor building in order to avoid unnecessary interactions between different tasks performed in the same room. A common language between Operation and Maintenance had been established over the past years, using {open_quotes}Milestones and Corridors{close_quotes}. A real time dose rate counting system enables the Radiation Protection (RP) Department to do an accurate and efficient follow up during the outage for all the {open_quotes}ALARA{close_quotes} maintenance tasks.« less

Correcting PSP electron measurements for the effects of spacecraft electrostatic and magnetic fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGinnis, D.; Halekas, J. S.; Larson, D. E.; Whittlesey, P. L.; Kasper, J. C.

2017-12-01

The near-Sun environment which the Parker Solar Probe will investigate presents a unique challenge for the measurement of thermal and suprathermal electrons. Over one orbital period, the ionizing photon flux and charged particle densities vary to such an extent that the spacecraft could charge to electrostatic potentials ranging from a few volts to tens of volts or more, and it may even develop negative electrostatic potentials near closest approach. In addition, significant permanent magnetic fields from spacecraft components will perturb thermal electron trajectories. Given these effects, electron distribution function (EDF) measurements made by the SWEAP/SPAN electron sensors will be significantly affected. It is thus important to try to understand the extent and nature of such effects, and to remediate them as much as possible. To this end, we have incorporated magnetic fields and a model electrostatic potential field into particle tracing simulations to predict particle trajectories through the near spacecraft environment. These simulations allow us to estimate how the solid angle elements measured by SPAN deflect and stretch in the presence of these fields and therefore how and to what extent EDF measurements will be distorted. In this work, we demonstrate how this technique can be used to produce a `dewarping' correction factor. Further, we show that this factor can correct synthetic datasets simulating the warped EDFs that the SPAN instruments are likely to measure over a wide range of spacecraft potentials and plasma Debye lengths.

EAACI/GA(2)LEN/EDF/WAO guideline: definition, classification and diagnosis of urticaria.

PubMed

Zuberbier, T; Asero, R; Bindslev-Jensen, C; Walter Canonica, G; Church, M K; Giménez-Arnau, A; Grattan, C E H; Kapp, A; Merk, H F; Rogala, B; Saini, S; Sánchez-Borges, M; Schmid-Grendelmeier, P; Schünemann, H; Staubach, P; Vena, G A; Wedi, B; Maurer, M

2009-10-01

This guideline, together with its sister guideline on the management of urticaria [Zuberbier T, Asero R, Bindslev-Jensen C, Canonica GW, Church MK, Giménez-Arnau AM et al. EAACI/GA(2)LEN/EDF/WAO Guideline: Management of urticaria. Allergy, 2009; 64:1427-1443] is the result of a consensus reached during a panel discussion at the 3rd International Consensus Meeting on Urticaria, Urticaria 2008, a joint initiative of the Dermatology Section of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), the EU-funded network of excellence, the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA(2)LEN), the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) and the World Allergy Organization (WAO). Urticaria is a frequent disease. The life-time prevalence for any subtype of urticaria is approximately 20%. Chronic spontaneous urticaria and other chronic forms of urticaria do not only cause a decrease in quality of life, but also affect performance at work and school and, as such, are members of the group of severe allergic diseases. This guideline covers the definition and classification of urticaria, taking into account the recent progress in identifying its causes, eliciting factors, and pathomechanisms. In addition, it outlines evidence-based diagnostic approaches for different subtypes of urticaria. The correct management of urticaria, which is of paramount importance for patients, is very complex and is consequently covered in a separate guideline developed during the same consensus meeting. This guideline was acknowledged and accepted by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS).

Detectability of underground electrical cables junction with a ground penetrating radar: electromagnetic simulation and experimental measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiang; serhir, mohammed; kameni, abelin; lambert, marc; pichon, lionel

2016-04-01

For a company like Electricity De France (EDF), being able to detect accurately using non-destructive methods the position of the buried junction between two underground cables is a crucial issue. The junction is the linking part where most maintenance operations are carried out. The challenge of this work is to conduct a feasibility study to confirm or deny the relevance of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to detect these buried junctions in their actual environment against clutter. Indeed, the cables are buried in inhomogeneous medium at around 80cm deep. To do this, the study is conducted in a numerical environment. We use the 3D simulation software CST MWS to model a GPR scenario. In this simulation, we place the already optimized bowtie antennas operating in the frequency band [0.5 GHz - 3 GHz] in front of wet soil (dispersive) and dry soil where the underground cable is placed at 80cm deep. We collect the amplitude and phase of the reflected waves in order to detect the contrast provoked by the geometric dimensions variation of the cable [1] (diameter of the cable is 48mm and the diameter of the junction 74mm). The use of an ultra-wideband antenna is necessary to reconcile resolution and penetration of electromagnetic waves in the medium to be characterized. We focus on the performance of the GPR method according to the characteristics of the surrounding medium in which the electric cables are buried, the polarization of the Tx and Rx antennas. The experimental measurement collected in the EDF site will be presented. The measured data are processed using the clutter reduction method based on digital filtering [2]. We aim at showing that using the developed bowtie antennas that the GPR technique is well adapted for the cable junction localization even in cluttered environment. References [1] D. J. Daniels, "Surface-Penetrating Radar", London, IEE 1996. [2] Potin, D.; Duflos, E.; Vanheeghe, P., "Landmines Ground-Penetrating Radar Signal Enhancement by Digital Filtering," in Geoscience and Remote Sensing, IEEE Transactions on , vol.44, no.9, pp.2393-2406, Sept. 2006 .

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

Soubies, B.; Henry, J.Y.; Le Meur, M.

1300 MWe pressurised water reactors (PWRs), like the 1400 MWe reactors, operate with microprocessor-based safety systems. This is particularly the case for the Digital Integrated Protection System (SPIN), which trips the reactor in an emergency and sets in action the safeguard functions. The softwares used in these systems must therefore be highly dependable in the execution of their functions. In the case of SPIN, three players are working at different levels to achieve this goal: the protection system manufacturer, Merlin Gerin; the designer of the nuclear steam supply system, Framatome; the operator of the nuclear power plants, Electricite de Francemore » (EDF), which is also responsible for the safety of its installations. Regulatory licenses are issued by the French safety authority, the Nuclear Installations Safety Directorate (French abbreviation DSIN), subsequent to a successful examination of the technical provisions adopted by the operator. This examination is carried out by the IPSN and the standing group on nuclear reactors. This communication sets out: the methods used by the manufacturer to develop SPIN software for the 1400 MWe PWRs (N4 series); the approach adopted by the IPSN to evaluate the safety software of the protection system for the N4 series of reactors.« less

Dismantling of the 904 Cell at the HAO/Sud Facility - 13466

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

Vaudey, C.E.; Crosnier, S.; Renouf, M.

2013-07-01

La Hague facility, in France, is the spent fuel recycling plant wherein a part of the fuel coming from some of the French, German, Belgian, Swiss, Dutch and Japanese nuclear reactors is reprocessed before being recycled in order to separate certain radioactive elements. The facility has been successively handled by the CEA (1962-1978), Cogema (1978-2006), and AREVA NC (since 2006). La Hague facility is composed of 3 production units: The UP2-400 production unit started to be operated in 1966 for the reprocessing of UNGG metal fuel. In 1976, following the dropout of the graphite-gas technology by EDF, an HAO workshopmore » to reprocess the fuel from the light water reactors is affiliated and then stopped in 2003. - UP2-400 is partially stopped in 2002 and then definitely the 1 January 2004 and is being dismantled - UP2-800, with the same capacity than UP3, started to be operated in 1994 and is still in operation. And UP3 - UP3 was implemented in 1990 with an annual reprocessing capacity of 800 tons of fuel and is still in operation The combined licensed capacity of UP2-800 and UP3 is 1,700 tons of used fuel. (authors)« less

Isospin-symmetry breaking in masses of N ≃ Z nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bączyk, P.; Dobaczewski, J.; Konieczka, M.; Satuła, W.; Nakatsukasa, T.; Sato, K.

2018-03-01

Effects of the isospin-symmetry breaking (ISB) beyond mean-field Coulomb terms are systematically studied in nuclear masses near the N = Z line. The Coulomb exchange contributions are calculated exactly. We use extended Skyrme energy density functionals (EDFs) with proton-neutron-mixed densities, to which we add new terms breaking the isospin symmetry. Two parameters associated with the new terms are determined by fitting mirror and triplet displacement energies (MDEs and TDEs) of isospin multiplets. The new EDFs reproduce MDEs for the T = 1/2 doublets and T = 1 triplets, and TDEs for the T = 1 triplets. Relative strengths of the obtained isospin-symmetry-breaking terms are not consistent with the differences in the NN scattering lengths, ann, app, and anp. Based on low-energy experimental data, it seems thus impossible to delineate the strong-force ISB effects from beyond-mean-field Coulomb-energy corrections.

Stable and wavelength-tunable silicon-micro-ring-resonator based erbium-doped fiber laser.

PubMed

Yang, L G; Yeh, C H; Wong, C Y; Chow, C W; Tseng, F G; Tsang, H K

2013-02-11

In this work, we propose and demonstrate a stable and wavelength-tunable erbium-doped fiber (EDF) ring laser. Here, a silicon-on-insulator (SOI)-based silicon-micro-ring-resonator (SMRR) is used as the wavelength selective element inside the fiber ring cavity. A uniform period grating coupler (GC) is used to couple between the SMRR and single mode fiber (SMF) and serves also as a polarization dependent element in the cavity. The output lasing wavelength of the proposed fiber laser can be tuned at a tuning step of 2 nm (defined by the free spectral range (FSR) of the SMRR) in a bandwidth of 35.2 nm (1532.00 to 1567.20 nm), which is defined by the gain of the EDF. The optical-signal-to-noise-ratio (OSNR) of each lasing wavelength is larger than 42.0 dB. In addition, the output stabilities of power and wavelength are also discussed.

Suppression of thermal frequency noise in erbium-doped fiber random lasers.

PubMed

Saxena, Bhavaye; Bao, Xiaoyi; Chen, Liang

2014-02-15

Frequency and intensity noise are characterized for erbium-doped fiber (EDF) random lasers based on Rayleigh distributed feedback mechanism. We propose a theoretical model for the frequency noise of such random lasers using the property of random phase modulations from multiple scattering points in ultralong fibers. We find that the Rayleigh feedback suppresses the noise at higher frequencies by introducing a Lorentzian envelope over the thermal frequency noise of a long fiber cavity. The theoretical model and measured frequency noise agree quantitatively with two fitting parameters. The random laser exhibits a noise level of 6  Hz²/Hz at 2 kHz, which is lower than what is found in conventional narrow-linewidth EDF fiber lasers and nonplanar ring laser oscillators (NPROs) by a factor of 166 and 2, respectively. The frequency noise has a minimum value for an optimum length of the Rayleigh scattering fiber.

Characterization and Modeling of Dual Stage Quadruple Pass Configurations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sellami, M.; Sellami, A.; Berrah, S.

In this paper, the proposed system achieves a gain of 62dBs. It employs a dual-stage (DS) to enhance the amplification and a tunable band-pass filter (TBF) to filter out the backward amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) that degrades the signal amplification at the input end of the EDFA. The technique there by reduces the effect of ASE self-saturation [1]. This configuration is also useful in reducing the sensitivity of the EDFA to extra strenuous reflections caused by imperfections of the splices and other optical components [2]. as well as improving noise figure and gain. The experimental work will build up by using the active component Silica based EDF (Si-EDF) in Dual Stage Quadruple Pass (DSQP) configuration. By using Tunable Band pass Filter (TBF) in DSQP between the port 1 and port 2 of circulators (CRT2, CRT3) to filter out the unwanted ASE.

Nuclear equation of state from ground and collective excited state properties of nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roca-Maza, X.; Paar, N.

2018-07-01

This contribution reviews the present status on the available constraints to the nuclear equation of state (EoS) around saturation density from nuclear structure calculations on ground and collective excited state properties of atomic nuclei. It concentrates on predictions based on self-consistent mean-field calculations, which can be considered as an approximate realization of an exact energy density functional (EDF). EDFs are derived from effective interactions commonly fitted to nuclear masses, charge radii and, in many cases, also to pseudo-data such as nuclear matter properties. Although in a model dependent way, EDFs constitute nowadays a unique tool to reliably and consistently access bulk ground state and collective excited state properties of atomic nuclei along the nuclear chart as well as the EoS. For comparison, some emphasis is also given to the results obtained with the so called ab initio approaches that aim at describing the nuclear EoS based on interactions fitted to few-body data only. Bridging the existent gap between these two frameworks will be essential since it may allow to improve our understanding on the diverse phenomenology observed in nuclei. Examples on observations from astrophysical objects and processes sensitive to the nuclear EoS are also briefly discussed. As the main conclusion, the isospin dependence of the nuclear EoS around saturation density and, to a lesser extent, the nuclear matter incompressibility remain to be accurately determined. Experimental and theoretical efforts in finding and measuring observables specially sensitive to the EoS properties are of paramount importance, not only for low-energy nuclear physics but also for nuclear astrophysics applications.

Goodness-of-Fit Tests for Generalized Normal Distribution for Use in Hydrological Frequency Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Samiran

2018-04-01

The use of three-parameter generalized normal (GNO) as a hydrological frequency distribution is well recognized, but its application is limited due to unavailability of popular goodness-of-fit (GOF) test statistics. This study develops popular empirical distribution function (EDF)-based test statistics to investigate the goodness-of-fit of the GNO distribution. The focus is on the case most relevant to the hydrologist, namely, that in which the parameter values are unidentified and estimated from a sample using the method of L-moments. The widely used EDF tests such as Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Cramer von Mises, and Anderson-Darling (AD) are considered in this study. A modified version of AD, namely, the Modified Anderson-Darling (MAD) test, is also considered and its performance is assessed against other EDF tests using a power study that incorporates six specific Wakeby distributions (WA-1, WA-2, WA-3, WA-4, WA-5, and WA-6) as the alternative distributions. The critical values of the proposed test statistics are approximated using Monte Carlo techniques and are summarized in chart and regression equation form to show the dependence of shape parameter and sample size. The performance results obtained from the power study suggest that the AD and a variant of the MAD (MAD-L) are the most powerful tests. Finally, the study performs case studies involving annual maximum flow data of selected gauged sites from Irish and US catchments to show the application of the derived critical values and recommends further assessments to be carried out on flow data sets of rivers with various hydrological regimes.

78 FR 25260 - Combined Notice of Filings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-30

...: Boardwalk Storage Company, LLC. Description: Revise Hub Services and Umbrella Pro Forma Agmts to be... Pipeline Company of America. Description: Negotiated Rate--EDF Trading to be effective 5/1/2013. Filed Date...: Kern River Gas Transmission Company. [[Page 25261

Treatment of irradiated graphite from French Bugey reactor

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

Stevens, Howard; Laurent, Gerard

In 2008, following the general French plan for nuclear waste management, Electricite de France attempted to find for irradiated graphite an alternative solution to direct storage at the low-activity long-life storage center in France managed by the national agency for wastes (ANDRA). EDF management requested that its engineering arm, EDF CIDEN, study the graphite treatment alternatives to direct storage. In mid-2008, this study revealed the potential advantage for EDF to use a steam reforming process known as Thermal Organic Reduction, 'THOR' (owned by Studsvik, Inc., USA), to treat or destroy the graphite matrix and limit the quantity of secondary wastemore » to be stored. In late 2009, EDF began a test program with Studsvik to determine if the THOR steam reforming process could be used to destroy the graphite. The program also sought to determine if the graphite could be treated to release the bulk of activity while minimizing the gasification of the bulk mass of the graphite. In October 2009, tests with non-irradiated graphite were completed and demonstrated destruction of a graphite matrix by the THOR process at satisfactory rates. After gasifying the graphite, focus shifted to the effect of roasting graphite at high temperatures in inert gases with low concentrations of oxidizing gases to preferentially remove volatile radionuclides while minimizing the graphite mass loss to 5%. A radioactive graphite sleeve was imported from France to the US for these tests. Completed in April 2010, 'Phase I' of testing showed that the process removed >99% of H-3 and 46% of C-14 with <6% mass loss. Completed in September 2011, 'Phase II' testing achieved increased removals as high as 80% C-14. During Phase II, it was also discovered that roasting in a reducing atmosphere helped to limit the oxidation of the graphite. Future work seeks to explore the effects of reducing gases to limit the bulk oxidation of graphite. If the graphite could be decontaminated of long-lived radionuclides up to 95% for C-14 while minimizing mass loss to <5%, this would minimize the volume of any secondary waste streams and potentially lower the waste class of the larger bulk of graphite. Alternatively, if up to 95% decontamination of C-14 is achieved, the graphite may be completely gasified which could result in lower disposal. (authors)« less

Dynamic rating curve assessment in hydrometric stations and calculation of the associated uncertainties : Quality and monitoring indicators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morlot, Thomas; Perret, Christian; Favre, Anne-Catherine

2013-04-01

Whether we talk about safety reasons, energy production or regulation, water resources management is one of EDF's (French hydropower company) main concerns. To meet these needs, since the fifties EDF-DTG operates a hydrometric network that includes more than 350 hydrometric stations. The data collected allow real time monitoring of rivers (hydro meteorological forecasts at points of interests), as well as hydrological studies and the sizing of structures. Ensuring the quality of stream flow data is a priority. A rating curve is an indirect method of estimating the discharge in rivers based on water level measurements. The value of discharge obtained thanks to the rating curve is not entirely accurate due to the constant changes of the river bed morphology, to the precision of the gaugings (direct and punctual discharge measurements) and to the quality of the tracing. As time goes on, the uncertainty of the estimated discharge from a rating curve « gets older » and increases: therefore the final level of uncertainty remains particularly difficult to assess. Moreover, the current EDF capacity to produce a rating curve is not suited to the frequency of change of the stage-discharge relationship. The actual method does not take into consideration the variation of the flow conditions and the modifications of the river bed which occur due to natural processes such as erosion, sedimentation and seasonal vegetation growth. In order to get the most accurate stream flow data and to improve their reliability, this study undertakes an original « dynamic» method to compute rating curves based on historical gaugings from a hydrometric station. A curve is computed for each new gauging and a model of uncertainty is adjusted for each of them. The model of uncertainty takes into account the inaccuracies in the measurement of the water height, the quality of the tracing, the uncertainty of the gaugings and the aging of the confidence intervals calculated with a variographic analysis. These rating curves enable to provide values of stream flow taking into account the variability of flow conditions, while providing a model of uncertainties resulting from the aging of the rating curves. By taking into account the variability of the flow conditions and the life of the hydrometric station, this original dynamic method can answer important questions in the field of hydrometry such as « How many gaugings a year have to be made so as to produce stream flow data with an average uncertainty of X% ? » and « When and in which range of water flow do we have to realize those gaugings ? ». KEY WORDS : Uncertainty, Rating curve, Hydrometric station, Gauging, Variogram, Stream Flow

Effects of an exercise intervention using Dance Dance Revolution on endothelial function and other risk factors in overweight children.

PubMed

Murphy, Emily C-S; Carson, Linda; Neal, William; Baylis, Christine; Donley, David; Yeater, Rachel

2009-01-01

To determine whether an exercise intervention using an active video game (Dance Dance Revolution [DDR]) is effective in improving endothelial dysfunction (EDF) and other risk factors in overweight children. Thirty-five children (Body mass index > or = 85(th) percentile, mean age 10.21+/-1.67 years, 17 females) with EDF were assessed for flow-mediated dilation (FMD), lipids, insulin, glucose, NO(2)+NO(3), asymmetric dimethylarginine, symmetric dimethylarginine, l-arginine, height, weight, aerobic fitness, and blood pressure. In a subsample, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and adiponectin were also assessed. Subjects were randomly assigned to 12-weeks of aerobic exercise (EX) using DDR or to a non-exercising delayed-treatment control group (DTC). EX had significant improvements in FMD ( 5.56+/-5.04% compared with 0.263+/-4.54%, p=0.008), exercise time on the graded exercise test (53.59+/-91.54 compared with -12.83+/-68.10 seconds, p=0.025), mean arterial pressure (MAP) (-5.62+/-7.03 compared with -1.44+/-2.16 mmHg, p=0.05), weight (0.91+/-1.53 compared with 2.43+/-1.80 kg, p=0.017) and peak VO(2) (2.38+/-3.91 compared with -1.23+/-3.18 mg/kg/min, p=0.005) compared with the DTC. Thirteen EX subjects achieved normal EDF while ten did not. These groups differed at baseline with regard to total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Twelve weeks of DDR-use improved FMD, aerobic fitness, and MAP in overweight children. Improvements occurred without changes in inflammatory markers or nitric oxide production. The results document the need to explore relationships between obesity, endothelial function, inflammation, lipids, exercise intensity, and gender in a larger sample of overweight children.

MONTE CARLO SIMULATION OF METASTABLE OXYGEN PHOTOCHEMISTRY IN COMETARY ATMOSPHERES

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

Bisikalo, D. V.; Shematovich, V. I.; Gérard, J.-C.

2015-01-01

Cometary atmospheres are produced by the outgassing of material, mainly H{sub 2}O, CO, and CO{sub 2} from the nucleus of the comet under the energy input from the Sun. Subsequent photochemical processes lead to the production of other species generally absent from the nucleus, such as OH. Although all comets are different, they all have a highly rarefied atmosphere, which is an ideal environment for nonthermal photochemical processes to take place and influence the detailed state of the atmosphere. We develop a Monte Carlo model of the coma photochemistry. We compute the energy distribution functions (EDF) of the metastable O({supmore » 1}D) and O({sup 1}S) species and obtain the red (630 nm) and green (557.7 nm) spectral line shapes of the full coma, consistent with the computed EDFs and the expansion velocity. We show that both species have a severely non-Maxwellian EDF, that results in broad spectral lines and the suprathermal broadening dominates due to the expansion motion. We apply our model to the atmosphere of comet C/1996 B2 (Hyakutake) and 103P/Hartley 2. The computed width of the green line, expressed in terms of speed, is lower than that of the red line. This result is comparable to previous theoretical analyses, but in disagreement with observations. We explain that the spectral line shape does not only depend on the exothermicity of the photochemical production mechanisms, but also on thermalization, due to elastic collisions, reducing the width of the emission line coming from the O({sup 1}D) level, which has a longer lifetime.« less

Modifiable environmental obesity risk factors among elementary school children in a Mexico-us border city.

PubMed

López-Barrón, Rita Gabriela; Jiménez-Cruz, Arturo; Bacardí-Gascón, Montserrat

2015-05-01

The increasing overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) prevalence in Mexican children warrant the assessment of the environmental risk factors. To assess whether there is an association between food availability in children's environments and their food consumption with BMI z-score and waist circumference (WC). Six hundred and eighty four children, 264 parents, 22 teachers and cafeteria staff in the schools and street vendors participated in the study. Weight, height, and WC of 5(th) grade children were assessed. Food frequency, physical activity (PA) and eating habits questionnaires were applied to parents, children and teachers. A food inventory questionnaire was applied to parents, cafeteria staff in the schools, street vendors and stores near the schools. The children's mean age was 10.5. Twenty eight per cent of the children were overweight, 26% obese and 25% had abdominal obesity. A positive correlation was found between energy-dense foods (EDF), fruit and vegetable availability at home and their weekly consumption. Also a correlation between consumption of soft drinks and other EDF was found. The largest contributors to food consumption were the availability at home and at school (R2 = 0.11, p = 0.0001). Children's TV viewing was positively correlated with parents TV viewing time. For each hour of increase (from cero to seven) in daily TV viewing children were more likely to be overweight or obese (OR=1.22 95% CI 1.02-1.45, p=0.026). EDF, fruit and vegetable availability in and near home and school along with hours of TV viewing were positively associated with obesity. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

Guidelines on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis

PubMed Central

Knobler, R; Berlin, G; Calzavara-Pinton, P; Greinix, H; Jaksch, P; Laroche, L; Ludvigsson, J; Quaglino, P; Reinisch, W; Scarisbrick, J; Schwarz, T; Wolf, P; Arenberger, P; Assaf, C; Bagot, M; Barr, M; Bohbot, A; Bruckner-Tuderman, L; Dreno, B; Enk, A; French, L; Gniadecki, R; Gollnick, H; Hertl, M; Jantschitsch, C; Jung, A; Just, U; Klemke, C-D; Lippert, U; Luger, T; Papadavid, E; Pehamberger, H; Ranki, A; Stadler, R; Sterry, W; Wolf, IH; Worm, M; Zic, J; Zouboulis, CC; Hillen, U

2014-01-01

Background After the first investigational study on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma was published in 1983 with its subsequent recognition by the FDA for its refractory forms, the technology has shown significant promise in the treatment of other severe and refractory conditions in a multi-disciplinary setting. Among the major studied conditions are graft versus host disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, systemic sclerosis, solid organ transplant rejection and inflammatory bowel disease. Materials and methods In order to provide recognized expert practical guidelines for the use of this technology for all indications the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) proceeded to address these questions in the hands of the recognized experts within and outside the field of dermatology. This was done using the recognized and approved guidelines of EDF for this task. Results and conclusion These guidelines provide at present the most comprehensive available expert recommendations for the use of extracorporeal photopheresis based on the available published literature and expert consensus opinion. PMID:24354653

All-fiber tunable MMI fiber laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antonio-Lopez, J. E.; Castillo-Guzman, A.; May-Arrioja, D. A.; Selvas-Aguilar, R.; LiKamWa, P.

2009-05-01

We report on a novel tuning mechanism to fabricate an all-fiber tunable laser based on multimode interference (MMI) effects. It is well known that the wavelength response of MMI devices exhibits a linear dependence when the length of the multimode fiber (MMF) section. Therefore, tuning in the MMI filter is achieved using a ferrule (capillary tube of 127 μm diameter) filled with a liquid with a higher refractive index than that of the ferrule, which creates a variable liquid MMF. This liquid MMF is used to increase the effective length of the MMI filter and tuning takes place. Using this simple scheme, a tuning range of 30 nm was easily achieved, with very small insertion losses. The filter was tested within a typical Erbium doped fiber (EDF) ring laser cavity, and a tunable EDF laser covering the full C-band was demonstrated. The advantage of our laser is of course the simplicity of the tunable MMI filter, which results in an inexpensive tunable fiber laser.

Super-resolution of fluorescence-free plasmonic nanoparticles using enhanced dark-field illumination based on wavelength-modulation

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Peng; Lee, Seungah; Yu, Hyunung; ...

2015-06-15

Super-resolution imaging of fluorescence-free plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) was achieved using enhanced dark-field (EDF) illumination based on wavelength-modulation. Indistinguishable adjacent EDF images of 103-nm gold nanoparticles (GNPs), 40-nm gold nanorods (GNRs), and 80-nm silver nanoparticles (SNPs) were modulated at their wavelengths of specific localized surface plasmon scattering. The coordinates (x, y) of each NP were resolved by fitting their point spread functions with a two-dimensional Gaussian. The measured localization precisions of GNPs, GNRs, and SNPs were 2.5 nm, 5.0 nm, and 2.9 nm, respectively. From the resolved coordinates of NPs and the corresponding localization precisions, super-resolution images were reconstructed. Depending onmore » the spontaneous polarization of GNR scattering, the orientation angle of GNRs in two-dimensions was resolved and provided more elaborate localization information. This novel fluorescence-free super-resolution method was applied to live HeLa cells to resolve NPs and provided remarkable subdiffraction limit images.« less

Performance of a High-Concentration Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier with 100 nm Amplification Bandwidth

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

Hajireza, P.; Shahabuddin, N. S.; Abbasi-Zargaleh, S.

2010-07-07

Increasing demand for higher bandwidth has driven the need for higher Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) channels. One of the requirements to achieve this is a broadband amplifier. This paper reports the performance of a broadband, compact, high-concentration and silica-based erbium-doped fiber amplifier. The amplifier optimized to a 2.15 m long erbium-doped fiber with erbium ion concentration of 2000 ppm. The gain spectrum of the amplifier has a measured amplification bandwidth of 100 nm using a 980 nm laser diode with power of 150 mW. This silica-based EDFA shows lower noise figure, higher gain and wider bandwidth in shorter wavelengths comparedmore » to Bismuth-based EDFA with higher erbium ion concentration of 3250 ppm at equivalent EDF length. The silica-based EDF shows peak gain at 22 dB and amplification bandwidth between 1520 nm and 1620 nm. The lowest noise figure is 5 dB. The gain is further improved with the implementation of enhanced EDFA configurations.« less

Transient flow analysis linked to fast pressure disturbance monitored in pipe systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kueny, J. L.; Lourenco, M.; Ballester, J. L.

2012-11-01

EDF Hydro Division has launched the RENOUVEAU program in order to increase performance and improve plant availability through anticipation. Due to this program, a large penstocks fleet is equipped with pressure transducers linked to a special monitoring system. Any significant disturbance of the pressure is captured in a snapshot and the waveform of the signal is stored and analyzed. During these transient states, variations in flow are unknown. In order to determine the structural impact of such overpressure occurring during complex transients conditions over the entire circuit, EDF DTG has asked ENSE3 GRENOBLE to develop a code called ACHYL CF*. The input data of ACHYL CF are circuit topology and pressure boundaries conditions. This article provide a description of the computer code developed for modeling the transient flow in a pipe network using the signals from pressure transducers as boundary conditions. Different test cases will be presented, simulating real hydro power plants for which measured pressure signals are available.

Density dependence of the nuclear energy-density functional

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papakonstantinou, Panagiota; Park, Tae-Sun; Lim, Yeunhwan; Hyun, Chang Ho

2018-01-01

Background: The explicit density dependence in the coupling coefficients entering the nonrelativistic nuclear energy-density functional (EDF) is understood to encode effects of three-nucleon forces and dynamical correlations. The necessity for the density-dependent coupling coefficients to assume the form of a preferably small fractional power of the density ρ is empirical and the power is often chosen arbitrarily. Consequently, precision-oriented parametrizations risk overfitting in the regime of saturation and extrapolations in dilute or dense matter may lose predictive power. Purpose: Beginning with the observation that the Fermi momentum kF, i.e., the cubic root of the density, is a key variable in the description of Fermi systems, we first wish to examine if a power hierarchy in a kF expansion can be inferred from the properties of homogeneous matter in a domain of densities, which is relevant for nuclear structure and neutron stars. For subsequent applications we want to determine a functional that is of good quality but not overtrained. Method: For the EDF, we fit systematically polynomial and other functions of ρ1 /3 to existing microscopic, variational calculations of the energy of symmetric and pure neutron matter (pseudodata) and analyze the behavior of the fits. We select a form and a set of parameters, which we found robust, and examine the parameters' naturalness and the quality of resulting extrapolations. Results: A statistical analysis confirms that low-order terms such as ρ1 /3 and ρ2 /3 are the most relevant ones in the nuclear EDF beyond lowest order. It also hints at a different power hierarchy for symmetric vs. pure neutron matter, supporting the need for more than one density-dependent term in nonrelativistic EDFs. The functional we propose easily accommodates known or adopted properties of nuclear matter near saturation. More importantly, upon extrapolation to dilute or asymmetric matter, it reproduces a range of existing microscopic results, to which it has not been fitted. It also predicts a neutron-star mass-radius relation consistent with observations. The coefficients display naturalness. Conclusions: Having been already determined for homogeneous matter, a functional of the present form can be mapped onto extended Skyrme-type functionals in a straightforward manner, as we outline here, for applications to finite nuclei. At the same time, the statistical analysis can be extended to higher orders and for different microscopic (ab initio) calculations with sufficient pseudodata points and for polarized matter.

Single-mode single-frequency high peak power all-fiber MOPA at 1550 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotov, L. V.; Likhachev, M. E.; Bubnov, M. M.; Paramonov, V. M.; Belovolov, M. I.; Lipatov, D. S.; Guryanov, A. N.

2014-10-01

In this Report, we present a record-high-peak-power single-frequency master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) system based on a newly developed double-clad large-mode-area Yb-free Er-doped fiber (DC-LMA-EDF). A fiber Bragg grating wavelength-stabilized fiber-coupled diode laser at λ=1551 nm with ~2 MHz spectral width was used as the master oscillator. Its radiation was externally modulated with a 5 kHz repetition rate and 92 ns pulse duration and then amplified in a core-pumped Er-doped fiber amplifier up to an average power of 4 mW. The amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) generated at the last preamplifier stage was suppressed by a narrow-band (0.7 nm) DWDM filter. The last MOPA stage was based on the recently developed single-mode DC-LMA-EDF with a mode field diameter of 25 microns and pump clad-absorption of 3 dB/m at λ=980 nm. The pump and the signal were launched into this fiber through a commercial pump combiner in a co-propagating amplifier scheme. At first, we used a 3-m long DC-LMAEDF. In such configuration, a peak power of 800 W was achieved at the output of the amplifier together with a ~ 12 % pump conversion slope efficiency. Further power scaling was limited by SBS. After that we shortened the fiber length to 1 m. As a result, owing to large unabsorbed pump power, the efficiency decreased to ~5 %. However, a peak power of more than 3.5 kW was obtained before the SBS threshold. In this case, the pulse shape changed and its duration decreased to ~60 ns owing to inversion depletion after propagation of the forward front of the pulse. To the best of our knowledge, the peak power of more than 3.5 kW reported here is the highest value ever published for a single-frequency single-mode silica-based fiber laser system operating near λ=1550 nm.

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

Robledo, L. M.; Baldo, M.; Schuck, P.

We explore the deformation properties of the newly postulated Barcelona-Catania-Paris (BCP) energy density functional (EDF). The results obtained for three isotope chains of Mg, Dy, and Ra are compared to the available experimental data as well as to the results of the Gogny-D1S force. Results for the fission barrier of {sup 240}Pu are also discussed.

78 FR 17717 - Notice of Availability of the Record of Decision for the EDF Renewable Energy Desert Harvest...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-22

... decommission an up to 150-megawatt (MW), nominal capacity, alternating current, solar photovoltaic (PV) energy... Solar Field Project and California Desert Conservation Area Plan Amendment, Riverside County, California... California Desert Conservation Area (CDCA) Plan, for the Desert Harvest Solar Project (DHSP), in Riverside...

75 FR 26202 - Application To Export Electric Energy; EDF Trading North America, LLC

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-11

... power supply system. Copies of this application will be made available, upon request, for public... energy from the United States to Canada pursuant to section 202(e) of the Federal Power Act. DATES... from the United States to Canada as a power marketer using existing international transmission...

The dual pathway model of AD/HD: an elaboration of neuro-developmental characteristics.

PubMed

Sonuga-Barke, Edmund J S

2003-11-01

The currently dominant neuro-cognitive model of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) presents the condition as executive dysfunction (EDF) underpinned by disturbances in the fronto-dorsal striatal circuit and associated dopaminergic branches (e.g. meso-cortical). In contrast, motivationally-based accounts focus on altered reward processes and implicate fronto-ventral striatal reward circuits and those meso-limbic branches that terminate in the ventral striatum especially the nucleus accumbens. One such account, delay aversion (DEL), presents AD/HD as a motivational style-characterised by attempts to escape or avoid delay-arising from fundamental disturbances in these reward centres. While traditionally regarded as competing, EDF and DEL models have recently been presented as complimentary accounts of two psycho-patho-physiological subtypes of AD/HD with different developmental pathways, underpinned by different cortico-striatal circuits and modulated by different branches of the dopamine system. In the current paper we describe the development of this model in more detail. We elaborate on the neuro-circuitry possibly underpinning these two pathways and explore their developmental significance within a neuro-ecological framework.

Surface symmetry energy of nuclear energy density functionals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikolov, N.; Schunck, N.; Nazarewicz, W.; Bender, M.; Pei, J.

2011-03-01

We study the bulk deformation properties of the Skyrme nuclear energy density functionals (EDFs). Following simple arguments based on the leptodermous expansion and liquid drop model, we apply the nuclear density functional theory to assess the role of the surface symmetry energy in nuclei. To this end, we validate the commonly used functional parametrizations against the data on excitation energies of superdeformed band heads in Hg and Pb isotopes and fission isomers in actinide nuclei. After subtracting shell effects, the results of our self-consistent calculations are consistent with macroscopic arguments and indicate that experimental data on strongly deformed configurations in neutron-rich nuclei are essential for optimizing future nuclear EDFs. The resulting survey provides a useful benchmark for further theoretical improvements. Unlike in nuclei close to the stability valley, whose macroscopic deformability hangs on the balance of surface and Coulomb terms, the deformability of neutron-rich nuclei strongly depends on the surface symmetry energy; hence, its proper determination is crucial for the stability of deformed phases of the neutron-rich matter and description of fission rates for r-process nucleosynthesis.

Peaks Over Threshold (POT): A methodology for automatic threshold estimation using goodness of fit p-value

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solari, Sebastián.; Egüen, Marta; Polo, María. José; Losada, Miguel A.

2017-04-01

Threshold estimation in the Peaks Over Threshold (POT) method and the impact of the estimation method on the calculation of high return period quantiles and their uncertainty (or confidence intervals) are issues that are still unresolved. In the past, methods based on goodness of fit tests and EDF-statistics have yielded satisfactory results, but their use has not yet been systematized. This paper proposes a methodology for automatic threshold estimation, based on the Anderson-Darling EDF-statistic and goodness of fit test. When combined with bootstrapping techniques, this methodology can be used to quantify both the uncertainty of threshold estimation and its impact on the uncertainty of high return period quantiles. This methodology was applied to several simulated series and to four precipitation/river flow data series. The results obtained confirmed its robustness. For the measured series, the estimated thresholds corresponded to those obtained by nonautomatic methods. Moreover, even though the uncertainty of the threshold estimation was high, this did not have a significant effect on the width of the confidence intervals of high return period quantiles.

LLCEDATA and LLCECALC for Windows version 1.0, Volume 1: User`s manual

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

McFadden, J.G.

LLCEDATA and LLCECALC for Windows are user-friendly computer software programs that work together to determine the proper waste designation, handling, and disposition requirements for Long Length Contaminated Equipment (LLCE). LLCEDATA reads from a variety of data bases to produce an equipment data file (EDF) that represents a snapshot of both the LLCE and the tank it originates from. LLCECALC reads the EDF and a gamma assay (AV2) file that is produced by the Flexible Receiver Gamma Energy Analysis System. LLCECALC performs corrections to the AV2 file as it is being read and characterizes the LLCE. Both programs produce a varietymore » of reports, including a characterization report and a status report. The status report documents each action taken by the user, LLCEDATA, and LLCECALC. Documentation for LLCEDATA and LLCECALC for Windows is available in three volumes. Volume 1 is a user`s manual, which is intended as a quick reference for both LLCEDATA and LLCECALC. Volume 2 is a technical manual, and Volume 3 is a software verification and validation document.« less

Guidelines on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis.

PubMed

Knobler, R; Berlin, G; Calzavara-Pinton, P; Greinix, H; Jaksch, P; Laroche, L; Ludvigsson, J; Quaglino, P; Reinisch, W; Scarisbrick, J; Schwarz, T; Wolf, P; Arenberger, P; Assaf, C; Bagot, M; Barr, M; Bohbot, A; Bruckner-Tuderman, L; Dreno, B; Enk, A; French, L; Gniadecki, R; Gollnick, H; Hertl, M; Jantschitsch, C; Jung, A; Just, U; Klemke, C-D; Lippert, U; Luger, T; Papadavid, E; Pehamberger, H; Ranki, A; Stadler, R; Sterry, W; Wolf, I H; Worm, M; Zic, J; Zouboulis, C C; Hillen, U

2014-01-01

After the first investigational study on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma was published in 1983 with its subsequent recognition by the FDA for its refractory forms, the technology has shown significant promise in the treatment of other severe and refractory conditions in a multi-disciplinary setting. Among the major studied conditions are graft versus host disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, systemic sclerosis, solid organ transplant rejection and inflammatory bowel disease. In order to provide recognized expert practical guidelines for the use of this technology for all indications the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) proceeded to address these questions in the hands of the recognized experts within and outside the field of dermatology. This was done using the recognized and approved guidelines of EDF for this task. These guidelines provide at present the most comprehensive available expert recommendations for the use of extracorporeal photopheresis based on the available published literature and expert consensus opinion. © 2013 The Authors. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Maternal child-feeding practices and dietary inadequacy of 4-year-old children.

PubMed

Durão, Catarina; Andreozzi, Valeska; Oliveira, Andreia; Moreira, Pedro; Guerra, António; Barros, Henrique; Lopes, Carla

2015-09-01

This study aimed to evaluate the association between maternal perceived responsibility and child-feeding practices and dietary inadequacy of 4-year-old children. We studied 4122 mothers and children enrolled in the population-based birth cohort - Generation XXI (Porto, Portugal). Mothers self-completed the Child Feeding Questionnaire and a scale on covert and overt control, and answered to a food frequency questionnaire in face-to-face interviews. Using dietary guidelines for preschool children, adequacy intervals were defined: fruit and vegetables (F&V) 4-7 times/day; dairy 3-5 times/day; meat and eggs 5-10 times/week; fish 2-4 times/week. Inadequacy was considered as below or above these cut-points. For energy-dense micronutrient-poor foods and beverages (EDF), a tolerable limit was defined (<6 times/week). Associations between maternal perceived responsibility and child-feeding practices (restriction, monitoring, pressure to eat, overt and covert control) and children's diet were examined by logistic regression models. After adjustment for maternal BMI, education, and diet, and children's characteristics (sex, BMI z-scores), restriction, monitoring, overt and covert control were associated with 11-18% lower odds of F&V consumption below the interval defined as adequate. Overt control was also associated with 24% higher odds of their consumption above it. Higher perceived responsibility was associated with higher odds of children consuming F&V and dairy above recommendations. Pressure to eat was positively associated with consumption of dairy above the adequate interval. Except for pressure to eat, maternal practices were associated with 14-27% lower odds of inadequate consumption of EDF. In conclusion, children whose mothers had higher levels of covert control, monitoring, and restriction were less likely to consume F&V below recommendations and EDF above tolerable limits. Higher overt control and pressure to eat were associated, respectively, with higher possibility of children consuming F&V and dairy above recommendations. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Stable dual-wavelength single-longitudinal-mode ring erbium-doped fiber laser for optical generation of microwave frequency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, T.; Liang, G.; Miao, X.; Zhou, X.; Li, Q.

2012-05-01

We demonstrate a simple dual-wavelength ring erbium-doped fiber laser operating in single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) at room temperature. A pair of reflection type short-period fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs), which have two different center wavelengths of 1545.072 and 1545.284 nm, are used as the wavelength-selective component of the laser. A segment of unpumped polarization maintaining erbium-doped fiber (PM-EDF) is acted as a narrow multiband filter. By turning the polarization controller (PC) to enhance the polarization hole burning (PHB), the single-wavelength and dual-wavelength laser oscillations are observed at 1545.072 and 1545.284 nm. The output power variation is less than 0.6 dB for both wavelengths over a five-minute period and the optical signal to noise ratio (OSNR) is greater than 50 dB. By beating the dual-wavelengths at a photodetector (PD), a microwave signal at 26.44 GHz is demonstrated.

77 FR 61597 - Avalon Wind, LLC; Avalon Wind 2, LLC; Catalina Solar, LLC; Catalina Solar 2, LLC; Pacific Wind...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-10

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. EL12-109-000] Avalon Wind, LLC; Avalon Wind 2, LLC; Catalina Solar, LLC; Catalina Solar 2, LLC; Pacific Wind Lessee, LLC; Pacific Wind 2, LLC; Valentine Solar, LLC; EDF Renewable Development, Inc.; Notice of Petition for Declaratory...

Creating Educational Foundations in Developing Countries: Knowledge Challenges for the Tertiary Education of Secondary School Teachers in Malawi

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maluwa-Banda, Dixie; MacJessie-Mbewe, Samson

2005-01-01

Teacher education is an essential part of the teacher development process that deals with the art of acquiring knowledge, attitudes, and skills for the teaching profession. This paper discusses the creation of an educational foundations (EDF) knowledge base and the challenges for the tertiary education of secondary school teachers, using the…

Recent advances in rice genome and chromosome structure research by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

PubMed

Ohmido, Nobuko; Fukui, Kiichi; Kinoshita, Toshiro

2010-01-01

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is an effective method for the physical mapping of genes and repetitive DNA sequences on chromosomes. Physical mapping of unique nucleotide sequences on specific rice chromosome regions was performed using a combination of chromosome identification and highly sensitive FISH. Increases in the detection sensitivity of smaller DNA sequences and improvements in spatial resolution have ushered in a new phase in FISH technology. Thus, it is now possible to perform in situ hybridization on somatic chromosomes, pachytene chromosomes, and even on extended DNA fibers (EDFs). Pachytene-FISH allows the integration of genetic linkage maps and quantitative chromosome maps. Visualization methods using FISH can reveal the spatial organization of the centromere, heterochromatin/euchromatin, and the terminal structures of rice chromosomes. Furthermore, EDF-FISH and the DNA combing technique can resolve a spatial distance of 1 kb between adjacent DNA sequences, and the detection of even a 300-bp target is now feasible. The copy numbers of various repetitive sequences and the sizes of various DNA molecules were quantitatively measured using the molecular combing technique. This review describes the significance of these advances in molecular cytology in rice and discusses future applications in plant studies using visualization techniques.

New Approach for Studying Slow Fragmentation Kinetics in FT-ICR: Surface-Induced Dissociation Combined with Resonant Ejection

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

Laskin, Julia; Futrell, Jean H.

2015-02-01

We introduce a new approach for studying the kinetics of large ion fragmentation in the gas phase by coupling surface-induced dissociation (SID) in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer with resonant ejection of selected fragment ions using a relatively short (5 ms) ejection pulse. The approach is demonstrated for singly protonated angiotensin III ions excited by collisions with a self-assembled monolayer of alkylthiol on gold (HSAM). The overall decomposition rate and rate constants of individual reaction channels are controlled by varying the kinetic energy of the precursor ion in a range of 65–95 eV. The kinetics of peptidemore » fragmentation are probed by varying the delay time between resonant ejection and fragment ion detection at a constant total reaction time. RRKM modeling indicates that the shape of the kinetics plots is strongly affected by the shape and position of the energy deposition function (EDF) describing the internal energy distribution of the ion following ion-surface collision. Modeling of the kinetics data provides detailed information on the shape of the EDF and energy and entropy effects of individual reaction channels.« less

The Goal of Motivation in the Military. Soldier Satisfaction or Soldier Performance

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-06-09

soldier’s (E- 1 through E-,4) perceptions of 18 job-related factors, his/her level of performance and-" FOR" 1473 EDfTON Or I NOV 65 Is OBSOLETE UJCLAS...iv LIST OF FIGURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v CHAPTER 1 . THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING . ..... ....... .... 1 INTRODUCTION...81 RECOMKM•DATION .83. , . * 3 SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . .......... . . 84 liii LIST OF TABLES Table Page 1

Validation of the Spanish version of the Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia Scale for older people with dementia

PubMed Central

San Alberto Giraldos, Mercedes; López Leiva, Inmaculada; León Campos, Álvaro; Martí García, Celia; García Mayor, Silvia

2018-01-01

Aims To adapt the Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia Scale (EdFED) for use in a Spanish-speaking population and to assess its validity and reliability in patients with dementia. Method A cross-sectional study was carried out in two stages: 1. Cross-cultural adaptation (translation, back-translation, review by committee of experts, pilot test and weighting of results); 2. Clinimetric validation comprising interobserver reliability assessment, test-retest reliability and internal consistency. To determine construct validity, confirmatory factorial analysis and principal components analysis were performed by oblique rotations. Criteria validity was analysed using the Pearson correlation (p<0.05) with the BMI, MNA and analytical values of albumin, transferrin, cholesterol, absolute lymphocytes and total proteins. Data collection was carried out for six months in 2016 in nursing homes and Alzheimer’s day centers in the province of Málaga (Spain), at nine centers, with 262 patients (aged over 60 years and presenting feeding difficulties), 20 nurses, 20 professional caregivers and 103 family caregivers. Results A version of EdFED culturally adapted to Spanish was obtained. The sample presented the following characteristics: 76.3% women, mean age 82.3 years (SD: 7.9); MNA 18.73 (SD: 4.44); BMI 23.99 (SD: 4.72); serum albumin 3.79 mg/dl (SD: 0.36). A Cronbach’s alpha of 0.88 was obtained, with an inter-item global correlation of 0.43 and a homogeneity index ranging from 0.42 to 0.73. The exploratory factor analysis reproduced the three-factor model identified by the original authors, explaining 62.32% of the total variance. The criterion validity showed a good inverse correlation with MNA and a moderate one with albumin, total proteins, transferrin and BMI. Discussion The Spanish version of EdFED is reliable and valid for use in elderly people with dementia. The most appropriate for our environment is the three-factor model, which maintains the original factors, with a slight redistribution of the items. PMID:29486002

EAACI/GA(2)LEN/EDF/WAO guideline: management of urticaria.

PubMed

Zuberbier, T; Asero, R; Bindslev-Jensen, C; Walter Canonica, G; Church, M K; Giménez-Arnau, A M; Grattan, C E H; Kapp, A; Maurer, M; Merk, H F; Rogala, B; Saini, S; Sánchez-Borges, M; Schmid-Grendelmeier, P; Schünemann, H; Staubach, P; Vena, G A; Wedi, B

2009-10-01

This guideline, together with its sister guideline on the classification of urticaria (Zuberbier T, Asero R, Bindslev-Jensen C, Canonica GW, Church MK, Giménez-Arnau AM et al. EAACI/GA(2)LEN/EDF/WAO Guideline: definition, classification and diagnosis of urticaria. Allergy 2009;64: 1417-1426), is the result of a consensus reached during a panel discussion at the Third International Consensus Meeting on Urticaria, Urticaria 2008, a joint initiative of the Dermatology Section of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), the EU-funded network of excellence, the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA(2)LEN), the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) and the World Allergy Organization (WAO). As members of the panel, the authors had prepared their suggestions regarding management of urticaria before the meeting. The draft of the guideline took into account all available evidence in the literature (including Medline and Embase searches and hand searches of abstracts at international allergy congresses in 2004-2008) and was based on the existing consensus reports of the first and the second symposia in 2000 and 2004. These suggestions were then discussed in detail among the panel members and with the over 200 international specialists of the meeting to achieve a consensus using a simple voting system where appropriate. Urticaria has a profound impact on the quality of life and effective treatment is, therefore, required. The recommended first line treatment is new generation, nonsedating H(1)-antihistamines. If standard dosing is not effective, increasing the dosage up to four-fold is recommended. For patients who do not respond to a four-fold increase in dosage of nonsedating H(1)-antihistamines, it is recommended that second-line therapies should be added to the antihistamine treatment. In the choice of second-line treatment, both their costs and risk/benefit profiles are most important to consider. Corticosteroids are not recommended for long-term treatment due to their unavoidable severe adverse effects. This guideline was acknowledged and accepted by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS).

Flood hazard assessment for french NPPs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rebour, Vincent; Duluc, Claire-Marie; Guimier, Laurent

2015-04-01

This paper presents the approach for flood hazard assessment for NPP which is on-going in France in the framework of post-Fukushima activities. These activities were initially defined considering both European "stress tests" of NPPs pursuant to the request of the European Council, and the French safety audit of civilian nuclear facilities in the light of the Fukushima Daiichi accident. The main actors in that process are the utility (EDF is, up to date, the unique NPP's operator in France), the regulatory authority (ASN) and its technical support organization (IRSN). This paper was prepared by IRSN, considering official positions of the other main actors in the current review process, it was not officially endorsed by them. In France, flood hazard to be considered for design basis definition (for new NPPs and for existing NPPs in periodic safety reviews conducted every 10 years) was revised before Fukushima-Daichi accident, due to le Blayais NPP December 1999 experience (partial site flooding and loss of some safety classified systems). The paper presents in the first part an overview of the revised guidance for design basis flood. In order to address design extension conditions (conditions that could result from natural events exceeding the design basis events), a set of flooding scenarios have been defined by adding margins on the scenarios that are considered for the design. Due to the diversity of phenomena to be considered for flooding hazard, the margin assessment is specific to each flooding scenario in terms of parameter to be penalized and of degree of variation of this parameter. The general approach to address design extension conditions is presented in the second part of the paper. The next parts present the approach for five flooding scenarios including design basis scenario and additional margin to define design extension scenarios.

Clad-pumped Er-nanoparticle-doped fiber laser (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baker, Colin C.; Friebele, E. Joseph; Rhonehouse, Daniel L.; Marcheschi, Barbara A.; Peele, John R.; Kim, Woohong; Sanghera, Jasbinder S.; Zhang, Jun; Chen, Youming; Pattnaik, Radha K.; Dubinskii, Mark

2017-03-01

Erbium-doped fiber lasers are attractive for directed energy weapons applications because they operate in a wavelength region that is both eye-safer and a window of high atmospheric transmission. For these applications a clad-pumped design is desirable, but the Er absorption must be high because of the areal dilution of the doped core vs. the pump cladding. High Er concentrations typically lead to Er ion clustering, resulting in quenching and upconversion. Nanoparticle (NP) doping of the core overcomes these problems by physically surrounding the Er ions with a cage of Al and O in the NP, which keeps them separated to minimize excited state energy transfer. A significant issue is obtaining high Er concentrations without the NP agglomeration that degrades the optical properties of the fiber core. We have developed the process for synthesizing stable Er-NP suspension which have been used to fabricate EDFs with Er concentrations >90 dB/m at 1532 nm. Matched clad fibers have been evaluated in a core-pumped MOPA with pump and signal wavelengths of 1475 and 1560 nm, respectively, and efficiencies of 72% with respect to absorbed pump have been obtained. We have fabricated both NP- and solution-doped double clad fibers, which have been measured in a clad-pumped laser testbed using a 1532 nm pump. The 1595 nm laser efficiency of the NP-doped fiber was 47.7%, which is high enough for what is believed to be the first laser experiment with the cladding pumped, NP-doped fiber. Further improvements are likely with a shaped cladding and new low-index polymer coatings with lower absorption in the 1500 - 1600 nm range.

The competition of particle-vibration coupling and tensor interaction in spherical nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afanasjev, Anatoli; Litvinova, Elena

2014-09-01

The search for missing terms in the energy density functionals (EDF) is one of the leading directions in the development of nuclear density functional theory (DFT). Tensor force is one of possible candidates. However, despite extensive studies the questions about its effective strength and unambiguous signals still remain open. One of the main experimental benchmarks for the studies of tensor interaction is provided by the data on the single-particle states in the N = 82 and Z = 50 isotopes. The energy splittings of the proton h11 / 2 and g7 / 2 states in the Z = 50 isotopes and neutron 1i13 / 2 and 1h9 / 2 states in the N = 82 isotones are used in the definition of tensor force in the Skyrme DFT. However, in experiment these states are not ``mean-field'' states because of coupling with vibrations. Employing relativistic particle-vibration coupling (PVC) model we show that many features of these splittings can be reproduced when PVC is taken into account. This suggests the competition of PVC and tensor interaction and that tensor interaction should be weaker as compared with previous estimates. The search for missing terms in the energy density functionals (EDF) is one of the leading directions in the development of nuclear density functional theory (DFT). Tensor force is one of possible candidates. However, despite extensive studies the questions about its effective strength and unambiguous signals still remain open. One of the main experimental benchmarks for the studies of tensor interaction is provided by the data on the single-particle states in the N = 82 and Z = 50 isotopes. The energy splittings of the proton h11 / 2 and g7 / 2 states in the Z = 50 isotopes and neutron 1i13 / 2 and 1h9 / 2 states in the N = 82 isotones are used in the definition of tensor force in the Skyrme DFT. However, in experiment these states are not ``mean-field'' states because of coupling with vibrations. Employing relativistic particle-vibration coupling (PVC) model we show that many features of these splittings can be reproduced when PVC is taken into account. This suggests the competition of PVC and tensor interaction and that tensor interaction should be weaker as compared with previous estimates. This work has been supported by the U.S. Department of Energy under the Grant DE-FG02-07ER41459 and National Science Foundation Award PHY-1204486.

Ageing management of french NPP civil work structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gallitre, E.; Dauffer, D.

2011-04-01

This paper presents EDF practice about concrete structure ageing management, from the mechanisms analysis to the formal procedure which allows the French company to increase 900 MWe NPP lifetime until 40 years; it will also introduce its action plan for 60 years lifetime extension. This practice is based on a methodology which identifies every ageing mechanism; both plants feedback and state of the art are screened and conclusions are drawn up into an "ageing analysis data sheet". That leads at first to a collection of 57 data sheets which give the mechanism identification, the components that are concerned and an analysis grid which is designed to assess the safety risk. This analysis screens the reference documents describing the mechanism, the design lifetime hypotheses, the associated regulation or codification, the feedback experiences, the accessibility, the maintenance actions, the repair possibility and so one. This analysis has to lead to a conclusion about the risk taking into account monitoring and maintenance. If the data sheet conclusion is not clear enough, then a more detailed report is launched. The technical document which is needed, is a formal detailed report which summarizes every theoretical knowledge and monitoring data: its objective is to propose a solution for ageing management: this solution can include more inspections or specific research development, or additional maintenance. After a first stage on the 900 MWe units, only two generic ageing management detailed reports have been needed for the civil engineering part: one about reactor building containment, and one about other structures which focuses on concrete inflating reactions. The second stage consists on deriving this generic analysis (ageing mechanism and detailed reports) to every plant where a complete ageing report is required (one report for all equipments and structures of the plant, but specific for each reactor). This ageing management is a continuous process because the 57 generic data sheets set is updated every year and the detailed generic reports every five years. After this 40 year lifetime extension, EDF is preparing a 60 years lifetime action plan which includes R&D actions, specific industrial studies and also monitoring improvements.

Fission fragment charge and mass distributions in 239Pu(n ,f ) in the adiabatic nuclear energy density functional theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Regnier, D.; Dubray, N.; Schunck, N.; Verrière, M.

2016-05-01

Background: Accurate knowledge of fission fragment yields is an essential ingredient of numerous applications ranging from the formation of elements in the r process to fuel cycle optimization for nuclear energy. The need for a predictive theory applicable where no data are available, together with the variety of potential applications, is an incentive to develop a fully microscopic approach to fission dynamics. Purpose: In this work, we calculate the pre-neutron emission charge and mass distributions of the fission fragments formed in the neutron-induced fission of 239Pu using a microscopic method based on nuclear density functional theory (DFT). Methods: Our theoretical framework is the nuclear energy density functional (EDF) method, where large-amplitude collective motion is treated adiabatically by using the time-dependent generator coordinate method (TDGCM) under the Gaussian overlap approximation (GOA). In practice, the TDGCM is implemented in two steps. First, a series of constrained EDF calculations map the configuration and potential-energy landscape of the fissioning system for a small set of collective variables (in this work, the axial quadrupole and octupole moments of the nucleus). Then, nuclear dynamics is modeled by propagating a collective wave packet on the potential-energy surface. Fission fragment distributions are extracted from the flux of the collective wave packet through the scission line. Results: We find that the main characteristics of the fission charge and mass distributions can be well reproduced by existing energy functionals even in two-dimensional collective spaces. Theory and experiment agree typically within two mass units for the position of the asymmetric peak. As expected, calculations are sensitive to the structure of the initial state and the prescription for the collective inertia. We emphasize that results are also sensitive to the continuity of the collective landscape near scission. Conclusions: Our analysis confirms that the adiabatic approximation provides an effective scheme to compute fission fragment yields. It also suggests that, at least in the framework of nuclear DFT, three-dimensional collective spaces may be a prerequisite to reach 10% accuracy in predicting pre-neutron emission fission fragment yields.

Tunable and switchable dual-wavelength single polarization narrow linewidth SLM erbium-doped fiber laser based on a PM-CMFBG filter.

PubMed

Yin, Bin; Feng, Suchun; Liu, Zhibo; Bai, Yunlong; Jian, Shuisheng

2014-09-22

A tunable and switchable dual-wavelength single polarization narrow linewidth single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) erbium-doped fiber (EDF) ring laser based on polarization-maintaining chirped moiré fiber Bragg grating (PM-CMFBG) filter is proposed and demonstrated. For the first time as we know, the CMFBG inscribed on the PM fiber is applied for the wavelength-tunable and-switchable dual-wavelength laser. The PM-CMFBG filter with ultra-narrow transmission band (0.1 pm) and a uniform polarization-maintaining fiber Bragg grating (PM-FBG) are used to select the laser longitudinal mode. The stable single polarization SLM operation is guaranteed by the PM-CMFBG filter and polarization controller. A tuning range of about 0.25 nm with about 0.075 nm step is achieved by stretching the uniform PM-FBG. Meanwhile, the linewidth of the fiber laser for each wavelength is approximate 6.5 and 7.1 kHz with a 20 dB linewidth, which indicates the laser linewidth is approximate 325 Hz and 355 Hz FWHM.

Complex-energy approach to sum rules within nuclear density functional theory

DOE PAGES

Hinohara, Nobuo; Kortelainen, Markus; Nazarewicz, Witold; ...

2015-04-27

The linear response of the nucleus to an external field contains unique information about the effective interaction, correlations governing the behavior of the many-body system, and properties of its excited states. To characterize the response, it is useful to use its energy-weighted moments, or sum rules. By comparing computed sum rules with experimental values, the information content of the response can be utilized in the optimization process of the nuclear Hamiltonian or nuclear energy density functional (EDF). But the additional information comes at a price: compared to the ground state, computation of excited states is more demanding. To establish anmore » efficient framework to compute energy-weighted sum rules of the response that is adaptable to the optimization of the nuclear EDF and large-scale surveys of collective strength, we have developed a new technique within the complex-energy finite-amplitude method (FAM) based on the quasiparticle random- phase approximation. The proposed sum-rule technique based on the complex-energy FAM is a tool of choice when optimizing effective interactions or energy functionals. The method is very efficient and well-adaptable to parallel computing. As a result, the FAM formulation is especially useful when standard theorems based on commutation relations involving the nuclear Hamiltonian and external field cannot be used.« less

The EAACI/GA²LEN/EDF/WAO Guideline for the Definition, Classification, Diagnosis and Management of Urticaria. The 2017 Revision and Update.

PubMed

Zuberbier, T; Aberer, W; Asero, R; Abdul Latiff, A H; Baker, D; Ballmer-Weber, B; Bernstein, J A; Bindslev-Jensen, C; Brzoza, Z; Buense Bedrikow, R; Canonica, G W; Church, M K; Craig, T; Danilycheva, I V; Dressler, C; Ensina, L F; Giménez-Arnau, A; Godse, K; Gonçalo, M; Grattan, C; Hebert, J; Hide, M; Kaplan, A; Kapp, A; Katelaris, C H; Kocatürk, E; Kulthanan, K; Larenas-Linnemann, D; Leslie, T A; Magerl, M; Mathelier-Fusade, P; Meshkova, R Y; Metz, M; Nast, A; Nettis, E; Oude-Elberink, H; Rosumeck, S; Saini, S S; Sánchez-Borges, M; Schmid-Grendelmeier, P; Staubach, P; Sussman, G; Toubi, E; Vena, G A; Vestergaard, C; Wedi, B; Werner, R N; Zhao, Z; Maurer, M

2018-01-15

This evidence and consensus-based guideline was developed following the methods recommended by Cochrane and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) working group. The conference was held on December 1st, 2016. It is a joint initiative of the Dermatology Section of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), the EU-founded network of excellence, the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA²LEN), the European Dermatology Forum (EDF), and the World Allergy Organization (WAO) with the participation of 48 delegates of 42 national and international societies. This guideline was acknowledged and accepted by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). Urticaria is a frequent, mast cell-driven disease, presenting with wheals, angioedema, or both. The lifetime prevalence for acute urticaria is approximately 20%. Chronic spontaneous urticaria and other chronic forms of urticaria are disabling, impair quality of life, and affect performance at work and school. This guideline covers the definition and classification of urticaria, taking into account the recent progress in identifying its causes, eliciting factors and pathomechanisms. In addition, it outlines evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for the different subtypes of urticaria. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Development of a Mars Airplane Entry, Descent, and Flight Trajectory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murray, James E.; Tartabini, Paul V.

2001-01-01

An entry, descent, and flight (EDF) trajectory profile for a Mars airplane mission is defined as consisting of the following elements: ballistic entry of an aeroshell; supersonic deployment of a decelerator parachute; subsonic release of a heat shield; release, unfolding, and orientation of an airplane to flight attitude; and execution of a pull up maneuver to achieve trimmed, horizontal flight. Using the Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories (POST) a trajectory optimization problem was formulated. Model data representative of a specific Mars airplane configuration, current models of the Mars surface topography and atmosphere, and current estimates of the interplanetary trajectory, were incorporated into the analysis. The goal is to develop an EDF trajectory to maximize the surface-relative altitude of the airplane at the end of a pull up maneuver, while subject to the mission design constraints. The trajectory performance was evaluated for three potential mission sites and was found to be site-sensitive. The trajectory performance, examined for sensitivity to a number of design and constraint variables, was found to be most sensitive to airplane mass, aerodynamic performance characteristics, and the pull up Mach constraint. Based on the results of this sensitivity study, an airplane-drag optimized trajectory was developed that showed a significant performance improvement.

Long-distance fiber Bragg grating sensor system with a high optical signal-to-noise ratio based on a tunable fiber ring laser configuration.

PubMed

Rao, Yun-Jiang; Ran, Zeng-Ling; Chen, Rong-Rui

2006-09-15

A novel tunable fiber ring laser configuration with a combination of bidirectional Raman amplification and dual erbium-doped fiber (EDF) amplification is proposed for realizing high optical signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), long-distance, quasi-distributed fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensing systems with large capacities and low cost. The hybrid Raman-EDF amplification configuration arranged in the ring laser can enhance the optical SNR of FBG sensor signals significantly owing to the good combination of the high gain of the erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) and the low noise of the Raman amplification. Such a sensing system can support a large number of FBG sensors because of the use of a tunable fiber Fabry-Perot filter located within the ring laser and spatial division multiplexing for expansion of sensor channels. Experimental results show that an excellent optical SNR of approximately 60 dB has been achieved for a 50 km transmission distance with a low Raman pump power of approximately 170 mW at a wavelength of 1455 nm and a low EDFA pump power of approximately 40 mW at a wavelength of 980 nm, which is the highest optical SNR achieved so far for a 50 km long FBG sensor system, to our knowledge.

Assessment of the water balance over France using regionalized Turc-Pike formula

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le Lay, Matthieu; Garçon, Rémy; Gailhard, Joël; Garavaglia, Federico

2016-04-01

With extensive use of hydrological models over a wide range of hydro-climatic contexts, bias in hydro-climatic data may lead to unreliable models and thus hydrological forecasts and projections. This issue is particularly pregnant when considering mountainous areas with great uncertainties on precipitations, or when considering complex unconservative catchments (e.g. karstic systems). The Turc-Pike water balance formula, analogous to the classical Budyko formula, is a simple and efficient mathematical formulation relating long-term average streamflow to long-term average precipitation and potential evaporation. In this study, we propose to apply this framework to assess and eventually adjust the water-balance before calibrating an operational hydrologic model (MORDOR model). Considering a large set of 350 french catchments, the Turc-Pike formula is regionalized based on ecohydrologic criterions to handle various hydro-climatic contexts. This interannual regional model is then applied to assess the water-balance over numerous catchments and various conditions, such as karstic, snow-driven or glaciarized and even anthropized catchments. Results show that it is possible to obtain pretty realistic corrections of meteorological inputs (precipitations, temperature or potential evaporation) or hydrologic surface (or runoff). These corrections can often be confirmed a posteriori by exogenous information. Positive impacts on hydrologic model's calibration are also demonstrated. This methodology is now operational for hydrologic applications at EDF (Electricité de France, French electric utility company), and therefore applied on hundreds of catchments.

Vendor advertorial issue, 2004

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

Agnihotri, Newal

The focus of the July-August issue is on vendor advertorials. Major articles/reports in this issue include: A fascinating technology, by Andy White, GE Energy; Exciting times for the nuclear industry, by John Polcyn, AECL Technologies; SG replacement oversight program, by Ram Prabhakar, Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station; Modifications for improvement, by Herbert Deutschmann, Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate, HSK, Switzerland; and, Human factor approach in engineering, by Laure Quentin, EDF and Didier Niger, UNIPE, France.

Technical Reports Prepared Under Contract N00014-76-C-0475.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-05-29

264 Approximations to Densities in Geometric H. Solomon 10/27/78 Probability M.A. Stephens 3. Technical Relort No. Title Author Date 265 Sequential ...Certain Multivariate S. Iyengar 8/12/82 Normal Probabilities 323 EDF Statistics for Testing for the Gamma M.A. Stephens 8/13/82 Distribution with...20-85 Nets 360 Random Sequential Coding By Hamming Distance Yoshiaki Itoh 07-11-85 Herbert Solomon 361 Transforming Censored Samples And Testing Fit

EDF's studies and first choices regarding the design of electrical equipment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paris, Michel; Metzger, Gisele; Pays, Michel; Pasdeloup, Maurice

1988-01-01

In the performance of its studies and in its first choices, Electricite de France has taken into account the three parameters that have been judged essential for its electrical installations: flammability and flame propagation; smoke opacity; and corrosiveness and toxicity of emitted gases. In this research, materials tests have been widely developed in order to insure simple manufacturing controls, and to decrease the costly testing of near to full size models.

Impact of the deployment schedule of fast breeding reactors in the frame of French act for nuclear materials and radioactive waste management

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

Le Mer, J.; Garzenne, C.; Lemasson, D.

In the frame of the French Act of June 28, 2006 on 'a sustainable management of nuclear materials and radioactive waste' EDF R and D assesses various research scenarios of transition between the actual French fleet and a Generation IV fleet with a closed fuel cycle where plutonium is multi-recycled. The basic scenarios simulate a deployment of 60 GWe of Sodium-cooled Fast Reactors (SFRs) in two steps: one third from 2040 to 2050 and the rest from 2080 to 2100 (scenarios 2040). These research scenarios assume that SFR technology will be ready for industrial deployment in 2040. One of themore » many sensitivity analyses that EDF, as a nuclear power plant operator, must evaluate is the impact of a delay of SFR technology in terms of uranium consumptions, plutonium needs and fuel cycle utilities gauging. The sensitivity scenarios use the same assumptions as scenarios 2040 but they simulate a different transition phase: SFRs are deployed in one step between 2080 and 2110 (scenarios 2080). As the French Act states to conduct research on minor actinides (MA) management, we studied different options for 2040 and 2080 scenarios: no MA transmutation, americium transmutation in heterogeneous mode based on americium Bearing Blankets (AmBB) in SFRs and all MA transmutation in heterogeneous mode based on MA Bearing Blankets (MABB). Moreover, we studied multiple parameters that could impact the deployment of these reactors (SFR load factor, increase of the use of MOX in Light Water Reactors, increase of the cooling time in spent nuclear fuel storage...). Each scenario has been computed with the EDF R and D fuel cycle simulation code TIRELIRE-STRATEGIE and optimized to meet various fuel cycle constraints such as using the reprocessing facility with long period of constant capacity, keeping the temporary stored mass of plutonium and MA under imposed limits, recycling older assemblies first... These research scenarios show that the transition from the current PWR fleet to an equivalent fleet of Generation IV SFR can follow different courses. The design of SFR-V2B that we used in our studies needs a high inventory of plutonium resulting in tension on this resource. Several options can be used in order to loosen this tension: our results lead to favour the use of axial breeding blanket in SFR. Load factor of upcoming reactors has to be regarded with attention as it has a high impact on plutonium resource for a given production of electricity. The deployment of SFRs beginning in 2080 instead of 2040 following the scenarios we described creates higher tensions on reprocessing capacity, separated plutonium storage and spent fuel storage. In the frame of the French Act, we studied minor actinides transmutation. The flux of MA in all fuel cycle plants is really high, which will lead to decay heat, a and neutron emission related problems. In terms of reduction of MA inventories, the deployment of MA transmutation cycle must not delay the installation of SFRs. The plutonium production in MABB and AmBB does not allow reducing the use of axial breeding blankets. The impact of MA or Am transmutation over the high level waste disposal is more important if the SFRs are deployed later. Transmutation option (americium or all MA) does not have a significant impact on the number of canister produced nor on its long-term thermal properties. (authors)« less

Long-term analyses of snow dynamics within the french Alps on the 1900-2100 period. Analyses of historical snow water equivalent observations, modelisations and projections of a hundred of snow courses.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mathevet, T.; Joel, G.; Gottardi, F.; Nemoz, B.

2017-12-01

The aim of this communication is to present analyses of climate variability and change on snow water equivalent (SWE) observations, reconstructions (1900-2016) and scenarii (2020-2100) of a hundred of snow courses dissiminated within the french Alps. This issue became particularly important since a decade, in regions where snow variability had a large impact on water resources availability, poor snow conditions in ski resorts and artificial snow production. As a water resources manager in french mountainuous regions, EDF (french hydropower company) has developed and managed a hydrometeorological network since 1950. A recent data rescue research allowed to digitize long term SWE manual measurments of a hundred of snow courses within the french Alps. EDF have been operating an automatic SWE sensors network, complementary to the snow course network. Based on numerous SWE observations time-series and snow accumulation and melt model (Garavaglia et al., 2017), continuous daily historical SWE time-series have been reconstructed within the 1950-2016 period. These reconstructions have been extented to 1900 using 20 CR reanalyses (ANATEM method, Kuentz et al., 2015) and up to 2100 using GIEC Climate Change scenarii. Considering various mountainous areas within the french Alps, this communication focuses on : (1) long term (1900-2016) analyses of variability and trend of total precipitation, air temperature, snow water equivalent, snow line altitude, snow season length , (2) long term variability of hydrological regime of snow dominated watersheds and (3) future trends (2020 -2100) using GIEC Climate Change scenarii. Comparing historical period (1950-1984) to recent period (1984-2016), quantitative results within a region in the north Alps (Maurienne) shows an increase of air temperature by 1.2 °C, an increase of snow line height by 200m, a reduction of SWE by 200 mm/year and a reduction of snow season length by 15 days. These analyses will be extended from north to south of the Alps, on a region spanning 200 km. Caracterisation of the increase of snow line height and SWE reduction are particularly important at a local and watershed scale. This long term change of snow dynamics within moutainuous regions both impacts snow resorts and artificial snow production developments and multi-purposes dam reservoirs managments.

LLCEDATA and LLCECALC for Windows version 1.0, Volume 3: Software verification and validation

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

McFadden, J.G.

1998-09-04

LLCEDATA and LLCECALC for Windows are user-friendly computer software programs that work together to determine the proper waste designation, handling, and disposition requirements for Long Length Contaminated Equipment (LLCE). LLCEDATA reads from a variety of data bases to produce an equipment data file(EDF) that represents a snapshot of both the LLCE and the tank from which it originates. LLCECALC reads the EDF and the gamma assay file (AV2) that is produced by the flexible Receiver Gamma Energy Analysis System. LLCECALC performs corrections to the AV2 file as it is being read and characterizes the LLCE. Both programs produce a varietymore » of reports, including a characterization report and a status report. The status report documents each action taken by the user, LLCEDATA, and LLCECALC. Documentation for LLCEDATA and LLCECALC for Windows is available in three volumes. Volume 1 is a user`s manual, which is intended as a quick reference for both LLCEDATA and LLCECALC. Volume 2 is a technical manual, which discusses system limitations and provides recommendations to the LLCE process. Volume 3 documents LLCEDATA and LLCECALC`s verification and validation. Two of the three installation test cases, from Volume 1, are independently confirmed. Data bases used in LLCEDATA are verified and referenced. Both phases of LLCECALC process gamma and characterization, are extensively tested to verify that the methodology and algorithms used are correct.« less

Breast cancer detection using time reversal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheikh Sajjadieh, Mohammad Hossein

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer among women. Mammography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have certain limitations in detecting breast cancer, especially during its early stage of development. A number of studies have shown that microwave breast cancer detection has potential to become a successful clinical complement to the conventional X-ray mammography. Microwave breast imaging is performed by illuminating the breast tissues with an electromagnetic waveform and recording its reflections (backscatters) emanating from variations in the normal breast tissues and tumour cells, if present, using an antenna array. These backscatters, referred to as the overall (tumour and clutter) response, are processed to estimate the tumour response, which is applied as input to array imaging algorithms used to estimate the location of the tumour. Due to changes in the breast profile over time, the commonly utilized background subtraction procedures used to estimate the target (tumour) response in array processing are impractical for breast cancer detection. The thesis proposes a new tumour estimation algorithm based on a combination of the data adaptive filter with the envelope detection filter (DAF/EDF), which collectively do not require a training step. After establishing the superiority of the DAF/EDF based approach, the thesis shows that the time reversal (TR) array imaging algorithms outperform their conventional conterparts in detecting and localizing tumour cells in breast tissues at SNRs ranging from 15 to 30dB.

The EAACI/GA(2) LEN/EDF/WAO Guideline for the definition, classification, diagnosis, and management of urticaria: the 2013 revision and update.

PubMed

Zuberbier, T; Aberer, W; Asero, R; Bindslev-Jensen, C; Brzoza, Z; Canonica, G W; Church, M K; Ensina, L F; Giménez-Arnau, A; Godse, K; Gonçalo, M; Grattan, C; Hebert, J; Hide, M; Kaplan, A; Kapp, A; Abdul Latiff, A H; Mathelier-Fusade, P; Metz, M; Nast, A; Saini, S S; Sánchez-Borges, M; Schmid-Grendelmeier, P; Simons, F E R; Staubach, P; Sussman, G; Toubi, E; Vena, G A; Wedi, B; Zhu, X J; Maurer, M

2014-07-01

This guideline is the result of a systematic literature review using the 'Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation' (GRADE) methodology and a structured consensus conference held on 28 and 29 November 2012, in Berlin. It is a joint initiative of the Dermatology Section of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), the EU-funded network of excellence, the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA(2) LEN), the European Dermatology Forum (EDF), and the World Allergy Organization (WAO) with the participation of delegates of 21 national and international societies. Urticaria is a frequent, mast cell-driven disease, presenting with wheals, angioedema, or both. The life-time prevalence for acute urticaria is approximately 20%. Chronic spontaneous urticaria and other chronic forms of urticaria do not only cause a decrease in quality of life, but also affect performance at work and school and, as such, are members of the group of severe allergic diseases. This guideline covers the definition and classification of urticaria, taking into account the recent progress in identifying its causes, eliciting factors and pathomechanisms. In addition, it outlines evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for the different subtypes of urticaria. This guideline was acknowledged and accepted by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Two programmed cell death systems in Escherichia coli: an apoptotic-like death is inhibited by the mazEF-mediated death pathway.

PubMed

Erental, Ariel; Sharon, Idith; Engelberg-Kulka, Hanna

2012-01-01

In eukaryotes, the classical form of programmed cell death (PCD) is apoptosis, which has as its specific characteristics DNA fragmentation and membrane depolarization. In Escherichia coli a different PCD system has been reported. It is mediated by the toxin-antitoxin system module mazEF. The E. coli mazEF module is one of the most thoroughly studied toxin-antitoxin systems. mazF encodes a stable toxin, MazF, and mazE encodes a labile antitoxin, MazE, which prevents the lethal effect of MazF. mazEF-mediated cell death is a population phenomenon requiring the quorum-sensing pentapeptide NNWNN designated Extracellular Death Factor (EDF). mazEF is triggered by several stressful conditions, including severe damage to the DNA. Here, using confocal microscopy and FACS analysis, we show that under conditions of severe DNA damage, the triggered mazEF-mediated cell death pathway leads to the inhibition of a second cell death pathway. The latter is an apoptotic-like death (ALD); ALD is mediated by recA and lexA. The mazEF-mediated pathway reduces recA mRNA levels. Based on these results, we offer a molecular model for the maintenance of an altruistic characteristic in cell populations. In our model, the ALD pathway is inhibited by the altruistic EDF-mazEF-mediated death pathway.

Non destructive testing of concrete nuclear containment plants with surface waves: Lab experiment on decimeter slabs and on the VeRCoRs mock-up

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abraham, Odile; Legland, Jean-Baptiste; Durand, Olivier; Hénault, Jean-Marie; Garnier, Vincent

2018-04-01

The maintenance and evaluation of concrete nuclear containment walls is a major concern as they must, in case of an accident, ensure the confinement of the nuclear radiations and resist to the loads. A homemade multi-receiver multi-source dry contact linear probe to record ultrasonic surface waves on concrete in the frequency range [60 kHz - 200 kHz] has been used in this context. The measurement protocol includes the summation of up to 50 spatially distributed seismograms and the determination of the surface waves phase velocity dispersion curve. The probe has been tested against several concrete states under no loading (water saturation level, temperature damage). Then, the same measurements have been performed on sound and fire damaged slabs submitted to uniaxial loading (stress up to 30 % of the concrete compression resistance). It is shown that the robustness and precision of the surface waves measurement protocol make it possible to follow the stress level. In March 2017 a first experiment with this surface wave probe has been conducted on a reduced 1:3 scale nuclear containment plant (EDF VeRCoRs mock-up) under loading conditions that replicates that of decennial inspection. The surface wave phase velocity dispersion curves of each state are compared and cross-validated with other NDT results.

Environmental Impact Analysis Process. Final Environmental Impact Statement. Part 2. Proposed High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program.

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-07-01

there are any. The recent set of articles in gcience (1) on the effects of Electromagnetic Fields (EDF) states quite clearly and accurately that we...gone into the explanation of how the HAARP will impact the areas most closely related to the study subject, associated electromagnetic fields and...during break-up each year. page 4-90. Exposure to Humans . This first paragraph is terrible. Concerned citizens will be looking here first to learn if

Octupole correlations in the 144Ba nucleus described with symmetry-conserving configuration-mixing calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernard, Rémi N.; Robledo, Luis M.; Rodríguez, Tomás R.

2016-06-01

We study the interplay of quadrupole and octupole degrees of freedom in the structure of the isotope 144Ba. A symmetry-conserving configuration-mixing method (SCCM) based on a Gogny energy density functional (EDF) has been used. The method includes particle number, parity, and angular momentum restoration as well as axial quadrupole and octupole shape mixing within the generator coordinate method. Predictions both for excitation energies and electromagnetic transition probabilities are in good agreement with the most recent experimental data.

Is the economic value of hydrological forecasts related to their quality? Case study of the hydropower sector.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cassagnole, Manon; Ramos, Maria-Helena; Thirel, Guillaume; Gailhard, Joël; Garçon, Rémy

2017-04-01

The improvement of a forecasting system and the evaluation of the quality of its forecasts are recurrent steps in operational practice. However, the evaluation of forecast value or forecast usefulness for better decision-making is, to our knowledge, less frequent, even if it might be essential in many sectors such as hydropower and flood warning. In the hydropower sector, forecast value can be quantified by the economic gain obtained with the optimization of operations or reservoir management rules. Several hydropower operational systems use medium-range forecasts (up to 7-10 days ahead) and energy price predictions to optimize hydropower production. Hence, the operation of hydropower systems, including the management of water in reservoirs, is impacted by weather, climate and hydrologic variability as well as extreme events. In order to assess how the quality of hydrometeorological forecasts impact operations, it is essential to first understand if and how operations and management rules are sensitive to input predictions of different quality. This study investigates how 7-day ahead deterministic and ensemble streamflow forecasts of different quality might impact the economic gains of energy production. It is based on a research model developed by Irstea and EDF to investigate issues relevant to the links between quality and value of forecasts in the optimisation of energy production at the short range. Based on streamflow forecasts and pre-defined management constraints, the model defines the best hours (i.e., the hours with high energy prices) to produce electricity. To highlight the link between forecasts quality and their economic value, we built several synthetic ensemble forecasts based on observed streamflow time series. These inputs are generated in a controlled environment in order to obtain forecasts of different quality in terms of accuracy and reliability. These forecasts are used to assess the sensitivity of the decision model to forecast quality. Relationships between forecast quality and economic value are discussed. This work is part of the IMPREX project, a research project supported by the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Framework programme, with grant No. 641811 (http://www.imprex.eu)

DeepSleepNet: A Model for Automatic Sleep Stage Scoring Based on Raw Single-Channel EEG.

PubMed

Supratak, Akara; Dong, Hao; Wu, Chao; Guo, Yike

2017-11-01

This paper proposes a deep learning model, named DeepSleepNet, for automatic sleep stage scoring based on raw single-channel EEG. Most of the existing methods rely on hand-engineered features, which require prior knowledge of sleep analysis. Only a few of them encode the temporal information, such as transition rules, which is important for identifying the next sleep stages, into the extracted features. In the proposed model, we utilize convolutional neural networks to extract time-invariant features, and bidirectional-long short-term memory to learn transition rules among sleep stages automatically from EEG epochs. We implement a two-step training algorithm to train our model efficiently. We evaluated our model using different single-channel EEGs (F4-EOG (left), Fpz-Cz, and Pz-Oz) from two public sleep data sets, that have different properties (e.g., sampling rate) and scoring standards (AASM and R&K). The results showed that our model achieved similar overall accuracy and macro F1-score (MASS: 86.2%-81.7, Sleep-EDF: 82.0%-76.9) compared with the state-of-the-art methods (MASS: 85.9%-80.5, Sleep-EDF: 78.9%-73.7) on both data sets. This demonstrated that, without changing the model architecture and the training algorithm, our model could automatically learn features for sleep stage scoring from different raw single-channel EEGs from different data sets without utilizing any hand-engineered features.

Communicating uncertainty in hydrological forecasts: mission impossible?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramos, Maria-Helena; Mathevet, Thibault; Thielen, Jutta; Pappenberger, Florian

2010-05-01

Cascading uncertainty in meteo-hydrological modelling chains for forecasting and integrated flood risk assessment is an essential step to improve the quality of hydrological forecasts. Although the best methodology to quantify the total predictive uncertainty in hydrology is still debated, there is a common agreement that one must avoid uncertainty misrepresentation and miscommunication, as well as misinterpretation of information by users. Several recent studies point out that uncertainty, when properly explained and defined, is no longer unwelcome among emergence response organizations, users of flood risk information and the general public. However, efficient communication of uncertain hydro-meteorological forecasts is far from being a resolved issue. This study focuses on the interpretation and communication of uncertain hydrological forecasts based on (uncertain) meteorological forecasts and (uncertain) rainfall-runoff modelling approaches to decision-makers such as operational hydrologists and water managers in charge of flood warning and scenario-based reservoir operation. An overview of the typical flow of uncertainties and risk-based decisions in hydrological forecasting systems is presented. The challenges related to the extraction of meaningful information from probabilistic forecasts and the test of its usefulness in assisting operational flood forecasting are illustrated with the help of two case-studies: 1) a study on the use and communication of probabilistic flood forecasting within the European Flood Alert System; 2) a case-study on the use of probabilistic forecasts by operational forecasters from the hydroelectricity company EDF in France. These examples show that attention must be paid to initiatives that promote or reinforce the active participation of expert forecasters in the forecasting chain. The practice of face-to-face forecast briefings, focusing on sharing how forecasters interpret, describe and perceive the model output forecasted scenarios, is essential. We believe that the efficient communication of uncertainty in hydro-meteorological forecasts is not a mission impossible. Questions remaining unanswered in probabilistic hydrological forecasting should not neutralize the goal of such a mission, and the suspense kept should instead act as a catalyst for overcoming the remaining challenges.

Proven clean coal technology at work: The Provence 250 MW CFB boiler

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

Lucat, P.; Jacquet, L.; Roulet, V.

The successful start-up, in the last months of 1995, of the 250 MW Provence/Gardanne unit represents a significant milestone in the development of atmospheric Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) boilers for power stations. This high performance unit (over 700 tonnes/hour of steam at 169 bar, 567 C, with reheat at 566 C) has been in operation since April 1996. It is the first CFB boiler in the world to reach such a capacity. CFB boilers, with their excellent SO{sub 2} and NOx emission control capability, are today recognized as a very attractive Clean Coal Technology, particularly because of their simplicity. Themore » Provence/Gardanne project is part of a French development program for large CFB boilers which has been elaborated in the perspective of domestic applications (mainly future semi-base load units) and of the overseas market. It responds to the converging interests of Electricite de France (EDF), Charbonnages de France (CdF)and GEC ALSTHOM Stein Industrie. Besides comprehensive R and D-type investigations aiming at an in-depth understanding of the CFB process and preparing for future scale-up and development, this program has already been marked by two outstanding commercial repowering projects: a 125 MW unit, in operation since 1990 at the Emile Huchet Power Station, and the 250 MW Provence unit. These boilers have been designed and supplied by GEC ALSTHOM Stein Industrie in the framework of their long standing cooperation with Lurgi, a pioneer of the CFB process. The main components are: (1) Furnace; (2) Cyclone; (3) Back-pass; (4) Ash cooler; (5) External Heat Exchanger. However, a brief discussion of some key design options affecting bed performance is necessary to better understand this technology. The paper describes the design of the system, the retrofitting project at Emile Huchet/Carling, and then gives background information on the Provence/Gardanne retrofit, describing SO{sub 2} emissions, the 250 MW boiler, and results from the performance tests. The recent performance tests as well as the operating experience already accumulated demonstrates that the Provence Clean Energy Project participants have successfully overcome the scale-up challenge represented by the construction of the first 250 MW CFB boiler in the world. This simple and attractive clean coal technology is now ready for many commercial applications in power stations. Units up to 300-400 MW can be built right now, using the lessons learned at Provence. Development of 600 MW-class CFB boilers, subcritical or supercritical, appears within reach in the near future.« less

Basic design studies for a 600 MWe CFB boiler (270b, 2 x 600 C)

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

Bursi, J.M.; Lafanechere, L.; Jestin, L.

Commercial CFB boilers are currently available in the 300 MWe equivalent range for use with international coal. Retrofitting of Provence 4 with a 250 MWe CFB boiler was an important step in CFB development. In light of the results obtained from two large French units--Emile Huchet 4 (125 MWe) and Provence 4 (250 MWe)--this paper focuses on the main technical points which are currently being studied in relation to the basic design of a 600 MWe CFB boiler, a project that has been undertaken by EDF. The general aim of this project is to demonstrate the competitiveness of a CFBmore » boiler compared with a PF boiler. The main areas of focus in the design of this large CFB boiler with advanced steam conditions are described. These points are subjected to particular analysis from a design standpoint. The objective is to prepare the precise specifications needed to ensure a product which is optimized in terms of quality/cost or service/cost. Due to the present lack of theoretical understanding of the refined and complex two-phase flow, design is a challenge which has to be based on reliable and comprehensive data obtained from large plants in commercial operation. This will ensure that the advantages of CFB which arise from the hydrodynamics within the circulation loop are maintained. The major goals of maintaining good particle residence time and concentration in the furnace are described. Misunderstanding of CFB furnace bottom conditions is also pointed out, with cost reduction and better NO{sub x} capture certainly among the major new targets in relation to bottom furnace design. General problems associated with the heat exchanger arrangement, principally those linked to high steam conditions and, especially, the vaporization system, are discussed. Once again, comparison with PF in this area showed that CFB boilers appear more competitive. Finally, the main area in which there is a need for sharing of CFB experience among CFB users is pointed out.« less

Recent progress of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers and their components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fukushima, Masaru; Miura, Jutaro

2007-09-01

The Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA) are widely available in a today's commercial market, and are deployed in various optical transmission applications from terrestrial system to undersea system. Broad gain spectrum over 9 THz enabled huge growth of bandwidth usage in 1550nm region aimed at broadband Internet, and its broad gain characteristics triggered bandwidth competition on dense wavelength division multiplex (DWDM) network these ten years. At first, we briefly review the evolutional history of EDFA with previous achievements. And we will explain the primary and important key devices which compose EDFA. We will discuss design parameters, and recent trend and achievements of the devices, which cover Erbium-doped fibers (EDF), 980-nm laser diodes (LD), and gain flattening filters (GFFs). The chip structure of 980-nm LD is explained to achieve high power and to realize high reliability. These key devices enabled EDFA to prevail in commercial area. After the discussion of key components, we will introduce recent achievements of gain controlled EDFAs which are applied in conjunction with Re-configurable Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer (ROADM). We will report the transient gain dynamics of the cascaded EDFAs with a recirculating loop experiment.

A Modified Cramer-von Mises and Anderson-Darling Test for the Weibull Distribution with Unknown Location and Scale Parameters.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-12-01

preventing the generation of 16 6 negative location estimators. Because of the invariant pro- perty of the EDF statistics, this transformation will...likelihood. If the parameter estimation method developed by Harter and Moore is used, care must be taken to prevent the location estimators from being...vs A 2 Critical Values, Level-.Ol, n-30 128 , 0 6N m m • w - APPENDIX E Computer Prgrams 129 Program to Calculate the Cramer-von Mises Critical Values

Proceedings of the International Conference on the Performance of Off-Road Vehicles and Machines (8th). Volume 3. Held at Cambridge England, on August 5-11, 1984.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-08-01

energy-savIng propulsion systems for tracked all- -terrain vehicles with extremely high mobility. Mong many proposed idea, Sthoeof hybrid -electric...propulsion system are dominant. Hybrid -electric propulsion system are hybrids In which at least one of the energy stores, sources or convertors can...Aer’teed b*.of I F~ Po ’edfJr* dema. 1046 Modern newly designed energy-saving hybrid -electric propulsion systems work on tracked all-terrain vehicles are

US Army Research Laboratory Directed Energy Internship Program 2014

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-11-01

7 1400–1800 nm. However, when making EDFs, the solubility of Er in traditional silica ( SiO2 )-based glass is low and the ions that successfully...Thus, either half or all of the energy in a pair of excited ions could be wasted. In traditional SiO2 -based Er-doped glass (Er-SD), Er is co-doped...upconversion, Er-doped SiO2 NPs (Er-NP) are doped into the glass core of a fiber. This process is thought to create a cage of Al and O ions around each Er

Prospective scenarios of nuclear energy evolution over the 21. century

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

Massara, S.; Tetart, P.; Garzenne, C.

2006-07-01

In this paper, different world scenarios of nuclear energy development over the 21. century are analyzed, by means of the EDF fuel cycle simulation code for nuclear scenario studies, TIRELIRE - STRATEGIE. Three nuclear demand scenarios are considered, and the performance of different nuclear strategies in satisfying these scenarios is analyzed and discussed, focusing on natural uranium consumption and industrial requirements related to the nuclear reactors and the associated fuel cycle facilities. Both thermal-spectrum systems (Pressurized Water Reactor and High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor) and Fast Reactors are investigated. (authors)

Longannet unit 2 return to service after gas reburn retrofit

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

Golland, E.; De Santis, R.; McPhail, J.

1998-07-01

A gas reburning system, to demonstrate the economic and technical viability of the technology as a means of reducing emissions of oxides of nitrogen, has been installed on a 600 Mwe coal fired boiler at Longannet Power Station, owned and operated by ScottishPower. The Project, which was awarded a grant under the European Commissions THERMIE Programme, is being undertaken by ScottishPower in conjunction with a number of European partners, namely: British Gas, ESB, ENEL, Ansaldo Energia, EDF and Mitsui Babcock Energy. The project commenced in August 1994, when the participating partners began the process design. This included the definition ofmore » the number and location of the gas injectors, overfire air ports; specification of the associated process conditions for overfire air, recirculated flue gas and process gas; and the control system philosophy. Installation of the reburn equipment commenced in December 1995, and was completed in October 1996. Following commissioning in late 1996, a comprehensive testing program was undertaken with the objectives of optimizing reburn performance and validating the process design methodology. This paper describers the background and scope of the project, including the use and development of in-house experimental and theoretical modeling used in the process design, and reports on the progress and results obtained to date from the testing program.« less

Scaling up close-range surveys, a challenge for the generalization of as-built data in industrial applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hullo, J.-F.; Thibault, G.

2014-06-01

As-built CAD data reconstructed from Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) data are used for more than two decades by Electricité de France (EDF) to prepare maintenance operations in its facilities. But today, the big picture is renewed: "as-built virtual reality" must address a huge scale-up to provide data to an increasing number of applications. In this paper, we first present a wide multi-sensor multi-purpose scanning campaign performed in a 10 floor building of a power plant in 2013: 1083 TLS stations (about 40.109 3D points referenced under a 2 cm tolerance) and 1025 RGB panoramic images (340.106 pixels per point of view). As expected, this very large survey of high precision measurements in a complex environment stressed sensors and tools that were developed for more favourable conditions and smaller data sets. The whole survey process (tools and methods used from acquisition and processing to CAD reconstruction) underwent a detailed follow-up in order to state on the locks to a possible generalization to other buildings. Based on these recent feedbacks, we have highlighted some of these current bottlenecks in this paper: sensors denoising, automation in processes, data validation tools improvements, standardization of formats and (meta-) data structures.

Evaluation of the Susceptibility to SCC Initiation of Alloy 690 in Simulated PWR Primary Water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsutsumi, Kazuya; Couvant, Thierry

Alloy 690 has been widely used in fabricating components of LWR plants as an alternative material to Alloy 600 which has exhibited a significant susceptibility to PWSCC. However, some authors have reported that Alloy 690 can suffer a significant susceptibility to SCC crack growth when highly cold worked. While most of the recent studies emphasize SCC propagation phase, EDF and its partners are focusing on the material's resistance to SCC initiation. This paper summarizes the current work carried out at EDF MAI on the SCC initiation. By means of constant elongation rate tests (CERTs) and constant displacement tests, experimental investigation of the susceptibility to PWSCC were performed. No SCC was observed on either an extruded bar or on two plates, even after 24%-1D cold rolling, confirming the superior PWSCC resistance of Alloy 690 independent of a amount of intergranular precipitation of carbides, and also revealing that such cold rolling does not necessarily decrease the resistance to SCC. On the other hand, a experimental steam generator tube that has a degraded microstructure due to specific heat-treatment revealed its susceptibility to SCC, probably because of the interactive effect of microstructure with heavy intragranular carbide precipitations and the cold worked superficial layer. This phenomenon is in good agreement with results previously published. In this study, the maximal crack depth slightly increased when DH increased from 5 to 60 cc.kg-1H2O. No significant prior ageing effect on the crack depth was observed, even when ageing was combined with high DH.

Radiation hardening of optical fibers and fiber sensors for space applications: recent advances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Girard, S.; Ouerdane, Y.; Pinsard, E.; Laurent, A.; Ladaci, A.; Robin, T.; Cadier, B.; Mescia, L.; Boukenter, A.

2017-11-01

In these ICSO proceedings, we review recent advances from our group concerning the radiation hardening of optical fiber and fiber-based sensors for space applications and compare their benefits to state-of-the-art results. We focus on the various approaches we developed to enhance the radiation tolerance of two classes of optical fibers doped with rare-earths: the erbium (Er)-doped ones and the ytterbium/erbium (Er/Yb)-doped ones. As a first approach, we work at the component level, optimizing the fiber structure and composition to reduce their intrinsically high radiation sensitivities. For the Erbium-doped fibers, this has been achieved using a new structure for the fiber that is called Hole-Assisted Carbon Coated (HACC) optical fibers whereas for the Er/Ybdoped optical fibers, their hardening was successfully achieved adding to the fiber, the Cerium element, that prevents the formation of the radiation-induced point defects responsible for the radiation induced attenuation in the infrared part of the spectrum. These fibers are used as part of more complex systems like amplifiers (Erbium-doped Fiber Amplifier, EDFA or Yb-EDFA) or source (Erbium-doped Fiber Source, EDFS or Yb- EDFS), we discuss the impact of using radiation-hardened fibers on the system radiation vulnerability and demonstrate the resistance of these systems to radiation constraints associated with today and future space missions. Finally, we will discuss another radiation hardening approach build in our group and based on a hardening-by-system strategy in which the amplifier is optimized during its elaboration for its future mission considering the radiation effects and not in-lab.

International trade and waste and fuel managment issue, 2006

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

Agnihotri, Newal

The focus of the January-February issue is on international trade and waste and fuel managment. Major articles/reports in this issue include: HLW management in France, by Michel Debes, EDF, France; Breakthroughs from future reactors, by Jacques Bouchard, CEA, France; 'MOX for peace' a reality, by Jean-Pierre Bariteau, AREVA Group, France; Swedish spent fuel and radwaste, by Per H. Grahn and Marie Skogsberg, SKB, Sweden; ENC2005 concluding remarks, by Larry Foulke, 'Nuclear Technology Matters'; Fuel crud formation and behavior, by Charles Turk, Entergy; and, Plant profile: major vote of confidence for NP, by Martti Katka, TVO, Finland.

GEODE An electrical energy supply with high availability

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

Mertz, J.L.; Gerard, M.J.; Girard, J.

1983-10-01

Project GEODE describes an electrical energy supply characterized by its very high availability. It is to be used in the PTT (French Telephone Company) telephone exchanges and is targeted for an unavailability of better than 10/sup -6/. In order to achieve this performance Merlin Gerin has adopted: a double bus bar architecture, remote controlled electrical equipment, a motor-generator set specifically designed for this project, and computer assisted surveillance. The authors present the overall reliability calculations for this project along with that for energy sources. The E.d.F (French Utility Company) network and the Motor-Generators.

The definition, diagnostic testing, and management of chronic inducible urticarias - The EAACI/GA(2) LEN/EDF/UNEV consensus recommendations 2016 update and revision.

PubMed

Magerl, M; Altrichter, S; Borzova, E; Giménez-Arnau, A; Grattan, C E H; Lawlor, F; Mathelier-Fusade, P; Meshkova, R Y; Zuberbier, T; Metz, M; Maurer, M

2016-06-01

These recommendations for the definition, diagnosis and management of chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) extend, revise and update our previous consensus report on physical urticarias and cholinergic urticaria (Allergy, 2009). The aim of these recommendations is to improve the diagnosis and management of patients with CIndU. Our recommendations acknowledge the latest changes in our understanding of CIndU, and the available therapeutic options, as well as the development of novel diagnostic tools. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Determination of 2p Excitation Transfer Rate Coefficient in Neon Gas Discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, D. J.; Stewart, R. S.

2001-10-01

We will discuss our theoretical modelling and application of an array of four complementary optical diagnostic techniques for low-temperature plasmas. These are cw laser collisionally-induced fluorescence (LCIF), cw optogalvanic effect (OGE), optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and optical absorption spectroscopy (OAS). We will briefly present an overview of our investigation of neon positive column plasmas for reduced axial electric fields ranging from 3x10-17 Vcm2 to 2x10-16 Vcm2 (3-20 Td), detailing our determination of five sets of important collisional rate coefficients involving the fifteen lowest levels, the 1S0 ground state and the 1s and 2p excited states (in Paschen notation), hence information on several energy regions of the electron distribution function (EDF). The discussion will be extended to show the new results obtained from analysis of the argon positive column over similar reduced fields. Future work includes application of our multi-diagnostic technique to more complex systems, including the addition of molecules for EDF determination. array of four complementary optical diagnostic techniques OGE LCIF determination of five sets of important collisional rate coefficients

Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric method for the determination of tamoxifen, N-desmethyltamoxifen, 4-hydroxytamoxifen and endoxifen in dried blood spots--development, validation and clinical application during breast cancer adjuvant therapy.

PubMed

Antunes, Marina Venzon; Raymundo, Suziane; de Oliveira, Vanessa; Staudt, Dilana Elisabeth; Gössling, Gustavo; Peteffi, Giovana Piva; Biazús, Jorge Villanova; Cavalheiro, José Antônio; Tre-Hardy, Marie; Capron, Arnaud; Haufroid, Vincent; Wallemacq, Pierre; Schwartsmann, Gilberto; Linden, Rafael

2015-01-01

A LC-MSMS method for the simultaneous determination of tamoxifen, N-desmethyltamoxifen, 4-hydroxytamoxifen and endoxifen in dried blood spots samples was developed and validated. The method employs an ultrasound-assisted liquid extraction and a reversed phase separation in an Acquity(®) C18 column (150×2.1 mm, 1.7 µm). Mobile phase was a mixture of formic acid 0.1% (v/v) pH 2.7 and acetonitrile (gradient from 60:40 to 50:50, v/v). Total analytical run time was 8 min. Precision assays showed CV % lower than 10.75% and accuracy in the range 94.5 to 110.3%. Mean analytes recoveries from DBS ranged from 40% to 92%. The method was successfully applied to 91 paired clinical DBS and plasma samples. Dried blood spots concentrations were highly correlated to plasma, with rs>0.83 (P<0.01). Median estimated plasma concentrations after hematocrit and partition factor adjustment were: TAM 123.3 ng mL(-1); NDT 267.9 ng mL(-1), EDF 10.0 ng mL(-1) and HTF 1.3 ng mL(-1,) representing in average 98 to 104% of the actually measured concentrations. The DBS method was able to identify 96% of patients with plasma EDF concentrations below the clinical threshold related to better prognosis (5.9 ng mL(-1)). The procedure has adequate analytical performance and can be an efficient tool to optimize adjuvant breast cancer treatment, especially in resource limited settings. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

ADS Model in the TIRELIRE-STRATEGIE Fuel Cycle Simulation Code Application to Minor Actinides Transmutation Studies

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

Garzenne, Claude; Massara, Simone; Tetart, Philippe

2006-07-01

Accelerator Driven Systems offer the advantage, thanks to the core sub-criticality, to burn highly radioactive elements such as americium and curium in a dedicated stratum, and then to avoid polluting with these elements the main part of the nuclear fleet, which is optimized for electricity production. This paper presents firstly the ADS model implemented in the fuel cycle simulation code TIRELIRE-STRATEGIE that we developed at EDF R and D Division for nuclear power scenario studies. Then we show and comment the results of TIRELIRE-STRATEGIE calculation of a transition scenario between the current French nuclear fleet, and a fast reactor fleetmore » entirely deployed towards the end of the 21. century, consistently with the EDF prospective view, with 3 options for the minor actinides management:1) vitrified with fission products to be sent to the final disposal; 2) extracted together with plutonium from the spent fuel to be transmuted in Generation IV fast reactors; 3) eventually extracted separately from plutonium to be incinerated in a ADSs double stratum. The comparison of nuclear fuel cycle material fluxes and inventories between these options shows that ADSs are not more efficient than critical fast reactors for reducing the high level waste radio-toxicity; that minor actinides inventory and fluxes in the fuel cycle are more than twice as high in case of a double ADSs stratum than in case of minor actinides transmutation in Generation IV FBRs; and that about fourteen 400 MWth ADS are necessary to incinerate minor actinides issued from a 60 GWe Generation IV fast reactor fleet, corresponding to the current French nuclear fleet installed power. (authors)« less

Hybrid Imaging for Extended Depth of Field Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zahreddine, Ramzi Nicholas

An inverse relationship exists in optical systems between the depth of field (DOF) and the minimum resolvable feature size. This trade-off is especially detrimental in high numerical aperture microscopy systems where resolution is pushed to the diffraction limit resulting in a DOF on the order of 500 nm. Many biological structures and processes of interest span over micron scales resulting in significant blurring during imaging. This thesis explores a two-step computational imaging technique known as hybrid imaging to create extended DOF (EDF) microscopy systems with minimal sacrifice in resolution. In the first step a mask is inserted at the pupil plane of the microscope to create a focus invariant system over 10 times the traditional DOF, albeit with reduced contrast. In the second step the contrast is restored via deconvolution. Several EDF pupil masks from the literature are quantitatively compared in the context of biological microscopy. From this analysis a new mask is proposed, the incoherently partitioned pupil with binary phase modulation (IPP-BPM), that combines the most advantageous properties from the literature. Total variation regularized deconvolution models are derived for the various noise conditions and detectors commonly used in biological microscopy. State of the art algorithms for efficiently solving the deconvolution problem are analyzed for speed, accuracy, and ease of use. The IPP-BPM mask is compared with the literature and shown to have the highest signal-to-noise ratio and lowest mean square error post-processing. A prototype of the IPP-BPM mask is fabricated using a combination of 3D femtosecond glass etching and standard lithography techniques. The mask is compared against theory and demonstrated in biological imaging applications.

Metric learning for automatic sleep stage classification.

PubMed

Phan, Huy; Do, Quan; Do, The-Luan; Vu, Duc-Lung

2013-01-01

We introduce in this paper a metric learning approach for automatic sleep stage classification based on single-channel EEG data. We show that learning a global metric from training data instead of using the default Euclidean metric, the k-nearest neighbor classification rule outperforms state-of-the-art methods on Sleep-EDF dataset with various classification settings. The overall accuracy for Awake/Sleep and 4-class classification setting are 98.32% and 94.49% respectively. Furthermore, the superior accuracy is achieved by performing classification on a low-dimensional feature space derived from time and frequency domains and without the need for artifact removal as a preprocessing step.

Oxide dispersion strengthened ferritic steels: a basic research joint program in France

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boutard, J.-L.; Badjeck, V.; Barguet, L.; Barouh, C.; Bhattacharya, A.; Colignon, Y.; Hatzoglou, C.; Loyer-Prost, M.; Rouffié, A. L.; Sallez, N.; Salmon-Legagneur, H.; Schuler, T.

2014-12-01

AREVA, CEA, CNRS, EDF and Mécachrome are funding a joint program of basic research on Oxide Dispersion Strengthened Steels (ODISSEE), in support to the development of oxide dispersion strengthened 9-14% Cr ferritic-martensitic steels for the fuel element cladding of future Sodium-cooled fast neutron reactors. The selected objectives and the results obtained so far will be presented concerning (i) physical-chemical characterisation of the nano-clusters as a function of ball-milling process, metallurgical conditions and irradiation, (ii) meso-scale understanding of failure mechanisms under dynamic loading and creep, and, (iii) kinetic modelling of nano-clusters nucleation and α/α‧ unmixing.

Theoretical exploration of the neural bases of behavioural disinhibition, apathy and executive dysfunction in preclinical Alzheimer's disease in people with Down's syndrome: potential involvement of multiple frontal-subcortical neuronal circuits.

PubMed

Ball, S L; Holland, A J; Watson, P C; Huppert, F A

2010-04-01

Recent research has suggested a specific impairment in frontal-lobe functioning in the preclinical stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in people with Down's syndrome (DS), characterised by prominent changes in personality or behaviour. The aim of the current paper is to explore whether particular kinds of change (namely executive dysfunction (EDF), disinhibition and apathy), associated in the literature with disruption of different underlying frontal-subcortical circuits, are a) more or less frequently reported than others and b) related to poor performance on tasks involving different cognitive processes. Seventy-eight participants (mean age 47 years, range 36-72) with DS and mild to moderate intellectual disability (based on ICD-10 criteria), without a diagnosis of dementia of Alzheimer's type (DAT) or other psychiatric disorders, were selected from a larger sample of older adults with DS (n = 122). Dementia diagnosis was based on the CAMDEX informant interview, conducted with each participant's main carer. Informant-reported changes in personality/behaviour and memory were recorded. Participants were scored based on symptoms falling into three behavioural domains and completed five executive function (EF) tasks, six memory tasks (two of which also had a strong executive component) and the BPVS (as a measure of general intellectual ability). Multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine the degree to which the behavioural variables of 'EDF', 'disinhibition' and 'apathy', along with informant-reported memory decline and antidepressant medication use, predicted performance on the cognitive tasks (whilst controlling for the effects of age and general intellectual ability). Strikingly, disinhibited behaviour was reported for 95.7% of participants with one or more behavioural change (n = 47) compared to 57.4% with reported apathy and 36.2% with reported EDF. 'Disinhibition' score significantly predicted performance on three EF tasks (designed to measure planning, response inhibition and working memory) and an object memory task, (also thought to place high demands on working memory), while 'apathy' score significantly predicted performance on two different tasks, those measuring spatial reversal and prospective memory (p < 0.05). Informant reported memory decline was associated only with performance on a delayed recall task while antidepressant medication use was associated with better performance on a working memory task (p < 0.05). Observed dissociation between performance on cognitive tasks associated with reported apathy and disinhibition is in keeping with proposed differences underlying neural circuitry and supports the involvement of multiple frontal-subcortical circuits in the early stages of DAT in DS. However, the prominence of disinhibition in the behavioural profile (which more closely resembles that of disinhibited subtype of DFT than that of AD in the general population) leads us to postulate that the serotonergically mediated orbitofrontal circuit may be disproportionately affected. A speculative theory is developed regarding the biological basis for observed changes and discussion is focused on how this understanding may aid us in the development of treatments directly targeting underlying abnormalities.

Statistical Analyses for Probabilistic Assessments of the Reactor Pressure Vessel Structural Integrity: Building a Master Curve on an Extract of the 'Euro' Fracture Toughness Dataset, Controlling Statistical Uncertainty for Both Mono-Temperature and multi-temperature tests

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

Josse, Florent; Lefebvre, Yannick; Todeschini, Patrick

2006-07-01

Assessing the structural integrity of a nuclear Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) subjected to pressurized-thermal-shock (PTS) transients is extremely important to safety. In addition to conventional deterministic calculations to confirm RPV integrity, Electricite de France (EDF) carries out probabilistic analyses. Probabilistic analyses are interesting because some key variables, albeit conventionally taken at conservative values, can be modeled more accurately through statistical variability. One variable which significantly affects RPV structural integrity assessment is cleavage fracture initiation toughness. The reference fracture toughness method currently in use at EDF is the RCCM and ASME Code lower-bound K{sub IC} based on the indexing parameter RT{submore » NDT}. However, in order to quantify the toughness scatter for probabilistic analyses, the master curve method is being analyzed at present. Furthermore, the master curve method is a direct means of evaluating fracture toughness based on K{sub JC} data. In the framework of the master curve investigation undertaken by EDF, this article deals with the following two statistical items: building a master curve from an extract of a fracture toughness dataset (from the European project 'Unified Reference Fracture Toughness Design curves for RPV Steels') and controlling statistical uncertainty for both mono-temperature and multi-temperature tests. Concerning the first point, master curve temperature dependence is empirical in nature. To determine the 'original' master curve, Wallin postulated that a unified description of fracture toughness temperature dependence for ferritic steels is possible, and used a large number of data corresponding to nuclear-grade pressure vessel steels and welds. Our working hypothesis is that some ferritic steels may behave in slightly different ways. Therefore we focused exclusively on the basic french reactor vessel metal of types A508 Class 3 and A 533 grade B Class 1, taking the sampling level and direction into account as well as the test specimen type. As for the second point, the emphasis is placed on the uncertainties in applying the master curve approach. For a toughness dataset based on different specimens of a single product, application of the master curve methodology requires the statistical estimation of one parameter: the reference temperature T{sub 0}. Because of the limited number of specimens, estimation of this temperature is uncertain. The ASTM standard provides a rough evaluation of this statistical uncertainty through an approximate confidence interval. In this paper, a thorough study is carried out to build more meaningful confidence intervals (for both mono-temperature and multi-temperature tests). These results ensure better control over uncertainty, and allow rigorous analysis of the impact of its influencing factors: the number of specimens and the temperatures at which they have been tested. (authors)« less

Switchable narrow linewidth fiber laser with LP11 transverse mode output

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Ya; Ren, Guobin; Yang, Yuguang; Yao, Shuzhi; Wu, Yue; Jiang, Youchao; Xu, Yao; Jin, Wenxing; Zhu, Bofeng; Jian, Shuisheng

2018-01-01

We experimentally demonstrate a switchable narrow linewidth single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) erbium-doped fiber (EDF) ring laser with LP11 transverse mode output. The laser is based on a mode selective all-fiber fused coupler which is composed of a single-mode fiber (SMF) and a two-mode fiber (TMF). By controlling the polarization state of the output light, the laser can provide narrow linewidth SLM output with LP11 transverse mode at two specific wavelengths, which correspond to two transmission peaks of the chirped moiré fiber grating (CMFBG). The 20 dB linewidth of the fiber laser for each wavelength is approximately 7.2 and 6.4 kHz.

Methodology, status and plans for development and assessment of Cathare code

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

Bestion, D.; Barre, F.; Faydide, B.

1997-07-01

This paper presents the methodology, status and plans for the development, assessment and uncertainty evaluation of the Cathare code. Cathare is a thermalhydraulic code developed by CEA (DRN), IPSN, EDF and FRAMATOME for PWR safety analysis. First, the status of the code development and assessment is presented. The general strategy used for the development and the assessment of the code is presented. Analytical experiments with separate effect tests, and component tests are used for the development and the validation of closure laws. Successive Revisions of constitutive laws are implemented in successive Versions of the code and assessed. System tests ormore » integral tests are used to validate the general consistency of the Revision. Each delivery of a code Version + Revision is fully assessed and documented. A methodology is being developed to determine the uncertainty on all constitutive laws of the code using calculations of many analytical tests and applying the Discrete Adjoint Sensitivity Method (DASM). At last, the plans for the future developments of the code are presented. They concern the optimization of the code performance through parallel computing - the code will be used for real time full scope plant simulators - the coupling with many other codes (neutronic codes, severe accident codes), the application of the code for containment thermalhydraulics. Also, physical improvements are required in the field of low pressure transients and in the modeling for the 3-D model.« less

Experimental validation of the DARWIN2.3 package for fuel cycle applications

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

San-Felice, L.; Eschbach, R.; Bourdot, P.

2012-07-01

The DARWIN package, developed by the CEA and its French partners (AREVA and EDF) provides the required parameters for fuel cycle applications: fuel inventory, decay heat, activity, neutron, {gamma}, {alpha}, {beta} sources and spectrum, radiotoxicity. This paper presents the DARWIN2.3 experimental validation for fuel inventory and decay heat calculations on Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR). In order to validate this code system for spent fuel inventory a large program has been undertaken, based on spent fuel chemical assays. This paper deals with the experimental validation of DARWIN2.3 for the Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) Uranium Oxide (UOX) and Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuelmore » inventory calculation, focused on the isotopes involved in Burn-Up Credit (BUC) applications and decay heat computations. The calculation - experiment (C/E-1) discrepancies are calculated with the latest European evaluation file JEFF-3.1.1 associated with the SHEM energy mesh. An overview of the tendencies is obtained on a complete range of burn-up from 10 to 85 GWd/t (10 to 60 GWcVt for MOX fuel). The experimental validation of the DARWIN2.3 package for decay heat calculation is performed using calorimetric measurements carried out at the Swedish Interim Spent Fuel Storage Facility for Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) assemblies, covering a large burn-up (20 to 50 GWd/t) and cooling time range (10 to 30 years). (authors)« less

14 CFR 121.434 - Operating experience, operating cycles, and consolidation of knowledge and skills.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Operating experience, operating cycles, and... Qualifications § 121.434 Operating experience, operating cycles, and consolidation of knowledge and skills. (a... position, the operating experience, operating cycles, and the line operating flight time for consolidation...

2015 Summary Report on Industrial and Regulatory Engagement Activities

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

Thomas, Kenneth David

2015-09-01

The Advanced Instrumentation, Information, and Control (II&C) Systems Technologies pathway of the Light Water Reactor Sustainability(LWRS) Program conducts a vigorous engagement strategy with the U.S. nuclear power industry, including the nuclear operating companies, major support organizations, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and suppliers. The goal of this engagement strategy is to develop a shared vision and common understanding across the nuclear industry of the need for II&C modernization, the performance improvement that can be obtained, and the opportunities for collaboration to enact this vision. The primary means of engaging the nuclear operating companies is through a Utility Working Group (UWG),more » composed of utility representatives that participate in formal meetings and bi-monthly phone calls to provide input on nuclear plant needs and priorities for II&C technologies. Two working groups were initiated during FY 2015 to provide a means for UWG members to focus on particular technologies of interest. The Outage Improvement Working Group consists of eight utilities that participate in periodic conference calls and have access to a share-point web page for acccess to project materials developed in the Advanced Outage Control Center pilot project. In the area of computer-based procedures and automated work packages, the II&C Pathway has worked with the Nuclear Information Technology Strategic Leadership (NITSL) to set up a monthly conference call with interested utility members to discuss various aspects of mobile worker technologies. Twenty one technical and project reports were delivered to the UWG during FY 2015, reflecting the work of the II&C Pathway pilot projects during the year. Distribution of these reports is one of the primary means of transferring to the nuclear industry the knowledge and experience gained during the development of advanced II&C technologies in support of LWR sustainability. Site visits to discuss pilot project activities and future plans were made to Arizona Public Service, Exelon, Duke Energy, Pacific Gas & Electric, SCANA, Southern Nuclear, South Texas Project, STARS Alliance, Tennessee Valley Authority, and Xcel. Discussions were also held on the pathway goals and activities with major industry support organizations during FY 2102, including the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO), the Nuclear Information Technology Strategic Leadership (NITSL), the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), and the Electric Power Research Institute. The Advanced II&C Pathway work was presented at five major industry conferences and Informal discussions were held with key NRC managers at industry conferences. In addition, discussions were held with NRC senior managers on digital regulatory issues through participation on the NEI Digital I&C Working Group. Meetings were held with major industry suppliers and consultants, to explore opportunities for collaboration and to provide a means of pilot project technology transfer. In the international area, discussions were held with Electricite’ de France (EdF) concerning possible collaboration in the area NPP configuration control using intelligent wireless devices.« less

A new methodology for hydro-abrasive erosion tests simulating penstock erosive flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aumelas, V.; Maj, G.; Le Calvé, P.; Smith, M.; Gambiez, B.; Mourrat, X.

2016-11-01

Hydro-abrasive resistance is an important property requirement for hydroelectric power plant penstock coating systems used by EDF. The selection of durable coating systems requires an experimental characterization of coating performance. This can be achieved by performing accelerated and representative laboratory tests. In case of severe erosion induced by a penstock flow, there is no suitable method or standard representative of real erosive flow conditions. The presented study aims at developing a new methodology and an associated laboratory experimental device. The objective of the laboratory apparatus is to subject coated test specimens to wear conditions similar to the ones generated at the penstock lower generatrix in actual flow conditions. Thirteen preselected coating solutions were first been tested during a 45 hours erosion test. A ranking of the thirteen coating solutions was then determined after characterisation. To complete this first evaluation and to determine the wear kinetic of the four best coating solutions, additional erosion tests were conducted with a longer duration of 216 hours. A comparison of this new method with standardized tests and with real service operating flow conditions is also discussed. To complete the final ranking based on hydro-abrasive erosion tests, some trial tests were carried out on penstock samples to check the application method of selected coating systems. The paper gives some perspectives related to erosion test methodologies for materials and coating solutions for hydraulic applications. The developed test method can also be applied in other fields.

The simulation of a two-dimensional (2D) transport problem in a rectangular region with Lattice Boltzmann method with two-relaxation-time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sugiyanto, S.; Hardyanto, W.; Marwoto, P.

2018-03-01

Transport phenomena are found in many problems in many engineering and industrial sectors. We analyzed a Lattice Boltzmann method with Two-Relaxation Time (LTRT) collision operators for simulation of pollutant moving through the medium as a two-dimensional (2D) transport problem in a rectangular region model. This model consists of a 2D rectangular region with 54 length (x), 27 width (y), and it has isotropic homogeneous medium. Initially, the concentration is zero and is distributed evenly throughout the region of interest. A concentration of 1 is maintained at 9 < y < 18, whereas the concentration of zero is maintained at 0 < y < 9 and 18 < y < 27. A specific discharge (Darcy velocity) of 1.006 is assumed. A diffusion coefficient of 0.8333 is distributed uniformly with a uniform porosity of 0.35. A computer program is written in MATLAB to compute the concentration of pollutant at any specified place and time. The program shows that LTRT solution with quadratic equilibrium distribution functions (EDFs) and relaxation time τa=1.0 are in good agreement result with other numerical solutions methods such as 3DLEWASTE (Hybrid Three-dimensional Lagrangian-Eulerian Finite Element Model of Waste Transport Through Saturated-Unsaturated Media) obtained by Yeh and 3DFEMWATER-LHS (Three-dimensional Finite Element Model of Water Flow Through Saturated-Unsaturated Media with Latin Hypercube Sampling) obtained by Hardyanto.

Arsenic toxicity induced endothelial dysfunction and dementia: Pharmacological interdiction by histone deacetylase and inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors

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

Sharma, Bhupesh, E-mail: drbhupeshresearch@gmail.com; Sharma, P.M.

Arsenic toxicity has been reported to damage all the major organs including the brain and vasculature. Dementia including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) are posing greater risk to the world population as it is now increasing at a faster rate. We have investigated the role of sodium butyrate, a selective histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor and aminoguanidine, a selective inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor in pharmacological interdiction of arsenic toxicity induced vascular endothelial dysfunction and dementia in rats. Arsenic toxicity was done by administering arsenic drinking water to rats. Morris water-maze (MWM) test was used for assessment ofmore » learning and memory. Endothelial function was assessed using student physiograph. Oxidative stress (aortic superoxide anion, serum and brain thiobarbituric acid reactive species, brain glutathione) and nitric oxide levels (serum nitrite/nitrate) were also measured. Arsenic treated rats have shown impairment of endothelial function, learning and memory, reduction in serum nitrite/nitrate and brain GSH levels along with increase in serum and brain TBARS. Sodium butyrate as well as aminoguanidine significantly convalesce arsenic induced impairment of learning, memory, endothelial function, and alterations in various biochemical parameters. It may be concluded that arsenic induces endothelial dysfunction and dementia, whereas, sodium butyrate, a HDAC inhibitor as well as aminoguanidine, a selective iNOS inhibitor may be considered as potential agents for the management of arsenic induced endothelial dysfunction and dementia. - Highlights: • As has induced endothelial dysfunction (Edf) and vascular dementia (VaD). • As has increased oxidative stress, AChE activity and decreased serum NO. • Inhibitors of HDAC and iNOS have attenuated As induced Edf and VaD. • Both the inhibitors have attenuated As induced biochemical changes. • Inhibitor of HDAC and iNOS has shown good potential in As induced VaD.« less

Flow Accelerated Corrosion of Carbon Steel in the Feedwater System of PWR Plants - Behaviour of Welds and Weld Assemblies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mansour, C.; Pavageau, E. M.; Faucher, A.; Inada, F.; Yoneda, K.; Miller, C.; Bretelle, J.-L.

Flow Accelerated Corrosion (FAC) of carbon steel is a phenomenon that has been studied for many years. However, to date, the specific behavior of welds and weld assemblies of carbon steel towards this phenomenon has been scarcely examined. An experimental program of FAC of welds and weld assemblies is being conducted by EDF and CRIEPI. This paper describes the results obtained on the behavior of weld metal independently of its behavior in a weld assembly as well as the sensitivity to FAC of various weld assembly configurations. Tests are performed, at EDF, in the CIROCO loop which permits to follow the FAC rate by gammametry measurements, and at CRIEPI, in the PRINTEMPS loop where FAC is measured by laser displacement sensor. Welds are performed by two different methods: Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). The influence of several parameters on FAC of welds is examined: welding method, chromium content and temperature. For weld assemblies, only the impact of chromium content is studied. All the tests are conducted in ammonia medium at pH 9.0 and oxygen concentration lower then 1 ppb. Chemical parameters, as the pH, the conductivity and oxygen concentration, are measured in situ during the test and surface characterizations are performed after the test. The results show that, with more than 0.15% chromium, no FAC is detected on the weld metal, which is similar to the base metal behaviour. For the same and lower chromium content, the two types of metal have the same FAC rate. Concerning the temperature effect, for both metals FAC rate decreases with temperature increase above 150°C. Below 150 °C, their behaviour seems to be different. For weld assemblies, the study of different configurations shows that the chromium content is the main parameter affecting the behaviour of the specimens. Additional tests and modeling studies will be conducted in order to complete the results.

Dietary patterns at 4 years old: Association with appetite-related eating behaviours in 7 year-old children.

PubMed

Albuquerque, Gabriela; Lopes, Carla; Durão, Catarina; Severo, Milton; Moreira, Pedro; Oliveira, Andreia

2018-02-01

A possible relationship between children's dietary intake and certain aspects of eating behaviours has been documented, but most studies are cross-sectional and do not consider the complexity of the diet. The aim of this study was to quantify the association between dietary patterns established at 4 years old and appetite-related eating behaviours identified at 7 years old. Participants are children from the Generation XXI population-based birth cohort. Trained interviewers collected data at birth, 4 and 7 years old on socio-demographics, health and lifestyles, and anthropometrics. At 4 years old, diet was assessed by a Food Frequency Questionnaire and three dietary patterns were identified by Latent Class Analysis: 'Healthier', 'Snacking' and 'Energy Dense Foods' (EDF). A Portuguese version of the original Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) was self-completed by mothers at 7 year-old. This version has previously shown good psychometric properties and the 8 CEBQ sub-domains were combined into two wider dimensions: Appetite Restraint and Appetite Disinhibition. Generalized linear models were used to estimate the associations after adjustment for maternal characteristics (n = 4358). Interaction effects were tested. Children belonging to the 'Snacking' (β = 0.329, 95%CI: 0.265; 0.393) and to the 'EDF' (β = 0.138, 95%CI: 0.098; 0.179) dietary patterns at 4 years old scored increasingly higher, respectively, on Appetite Restraint and Appetite Disinhibition dimensions at 7 years old, comparatively to children in the 'Healthier' dietary pattern. Maternal BMI before pregnancy modified the 'Snacking' pattern associations; they were stronger in children from underweight/normal weight mothers for Appetite Restraint and present only among overweight/obese mothers for Appetite Disinhibition. This study suggests that children following less healthy dietary patterns early in life have more often disordered eating behaviours in later childhood. Maternal weight status may influence these associations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Dynamics of large-diameter water pipes in hydroelectric power plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pavić, G.; Chevillotte, F.; Heraud, J.

2017-04-01

An outline is made of physical behaviour of water - filled large pipes. The fluid-wall coupling, the key factor governing the pipe dynamics, is discussed in some detail. Different circumferential pipe modes and the associated cut-on frequencies are addressed from a theoretical as well as practical point of view. Major attention is paid to the breathing mode in view of its importance regarding main dynamic phenomena, such as water hammer. Selected measurement results done at EDF are presented to demonstrate how an external, non-intrusive sensor can detect pressure pulsations of the breathing mode in a pressure pipe. Differences in the pressure measurement using intrusive and non-intrusive sensors reveal the full complexity of large-diameter pipe dynamics.

Industrial research for transmutation scenarios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Camarcat, Noel; Garzenne, Claude; Le Mer, Joël; Leroyer, Hadrien; Desroches, Estelle; Delbecq, Jean-Michel

2011-04-01

This article presents the results of research scenarios for americium transmutation in a 22nd century French nuclear fleet, using sodium fast breeder reactors. We benchmark the americium transmutation benefits and drawbacks with a reference case consisting of a hypothetical 60 GWe fleet of pure plutonium breeders. The fluxes in the various parts of the cycle (reactors, fabrication plants, reprocessing plants and underground disposals) are calculated using EDF's suite of codes, comparable in capabilities to those of other research facilities. We study underground thermal heat load reduction due to americium partitioning and repository area minimization. We endeavor to estimate the increased technical complexity of surface facilities to handle the americium fluxes in special fuel fabrication plants, americium fast burners, special reprocessing shops, handling equipments and transport casks between those facilities.

Decay of quadrupole-octupole 1- states in 40Ca and 140Ce

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Derya, V.; Tsoneva, N.; Aumann, T.; Bhike, M.; Endres, J.; Gooden, M.; Hennig, A.; Isaak, J.; Lenske, H.; Löher, B.; Pietralla, N.; Savran, D.; Tornow, W.; Werner, V.; Zilges, A.

2016-03-01

Background: Two-phonon excitations originating from the coupling of two collective one-phonon states are of great interest in nuclear structure physics. One possibility to generate low-lying E 1 excitations is the coupling of quadrupole and octupole phonons. Purpose: In this work, the γ -decay behavior of candidates for the (21+⊗31-)1- state in the doubly magic nucleus 40Ca and in the heavier and semimagic nucleus 140Ce is investigated. Methods: (γ ⃗,γ') experiments have been carried out at the High Intensity γ -ray Source (HI γ S ) facility in combination with the high-efficiency γ -ray spectroscopy setup γ3 consisting of HPGe and LaBr3 detectors. The setup enables the acquisition of γ -γ coincidence data and, hence, the detection of direct decay paths. Results: In addition to the known ground-state decays, for 40Ca the decay into the 31- state was observed, while for 140Ce the direct decays into the 21+ and the 02+ state were detected. The experimentally deduced transition strengths and excitation energies are compared to theoretical calculations in the framework of EDF theory plus QPM approach and systematically analyzed for N =82 isotones. In addition, negative parities for two J =1 states in 44Ca were deduced simultaneously. Conclusions: The experimental findings together with the theoretical calculations support the two-phonon character of the 11- excitation in the light-to-medium-mass nucleus 40Ca as well as in the stable even-even N =82 nuclei.

Report on Status of Shipment of High Fluence Austenitic Steel Samples for Characterization and Stress Corrosion Crack Testing

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

Clark, Scarlett R.; Leonard, Keith J.

The goal of the Mechanisms of Irradiation Assisted Stress Corrosion Cracking (IASCC) task in the LWRS Program is to conduct experimental research into understanding how multiple variables influence the crack initiation and crack growth in materials subjected to stress under corrosive conditions. This includes understanding the influences of alloy composition, radiation condition, water chemistry and metallurgical starting condition (i.e., previous cold work or heat treatments and the resulting microstructure) has on the behavior of materials. Testing involves crack initiation and growth testing on irradiated specimens of single-variable alloys in simulated Light Water Reactor (LWR) environments, tensile testing, hardness testing, microstructuralmore » and microchemical analysis, and detailed efforts to characterize localized deformation. Combined, these single-variable experiments will provide mechanistic understanding that can be used to identify key operational variables to mitigate or control IASCC, optimize inspection and maintenance schedules to the most susceptible materials/locations, and, in the long-term, design IASCC-resistant materials. In support of this research, efforts are currently underway to arrange shipment of “free” high fluence austenitic alloys available through Électricité de France (EDF) for post irradiation testing at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and IASCC testing at the University of Michigan. These high fluence materials range in damage values from 45 to 125 displacements per atom (dpa). The samples identified for transport to the United States, which include nine, no-cost, 304, 308 and 316 tensile bars, were relocated from the Research Institute of Atomic Reactors (RIAR) in Dimitrovgrad, Ulyanovsk Oblast, Russia, and received at the Halden Reactor in Halden, Norway, on August 23, 2016. ORNL has been notified that a significant amount of work is required to prepare the samples for further shipment to Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The preliminary work for sample shipment between Halden and Oak Ridge includes fabrication of an inner cask sample container, decontamination and preparation of a Type A container, preparation of new activity calculations, all necessary paperwork, and handling. ORNL will continue to work to track progress of sample preparation and shipment status, and to work toward an agreement that covers material shipping costs between the Halden Reactor and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.« less

Multiwavelength L-band fiber laser with bismuth-oxide EDF and photonic crystal fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramzia Salem, A. M.; Al-Mansoori, M. H.; Hizam, H.; Mohd Noor, S. B.; Abu Bakar, M. H.; Mahdi, M. A.

2011-05-01

A multiwavelength laser comb using a bismuth-based erbium-doped fiber and 50 m photonic crystal fiber is demonstrated in a ring cavity configuration. The fiber laser is solely pumped by a single 1455 nm Raman pump laser to exploit its higher power delivery compared to that of a single-mode laser diode pump. At 264 mW Raman pump power and 1 mW Brillouin pump power, 38 output channels in the L-band have been realized with an optical signal-to-noise ratio above 15 dB and a Stokes line spacing of 0.08 nm. The laser exhibits a tuning range of 12 nm and produces stable Stokes lines across the tuning range between Brillouin pump wavelengths of 1603 nm and 1615 nm.

Experimental demonstration of the switching dose-rate method on doped optical fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, J.; Myara, M.; Troussellier, L.; Régnier, E.; Burov, E.; Gilard, O.; Sottom, M.; Signoret, P.

2017-11-01

Optical technology developed for ground and submarine telecommunications is becoming of strong interest for next generation satellites. In addition to inter-satellite laser communications and LIDAR's, new applications are being considered such as on-board distribution and processing of microwave signals, fiber sensors or gyroscopes as well. Whereas common optical / optoelectronic components are known to be weakly sensitive to radiations, the essential optical amplifiers are strongly degraded in such an environment because of the RIA (Radio-Induced-Absorption) experienced by the Erbium-Doped Fiber (EDF) itself [1-3]. This degradation is mainly caused by the presence of co-doping ions, such as Aluminium or Germanium, inserted in the fibre to assist the inclusion of the Erbium ions in the silica matrix or to provide to the optical fibre its guiding properties.

Extreme flood estimation by the SCHADEX method in a snow-driven catchment: application to Atnasjø (Norway)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paquet, Emmanuel; Lawrence, Deborah

2013-04-01

The SCHADEX method for extreme flood estimation was developed by Paquet et al. (2006, 2013), and since 2008, it is the reference method used by Electricité de France (EDF) for dam spillway design. SCHADEX is a so-called "semi-continuous" stochastic simulation method in that flood events are simulated on an event basis and are superimposed on a continuous simulation of the catchment saturation hazard usingrainfall-runoff modelling. The MORDOR hydrological model (Garçon, 1999) has thus far been used for the rainfall-runoff modelling. MORDOR is a conceptual, lumped, reservoir model with daily areal rainfall and air temperature as the driving input data. The principal hydrological processes represented are evapotranspiration, direct and indirect runoff, ground water, snow accumulation and melt, and routing. The model has been intensively used at EDF for more than 15 years, in particular for inflow forecasts for French mountainous catchments. SCHADEX has now also been applied to the Atnasjø catchment (463 km²), a well-documented inland catchment in south-central Norway, dominated by snowmelt flooding during spring/early summer. To support this application, a weather pattern classification based on extreme rainfall was first established for Norway (Fleig, 2012). This classification scheme was then used to build a Multi-Exponential Weather Pattern distribution (MEWP), as introduced by Garavaglia et al. (2010) for extreme rainfall estimation. The MORDOR model was then calibrated relative to daily discharge data for Atnasjø. Finally, a SCHADEX simulation was run to build a daily discharge distribution with a sufficient number of simulations for assessing the extreme quantiles. Detailed results are used to illustrate how SCHADEX handles the complex and interacting hydrological processes driving flood generation in this snow driven catchment. Seasonal and monthly distributions, as well as statistics for several thousand simulated events reaching a 1000 years return level value and assessment of snowmelt role in extreme floods are presented. This study illustrates the complexity of the extreme flood estimation in snow driven catchments, and the need for a good representation of snow accumulation and melting processes in simulations for design flood estimations. In particular, the SCHADEX method is able to represent a range of possible catchment conditions (representing both soil moisture and snowmelt) in which extreme flood events can occur. This study is part of a collaboration between NVE and EDF, initiated within the FloodFreq COST Action (http://www.cost-floodfreq.eu/). References: Fleig, A., Scientific Report of the Short Term Scientific Mission Anne Fleig visiting Électricité de France, FloodFreq COST action - STSM report, 2012 Garavaglia, F., Gailhard, J., Paquet, E., Lang, M., Garçon, R., and Bernardara, P., Introducing a rainfall compound distribution model based on weather patterns sub-sampling, Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 14, 951-964, doi:10.5194/hess-14-951-2010, 2010 Garçon, R. Modèle global pluie-débit pour la prévision et la prédétermination des crues, La Houille Blanche, 7-8, 88-95. doi: 10.1051/lhb/1999088 Paquet, E., Gailhard, J. and Garçon, R. (2006), Evolution of the GRADEX method: improvement by atmospheric circulation classification and hydrological modeling, La Houille Blanche, 5, 80-90. doi: 10.1051/lhb/2006091 Paquet, E., Garavaglia, F., Garçon, R. and Gailhard, J. (2012), The SCHADEX method: a semi-continuous rainfall-runoff simulation for extreme food estimation, Journal of Hydrology, under revision

Constraining the surface properties of effective Skyrme interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jodon, R.; Bender, M.; Bennaceur, K.; Meyer, J.

2016-08-01

Background: Deformation energy surfaces map how the total binding energy of a nuclear system depends on the geometrical properties of intrinsic configurations, thereby providing a powerful tool to interpret nuclear spectroscopy and large-amplitude collective-motion phenomena such as fission. The global behavior of the deformation energy is known to be directly connected to the surface properties of the effective interaction used for its calculation. Purpose: The precise control of surface properties during the parameter adjustment of an effective interaction is key to obtain a reliable and predictive description of nuclear properties. The most relevant indicator is the surface-energy coefficient asurf. There are several possibilities for its definition and estimation, which are not fully equivalent and require a computational effort that can differ by orders of magnitude. The purpose of this study is threefold: first, to identify a scheme for the determination of asurf that offers the best compromise between robustness, precision, and numerical efficiency; second, to analyze the correlation between values for asurf and the characteristic energies of the fission barrier of 240Pu; and third, to lay out an efficient and robust procedure for how the deformation properties of the Skyrme energy density functional (EDF) can be constrained during the parameter fit. Methods: There are several frequently used possibilities to define and calculate the surface energy coefficient asurf of effective interactions built for the purpose of self-consistent mean-field calculations. The most direct access is provided by the model system of semi-infinite nuclear matter, but asurf can also be extracted from the systematics of binding energies of finite nuclei. Calculations can be carried out either self-consistently [Hartree-Fock (HF)], which incorporates quantal shell effects, or in one of the semiclassical extended Thomas-Fermi (ETF) or modified Thomas-Fermi (MTF) approximations. The latter is of particular interest because it provides asurf as a numerical integral without the need to solve self-consistent equations. Results for semi-infinite nuclear matter obtained with the HF, ETF, and MTF methods will be compared with one another and with asurf, as deduced from ETF calculations of very heavy fictitious nuclei. Results: The surface energy coefficient of 76 parametrizations of the Skyrme EDF have been calculated. Values obtained with the HF, ETF, and MTF methods are not identical, but differ by fairly constant systematic offsets. By contrast, extracting asurf from the binding energy of semi-infinite matter or of very large nuclei within the same method gives the same result within the numerical uncertainties. Conclusions: Despite having some drawbacks compared to the other methods studied here, the MTF approach provides sufficiently precise values for asurf such that it can be used as a very robust constraint on surface properties during a parameter fit at negligible additional cost. While the excitation energy of superdeformed states and the height of fission barriers is obviously strongly correlated to asurf, the presence of shell effects prevents a one-to-one correspondence between them. As in addition the value of asurf providing realistic fission barriers depends on the choices made for corrections for spurious motion, its "best value" (within a given scheme to calculate it) depends on the fit protocol. Through the construction of a series of eight parametrizations SLy5s1-SLy5s8 of the standard Skyrme EDF with systematically varied asurf value, it is shown how to arrive at a fit with realistic deformation properties.

77 FR 15818 - License Renewal Interim Staff Guidance LR-ISG-2011-05: Ongoing Review of Operating Experience

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-16

...-05: Ongoing Review of Operating Experience AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Interim... License Renewal Interim Staff Guidance (LR-ISG), LR-ISG-2011-05, ``Ongoing Review of Operating Experience... industry-wide operating experience as an attribute of aging management programs used at nuclear power...

Treatment of Irradiated Graphite from French Bugey Reactor - 13424

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

Brown, Thomas; Poncet, Bernard

2013-07-01

Beginning in 2009, in order to determine an alternative to direct disposal for decommissioned irradiated graphite from EDF's Bugey NPP, Studsvik and EDF began a test program to determine if graphite decontamination and destruction were practicable using Studsvik's thermal organic reduction (THOR) technology. The testing program focused primarily on the release of C-14, H-3, and Cl-36 and also monitored graphite mass loss. For said testing, a bench-scale steam reformer (BSSR) was constructed with the capability of flowing various compositions of gases at temperatures up to 1300 deg. C over uniformly sized particles of graphite for fixed amounts of time. Themore » BSSR was followed by a condenser, thermal oxidizer, and NaOH bubbler system designed to capture H-3 and C-14. Also, in a separate series of testing, high concentration acid and peroxide solutions were used to soak the graphite and leach out and measure Cl-36. A series of gasification tests were performed to scope gas compositions and temperatures for graphite gasification using steam and oxygen. Results suggested higher temperature steam (1100 deg. C vs. 900 deg. C) yielded a practicable gasification rate but that lower temperature (900 deg. C) gasification was also a practicable treatment alternative if oxygen is fed into the process. A series of decontamination tests were performed to determine the release behavior of and extent to which C-14 and H-3 were released from graphite in a high temperature (900-1300 deg. C), low flow roasting gas environment. In general, testing determined that higher temperatures and longer roasting times were efficacious for releasing H-3 completely and the majority (80%) of C-14. Manipulating oxidizing and reducing gas environments was also found to limit graphite mass loss. A series of soaking tests was performed to measure the amount of Cl-36 in the samples of graphite before and after roasting in the BSSR. Similar to C-14 release, these soaking tests revealed that 70-80% Cl-36 is released during roasting tests. (authors)« less

REMORA 3: The first instrumented fuel experiment with on-line gas composition measurement by acoustic sensor

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

Lambert, T.; Muller, E.; Federici, E.

With the aim to improve the knowledge of nuclear fuel behaviour, the development of advanced instrumentation used during in-pile experiments in Material Testing Reactor (MTR) is necessary. To obtain data on high Burn-Up MOX fuel performance under transient operating conditions, especially in order to differentiate between the kinetics of fission gas and helium releases and to acquire data on the degradation of the fuel conductivity, a highly instrumented in-pile experiment called REMORA 3 has been conducted by CEA and IES (Southern Electronic Inst. - CNRS - Montpellier 2 Univ.). A rodlet extracted from a fuel rod base irradiated for fivemore » cycles in a French EDF commercial PWR has been re-instrumented with a fuel centerline thermocouple, a pressure transducer and an advanced acoustic sensor. This latter, patented by CEA and IES, is 1 used in addition to pressure measurement to determine the composition of the gases located in the free volume and the molar fractions of fission gas and helium. This instrumented fuel rodlet has been re-irradiated in a specific rig, GRIFFONOS, located in the periphery of the OSIRIS experimental reactor core at CEA Saclay. First of all, an important design stage and test phases have been performed before the irradiation in order to optimize the response and the accuracy of the sensors: - To control the influence of the temperature on the acoustic sensor behaviour, a thermal mock-up has been built. - To determine the temperature of the gas located in the acoustic cavity as a function of the coolant temperature, and the average temperature of the gases located in the rodlet free volume as a function of the linear heat rate, thermal calculations have been achieved. The former temperature is necessary to calculate the molar fractions of the gases and the latter is used to calculate the total amount of released gas from the internal rod pressure measurements. - At the end of the instrumented rod manufacturing, specific internal free volume and pressure measurements have been carried out. Preliminary calculations of the REMORA 3 experiments have been performed from these measurements, with the aim to determine free volume evolution as a function of linear heat rate history. - A tracer gas has been added to the filling gas in order to optimize the accuracy of the helium balance at the time of the post irradiation examination. The two phases of the REMORA 3 irradiation have been achieved at the end of 2010 in the OSIRIS reactor. Slight acoustic signal degradation, observed during the test under high neutron and gamma flux, has led to an efficiency optimization of the signal processing. The instrumentation ran smoothly and allowed to reach all the experimental objectives. After non destructive examination performed in the Osiris reactor pool, typically gamma spectrometry and neutron radiography, the instrumented rod and the device have been disassembled. Then the instrumented rod has been transported to the LECA facility in Cadarache Centre for post irradiation examination. The internal pressure and volume of the rodlet as well as precise gas composition measurements will be known after puncturing step performed in a hot cell of this facility. That will allow us to qualify the in-pile measurements and to finalize the data which will be used for the validation of the fuel behaviour computer codes. (authors)« less

Dynamic System Simulation of the KRUSTY Experiment

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

Klein, Steven Karl; Kimpland, Robert Herbert

2016-05-09

The proposed KRUSTY experiment is a demonstration of a reactor operating at power. The planned experimental configuration includes a highly enriched uranium (HEU) reflected core, cooled by multiple heat pipes leading to Stirling engines for primary heat rejection. Operating power is expected to be approximately four (4) to five (5) kilowatts with a core temperature above 1,000 K. No data is available on any historical reactor employing HEU metal that operated over the temperature range required for the KRUSTY experiment. Further, no reactor has operated with heat pipes as the primary cooling mechanism. Historic power reactors have employed either naturalmore » or forced convection so data on their operation is not directly applicable to the KRUSTY experiment. The primary purpose of the system model once developed and refined by data from these component experiments, will be used to plan the KRUSTY experiment. This planning will include expected behavior of the reactor from start-up, through various transient conditions where cooling begins to become present and effective, and finally establishment of steady-state. In addition, the model can provide indicators of anticipated off-normal events and appropriate operator response to those conditions. This information can be used to develop specific experiment operating procedures and aids to guide the operators in conduct of the experiment.« less

Undergraduate surgical nursing preparation and guided operating room experience: A quantitative analysis.

PubMed

Foran, Paula

2016-01-01

The aim of this research was to determine if guided operating theatre experience in the undergraduate nursing curricula enhanced surgical knowledge and understanding of nursing care provided outside this specialist area in the pre- and post-operative surgical wards. Using quantitative analyses, undergraduate nurses were knowledge tested on areas of pre- and post-operative surgical nursing in their final semester of study. As much learning occurs in nurses' first year of practice, participants were re-tested again after their Graduate Nurse Program/Preceptorship year. Participants' results were compared to the model of operating room education they had participated in to determine if there was a relationship between the type of theatre education they experienced (if any) and their knowledge of surgical ward nursing. Findings revealed undergraduates nurses receiving guided operating theatre experience had a 76% pass rate compared to 56% with non-guided or no experience (p < 0.001). Graduates with guided operating theatre experience as undergraduates or graduate nurses achieved a 100% pass rate compared to 53% with non-guided or no experience (p < 0.001). The research informs us that undergraduate nurses achieve greater learning about surgical ward nursing via guided operating room experience as opposed to surgical ward nursing experience alone. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

All optical mode controllable Er-doped random fiber laser with distributed Bragg gratings.

PubMed

Zhang, W L; Ma, R; Tang, C H; Rao, Y J; Zeng, X P; Yang, Z J; Wang, Z N; Gong, Y; Wang, Y S

2015-07-01

An all-optical method to control the lasing modes of Er-doped random fiber lasers (RFLs) is proposed and demonstrated. In the RFL, an Er-doped fiber (EDF) recoded with randomly separated fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) is used as the gain medium and randomly distributed reflectors, as well as the controllable element. By combining random feedback of the FBG array and Fresnel feedback of a cleaved fiber end, multi-mode coherent random lasing is obtained with a threshold of 14 mW and power efficiency of 14.4%. Moreover, a laterally-injected control light is used to induce local gain perturbation, providing additional gain for certain random resonance modes. As a result, active mode selection of the RFL is realized by changing locations of the laser cavity that is exposed to the control light.

New Safety and Technical Challenges and Operational Experience on the JET First Trace Tritium Experiment

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

Pearce, R.J.H.; Bell, A.C.; Brennan, D.

'Trace Tritium Experiments' (TTE) were successfully performed on JET in 2003. The Campaign marked the first use of tritium in JET plasmas since the Deuterium-Tritium Experiment (DTE1) Campaign in 1997, and was the first use of tritium in experiments under the EFDA organisation with the UKAEA as JET Operator. The safety and regulatory preparations for the experiment were extensive. Since JET has been operated by the UKAEA the operations have followed the model of a licensed nuclear site. The safe operation of the JET torus is demonstrated in a safety case. Key Safety Management Requirement (KSMR) and Key Safety Relatedmore » Equipment (KSRE) are identified in the Safety Case for DT operation. The safe operation of the torus is within the bounds of, and under the control of, an Authority to Operate (ATO). New technical challenges were presented by the need to inject and account for small quantities of tritium in very short pulses ({approx}80ms), with an accurate time stamp. The safety and operational management of the campaign are described. Valuable lessons were learned which would help in running future experiments. It is concluded that JET is in a strong position to run future trace tritium and full DT discharges.« less

TSTA Piping and Flame Arrestor Operating Experience Data

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

Cadwallader, Lee C.; Willms, R. Scott

The Tritium Systems Test Assembly (TSTA) was a facility dedicated to tritium handling technology and experiment research at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. The facility operated from 1984 to 2001, running a prototype fusion fuel processing loop with ~100 grams of tritium as well as small experiments. There have been several operating experience reports written on this facility’s operation and maintenance experience. This paper describes analysis of two additional components from TSTA, small diameter gas piping that handled small amounts of tritium in a nitrogen carrier gas, and the flame arrestor used in this piping system. The operating experiences andmore » the component failure rates for these components are discussed in this paper. Comparison data from other applications are also presented.« less

[The electric furnace of Henri Moissan at one hundred years: connection with the electric furnace, the solar furnace, the plasma furnace?].

PubMed

Royère, C

1999-03-01

The trace of Henri Moissan's pioneer work 100 years ago is clearly evidenced by an overview of achievements in high temperature devices; 1987: "Le four électrique" by Henri Moissan; 1948-1952: "High temperature heating in a cavity rotary kiln using focusing of solar radiation" by Félix Trombe; 1962: "The cavity rotary kiln using focused solar radiation jointly with a plasma gun" by Marc Foëx; 1970: "The rotary kiln with two plasma guns and arc transfer" by Marc Foëx; 1984: "The plasma furnace" by Electricité de France (EDF) at Renardières; 1997: "The plasma furnace" by the Atomic Energy Center (CEA) at Cadarache, the VULCANO program. The first part of this contribution is devoted to Henri Moissan. Re-reading his early book on the electric furnace, especially the first chapter and the sections on silica, carbon vapor and experiments performed in casting molten metal--the conclusions are outstanding--provides modern readers with an amazing insight into future developments. The last two parts are devoted to Félix Trombe and Marc Foëx, tracing the evolution of high temperature cavity processus leading to the solar furnace and the present day plasma furnace at the CEA. Focus is placed on research conducted by the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) with the solar and plasma furnaces at Odeillo. The relationships with Henri Moissan's early work are amazing, offering a well deserved homage to this pioneer researcher.

Preface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

L'Hostis, Valérie; Foct, François; Féron, Damien

2006-11-01

The reinforced concrete is widely used in the construction of nuclear power plants, of nuclear facilities and structures for long-term storage and the disposal of radioactive waste. Indeed this kind of material is used for many purposes, including support, containment, and environmental protection for different types of facilities: e.g. surface structures, shallow subsurface vaults and deep underground repositories. These structures are required to besafe and reliable in challenging and varying environments for periods of time that can potentially range up to several hundred years. During their operational life, these structures will in all likelihood be subjected to a number of environmental stresses or ageing factors that may adversely affect their performance and result in shortened service lives. The detection and assessment of the magnitude as well as the rate of occurrence of any environmental factor-related degradation are key factors in maintaining the capability of these structures to meet their operational requirements. As the knowledge base for modern concretes, such as would be used in fuel cycle-related facilities, is relatively new (i.e. about, 100 years versus the required 200 to 500 or more years), additional inputs are required in several areas to ensure that these structures will continue to meet their design requirements throughout their operational life. Within this context, the international Workshop entitled "NUCPERF 2006, Corrosion and Long Term Performance of Concrete in NPP and Waste Facilities" (EFC Event 284) was held at Cadarache (France), on 27-30 March 2006. Its purpose was to bring together scientists and engineers from various countries that are developing nuclear power generation and/or waste disposal programmes. A special focus has been made on the discussion on R& D progress with regard to concrete degradation and corrosion of steel reinforcements in order to reach a consensus on R& D needs to further develop cooperative programmes. The sessions of the workshop covered the following areas, from fundamental aspects to technically relevant industrial applications: - Present and Future Expectations on regulations, design codes and R& D programmes; - Experimental Studies mainly focused on corrosion of embedded steels and its mechanical consequences, reactive agents transport and chemical degradation of concrete; - Phenomenological Modelling of the different mechanisms involved in reinforced concrete degradation (corrosion, transport, mechanics, etc.); - Service Life Models focused on the assessment of reinforced concrete structures and life cycle analysis; - Feedback Experience use of field experiences and archaeological artefacts for the phenomenological understanding and modelling; - Monitoring and Repair on-site corrosion evaluation, repairing techniques performance... The organisation and the success of this Workshop have been made possible thanks to CEA (Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique) and EDF (Électricité de France) which co-organised this event. It was co-sponsored by EFC/WP4 (European Federation of Corrosion, Nuclear corrosion working party) and OECD/NEA (Nuclear Energy Agency) which the editors want to warmly thank for their active scientific and practical contributions. The editors would also like to thank the authors who presented papers of outstanding scientific content and who responded enthusiastically to the discussions and questions raised during the Workshop, the programme committee, who had to make the tricky selection of the presented papers, and finally the reviewers of the papers presented in this special issue. This Workshop was a forum to exchange state-of-the-art knowledge on corrosion and long-term performance of concrete in nuclear power plants and waste facilities. The editors hope that the scientific results gathered in these proceedings will be useful to scientists and engineers in the field of reinforced concrete materials for nuclear applications. Valérie L'Hostis, François Foct and Damien Féron Editors of this Special Issue

Experiment module concepts study. Volume 2: Experiments and mission operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Macdonald, J. M.

1970-01-01

The baseline experiment program is concerned with future space experiments and cover the scientific disciplines of astronomy, space physics, space biology, biomedicine and biotechnology, earth applications, materials science, and advanced technology. The experiments within each discipline are grouped into functional program elements according to experiments that support a particular area of research or investigation and experiments that impose similar or related demand on space station support systems. The experiment requirements on module subsystems, experiment operating modes and time profiles, and the role of the astronaut are discussed. Launch and rendezvous with the space station, disposal, and on-orbit operations are delineated. The operational interfaces between module and other system elements are presented and include space station and logistic system interfaces. Preliminary launch and on-orbit environmental criteria and requirements are discussed, and experiment equipment weights by functional program elements are tabulated.

Impact of the 80-hour work week on resident emergency operative experience.

PubMed

Feanny, Mark A; Scott, Bradford G; Mattox, Kenneth L; Hirshberg, Asher

2005-12-01

The goal of this study was to analyze the impact of the 80-hour work week on the emergency operative experience of surgical residents. A 2-year retrospective comparison of the operative experience in emergency abdominal procedures of postgraduate year 4 and 5 residents in a city hospital before (group 1) and after (group 2) duty hour restriction. There was no difference between groups in the mean number of procedures performed as the primary surgeon, but group 2 showed a 40% decrease in technically advanced procedures with a 44% increase in basic procedures. The study also demonstrated a 54% decrease in the operative volume as first assistant. Operative continuity of care by residents decreased from 60% to 26% of cases. The ACGME regulatory environment is adversely affecting the emergency operative experience of surgical residents. Our findings underscore the need to develop alternative methods to augment the residents' operative experience.

Objective assessment of operator performance during ultrasound-guided procedures.

PubMed

Tabriz, David M; Street, Mandie; Pilgram, Thomas K; Duncan, James R

2011-09-01

Simulation permits objective assessment of operator performance in a controlled and safe environment. Image-guided procedures often require accurate needle placement, and we designed a system to monitor how ultrasound guidance is used to monitor needle advancement toward a target. The results were correlated with other estimates of operator skill. The simulator consisted of a tissue phantom, ultrasound unit, and electromagnetic tracking system. Operators were asked to guide a needle toward a visible point target. Performance was video-recorded and synchronized with the electromagnetic tracking data. A series of algorithms based on motor control theory and human information processing were used to convert raw tracking data into different performance indices. Scoring algorithms converted the tracking data into efficiency, quality, task difficulty, and targeting scores that were aggregated to create performance indices. After initial feasibility testing, a standardized assessment was developed. Operators (N = 12) with a broad spectrum of skill and experience were enrolled and tested. Overall scores were based on performance during ten simulated procedures. Prior clinical experience was used to independently estimate operator skill. When summed, the performance indices correlated well with estimated skill. Operators with minimal or no prior experience scored markedly lower than experienced operators. The overall score tended to increase according to operator's clinical experience. Operator experience was linked to decreased variation in multiple aspects of performance. The aggregated results of multiple trials provided the best correlation between estimated skill and performance. A metric for the operator's ability to maintain the needle aimed at the target discriminated between operators with different levels of experience. This study used a highly focused task model, standardized assessment, and objective data analysis to assess performance during simulated ultrasound-guided needle placement. The performance indices were closely related to operator experience.

Glenn's Telescience Support Center Provided Around-the-Clock Operations Support for Space Experiments on the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malarik, Diane C.

2005-01-01

NASA Glenn Research Center s Telescience Support Center (TSC) allows researchers on Earth to operate experiments onboard the International Space Station (ISS) and the space shuttles. NASA s continuing investment in the required software, systems, and networks provides distributed ISS ground operations that enable payload developers and scientists to monitor and control their experiments from the Glenn TSC. The quality of scientific and engineering data is enhanced while the long-term operational costs of experiments are reduced because principal investigators and engineering teams can operate their payloads from their home institutions.

Failure to Visualize and Describe Operations: The Evolution and Implementation of the Operational Framework

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-05-25

Operations, and Unified Land Operations) and the US Army’s leader development model identifies how the education , training, and experience of field-grade...officers have failed in their incorporation of the framework because they lack the education , training, and experience for the use of the framework... education , training, and experience of field-grade officers at the division level have influenced their use of the operational framework. The cause for

Radiation tolerant passive and active optical fiber products for use in space environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hill, Mark; Hankey, Judith; Gray, Rebecca

2017-11-01

This paper reports the radiation performance results of several new product types designed for high radiation environments. The products tested include radiation hardened highly birefringent (HiBi) passive products for polarised applications and radiation tolerant active erbium doped fiber products for amplifiers. Radiation hardened, short beatlength HiBi fiber products have been developed for high accuracy polarisation maintaining (PM) gyros and sensors at both 1310nm and 1550nm operation in the space environment. The fibers have been tested up to 5kGy (500krad) - levels which could be expected in extreme, extra-terrestrial space environments. Results show a consistently low Radiation Induced Attenuation (RIA) of <7dB/km at 5kGy, giving a RIA value of 1.37×10-2 dB/km/krad at 1550nm for this product range. Radiation tolerant EDF AstroGain™ fibers are intended for use in multichannel amplifiers in optical intersatellite communications. The structure of the fibers have been designed to deliver an accelerated recovery of radiation damage through photo-annealing using only the residual energy already available in an amplifier using a 980nm pumping regime. These products have been tested up to 200Gy (20krad) - levels which can be expected in Earth orbit environments over a 20-30 mission lifetime. Results show up to 100% recovery under continuous use for dose rates of 0.11rad/hr. It has also been demonstrated through analysis of the optical spectral output that this effect reverses the gain tilt, or spectral narrowing, induced by radiation damage through the C and L band. These combined fiber characteristics allow performance stability of the amplifier over the lifetime of the space mission.

Effect of the 80-hour work week on resident operative experience in general surgery.

PubMed

Carlin, Arthur M; Gasevic, Enej; Shepard, Alexander D

2007-03-01

The goal of this study was to determine the effect of the 80-hour work week on resident operative experience. General surgery resident operative experience was evaluated during a 4-year period and divided into 2 groups: before (group A [July 1, 2001, to June 30, 2003]) and after (group B July 1, 2003, to June 30, 2005]) implementation of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education duty hour guidelines. There was a significant decrease in mean total and primary surgeon cases in group B for postgraduate year (PGY) levels 1, 2, and 4 (P < or = .001). There was a significant decrease in PGY 5 teaching assistant and PGY 1 first assistant experience in group B (P < or = .001). There was no difference in PGY 3 resident operative volume. The mandated work-hour guidelines have negatively impacted the operative experience of general surgery residents, especially at the junior level. Despite implementing modifications designed to optimize resident operative experience, surgical training programs may require further adaptations.

Design of control software for the closed ecology experiment facilities (CEEF)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyajima, H.; Abe, K.; Hirosaki, T.; Ishikawa, Y.

A habitation experiment using a closed ecology experiment facilities CEEF was started in fiscal 2005 three experiments in which two humans stayed for one week were conducted Their stays will be extended gradually until fiscal 2009 when an experiment will be launched with two humans staying for four months The CEEF has an ambitious target of acquiring the technology of an advanced life support system and the system is being developed based on the technology of conventional plant systems Especially in respect to supervision and control of the system the system still has little automation This system has many manual operation parts whose starts and stops are determined by human judgment There are even several parts requiring off-line measurements that include analyses performed by hand At present a CEEF behavioral prediction system CPS is being developed as the first stage for controlling such a system In this CPS an operator creates an operational schedule after due consideration However creation of the operational schedule of the complex CEEF is not easy and it is above the operator s capability to fully cope with alterations of the operational schedule that occur during a long-term habitation experiment Therefore we are going to develop an automatic creation function of the operational schedule that will be incorporated into the CPS by the beginning of the habitation experiment in fiscal 2009 This function will enable automation of most of the operational schedule that human operators currently set up In this paper we examine

NASA/ESA CT-990 Spacelab simulation. Appendix A: The experiment operator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reller, J. O., Jr.; Neel, C. B.; Haughney, L. C.

1976-01-01

A joint NASA/ESA endeavor was established to conduct an extensive spacelab simulation using the NASA CV-990 airborne laboratory. The scientific payload was selected to perform studies in upper atmospheric physics and infrared astronomy with principal investigators from France, the Netherlands, England, and several groups from the United States. Two experiment operators from Europe and two from the U.S. were selected to live aboard the aircraft along with a mission manager for a six-day period and operate the experiments in behalf of the principal scientists. This appendix discusses the experiment operators and their relationship to the joint mission under the following general headings: selection criteria, training programs, and performance. The performance of the proxy operators was assessed in terms of adequacy of training, amount of scientific data obtained, quality of data obtained, and reactions to problems that arose in experiment operation.

Effects of D-cycloserine on the extinction of appetitive operant learning

PubMed Central

Vurbic, Drina; Gold, Benjamin; Bouton, Mark E.

2011-01-01

Four experiments with rat subjects examined whether D-cycloserine (DCS), a partial NMDA agonist, facilitates the extinction of operant lever-pressing reinforced by food. Previous research has demonstrated that DCS facilitates extinction learning with methods that involve Pavlovian extinction. In the current experiments, operant conditioning occurred in Context A, extinction in Context B, and then testing occurred in both the extinction and conditioning contexts. Experiments 1a and 1b tested the effects of three doses of DCS (5, 15, and 30 mg/kg) on the extinction of lever pressing trained as a free operant. Experiment 2 examined their effects when extinction of the free operant was conducted in the presence of non-response-contingent deliveries of the reinforcer (which theoretically reduced the role of generalization decrement in suppressing responding). Experiment 3 examined their effects on extinction of a discriminated operant, i.e., one that had been reinforced in the presence of a discriminative stimulus, but not in its absence. A strong ABA renewal effect was observed in all four experiments during testing. However, despite the use of DCS doses and a drug administration procedure that facilitates the extinction of Pavlovian learning, there was no evidence in any experiment that DCS facilitated operant extinction learning assessed in either the extinction or the conditioning context. DCS may primarily facilitate learning processes that underlie Pavlovian, rather than purely operant, extinction. PMID:21688894

Abstract - Cooperative Research and Development Agreement between Environmental Defense Fund and National Energy Technology Laboratory

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

Rose, Kelly K.; Zavala-Zraiza, Daniel

Here, we summarize an effort to develop a global oil and gas infrastructure (GOGI) taxonomy and geodatabase, using a combination of big data computing, custom search and data integration algorithms, and expert driven spatio-temporal analytics to identify, access, and evaluate open oil and gas data resources and uncertainty trends worldwide. This approach leveraged custom National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) tools and capabilities in collaboration with Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and Carbon Limits subject matter expertise, to identify over 380 datasets and integrate more than 4.8 million features into the GOGI database. In addition to acquisition of open oil and gasmore » infrastructure data, information was collected and analyzed to assess the spatial, temporal, and source quality of these resources, and estimate their completeness relative to the top 40 hydrocarbon producing and consuming countries.« less

Sleep atlas and multimedia database.

PubMed

Penzel, T; Kesper, K; Mayer, G; Zulley, J; Peter, J H

2000-01-01

The ENN sleep atlas and database was set up on a dedicated server connected to the internet thus providing all services such as WWW, ftp and telnet access. The database serves as a platform to promote the goals of the European Neurological Network, to exchange patient cases for second opinion between experts and to create a case-oriented multimedia sleep atlas with descriptive text, images and video-clips of all known sleep disorders. The sleep atlas consists of a small public and a large private part for members of the consortium. 20 patient cases were collected and presented with educational information similar to published case reports. Case reports are complemented with images, video-clips and biosignal recordings. A Java based viewer for biosignals provided in EDF format was installed in order to move free within the sleep recordings without the need to download the full recording on the client.

Distributed feedback fiber laser based on a fiber Bragg grating inscribed using the femtosecond point-by-point technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skvortsov, M. I.; Wolf, A. A.; Dostovalov, A. V.; Vlasov, A. A.; Akulov, V. A.; Babin, S. A.

2018-03-01

A distributed feedback (DFB) fiber laser based on a 32-mm long pi-phase-shifted fiber Bragg grating inscribed using the femtosecond point-by-point technique in a single-mode erbium-doped optical fiber (CorActive EDF-L 1500) is demonstrated. The lasing power of the DFB laser reaches 0.7 mW at a wavelength of 1550 nm when pumped with a laser diode at a wavelength of 976 nm and power of 525 mW. The width of the lasing spectrum is 17 kHz. It is shown that the pi-phase-shifted fiber Bragg grating fs-inscribed in a non-PM fiber provides the selection of the single polarization mode of the DFB laser. DFB laser formation in a highly doped non-photosensitive optical fiber (CoreActive SCF-ER60-8/125-12) is also demonstrated.

A watermarking algorithm for polysomnography data.

PubMed

Jamasebi, R; Johnson, N L; Kaffashi, F; Redline, S; Loparo, K A

2008-01-01

A blind watermarking algorithm for polysomnography (PSG) data in European Data Format (EDF) has been developed for the identification and attribution of shared data. This is accomplished by hiding a unique identifier in the phase spectrum of each PSG epoch using an undisclosed key so that a third party cannot retrieve the watermark without knowledge of the key. A pattern discovery algorithm is developed to find the watermark pattern even though the data may have been altered. The method is evaluated using 25 PSG studies from the Sleep Heart Health Study database. The integrity of the signal data was determined using time series measures of both the original and watermarked signals, and by determining its effect on scoring sleep stages from the PSG data. The results of the analysis indicate that the proposed watermarking method for PSG data is an effective and efficient way to identify shared data without compromising its intended use.

Crosstalk between the microbiome and cancer cells by quorum sensing peptides.

PubMed

Wynendaele, Evelien; Verbeke, Frederick; D'Hondt, Matthias; Hendrix, An; Van De Wiele, Christophe; Burvenich, Christian; Peremans, Kathelijne; De Wever, Olivier; Bracke, Marc; De Spiegeleer, Bart

2015-02-01

To date, the precise role of the human microbiome in health and disease states remains largely undefined. Complex and selective crosstalk systems between the microbiome and mammalian cells are also not yet reported. Research up till now mainly focused on bacterial synthesis of virulence factors, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) and hydrogen sulphide, as well as on the activation of exogenous mutagen precursors by intestinal bacteria. We discovered that certain quorum sensing peptides, produced by bacteria, interact with mammalian cells, in casu cancer cells: Phr0662 (Bacillus sp.), EntF-metabolite (Enterococcus faecium) and EDF-derived (Escherichia coli) peptides initiate HCT-8/E11 colon cancer cell invasion, with Phr0662 also promoting angiogenesis. Our findings thus indicate that the human microbiome, through their quorum sensing peptides, may be one of the factors responsible for cancer metastasis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Terminal-area STOL operating systems experiments program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, D. W.; Watson, D.; Christensen, J. V.

1973-01-01

Information which will aid in the choice by the U.S. Government and industry of system concepts, design criteria, operating procedures for STOL aircraft and STOL ports, STOL landing guidance systems, air traffic control systems, and airborne avionics and flight control systems. Ames has developed a terminal-area STOL operating systems experiments program which is a part of the joint DOT/NASA effort is discussed. The Ames operating systems experiments program, its objectives, the program approach, the program schedule, typical experiments, the research facilities to be used, and the program status are described.

Operational Amplifier Experiments for the Chemistry Laboratory.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Braun, Robert D.

1996-01-01

Provides details of experiments that deal with the use of operational amplifiers and are part of a course in instrumental analysis. These experiments are performed after the completion of a set of electricity and electronics experiments. (DDR)

Utility operational experience on the NASA/DOE MOD-0A 200-kW wind turbine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glasgow, J. C.; Robbins, W. H.

1979-01-01

The Mod-0A 200 wind turbine was designed and fabricated as part of the Federal Wind Energy Program. Early wind turbine operation and performance data were obtained while gaining initial experience in the operation of large, horizontal axis wind turbines in typical utility environments. The Mod-0A wind turbine was turned over to the Town of Clayton Light and Water Plant, Clayton, NM, for utility operation and on December 31, 1978, the machine had completed ten months of utility operation. The machine is described and the recent operational experience at Clayton, NMis documented.

Assessing Prior Experience in the Selection of Air Traffic Control Specialists

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-04-01

Crosstabulation --------------------------B1 APPENDIX C: IFR Operations Experience • Academy Training Performance Crosstabulation ---------C1 APPENDIX...Control Specialist (ATCS) rating? (n=9,333) BQ35 – Do you have prior Instrument Flight Rules ( IFR ) operations experience? (n = 9,349) 2. Hold or...not have a prior ATCS rating. Do you have prior IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) Operations experience? Of the 9,349 respondents to this question

[Operating Room Nurses' Experiences of Securing for Patient Safety].

PubMed

Park, Kwang Ok; Kim, Jong Kyung; Kim, Myoung Sook

2015-10-01

This study was done to evaluate the experience of securing patient safety in hospital operating rooms. Experiential data were collected from 15 operating room nurses through in-depth interviews. The main question was "Could you describe your experience with patient safety in the operating room?". Qualitative data from the field and transcribed notes were analyzed using Strauss and Corbin's grounded theory methodology. The core category of experience with patient safety in the operating room was 'trying to maintain principles of patient safety during high-risk surgical procedures'. The participants used two interactional strategies: 'attempt continuous improvement', 'immersion in operation with sharing issues of patient safety'. The results indicate that the important factors for ensuring the safety of patients in the operating room are manpower, education, and a system for patient safety. Successful and safe surgery requires communication, teamwork and recognition of the importance of patient safety by the surgical team.

General John J. Pershing: Critical Observations and Experiences in Manchuria and Mexico

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-05-25

operational art and the principles of joint operations. So while General Pershing is not largely recognized as an operational artist in contemporary...writing, his observations and experiences with regards to the elements of operational art and the principles of joint operations before World War I...Japanese War, Punitive Expedition, World War I, AEF, Operational Art, Principles of Joint Operations 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17

Amphibious Landing Operations in World War II: Personal Experience in Applying and Developing Doctrine

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-21

the forefront of the Army’s effort to gain experience planning and conducting amphibious landings was Lucian K . Truscott, Jr, a Cavalry officer by...Landing Operations, Lucian K . Truscott, Jr., Operation Torch, Operation Husky, 3rd Infantry Division, World War II 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17...gain experience planning and conducting amphibious landings was Lucian K . Truscott, Jr., a Cavalry officer by training. Following his assignment to

Effects of D-cycloserine on the extinction of appetitive operant learning.

PubMed

Vurbic, Drina; Gold, Benjamin; Bouton, Mark E

2011-08-01

Four experiments with rat subjects examined whether D-cycloserine (DCS), a partial NMDA agonist, facilitates the extinction of operant lever-pressing reinforced by food. Previous research has demonstrated that DCS facilitates extinction learning with methods that involve Pavlovian extinction. In the current experiments, operant conditioning occurred in Context A, extinction in Context B, and then testing occurred in both the extinction and conditioning contexts. Experiments 1A and 1B tested the effects of three doses of DCS (5, 15, and 30 mg/kg) on the extinction of lever pressing trained as a free operant. Experiment 2 examined their effects when extinction of the free operant was conducted in the presence of nonresponse-contingent deliveries of the reinforcer (that theoretically reduced the role of generalization decrement in suppressing responding). Experiment 3 examined their effects on extinction of a discriminated operant, that is, one that had been reinforced in the presence of a discriminative stimulus, but not in its absence. A strong ABA renewal effect was observed in all four experiments during testing. However, despite the use of DCS doses and a drug administration procedure that facilitates the extinction of Pavlovian learning, there was no evidence in any experiment that DCS facilitated operant extinction learning assessed in either the extinction or the conditioning context. DCS may primarily facilitate learning processes that underlie Pavlovian, rather than purely operant, extinction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

Feasibility and systems definition study for microwave multi-application payload (MMAP)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horton, J. B.; Allen, C. C.; Massaro, M. J.; Zemany, J. L.; Murrell, J. W.; Stanhouse, R. W.; Condon, G. P.; Stone, R. F.

1977-01-01

There were three Shuttle/Spacelab experiments: adaptive multibeam phased array antenna (AMPA) experiment, electromagnetic environment experiment (EEE), and millimeter wave communications experiment (MWCE). Work on the AMPA experiment was completed. Results included are definition of operating modes, sequence of operation, radii of operation about several ground stations, signal format, foot prints of typical orbits and preliminary definition of ground and user terminals. Definition of the MOD I EEE included conceptual hardware designs, spacelab interfaces, preliminary data handling methods, experiment tests and verification, and EMC studies. The MWCE was defined conceptually for a steerable high gain antenna.

Influence of operator experience on canal preparation time when using the rotary Ni-Ti ProFile system in simulated curved canals.

PubMed

Mesgouez, C; Rilliard, F; Matossian, L; Nassiri, K; Mandel, E

2003-03-01

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of operator experience on the time needed for canal preparation when using a rotary nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) system. A total of 100 simulated curved canals in resin blocks were used. Four operators prepared a total of 25 canals each. The operators included practitioners with prior experience of the preparation technique, and practitioners with no experience. The working length for each instrument was precisely predetermined. All canals were instrumented with rotary Ni-Ti ProFile Variable Taper Series 29 engine-driven instruments using a high-torque handpiece (Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland). The time taken to prepare each canal was recorded. Significant differences between the operators were analysed using the Student's t-test and the Kruskall-Wallis and Dunn nonparametric tests. Comparison of canal preparation times demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the four operators (P < 0.001). In the inexperienced group, a significant linear regression between canal number and preparation time occurred. Time required for canal preparation was inversely related to operator experience.

Catalog of Apollo experiment operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sullivan, Thomas A.

1994-01-01

This catalog reviews Apollo mission reports, preliminary science reports, technical crew debriefings, lunar surface operations plans, and various relevant lunar experiment documents, collecting engineering- and operation-specific information by experiment. It is organized by discrete experimental and equipment items emplaced or operated on the lunar surface or at zero gravity during the Apollo missions. It also attempts to summarize some of the general problems encountered on the surface and provides guidelines for the design of future lunar surface experiments with an eye toward operations. Many of the problems dealt with on the lunar surface originated from just a few novel conditions that manifested themselves in various nasty ways. Low gravity caused cables to stick up and get caught on feet, and also made it easy for instruments to tip over. Dust was a problem and caused abrasion, visibility, and thermal control difficulties. Operating in a pressure suit limited a person's activity, especially in the hands. I hope to capture with this document some of the lessons learned from the Apollo era to make the jobs of future astronauts, principle investigators, engineers, and operators of lunar experiments more productive.

Flight Validation of On-Demand Operations: The Deep Space One Beacon Monitor Operations Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wyatt, Jay; Sherwood, Rob; Sue, Miles; Szijjarto, John

2000-01-01

After a brief overview of the operational concept, this paper will provide a detailed description of the _as-flown_ flight software components, the DS1 experiment plan, and experiment results to date. Special emphasis will be given to experiment results and lessons learned since the basic system design has been previously reported. Mission scenarios where beacon operations is highly applicable will be described. Detailed cost savings estimates for a sample science mission will be provided as will cumulative savings that are possible over the next fifteen years of NASA missions.

Electrically Driven Single Phase Thermal Management: STP-H5 EHD Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Didion, Jeffrey R.

2016-01-01

The Electrically Driven Single Phase Thermal Management: STP-H5 iEHDS Experiment is a technology demonstration of prototype proof of concept hardware to establish the feasilibilty and long term operation of this hardware. This is a structural thermal plate that will operate continuous as part of the STP-H5 ISEM experiment for up to 18 months. This presentation discusses the design, fabrication and environmental operational paramertes of the experiment hardware.

Development of display design and command usage guidelines for Spacelab experiment computer applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dodson, D. W.; Shields, N. L., Jr.

1979-01-01

Individual Spacelab experiments are responsible for developing their CRT display formats and interactive command scenarios for payload crew monitoring and control of experiment operations via the Spacelab Data Display System (DDS). In order to enhance crew training and flight operations, it was important to establish some standardization of the crew/experiment interface among different experiments by providing standard methods and techniques for data presentation and experiment commanding via the DDS. In order to establish optimum usage guidelines for the Spacelab DDS, the capabilities and limitations of the hardware and Experiment Computer Operating System design had to be considered. Since the operating system software and hardware design had already been established, the Display and Command Usage Guidelines were constrained to the capabilities of the existing system design. Empirical evaluations were conducted on a DDS simulator to determine optimum operator/system interface utilization of the system capabilities. Display parameters such as information location, display density, data organization, status presentation and dynamic update effects were evaluated in terms of response times and error rates.

CVT/PCS phase 1 integrated testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcbrayer, R. O.; Steadman, J. D.

1973-01-01

Five breadboard experiments representing three Sortie Lab experiment disciplines were installed in a payload carrier simulator. A description of the experiments and the payload carrier simulator was provided. An assessment of the experiment interface with the simulator and an assessment of the simulator experiment support systems were presented. The results indicate that a hardware integrator for each experiment is essential; a crew chief, or mission specialist, for systems management and experimenter liaison is a vital function; a payload specialist is a practical concept for experiment integration and operation; an integration fixture for a complex experiment is required to efficiently integrate the experiment and carrier; simultaneous experiment utilization of simulator systems caused unexpected problems in meeting individual experiment requirements; experimenter traffic inside the dual-floor simulator did not hamper experiment operations; and the requirement for zero-g operation will provide a significant design challenge for some experiments.

Operating Experience Review of the INL HTE Gas Monitoring System

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

L. C. Cadwallader; K. G. DeWall

2010-06-01

This paper describes the operations of several types of gas monitors in use at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) High Temperature Electrolysis Experiment (HTE) laboratory. The gases monitored at hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and oxygen. The operating time, calibration, and unwanted alarms are described. The calibration session time durations are described. Some simple statistics are given for the reliability of these monitors and the results are compared to operating experiences of other types of monitors.

Analysis of failure and maintenance experiences of motor operated valves in a Finnish nuclear power plant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simola, Kaisa; Laakso, Kari

1992-01-01

Eight years of operating experiences of 104 motor operated closing valves in different safety systems in nuclear power units were analyzed in a systematic way. The qualitative methods used were Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) and Maintenance Effects and Criticality Analysis (MECA). These reliability engineering methods are commonly used in the design stage of equipment. The successful application of these methods for analysis and utilization of operating experiences was demonstrated.

Feasibility and systems definition study for Microwave Multi-Application Payload (MMAP)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horton, J. B.; Allen, C. C.; Massaro, M. J.; Zemany, J. L.; Murrell, J. W.; Stanhouse, R. W.; Condon, G. P.; Stone, R. F.; Swana, J.; Afifi, M.

1977-01-01

Work completed on three Shuttle/Spacelab experiments is examined: the Adaptive Multibeam Phased Array Antenna (AMPA) Experiment, Electromagnetic Environment Experiment (EEE) and Millimeter Wave Communications Experiment (MWCE). Results included the definition of operating modes, sequence of operation, radii of operation about several ground stations, signal format, foot prints of typical orbits and preliminary definition of ground and user terminals. Conceptual hardware designs, Spacelab interfaces, data handling methods, experiment testing and verification studies were included. The MWCE-MOD I was defined conceptually for a steerable high gain antenna.

The University of Colorado OSO-8 spectrometer experiment. IV - Mission operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hansen, E. R.; Bruner, E. C., Jr.

1979-01-01

The remote operation of two high-resolution ultraviolet spectrometers on the OSO-8 satellite is discussed. Mission operations enabled scientific observers to plan observations based on current solar data, interact with the observing program using real- or near real-time data and commands, evaluate quick-look instrument data, and analyze the observations for publication. During routine operations, experiments were planned a day prior to their execution, and the data from these experiments received a day later. When a shorter turnaround was required, a real-time mode was available. Here, the real-time data and command links into the remote control center were used to evaluate experiment operation and make satellite pointing or instrument configuration changes with a 1-90 minute turnaround.

SEASAT - A candidate ocean industry economic verification experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, B. P.

1976-01-01

The economic benefits of an operational SEASAT system are discussed in the areas of marine transportation, offshore oil and natural gas exploration and development, ocean fishing, and Arctic operations. A description of the candidate economic verification experiments which could be performed with SEASAT-A is given. With the exception of the area of Arctic operations, experiments have been identified in each of the areas of ocean based activity that are expected to show an economic impact from the use of operational SEASAT data. Experiments have been identified in the areas of the offshore oil and natural gas industry, as well as ice monitoring and coastal zone applications. Emphasis has been placed on the identification and the development of those experiments which meet criteria for: (1) end user participation; (2) SEASAT-A data utility; (3) measurability of operational parameters to demonstrate economic effect; and (4) non-proprietary nature of results.

The Role of Spatial Ability in the Relationship Between Video Game Experience and Route Effectiveness Among Unmanned Vehicle Operators

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-01

1  THE ROLE OF SPATIAL ABILITY IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VIDEO GAME EXPERIENCE AND ROUTE EFFECTIVENESS AMONG UNMANNED VEHICLE OPERATORS...ABSTRACT Effective route planning is essential to the successful operation of unmanned vehicles. Video game experience has been shown to affect...route planning and execution, but why video game experience helps has not been addressed. One answer may be that spatial skills, necessary for route

14 CFR 121.434 - Operating experience, operating cycles, and consolidation of knowledge and skills.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... consolidation of knowledge and skills. 121.434 Section 121.434 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION... Qualifications § 121.434 Operating experience, operating cycles, and consolidation of knowledge and skills. (a... of knowledge and skills, required by this section, except as follows: (1) Crewmembers other than...

Operating experience review of an INL gas monitoring system

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

Cadwallader, Lee C.; DeWall, K. G.; Herring, J. S.

2015-03-12

This article describes the operations of several types of gas monitors in use at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) High Temperature Electrolysis Experiment (HTE) laboratory. The gases monitored in the lab room are hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and oxygen. The operating time, calibration, and both actual and unwanted alarms are described. The calibration session time durations are described. In addition, some simple calculations are given to estimate the reliability of these monitors and the results are compared to operating experiences of other types of monitors.

Utilization of operating experience to prevent piping failures at steam plants

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

Adams, T.S.; Dietrich, E.B.

1999-11-01

The key to preventing flow-accelerated corrosion (FAC) induced piping failures in steam plants is the development and implementation of a methodical program for assessing plant susceptibility to FAC and managing the effects of FAC. One of the key elements of an effective FAC program is the accurate and comprehensive utilization of plant-specific and industry-wide operating experience. Operating experience should be used to develop the program to identify specific areas for inspection or replacement, and to maintain an effective program. This paper discusses the utilization of operating experience in FAC programs at nuclear power plants, fossil plants and other steam plants.

A Framework for Understanding Experiments

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-06-01

operations. Experiments that emphasize free play and uncertainty in scenarios reflect conditions found in existent operations and satisfy external...validity Requirement 4, the ability to relate results. Conversely, experiments emphasizing similar conditions with diminished free play across multiple

European dry cooling tower operating experience

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

DeSteese, J.G.; Simhan, K.

1976-03-01

Interviews were held with representatives of major plants and equipment manufacturers to obtain current information on operating experience with dry cooling towers in Europe. The report documents the objectives, background, and organizational details of the study, and presents an itemized account of contacts made to obtain information. Plant selection was based on a merit index involving thermal capacity and length of service. A questionnaire was used to organize operational data, when available, into nine major categories of experience. Information was also solicited concerning the use of codes and standards to ensure the achievement of cooling tower performance. Several plant operatorsmore » provided finned-tube samples for metallographic analysis. Additionally, information on both operating experience and developing technology was supplied by European technical societies and research establishments. Information obtained from these contacts provides an updated and representative sample of European experience with dry cooling towers, which supplements some of the detailed reviews already available in the literature. In addition, the study presents categorized operating experience with installations which have not been reviewed so extensively, but nevertheless, have significant operational histories when ranked by the merit index. The contacts and interviews reported in the survey occurred between late March and October 1975. The study was motivated by the expressed interest of U.S. utility industry representatives who expect European experience to provide a basis of confidence that dry cooling is a reliable technology, applicable when necessary, to U.S. operating requirements.« less

20 CFR 638.507 - Work experience.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 20 Employees' Benefits 3 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Work experience. 638.507 Section 638.507... TITLE IV-B OF THE JOB TRAINING PARTNERSHIP ACT Center Operations § 638.507 Work experience. (a) The center operator shall emphasize and implement programs of work experience for students through center...

20 CFR 638.507 - Work experience.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 20 Employees' Benefits 3 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Work experience. 638.507 Section 638.507... TITLE IV-B OF THE JOB TRAINING PARTNERSHIP ACT Center Operations § 638.507 Work experience. (a) The center operator shall emphasize and implement programs of work experience for students through center...

International Co-Operation in Control Engineering Education Using Online Experiments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Henry, Jim; Schaedel, Herbert M.

2005-01-01

This paper describes the international co-operation experience in teaching control engineering with laboratories being conducted remotely by students via the Internet. This paper describes how the students ran the experiments and their personal experiences with the laboratory. A tool for process identification and controller tuning based on…

Student agreement regarding adequacy of didactic content and practical experiences of vaccination clinic business operations.

PubMed

George, David L; Johnson, Eric J; O'Neal, Katherine S; Smith, Michael J

2018-04-01

To report student perceived adequacy regarding didactic content and practical experiences of vaccination clinic business operations. Didactic content, a case study, and practical experiences regarding vaccination clinic business operations were implemented in related lectures of a Pharmacy Business and Entrepreneurship (PBE) elective and the college of pharmacy sponsored vaccination clinics. An online survey was used to evaluate student perceived adequacy of didactic content and practical experiences of vaccination clinic business operations. Mean scaled agreement was compared between students in the PBE elective versus those not in the elective. Student confidence in performing business operations was also assessed. Students in the PBE had higher mean confidence than non-elective students regarding staff management (3.23 vs. 2.73, p = 0.04). Success of the interventions may be attributed to students in the PBE elective that reported a higher mean perceived adequacy of content and practical experiences and confidence in performing nearly all business operations. Still, further evaluation of interventions is being considered to assess effectiveness of learning. Published by Elsevier Inc.

New algorithms for processing time-series big EEG data within mobile health monitoring systems.

PubMed

Serhani, Mohamed Adel; Menshawy, Mohamed El; Benharref, Abdelghani; Harous, Saad; Navaz, Alramzana Nujum

2017-10-01

Recent advances in miniature biomedical sensors, mobile smartphones, wireless communications, and distributed computing technologies provide promising techniques for developing mobile health systems. Such systems are capable of monitoring epileptic seizures reliably, which are classified as chronic diseases. Three challenging issues raised in this context with regard to the transformation, compression, storage, and visualization of big data, which results from a continuous recording of epileptic seizures using mobile devices. In this paper, we address the above challenges by developing three new algorithms to process and analyze big electroencephalography data in a rigorous and efficient manner. The first algorithm is responsible for transforming the standard European Data Format (EDF) into the standard JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) and compressing the transformed JSON data to decrease the size and time through the transfer process and to increase the network transfer rate. The second algorithm focuses on collecting and storing the compressed files generated by the transformation and compression algorithm. The collection process is performed with respect to the on-the-fly technique after decompressing files. The third algorithm provides relevant real-time interaction with signal data by prospective users. It particularly features the following capabilities: visualization of single or multiple signal channels on a smartphone device and query data segments. We tested and evaluated the effectiveness of our approach through a software architecture model implementing a mobile health system to monitor epileptic seizures. The experimental findings from 45 experiments are promising and efficiently satisfy the approach's objectives in a price of linearity. Moreover, the size of compressed JSON files and transfer times are reduced by 10% and 20%, respectively, while the average total time is remarkably reduced by 67% through all performed experiments. Our approach successfully develops efficient algorithms in terms of processing time, memory usage, and energy consumption while maintaining a high scalability of the proposed solution. Our approach efficiently supports data partitioning and parallelism relying on the MapReduce platform, which can help in monitoring and automatic detection of epileptic seizures. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Influence of Operator's Experience on the Shaping Ability of Protaper Universal and Waveone Systems: A Comparative Study on Simulated Root Canals.

PubMed

Troiano, Giuseppe; Dioguardi, Mario; Cocco, Armando; Giannatempo, Giovanni; Laino, Luigi; Ciavarella, Domenico; Berutti, Elio; Lo Muzio, Lorenzo

2016-01-01

To assess the influence of operator experience on: shaping and centering ability, mean preparation time and presence of canal aberrations of ProTaper Universal and WaveOne systems on simulated root canals. Sixty S-shaped canals in resin blocks were assigned to four groups (n=15 for each group). Group1 (Experienced operator, ProTaper), Group2 (Experienced operator, WaveOne), Group3 (Inexperienced operator, ProTaper), Group4 (Inexperienced operator, WaveOne). Photographic method was used to record pre- and post-instrumentations images. After superimposition, it has been evaluated presence of canal aberrations and differences in shaping and centering ability between groups. WaveOne system produced a lower amount of canal aberrations both in the hand of expert than inexpert operators. However, a WaveOne instrument breakage occurred in the hands of an inexperienced operator. No differences have been found in the evaluation of shaping ability with both systematics. Operator's experience doesn't influence the shaping ability of ProTaper and WaveOne systems. Experience factor could influence the centering ability in the use of both the systematics. However, WaveOne Primary reduce the mean preparation time and the presence of canal aberrations.

Meta-analysis of operative experiences of general surgery trainees during training.

PubMed

Elsey, E J; Griffiths, G; Humes, D J; West, J

2017-01-01

General surgical training curricula around the world set defined operative numbers to be achieved before completion of training. However, there are few studies reporting total operative experience in training. This systematic review aimed to quantify the published global operative experience at completion of training in general surgery. Electronic databases were searched systematically for articles in any language relating to operative experience in trainees completing postgraduate general surgical training. Two reviewers independently assessed citations for inclusion using agreed criteria. Studies were assessed for quantitative data in addition to study design and purpose. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model of studies with appropriate data. The search resulted in 1979 titles for review. Of these, 24 studies were eligible for inclusion in the review and data from five studies were used in the meta-analysis. Studies with published data of operative experience at completion of surgical training originated from the USA (19), UK (2), the Netherlands (1), Spain (1) and Thailand (1). Mean total operative experience in training varied from 783 procedures in Thailand to 1915 in the UK. Meta-analysis produced a mean pooled estimate of 1366 (95 per cent c.i. 1026 to 1707) procedures per trainee at completion of training. There was marked heterogeneity between studies (I 2  = 99·6 per cent). There is a lack of robust data describing the operative experiences of general surgical trainees outside the USA. The number of surgical procedures performed by general surgeons in training varies considerably across the world. © 2016 The Authors. BJS published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of BJS Society Ltd.

Flight Hardware Fabricated for Combustion Science in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

OMalley, Terence F.; Weiland, Karen J.

2005-01-01

NASA Glenn Research Center s Telescience Support Center (TSC) allows researchers on Earth to operate experiments onboard the International Space Station (ISS) and the space shuttles. NASA s continuing investment in the required software, systems, and networks provides distributed ISS ground operations that enable payload developers and scientists to monitor and control their experiments from the Glenn TSC. The quality of scientific and engineering data is enhanced while the long-term operational costs of experiments are reduced because principal investigators and engineering teams can operate their payloads from their home institutions.

NASA/ESA CV-990 spacelab simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reller, J. O., Jr.

1976-01-01

Simplified techniques were applied to conduct an extensive spacelab simulation using the airborne laboratory. The scientific payload was selected to perform studies in upper atmospheric physics and infrared astronomy. The mission was successful and provided extensive data relevant to spacelab objectives on overall management of a complex international payload; experiment preparation, testing, and integration; training for proxy operation in space; data handling; multiexperimenter use of common experimenter facilities (telescopes); multiexperiment operation by experiment operators; selection criteria for spacelab experiment operators; and schedule requirements to prepare for such a spacelab mission.

Shifting from Production to Service to Experience-Based Operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angelis, Jannis; de Lima, Edson Pinheiro

This chapter covers the shift in focus of value added business operations from ­production to services, and in turn, to experience-based operations where customer involvement itself becomes part of the offering. The shift has significant implications for how businesses are managed. The greater service focus affects the firm's unique value proposition, which necessitates considerations on strategy, supplier relations, post-sale offerings and so on. Meanwhile, the inclusion of customer ­experiences affect the way operations are designed and employed so that these are structurally systematically captured and capitalised.

Stirling machine operating experience

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ross, Brad; Dudenhoefer, James E.

1991-01-01

Numerous Stirling machines have been built and operated, but the operating experience of these machines is not well known. It is important to examine this operating experience in detail, because it largely substantiates the claim that Stirling machines are capable of reliable and lengthy lives. The amount of data that exists is impressive, considering that many of the machines that have been built are developmental machines intended to show proof of concept, and were not expected to operate for any lengthy period of time. Some Stirling machines (typically free-piston machines) achieve long life through non-contact bearings, while other Stirling machines (typically kinematic) have achieved long operating lives through regular seal and bearing replacements. In addition to engine and system testing, life testing of critical components is also considered.

Man/terminal interaction evaluation of computer operating system command and control service concepts. [in Spacelab

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dodson, D. W.; Shields, N. L., Jr.

1978-01-01

The Experiment Computer Operating System (ECOS) of the Spacelab will allow the onboard Payload Specialist to command experiment devices and display information relative to the performance of experiments. Three candidate ECOS command and control service concepts were reviewed and laboratory data on operator performance was taken for each concept. The command and control service concepts evaluated included a dedicated operator's menu display from which all command inputs were issued, a dedicated command key concept with which command inputs could be issued from any display, and a multi-display concept in which command inputs were issued from several dedicated function displays. Advantages and disadvantages are discussed in terms of training, operational errors, task performance time, and subjective comments of system operators.

Airborne simulation of Shuttle/Spacelab management and operation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mulholland, D. R.; Neel, C. B.

1976-01-01

The ASSESS (Airborne Science/Spacelab Experiments System Simulation) program is discussed. A simulated Spacelab operation was carried out aboard the CV-990 airborne laboratory at Ames Research Center. A scientific payload was selected to conduct studies in upper atmospheric physics and infrared astronomy with principal investigators from France, the Netherlands, England and the U.S. Two experiment operators (EOs) from the U.S. and two from Europe were trained to function as proxies for the principal investigators in operating, maintaining, and repairing the scientific instruments. The simulated mission, in which the EOs and a Mission Manager were confined to the aircraft and living quarters for a 1-week period while making scientific observations during nightly flights, provided experience in the overall management of a complex international payload, experiment preparation, testing, and integration, the training and selection of proxy operators, and data handling.

A life sciences Spacelab mission simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mason, J. A.; Musgrave, F. S.; Morrison, D. R.

1977-01-01

The paper describes the purposes of a seven-day simulated life-sciences mission conducted in a Spacelab simulator. A major objective was the evaluation of in-orbit Spacelab operations and those mission control support functions which will be required from the Payload Operations Center. Tested equipment and procedures included experiment racks, common operational research equipment, commercial off-the-shelf equipment, experiment hardware interfaces with Spacelab, experiment data handling concepts, and Spacelab trash management.

Spacelab operations planning. [ground handling, launch, flight and experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, T. J.

1976-01-01

The paper reviews NASA planning in the fields of ground, launch and flight operations and experiment integration to effectively operate Spacelab. Payload mission planning is discussed taking consideration of orbital analysis and the mission of a multiuser payload which may be either single or multidiscipline. Payload analytical integration - as active process of analyses to ensure that the experiment payload is compatible to the mission objectives and profile ground and flight operations and that the resource demands upon Spacelab can be satisfied - is considered. Software integration is touched upon and the major integration levels in ground operational processing of Spacelab and its experimental payloads are examined. Flight operations, encompassing the operation of the Space Transportation System and the payload, are discussed as are the initial Spacelab missions. Charts and diagrams are presented illustrating the various planning areas.

The impact of fellowships on surgical resident training in a multispecialty cohort in Australia and New Zealand.

PubMed

Petrushnko, Wilson; Perry, Will; Fraser-Kirk, Grant; Ctercteko, Grahame; Adusumilli, Sanjay; O'Grady, Gregory

2015-12-01

Fellowships in surgery are increasing in number, and concerns have been raised regarding their impact on resident training. Although fellows may contribute to resident education and training, they also compete for operative and other experience. This study aimed to quantify the impact of fellowships on resident training in a binational multispecialty cohort. The operative case volumes and primary operator rates of surgery trainees (residents) in Australia and New Zealand were compared between units with and without fellows. Trainees also were surveyed using Likert Scales to assess quality of operative and other experience in units with and without fellows. Data from 911 trainees over 2 terms was analyzed; survey response rate 42%. Of all trainees, 42% worked with fellows. Trainees in units without fellows were involved in more major (P = .03) and minor (P < .0001) cases. Primary operator rates were comparable, but trainees in units without fellows were less often assistants, reported an increased quality of elective operating experience, and reported more favorable completion of learning objectives (all P < .05). These findings were consistent between tertiary and nontertiary hospitals. Thematic analysis showed positive benefits of fellows in teaching, training and mentorship, but negative impacts on case exposure, competition for operating, and clinical experience. Fellows may assist in the teaching and training of residents, but residents working with fellows experience a decreased quantity of operative experience that may impact several aspects of the quality of training. Surgical educators must actively balance the learning needs of fellows and residents. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

MSFC Skylab corollary experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

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

Estimation of Blood Loss: Comparing the Accuracy of Operating Room Personnel

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-02-01

Operating Room Services to reserve an unutilized room for the day of the experiment . The experimental period was on June 14, 1990, from 8:30 AM to 12:00...moderate loss he may experience a decrease in pulse pressure, tachycardia, tachypnea, and postural hypotension. A major blood loss may constitute...during the procedure. In discussing his experience with 3,000 transfusions, Blain (1929) emphasized that the amount of blood lost during operations

30-kW class Arcjet Advanced Technology Transition Demonstration (ATTD) flight experiment diagnostic package

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kriebel, M. M.; Stevens, N. J.

1992-07-01

TRW, Rocket Research Co and Defense Systems Inc are developing a space qualified 30-kW class arcjet flight unit as a part of the Arcjet ATTD program. During space operation the package will measure plume deposition and contamination, electromagnetic interference, thermal radiation, arcjet thruster performance, and plume heating in order to quantify arcjet operational interactions. The Electric Propulsion Space Experiment (ESEX) diagnostic package is described. The goals of ESEX are the demonstration of a high powered arcjet performance and the measurement of potential arcjet-spacecraft interactions which cannot be determined in ground facilities. Arcjet performance, plume characterization, thermal radiation flux and the electromagnetic interference (EMI) experiment as well as experiment operations with a preliminary operations plan are presented.

Utility operational experience on the NASA/DOE Mod-OA 200 kW Wind Turbine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glasgow, J. C.; Robbins, W. H.

1979-01-01

The Mod-OA 200 kW Wind Turbine was designed and fabricated by the Lewis Research Center of the NASA under the direction of the U.S. Department of Energy. The project is a part of the Federal Wind Energy Program and is designed to obtain early wind turbine operation and performance data while gaining initial experience in the operation of large, horizontal axis wind turbines in typical utility environments. On March 6, 1978, the Mod-OA wind turbine was turned over to the Town of Clayton Light and Water Plant, Clayton, NM, for utility operation and on December 31, 1978 the machine had completed ten months of utility operation. This paper describes the machine and documents the recent operational experience at Clayton, NM.

Flight Technical Error Analysis of the SATS Higher Volume Operations Simulation and Flight Experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Daniel M.; Consiglio, Maria C.; Murdoch, Jennifer L.; Adams, Catherine H.

2005-01-01

This paper provides an analysis of Flight Technical Error (FTE) from recent SATS experiments, called the Higher Volume Operations (HVO) Simulation and Flight experiments, which NASA conducted to determine pilot acceptability of the HVO concept for normal operating conditions. Reported are FTE results from simulation and flight experiment data indicating the SATS HVO concept is viable and acceptable to low-time instrument rated pilots when compared with today s system (baseline). Described is the comparative FTE analysis of lateral, vertical, and airspeed deviations from the baseline and SATS HVO experimental flight procedures. Based on FTE analysis, all evaluation subjects, low-time instrument-rated pilots, flew the HVO procedures safely and proficiently in comparison to today s system. In all cases, the results of the flight experiment validated the results of the simulation experiment and confirm the utility of the simulation platform for comparative Human in the Loop (HITL) studies of SATS HVO and Baseline operations.

Halogen lamp experiment, HALEX

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmitt, G.; Stapelmann, J.

1986-01-01

The main purpose of the Halogen Lamp Experiment (HALEX) was to investigate the operation of a halogen lamp during an extended period in a microgravity environment and to prove its behavior in space. The Mirror Heating Facilities for Crystal Growth and Material Science Experiments in space relies on one or two halogen lamps as a furnace to melt the specimens. The HALEX aim is to verify: full power operation of a halogen lamp for a period of about 60 hours; achievement of about 10% of its terrestrial life span; and operation of the halogen lamp under conditions similar to furnace operation.

Operator learning effects in teleoperated rendezvous & docking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilde, M.; Harder, J.; Purschke, R.

Teleoperation of spacecraft proximity operations and docking requires delicate timing and coordination of spacecraft maneuvers. Experience has shown that human operators show large performance fluctuations in these areas, which are a major factor to be addressed in operator training. In order to allow the quantification of the impact of these human fluctuations on control system performance and the human perception of this performance, a learning curve study was conducted with teleoperated final approach and docking scenarios. Over a period of ten experiment days, three test participants were tasked with repeatedly completing a set of three training scenarios. The scenarios were designed to contain different combinations of the major elements of any final approach and docking situation, and to feature an increasing difficulty level. The individual difficulty levels for the three operators furthermore differed in the level of operator support functions available in their human-machine interfaces. Operator performance in the test scenarios were evaluated in the fields approach success and precision, docking safety, and approach efficiency by a combination of recorded maneuver data and questionnaires. The results show that operator experience and the associated learning curves increase operator performance substantially, regardless of the support system used. The paper also shows that the fluctuations in operator performance and self-perception are substantial between as well as within experiment days, and must be reckoned with in teleoperation system design and mission planning.

MIT January Operational Internship Experience 2011

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DeLatte, Danielle; Furhmann, Adam; Habib, Manal; Joujon-Roche, Cecily; Opara, Nnaemeka; Pasterski, Sabrina Gonzalez; Powell, Christina; Wimmer, Andrew

2011-01-01

This slide presentation reviews the 2011 January Operational Internship experience (JOIE) program which allows students to study operational aspects of spaceflight, how design affects operations and systems engineering in practice for 3 weeks. Topics include: (1) Systems Engineering (2) NASA Organization (3) Workforce Core Values (4) Human Factors (5) Safety (6) Lean Engineering (7) NASA Now (8) Press, Media, and Outreach and (9) Future of Spaceflight.

Addressing Future Technology Challenges Through Innovation and Investment

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

27   Figure  5:   High   Altitude  LIDAR  Operations  Equipment...deployment of the High Altitude LIDAR Operations Experiment (HALOE) system to Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). DARPA took a prototype sensor and put...High_Energy_Liquid_Laser_Area_Defense_System_(HELLADS).as px.   7 DARPA, “ High Altitude LIDAR Operations Experiment (HALOE) Information Briefing”, September 2011.   8 Taylor, John

MIT January Operational Internship Experience

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bosanac, Natasha; DeVivero, Charlie; James, Jillian; Perez-Martinez, Carla; Pino, Wendy; Wang, Andrew; Willett, Ezekiel; Williams, Kwami

2010-01-01

This viewgraph presentation describes the MIT January Operational Internship Experience (JOIE) program. The topics include: 1) Landing and Recovery; 2) Transportation; 3) Shuttle Processing; 4) Constellation Processing; 5) External Tank; 6) Launch Pad; 7) Ground Operations; 8) Hypergolic Propellants; 9) Environmental; 10) Logistics; 11) Six Sigma; 12) Systems Engineering; and 13) Human Factors.

Function Transfer in Human Operant Experiments: The Role of Stimulus Pairings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tonneau, Francois; Gonzalez, Carmen

2004-01-01

Although function transfer often has been studied in complex operant procedures (such as matching to sample), whether operant reinforcement actually produces function transfer in such settings has not been established. The present experiments, with high school students as subjects, suggest that stimulus pairings can promote function transfer in…

ALSEP termination report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bates, J. R.; Lauderdale, W. W.; Kernaghan, H.

1979-01-01

The Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP) final report was prepared when support operations were terminated September 30, 1977, and NASA discontinued the receiving and processing of scientific data transmitted from equipment deployed on the lunar surface. The ALSEP experiments (Apollo 11 to Apollo 17) are described and pertinent operational history is given for each experiment. The ALSEP data processing and distribution are described together with an extensive discussion on archiving. Engineering closeout tests and results are given, and the status and configuration of the experiments at termination are documented. Significant science findings are summarized by selected investigators. Significant operational data and recommendations are also included.

MHD thrust vectoring of a rocket engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Labaune, Julien; Packan, Denis; Tholin, Fabien; Chemartin, Laurent; Stillace, Thierry; Masson, Frederic

2016-09-01

In this work, the possibility to use MagnetoHydroDynamics (MHD) to vectorize the thrust of a solid propellant rocket engine exhaust is investigated. Using a magnetic field for vectoring offers a mass gain and a reusability advantage compared to standard gimbaled, elastomer-joint systems. Analytical and numerical models were used to evaluate the flow deviation with a 1 Tesla magnetic field inside the nozzle. The fluid flow in the resistive MHD approximation is calculated using the KRONOS code from ONERA, coupling the hypersonic CFD platform CEDRE and the electrical code SATURNE from EDF. A critical parameter of these simulations is the electrical conductivity, which was evaluated using a set of equilibrium calculations with 25 species. Two models were used: local thermodynamic equilibrium and frozen flow. In both cases, chlorine captures a large fraction of free electrons, limiting the electrical conductivity to a value inadequate for thrust vectoring applications. However, when using chlorine-free propergols with 1% in mass of alkali, an MHD thrust vectoring of several degrees was obtained.

Dark solitons in erbium-doped fiber lasers based on indium tin oxide as saturable absorbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Jia; Zhang, Huanian; Li, Zhen; Sheng, Yingqiang; Guo, Quanxin; Han, Xile; Liu, Yanjun; Man, Baoyuan; Ning, Tingyin; Jiang, Shouzhen

2018-04-01

Dark solitons, which have good stability, long transmission distance and strong anti-interference ability. By using a coprecipitation method, the high quality indium tin oxide (ITO) were prepared with an average diameter of 34.1 nm. We used a typical Z-scan scheme involving a balanced twin-detector measurement system to investigated nonlinear optical properties of the ITO nanoparticles. The saturation intensity and modulation depths are 13.21 MW/cm2 and 0.48%, respectively. In an erbium-doped fiber (EDF) lasers, we using the ITO nanoparticles as saturable absorber (SA), and the formation of dark soliton is experimentally demonstrated. The generated dark solitons are centered at the wavelength of 1561.1 nm with a repetition rate of 22.06 MHz. Besides, the pulse width and pulse-to-pulse interval of the dark solitons is ∼1.33ns and 45.11 ns, respectively. These results indicate that the ITO nanoparticles is a promising nanomaterial for ultrafast photonics.

The Surgeon Volume-outcome Relationship: Not Yet Ready for Policy.

PubMed

Modrall, J Gregory; Minter, Rebecca M; Minhajuddin, Abu; Eslava-Schmalbach, Javier; Joshi, Girish P; Patel, Shivani; Rosero, Eric B

2018-05-01

Increasing surgeon volume may improve outcomes for index operations. We hypothesized that there may be surrogate operative experiences that yield similar outcomes for surgeons with a low-volume experience with a specific index operation, such as esophagectomy. The relationship between surgeon volume and outcomes has potential implications for credentialing of surgeons. Restrictions of privileges based on surgeon volume are only reasonable if there is no substitute for direct experience with the index operation. This study was aimed at determining whether there are valid surrogates for direct experience with a sample index operation-open esophagectomy. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2003-2009) was utilized. Surgeons were stratified into low and high-volume groups based on annual volume of esophagectomy. Surrogate volume was defined as the aggregate annual volume per surgeon of upper gastrointestinal operations including excision of esophageal diverticulum, gastrectomy, gastroduodenectomy, and repair of diaphragmatic hernia. In all, 26,795 esophagectomies were performed nationwide (2003-2009), with a crude inhospital mortality rate of 5.2%. Inhospital mortality decreased with increasing volume of esophagectomies performed annually: 7.7% and 3.8% for low and high-volume surgeons, respectively (P < 0.0001). Among surgeons with a low-volume esophagectomy experience, increasing volume of surrogate operations improved the outcomes observed for esophagectomy: 9.7%, 7.1%, and 4.3% for low, medium, and high-surrogate-volume surgeons, respectively (P = 0.016). Both operation-specific volume and surrogate volume are significant predictors of inhospital mortality for esophagectomy. Based on these observations, it would be premature to limit hospital privileges based solely on operation-specific surgeon volume criteria.

Biological Status Monitoring of European Fresh Water with Sentinel-2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Serra, Romain; Mangin, Antoine; Fanton d'Andon, Odile Hembise; Lauters, Francois; Thomasset, Franck; Martin-Lauzer, Francois-Regis

2016-08-01

Thanks to a widening range of sensors available, the observation of continental water quality for lakes and reservoirs is gaining more and more consistency and accuracy.Consistency because back in 2012, the only free sensor with a sufficient resolution (30m) was Landsat-7 which has truncated data since 2003 and a 16-day revisit time. But today, Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2A are now operating so depending on the latitude of interest, the combined revisit time dropped to 2 to 4 days which is more appropriate for such a monitoring (especially considering the cloud cover).Accuracy because Landsat-7 has a poor contrast over water whereas Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2A have a better radiometric sensitivity (more bit) and moreover Sentinel-2 offers additional spectral bands in the visible which are helpful for Chlorophyll-A concentration assessment. To sum up, with Sentinel-2, continental water quality monitoring capabilities are making a giant leap and it is important to exploit this potential the sooner. ACRI-HE has already built a strong basis to prepare Sentinel-2 by using Landsat data.Indeed, more than 600 lakes are already constantly monitored using Landsat data and their biological statuses are available on EyeOnWater (see eyeonwater.eu). Chlorophyll-A retrieval from (fresh) water leaving reflectances is the result of research activities conducted by ACRI-HE in parallel with EDF (Electricité de France) to respond to an emerging very demanding environmental monitoring through European regulations (typically the Water Framework Directive). Two parallel and complementary algorithms have thus been derived for Chlorophyll-a retrieval.Upstream of Eyeonwater, there is a complex and complete system automatically collecting images, extracting areas of interest around lakes, applying atmospheric correction (very sensitive part as atmosphere can contribute to 90% of the signal at sensor level) and then algorithms to retrieve water transparency (Secchi disk), turbidity and Chlorophyll-A concentration. A wide range of in-situ measurements was gathered to calibrate these algorithms. We present here a clear and operational system working with Sentinel-2-like data that retrieves water ecological quality parameters and provides quantified level of uncertainty. We believe that this system is of prime relevance to fulfil water quality monitoring duties at local, national and regional levels.

Operational experience of the OC-OTEC experiments at NELH

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

Link, H

1989-02-01

The Solar Energy Research Institute, under funding and program direction from the US Department of Energy, has been operating a small-scale test apparatus to investigate key components of open- cycle ocean thermal energy conversion (OC-OTEC). The apparatus started operations in October 1987 and continues to provide valuable information on heat-and mass-transfer processes in evaporators and condensers, gas sorption processes as seawater is depressurized and repressurized, and control and instrumentation characteristics of open-cycle systems. Although other test facilities have been used to study some of these interactions, this is the largest apparatus of its kind to use seawater since Georges Claude`smore » efforts in 1926. The information obtained from experiments conducted in this apparatus is being used to design a larger scale experiment in which a positive net power production is expected to be demonstrated for the first time with OC-OTEC. This paper describes the apparatus, the major tests conducted during its first 18 months of operation, and the experience gained in OC-OTEC system operation. 13 refs., 8 figs.« less

Telescience testbed: operational support functions for biomedical experiments.

PubMed

Yamashita, M; Watanabe, S; Shoji, T; Clarke, A H; Suzuki, H; Yanagihara, D

1992-07-01

A telescience testbed was conducted to study the methodology of space biomedicine with simulated constraints imposed on space experiments. An experimental subject selected for this testbedding was an elaborate surgery of animals and electrophysiological measurements conducted by an operator onboard. The standing potential in the ampulla of the pigeon's semicircular canal was measured during gravitational and caloric stimulation. A principal investigator, isolated from the operation site, participated in the experiment interactively by telecommunication links. Reliability analysis was applied to the whole layers of experimentation, including design of experimental objectives and operational procedures. Engineering and technological aspects of telescience are discussed in terms of reliability to assure quality of science. Feasibility of robotics was examined for supportive functions to reduce the workload of the onboard operator.

Unit Operation Experiment Linking Classroom with Industrial Processing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Benson, Tracy J.; Richmond, Peyton C.; LeBlanc, Weldon

2013-01-01

An industrial-type distillation column, including appropriate pumps, heat exchangers, and automation, was used as a unit operations experiment to provide a link between classroom teaching and real-world applications. Students were presented with an open-ended experiment where they defined the testing parameters to solve a generalized problem. The…

Preparing New Teachers: Operating Successful Field Experience Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Slick, Gloria Appelt, Ed.

This is the second in a series of four books presenting a variety of field experience program models and philosophies that drive the programs provided to preservice teachers during their undergraduate teacher preparation. This publication addresses the operational aspects of a successfully functioning field experience program and office. The…

An evaluation of the ATM man/machine interface. Phase 3: Analysis of SL-3 and SL-4 data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bathurst, J. R., Jr.; Pain, R. F.; Ludewig, D. B.

1974-01-01

The functional adequacy of human factored crew operated systems under operational zero-gravity conditions is considered. Skylab ATM experiment operations generated sufficient telemetry and voice transcript data to support such an assessment effort. Discussions are presented pertaining to the methodology and procedures used to evaluate the hardware, training and directive aspects of Skylab 3 and Skylab 4 manned ATM experiment operations.

Terry Turbopump Analytical Modeling Efforts in Fiscal Year 2016 ? Progress Report.

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

Osborn, Douglas; Ross, Kyle; Cardoni, Jeffrey N

This document details the Fiscal Year 2016 modeling efforts to define the true operating limitations (margins) of the Terry turbopump systems used in the nuclear industry for Milestone 3 (full-scale component experiments) and Milestone 4 (Terry turbopump basic science experiments) experiments. The overall multinational-sponsored program creates the technical basis to: (1) reduce and defer additional utility costs, (2) simplify plant operations, and (3) provide a better understanding of the true margin which could reduce overall risk of operations.

Terminal-area STOL operating systems experiments program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, D. W.; Watson, D.; Christensen, J. V.

1972-01-01

A system study to determine the application of short takeoff aircraft for a high speed, short haul air transportation service was conducted. The study focused on developing information which will aid in choosing system concepts, design criteria, operating procedures, landing guidance systems, air traffic control systems, and airborne avionics and flight control systems. A terminal area STOL operating system experiments program was developed. The objectives, program approach, program schedule, typical experiments, research facilities to be used, and program status are discussed.

A summary of the test procedures and operational details of a Delaware River and an ocean dumping pollution monitoring experiment conducted 28 August 1975

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hypes, W. D.; Ohlhorst, C. W.

1977-01-01

Two remote sensor evaluation experiments are discussed. One experiment was conducted at the DuPont acid-dump site off the Delaware coast. The second was conducted at an organic waste outfall in the Delaware River. The operational objective of obtaining simultaneous sea truth sampling with remote sensors overpasses was met. Descriptions of the test sites, sensors, sensor platforms, flight lines, sea truth data collected, and operational chronology are presented.

Astronaut operations requirements document for the White Light Coronagraph experiment s-052 for the Apollo Telescope Mount

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ross, C. L.

1973-01-01

Information necessary for successful performance of the observer's function in the White Light Coronagraph portion of the Apollo Telescope Mount experiments is presented. The pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight operations required to perform the S-052 experiment are described. A discussion of the scientific objectives of the experiment and a description of the hardware are provided.

Adaptive Boiler Controls: Market Survey and Appraisal of a Prototype System

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-06-01

be considered. Operating staff sizes and experience are declining . Operators often lack experience and expertise to make the overall operating...Quick C, V2.5 or higher or b. Aztec CBS Compiler, v4.2 or higher $1,000 7. Uninterruptable Power Supply (for example, Superior Electric Company Model

Precision operation of the Nova laser for fusion experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caird, J. A.; Ehrlich, R. B.; Hermes, G. L.; Landen, O. L.; Laumann, C. W.; Lerche, R. A.; Miller, J. L.; Murray, J. E.; Nielsen, N. D.; Powell, H. T.; Rushford, M. C.; Saunders, R. L.; Thompson, C. E.; VanArsdall, P. J.; Vann, C. S.; Weiland, T. L.

1994-10-01

The operation of a Neodymium glass laser of a special design for fusion experiments is improved by a better pulse synchronization, the gain stabilization, and the laser diagnostics. We used sensor upgrading and antifriction coating of focusing lenses. The pointing accuracy of the Nova laser meets now our goal for precision operation. (AIP)

A cyclic ground test of an ion auxiliary propulsion system: Description and operational considerations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ling, Jerri S.; Kramer, Edward H.

1988-01-01

The Ion Auxiliary Propulsion System (IAPS) experiment is designed for launch on an Air Force Space Test Program satellite (NASA-TM-78859; AIAA Paper No. 78-647). The primary objective of the experiment is to flight qualify the 8 cm mercury ion thruster system for stationkeeping applications. Secondary objectives are measuring the interactions between operating ion thruster systems and host spacecraft, and confirming the design performance of the thruster systems. Two complete 8 cm mercury ion thruster subsystems will be flown. One of these will be operated for 2557 on and off cycles and 7057 hours at full thrust. Tests are currently under way in support of the IAPS flight experiment. In this test an IAPS thruster is being operated through a series of startup/run/shut-down cycles which simulate thruster operation during the planned flight experiment. A test facility description and operational considerations of this testing using an engineering model 8 cm thruster (S/N 905) is the subject of this paper. Final results will be published at a later date when the ground test has been concluded.

Telescience Operations on International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schubert, Kathleen E.

1999-01-01

This paper describes the concept of telescience operations for the International Space Station (ISS). The extended duration microgravity environment of the ISS will enable microgravity science research to enter into a new era of increased scientific and technological data return. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has a vision of distributed ground operations which enables the Principal Investigator direct interaction with his/her on-board experiment from his/her home location. This is the concept of telescience and is essential for maximizing the use of the long duration science environment that ISS provides. The goal of telescience is to provide the capability to fully tele-operate an experiment from any ground location in such a way as to increase the amount and quality of scientific and technological data return and decrease the operations cost of an individual experiment relative to the era of Space Shuttle experiments. This paper also describes the NASA Lewis Research Center (LeRC) implementation approach for the LeRC Telescience Support Center (TSC) and Principal Investigator Science Operations Sites (SOS) which will fully meet the concept of telescience as prescribed by the Agency.

IRIS Mission Operations Director's Colloquium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carvalho, Robert; Mazmanian, Edward A.

2014-01-01

Pursuing the Mysteries of the Sun: The Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) Mission. Flight controllers from the IRIS mission will present their individual experiences on IRIS from development through the first year of flight. This will begin with a discussion of the unique nature of IRISs mission and science, and how it fits into NASA's fleet of solar observatories. Next will be a discussion of the critical roles Ames contributed in the mission including spacecraft and flight software development, ground system development, and training for launch. This will be followed by experiences from launch, early operations, ongoing operations, and unusual operations experiences. The presentation will close with IRIS science imagery and questions.

Operational plans for life science payloads - From experiment selection through postflight reporting

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mccollum, G. W.; Nelson, W. G.; Wells, G. W.

1976-01-01

Key features of operational plans developed in a study of the Space Shuttle era life science payloads program are presented. The data describes the overall acquisition, staging, and integration of payload elements, as well as program implementation methods and mission support requirements. Five configurations were selected as representative payloads: (a) carry-on laboratories - medical emphasis experiments, (b) mini-laboratories - medical/biology experiments, (c) seven-day dedicated laboratories - medical/biology experiments, (d) 30-day dedicated laboratories - Regenerative Life Support Evaluation (RLSE) with selected life science experiments, and (e) Biomedical Experiments Scientific Satellite (BESS) - extended duration primate (Type I) and small vertebrate (Type II) missions. The recommended operational methods described in the paper are compared to the fundamental data which has been developed in the life science Spacelab Mission Simulation (SMS) test series. Areas assessed include crew training, experiment development and integration, testing, data-dissemination, organization interfaces, and principal investigator working relationships.

Operative experience of residents in US general surgery programs: a gap between expectation and experience.

PubMed

Bell, Richard H; Biester, Thomas W; Tabuenca, Arnold; Rhodes, Robert S; Cofer, Joseph B; Britt, L D; Lewis, Frank R

2009-05-01

The purpose of the study was to identify a group of operations which general surgery residency program directors believed residents should be competent to perform by the end of 5 years of training and then ascertain actual resident experience with these procedures during their training. There is concern about the adequacy of training of general surgeons in the United States. The American Board of Surgery and the Association of Program Directors in Surgery undertook a study to determine what operative procedures residency program directors consider to be essential to the practice of general surgery and then we measured the actual operative experience of graduating residents in those procedures, as reported to the Residency Review Committee for Surgery (RRC). An electronic survey was sent to residency program directors at the 254 general surgery programs in the US accredited by the RRC as of spring 2006. The program directors were presented with a list of 300 types of operations. Program directors graded the 300 procedures "A," "B," or "C" using the following criteria: A--graduating general surgery residents should be competent to perform the procedure independently; B--graduating residents should be familiar with the procedure, but not necessarily competent to perform it; and C--graduating residents neither need to be familiar with nor competent to perform the procedure. After ballots were tallied, the actual resident operative experience reported to the RRC by all residents finishing general surgery training in June 2005 was reviewed. One hundred twenty-one of the 300 operations were considered A level procedures by a majority of program directors (PDs). Graduating 2005 US residents (n = 1022) performed only 18 of the 121 A procedures, an average of more than 10 times during residency; 83 of 121 procedures were performed on an average less than 5 times and 31 procedures less than once. For 63 of the 121 procedures, the mode (most commonly reported) experience was 0. In addition, there was significant variation between residents in operative experience for specific procedures. In virtually all cases, the mean reported experience exceeded the mode, suggesting that the mean is a poor measure of typical experience. These data pose important problems for surgical educators. Methods will have to be developed to allow surgeons to reach a basic level of competence in procedures which they are likely to experience only rarely during residency. Even for more commonly performed procedures, the numbers of repetitions are not very robust, stressing the need to determine objectively whether residents are actually achieving basic competency in these operations. Finally, the large variations in experience between individuals in our residency system need to be explored, understood, and remedied.

Public outreach at the Soudan Underground Laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gran, Richard

2016-04-01

There are many facets to the outreach program at the Soudan Underground Laboratory, currently host to the MINOS neutrino oscillation experiment and the Cryogenic Dark Matter experiment, plus a number of smaller experiments in the Low Background Counting Facility. The main focus is on twice daily public tours, operated in coordination with the Soudan Underground State Park and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, who also operate undergound tours of the historical iron mining area. Another important component is the undergraduate interns and high school teachers who lead the tours. They also participate in the operation and/or analysis of the experiments hosted at the mine.

Onboard Autonomy and Ground Operations Automation for the Intelligent Payload Experiment (IPEX) CubeSat Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chien, Steve; Doubleday, Joshua; Ortega, Kevin; Tran, Daniel; Bellardo, John; Williams, Austin; Piug-Suari, Jordi; Crum, Gary; Flatley, Thomas

2012-01-01

The Intelligent Payload Experiment (IPEX) is a cubesat manifested for launch in October 2013 that will flight validate autonomous operations for onboard instrument processing and product generation for the Intelligent Payload Module (IPM) of the Hyperspectral Infra-red Imager (HyspIRI) mission concept. We first describe the ground and flight operations concept for HyspIRI IPM operations. We then describe the ground and flight operations concept for the IPEX mission and how that will validate HyspIRI IPM operations. We then detail the current status of the mission and outline the schedule for future development.

Sanitary Engineering Unit Operations and Unit Processes Laboratory Manual.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Association of Professors in Sanitary Engineering.

This manual contains a compilation of experiments in Physical Operations, Biological and Chemical Processes for various education and equipment levels. The experiments are designed to be flexible so that they can be adapted to fit the needs of a particular program. The main emphasis is on hands-on student experiences to promote understanding.…

The Role of First Impression in Operant Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shteingart, Hanan; Neiman, Tal; Loewenstein, Yonatan

2013-01-01

We quantified the effect of first experience on behavior in operant learning and studied its underlying computational principles. To that goal, we analyzed more than 200,000 choices in a repeated-choice experiment. We found that the outcome of the first experience has a substantial and lasting effect on participants' subsequent behavior, which we…

Spacelab simulation using a Lear Jet aircraft: Mission no. 4 (ASSESS program)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reller, J. O., Jr.; Neel, C. B.; Mason, R. H.

1975-01-01

The fourth ASSESS Spacelab simulation mission utilizing a Lear Jet aircraft featured trained experiment operators (EOs) in place of the participating scientists, to simulate the role and functions of payload specialists in Spacelab who may conduct experiments developed by other scientists. The experiment was a broadband infrared photometer coupled to a 30-cm, open port, IR telescope. No compromises in equipment design or target selection were made to simplify operator tasks; the science goals of the mission were selected to advance the mainline research program of the principle investigator (PI). Training of the EOs was the responsibility of the PI team and consisted of laboratory sessions, on-site training during experiment integration, and integrated mission training using the aircraft as a high-fidelity simulator. The EO permission experience in these several disciplines proved adequate for normal experiment operations, but marginal for the identification and remedy of equipment malfunctions. During the mission, the PI utilized a TV communication system to assist the EOs to overcome equipment difficulties; both science and operations were successfully implemented.

Principles of Precision Spectrophotometry: An Advanced Undergraduate Experiment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Billmeyer, Fred W., Jr.

1974-01-01

Describes an experiment designed to familiarize students with the operation of a precision spectrophotometer, the effects of changes in operating variables, and the characteristics of such components as sources and detectors. (SLH)

First Post-Flight Status Report for the Microgravity Science Glovebox

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baugher, Charles R., III

2003-01-01

The Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) this year on the second Utilization Flight (UF2). After successful on-orbit activation, the facility began supporting an active microgravity research program. The inaugural NASA experiments operated in the unit were the Solidification Using a Baffle in Sealed Ampoules (SUBSA, A. Ostrogorski, PI), and the Pore Formation and Mobility (PFMI, R. Grugel, PI) experiments. Both of these materials science investigations demonstrated the versatility of the facility through extensive use of telescience. The facility afforded the investigators with the capability of monitoring and operating the experiments in real-time and provided several instances in which the unique combination of scientists and flight crew were able to salvage situations which would have otherwise led to the loss of a science experiment in an unmanned, or automated, environment. The European Space Agency (ESA) also made use of the facility to perform a series of four experiments that were carried to the ISS via a Russian Soyuz and subsequently operated by a Belgium astronaut during a ten day Station visit. This imaginative approach demonstrated the ability of the MSG integration team to handle a rapid integration schedule (approximately seven months) and an intensive operations interval. Interestingly, and thanks to aggressive attention from the crew, the primary limitation to experiment thru-put in these early operational phases is proving to be the restrictions on the up-mass to the Station, rather than the availability of science operations.

Glovebox and Experiment Safety

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maas, Gerard

2005-12-01

Human spaceflight hardware and operations must comply with NSTS 1700.7. This paper discusses how a glovebox can help.A short layout is given on the process according NSTS/ISS 13830, explaining the responsibility of the payload organization, the approval authority of the PSRP and the defined review phases (0 till III).Amongst others, the following requirement has to be met:"200.1 Design to Tolerate Failures. Failure tolerance is the basic safety requirement that shall be used to control most payload hazards. The payload must tolerate a minimum number of credible failures and/or operator errors determined by the hazard level. This criterion applies when the loss of a function or the inadvertent occurrence of a function results in a hazardous event.200.1a Critical Hazards. Critical hazards shall be controlled such that no single failure or operator error can result in damage to STS/ISS equipment, a nondisabling personnel injury, or the use of unscheduled safing procedures that affect operations of the Orbiter/ISS or another payload.200.1b Catastrophic Hazards. Catastrophic hazards shall be controlled such that no combination of two failures or operator errors can result in the potential for a disabling or fatal personnel injury or loss of the Orbiter/ISS, ground facilities or STS/ISS equipment."For experiments in material science, biological science and life science that require real time operator manipulation, the above requirement may be hard or impossible to meet. Especially if the experiment contains substances that are considered hazardous when released into the habitable environment. In this case operation of the experiment in a glovebox can help to comply.A glovebox provides containment of the experiment and at the same time allows manipulation and visibility to the experiment.The containment inside the glovebox provides failure tolerance because the glovebox uses a negative pressure inside the working volume (WV). The level of failure tolerance is dependent of: the identified failure case and the hazardous substance being released (chemical, biological or different).The principle of the glovebox operation is explained, including: mechanical enclosure, air circulation, air filtration and operational modes.Limitations of the glovebox are presented: inability of an experiment fire to be detected by the ASDA, containment only with respect to specified substances, etc. There are requirements induced by the glovebox that the experiment must comply with: Compatibility with the glovebox filter system, thermal limitations, safe without glovebox services, parameter monitoring when a fire hazard is credible, sufficient containment when entering the glovebox and after the experiment, etc.Experiments that are using a glovebox to be operated in shall assess this integrated set-up and the associated operations for compliance to the safety requirements. During this assessment the PSRP shall determine if the provided failure tolerance is sufficient.The gloveboxes that Bradford Engineering (co-) built for human space flight are: USML-1 and 2, MGBX (STS and MIR), MSG, PGBX, LSG-WVA, BGB and PGB. Some of the evolutions are pointed out (experiment services added without compromising safety levels). The major differences of the gloveboxes are presented. For the gloveboxes that are in operation at this time (MSG) or in the near future (BGB, LSG- WVA and PGB) the specific applications are presented.

Home and leisure injuries among the French electricity and gas company active employees: circumstances and short-term consequences.

PubMed

Verrier, Agnès; Chevalier, A

2007-11-01

To characterize home and leisure injuries and their immediate consequences among adults aged 20-60 years and to look for homogeneous profiles of injury circumstances to assess the possibility of setting up prevention programs. Cross-sectional survey by questionnaire completed on the occasion of a medical visit after a first episode of absence for home or leisure injury between 1 January and 31 December 1997 among Electricité de France Gaz de France (EDF GDF) workforce of three geographical areas (47,681 employees). Incidence and relative risks according to sex, age and work grade and a multidimensional classification of injury circumstances. Eight hundred and fifty four injuries were studied. Risk was estimated at 18.4 injury victims per 1000 employees, of which 13.4 per 1000 employees were home injury victims and 3.7 leisure injury victims. The risk of all injuries was higher among men than women (RR=1.3) and decreased as work grade rose: for men, it was five times higher among operating employees than managers. Multidimensional analysis of injury circumstances ended by distributing into four main classes which may be useful for prevention: gardening and do-it-yourself injuries outdoors (19.9%), coming and going on the streets (6.9%), falling while coming and going in the home on the stairs (13.4%), and do-it-yourself inside the home (13.0%). Injuries induced essentially four types of lesions: sprains (34%), fractures (31.8%), contusions (24.5%) and wounds. The mean sick-leave lasted 32.1 days but half the subjects returned to work in less than 17 days. Hospitalization was necessary in 19.2% of cases. This study completed by an analysis of the behavioural factors of injuries led us to propose programs aimed at changing the risk behaviours related to do-it-yourself, stairs falls and gardening.

Recent operating experiences with steam generators in Japanese NPPs

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

Yashima, Seiji

1997-02-01

In 1994, the Genkai-3 of Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. and the Ikata-3 of Shikoku Electric Power Co., Inc. started commercial operation, and now 22 PWR plants are being operated in Japan. Since the first PWR plant now 22 PWR plants are being operated in was started to operate, Japanese PWR plants have had an operating experience of approx. 280 reactor-years. During that period, many tube degradations have been experienced in steam generators (SGs). And, in 1991, the steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) occurred in the Mihama-2 of Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. However, the occurrence of tube degradation ofmore » SGs has been decreased by the instructions of the MITI as regulatory authorities, efforts of Electric Utilities, and technical support from the SG manufacturers. Here the author describes the recent SGs in Japan about the following points. (1) Recent Operating Experiences (2) Lessons learned from Mihama-2 SGTR (3) SG replacement (4) Safety Regulations on SG (5) Research and development on SG.« less

Fermilab | Tevatron | Looking Ahead

Science.gov Websites

experiment, which will build and operate a large, approximately 100-ton, liquid argon time projection chamber : Fermilab MicroBooNE The MicroBooNE experiment, which will build and operate a large, approximately 100-ton

Operational experience on the MP-200 series commercial wind turbine generators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rose, M. B.

1982-01-01

The MP-200 wind turbine generator is described. The mechanical system, microprocessor controller, and display devices, are described. Also discussed are modifications to the prototype, operational experience, and MP-600 systems development.

An acute care surgery rotation contributes significant general surgical operative volume to residency training compared with other rotations.

PubMed

Stanley, Matthew D; Davenport, Daniel L; Procter, Levi D; Perry, Jacob E; Kearney, Paul A; Bernard, Andrew C

2011-03-01

Surgical resident rotations on trauma services are criticized for little operative experience and heavy workloads. This has resulted in diminished interest in trauma surgery among surgical residents. Acute care surgery (ACS) combines trauma and emergency/elective general surgery, enhancing operative volume and balancing operative and nonoperative effort. We hypothesize that a mature ACS service provides significant operative experience. A retrospective review was performed of ACGME case logs of 14 graduates from a major, academic, Level I trauma center program during a 3-year period. Residency Review Committee index case volumes during the fourth and fifth years of postgraduate training (PGY-4 and PGY-5) ACS rotations were compared with other service rotations: in total and per resident week on service. Ten thousand six hundred fifty-four cases were analyzed for 14 graduates. Mean cases per resident was 432 ± 57 in PGY-4, 330 ± 40 in PGY-5, and 761 ± 67 for both years combined. Mean case volume on ACS for both years was 273 ± 44, which represented 35.8% (273 of 761) of the total experience and exceeded all other services. Residents averaged 8.9 cases per week on the ACS service, which exceeded all other services except private general surgery, gastrointestinal/minimally invasive surgery, and pediatric surgery rotations. Disproportionately more head/neck, small and large intestine, gastric, spleen, laparotomy, and hernia cases occurred on ACS than on other services. Residents gain a large operative experience on ACS. An ACS model is viable in training, provides valuable operative experience, and should not be considered a drain on resident effort. Valuable ACS rotation experiences as a resident may encourage graduates to pursue ACS as a career. Copyright © 2011 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

NASDA life science experiment facilities for ISS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanigaki, F.; Masuda, D.; Yano, S.; Fujimoto, N.; Kamigaichi, S.

National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) has been developing various experiment facilities to conduct space biology researches in KIBO (JEM). The Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) and the Clean Bench (CB) are installed into JEM Life Science Rack. The Biological Experiment Units (BEU) are operated in the CBEF and the CB for many kinds of experiments on cells, tissues, plants, microorganisms, or small animals. It is possible for all researchers to use these facilities under the system of the International Announcement of Opportunity. The CBEF is a CO2 incubator to provide a controlled environment (temperature, humidity, and CO2 concentration), in which a rotating table is equipped to make variable gravity (0-2g) for reference experiments. The containers called "Canisters" can be used to install the BEU in the CBEF. The CBEF supplies power, command, sensor, and video interfaces for the BEU through the utility connectors of Canisters. The BEU is a multiuser system consisting of chambers and control segments. It is operated by pre-set programs and by commands from the ground. NASDA is currently developing three types of the BEU: the Plant Experiment Unit (PEU) for plant life cycle observations and the Cell Experiment Unit (CEU1&2) for cell culture experiments. The PEU has an automated watering system with a water sensor, an LED matrix as a light source, and a CCD camera to observe the plant growth. The CEUs have culture chambers and an automated cultural medium exchange system. Engineering models of the PEU and CEU1 have been accomplished. The preliminary design of CEU2 is in progress. The design of the BEU will be modified to meet science requirements of each experiment. The CB provides a closed aseptic work-space (Operation Chamber) with gloves for experiment operations. Samples and the BEU can be manually handled in the CB. The CB has an air lock (Disinfection Chamber) to prevent contamination, and HEPA filters to make class-100-equivalent clean air inside the Operation Chamber. Alcohol swabs and built-in ultraviolet lamps are used to sterilize instruments and insides of the CB. The phase contrast / fluorescent microscope is equipped in the Operation Chamber to support experiments. The observed image is monitored either on the CB LCD display or on the ground through a video downlink channel. Researchers on the ground can also operate the microscope with its remote control function. Flight models of the CBEF and the CB are scheduled for completion in 2002.

The STARE/SABRE story

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nielsen, E.; Schmidt, W.

2014-03-01

In January 1977 a new type of radar aurora experiment named STARE (Scandinavian Twin Aurora Radar Experiment) commenced operation in northern Scandinavia. The purpose of the experiment was two-fold: to make observations of the nature of radar auroras, and to contribute to the study of solar-terrestrial relationships (or space weather). The experiment was designed for automatic continuous operation, and for nearly two and a half decades it provided estimates of electron flows with good spatial coverage and resolution and good time resolution. It was a successful experiment that yielded a wealth of observations and results, pertaining to, and based on, the observed time variations of the electron flows and to the spatial flow pattern observed at any given time. This radar system inspired the creation of a similar system, SABRE (Sweden And Britain Radar Experiment), which increased the field of view towards the southwest of STARE. This system commenced operation in 1982.

STS-79 Space Shuttle Mission Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fricke, Robert W., Jr.

1996-01-01

STS-79 was the fourth of nine planned missions to the Russian Mir Space Station. This report summarizes the activities such as rendezvous and docking and spaceborne experiment operations. The report also discusses the Orbiter, External Tank (ET), Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB), Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) and the space shuttle main engine (SSME) systems performance during the flight. The primary objectives of this flight were to rendezvous and dock with the Mir Space Station and exchange a Mir Astronaut. A double Spacehab module carried science experiments and hardware, risk mitigation experiments (RME's) and Russian logistics in support of program requirements. Additionally, phase 1 program science experiments were carried in the middeck. Spacehab-05 operations were performed. The secondary objectives of the flight were to perform the operations necessary for the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment-2 (SAREX-2). Also, as a payload of opportunity, the requirements of Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) were completed.

AMTEC flight experiment progress and plans

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

Underwood, M.L.; Dobbs, M.; Giglio, J.

1997-12-31

An experiment is being developed to validate the performance of AMTEC technology in the space microgravity environment. A group of AMTEC cells have been fabricated and assembled into an experiment module and instrumented for operation. The experiment is manifested as a Hitchhiker payload on STS-88 now planned for flight in July 1998. The AMTEC cells will be operated in space for up to ten days. The microgravity developed distribution of the sodium working fluid will be frozen in place before the cells are returned to Earth. Upon return the cells will be destructively evaluated to determine the location of themore » sodium and to assure that the sodium has been properly controlled by the sodium control elements. This paper describes the experiment purpose, status, and plans for the flight operations and data analysis. An overview of how this experiment fits into the overall AMTEC development is also provided.« less

Cryogenic On-Orbit Liquid Depot-Storage, Acquisition and Transfer (COLD-SAT) Experiment Conceptual Design and Feasibility Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kramer, Edward (Editor)

1998-01-01

The cryogenic fluid management technologies required for the exploration of the solar system can only be fully developed via space-based experiments. A dedicated spacecraft is the most efficient way to perform these experiments. This report documents the extended conceptual design of the COLD-SAT spacecraft, capable of meeting these experimental requirements. All elements, including the spacecraft, ground segment, launch site modifications and launch vehicle operations, and flight operations are included. Greatly expanded coverage is provided for those areas unique to this cryogenic spacecraft, such as the experiment system, attitude control system, and spacecraft operations. Supporting analyses are included as are testing requirements, facilities surveys, and proposed project timelines.

First deep space operational experience with simultaneous X- and Ka-bands coherent tracking

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Asmar, S.; Herrera, R.; Armstrong, J.; Barbinis, E.; Fleischman, D.; Gatti, M.; Goltz, G.

2002-01-01

This paper describes the new DSN science capability and highlights of the engineering work that lead to its development. It will also discuss experience with operations along with statistics and data quality.

Josh's Operational Conjectures: Abductions of a Splitting Operation and the Construction of New Fractional Schemes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Norton, Anderson

2008-01-01

This article reports on students' learning through conjecturing, by drawing on a semester-long teaching experiment with 6 sixth-grade students. It focuses on 1 of the students, Josh, who developed especially powerful ways of operating over the course of the teaching experiment. Through a fine-grained analysis of Josh's actions, this article…

Experiments applications guide: Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1988-01-01

This applications guide first surveys the capabilities of the Advanced Communication Technology Satellite (ACTS) system (both the flight and ground segments). This overview is followed by a description of the baseband processor (BBP) and microwave switch matrix (MSM) operating modes. Terminals operating with the baseband processor are referred to as low burst rate (LBR); and those operating with the microwave switch matrix, as high burst rate (HBR). Three very small-aperture terminals (VSATs), LBR-1, LBR-2, and HBR, are described for various ACTS operating modes. Also described is the NASA Lewis link evaluation terminal. A section on ACTS experiment opportunities introduces a wide spectrum of network control, telecommunications, system, and scientific experiments. The performance of the VSATs is discussed in detail. This guide is intended as a catalyst to encourage participation by the telecommunications, business, and science communities in a broad spectrum of experiments.

On the hitchhiker Robot Operated Materials Processing System: Experiment data system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kizhner, Semion; Jenstrom, Del

1995-01-01

The Space Shuttle Discovery STS-64 mission carried the first American autonomous robot into space, the Robot Operated Materials Processing System (ROMPS). On this mission ROMPS was the only Hitchhiker experiment and had a unique opportunity to utilize all Hitchhiker space carrier capabilities. ROMPS conducted rapid thermal processing of the one hundred semiconductor material samples to study how micro gravity affects the resulting material properties. The experiment was designed, built and operated by a small GSFC team in cooperation with industry and university based principal investigators who provided the material samples and data interpretation. ROMPS' success presents some valuable lessons in such cooperation, as well as in the utilization of the Hitchhiker carrier for complex applications. The motivation of this paper is to share these lessons with the scientific community interested in attached payload experiments. ROMPS has a versatile and intelligent material processing control data system. This paper uses the ROMPS data system as the guiding thread to present the ROMPS mission experience. It presents an overview of the ROMPS experiment followed by considerations of the flight and ground data subsystems and their architecture, data products generation during mission operations, and post mission data utilization. It then presents the lessons learned from the development and operation of the ROMPS data system as well as those learned during post-flight data processing.

Terry Turbopump Expanded Operating Band Full-Scale Component and Basic Science Detailed Test Plan - Final.

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

Osborn, Douglas; Solom, Matthew

This document details the milestone approach to define the true operating limitations (margins) of the Terry turbopump systems used in the nuclear industry for Milestone 3 (full-scale component experiments) and Milestone 4 (Terry turbopump basic science experiments) efforts. The overall multinational-sponsored program creates the technical basis to: (1) reduce and defer additional utility costs, (2) simplify plant operations, and (3) provide a better understanding of the true margin which could reduce overall risk of operations.

Terry Turbopump Expanded Operating Band Full-Scale Component and Basic Science Detailed Test Plan-Revision 2

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

Solom, Matthew; Ross, Kyle; Cardoni, Jeffrey N.

This document details the milestone approach to define the true operating limitations (margins) of the Terry turbopump systems used in the nuclear industry for Milestone 3 (full-scale component experiments) and Milestone 4 (Terry turbopump basic science experiments) efforts. The overall multinational-sponsored program creates the technical basis to: (1) reduce and defer additional utility costs, (2) simplify plant operations, and (3) provide a better understanding of the true margin which could reduce overall risk of operations.

Experience with 850-MW fossil-fired units in peaking service

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

Dixon, B.G.

1978-01-01

Experience with the peaking operation of two 850-MW gross generation units at the Martins Creek Steam Electric Station in Pennsylvania is described. The design, operation, and performance of these oil-fueled units are discussed. (LCL)

Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knight, Kenneth L.

This book offers a systematic approach to teaching athletic training. Modules are separated into 10 content areas: direct clinical experience; policies and procedures; emergency procedures; modality operation; advanced modality operation; taping, wrapping, bracing, and padding; management of specific injuries; examination; supervision; and…

An evaluation of SEASAT-A candidate ocean industry economic verification experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

A description of the candidate economic verification experiments which could be performed with SEASAT is provided. Experiments have been identified in each of the areas of ocean-based activity that are expected to show an economic impact from the use of operational SEASAT data. Experiments have been identified in the areas of Arctic operations, the ocean fishing industry, the offshore oil and natural gas industry, as well as ice monitoring and coastal zone applications.

Operational results for the experimental DOE/NASA Mod-OA wind turbine project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaltens, R. K.; Birchenough, A. G.

The Mod-OA wind turbine project which was to gain early experience in the operation of large wind turbines in a utility environment is discussed. The Mod-OA wind turbines were a first generation design, and even though not cost effective, the operating experience and performance characteristics had a significant effect on the design and development of the second and third generation machines. The Mod-OA machines were modified as a result of the operational experience, particularly the blade development and control system strategy. The results of study to investigate the interaction of a Mod-OA wind turbine with an isolated diesel generation system are discussed. The machine configuration, its advantages and disadvantages and the machine performance and availability are discussed.

Operational results for the experimental DOE/NASA Mod-OA wind turbine project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shaltens, R. K.; Birchenough, A. G.

1983-01-01

The Mod-OA wind turbine project which was to gain early experience in the operation of large wind turbines in a utility environment is discussed. The Mod-OA wind turbines were a first generation design, and even though not cost effective, the operating experience and performance characteristics had a significant effect on the design and development of the second and third generation machines. The Mod-OA machines were modified as a result of the operational experience, particularly the blade development and control system strategy. The results of study to investigate the interaction of a Mod-OA wind turbine with an isolated diesel generation system are discussed. The machine configuration, its advantages and disadvantages and the machine performance and availability are discussed.

A study of the method of the video image presentation for the manipulation of forceps.

PubMed

Kono, Soichi; Sekioka, Toshiharu; Matsunaga, Katsuya; Shidoji, Kazunori; Matsuki, Yuji

2005-01-01

Recently, surgical operations have sometimes been tried under laparoscopic video images using teleoperation robots or forceps manipulators. Therefore, in this paper, forceps manipulation efficiencies were evaluated when images for manipulation had some transmission delay (Experiment 1), and when the convergence point of the stereoscopic video cameras was either fixed and variable (Experiment 2). The operators' tasks in these experiments were sewing tasks which simulated telesurgery under 3-dimensional scenography. As a result of experiment 1, the operation at a 200+/-100 ms delay was kept at almost the same accuracy as that without delay. As a result of experiment 2, work accuracy was improved by using the zooming lens function; however the working time became longer. These results seemed to show the relation of a trade-off between working time and working accuracy.

The Transfer Veteran Student Experience: Exploring College Choice, Transition, and Collegiate Experiences of Veterans

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dunklin, Shaftone B.

2012-01-01

The tragic series of events that took place on September 11, 2001, changed the course of this nation and became the catalyst for wars that have spanned for more than a decade. As a result, over 2 million veterans have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), and Operation New Dawn. In 2008,…

A computer simulation experiment of supervisory control of remote manipulation. M.S. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mccandlish, S. G.

1966-01-01

A computer simulation of a remote manipulation task and a rate-controlled manipulator is described. Some low-level automatic decision making ability which could be used at the operator's discretion to augment his direct continuous control was built into the manipulator. Experiments were made on the effect of transmission delay, dynamic lag, and intermittent vision on human manipulative ability. Delay does not make remote manipulation impossible. Intermittent visual feedback, and the absence of rate information in the display presented to the operator do not seem to impair the operator's performance. A small-capacity visual feedback channel may be sufficient for remote manipulation tasks, or one channel might be time-shared between several operators. In other experiments the operator called in sequence various on-site automatic control programs of the machine, and thereby acted as a supervisor. The supervisory mode of operation has some advantages when the task to be performed is difficult for a human controlling directly.

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

Pickerell, D.H.; Abkowitz, M.; Tozzi, J.

The 9 papers in the report deal with the following areas: Federal operating assistance for urban mass transit; a decade of experience; transit route characteristics and headway-based reliability control; day-of-week and part-of-month variation in bus ridership; job satisfaction and transit operator recognition programs; results of a survey of muni operators; bus marketing costs: the experience of 18 section 15 reporters from 1981 to 1983; prospects for differential transit pricing in the United States; an initial analysis of total factor productivity for public-transit coordination of transportation resources: the Georgia experience; absenteeism, accidents, and attrition: part-time versus full-time bus drivers.

A study of usability principles and interface design for mobile e-books.

PubMed

Wang, Chao-Ming; Huang, Ching-Hua

2015-01-01

This study examined usability principles and interface designs in order to understand the relationship between the intentions of mobile e-book interface designs and users' perceptions. First, this study summarised 4 usability principles and 16 interface attributes, in order to conduct usability testing and questionnaire survey by referring to Nielsen (1993), Norman (2002), and Yeh (2010), who proposed the usability principles. Second, this study used the interviews to explore the perceptions and behaviours of user operations through senior users of multi-touch prototype devices. The results of this study are as follows: (1) users' behaviour of operating an interactive interface is related to user prior experience; (2) users' rating of the visibility principle is related to users' subjective perception but not related to user prior experience; however, users' ratings of the ease, efficiency, and enjoyment principles are related to user prior experience; (3) the interview survey reveals that the key attributes affecting users' behaviour of operating an interface include aesthetics, achievement, and friendliness. This study conducts experiments to explore the effects of users’ prior multi-touch experience on users’ behaviour of operating a mobile e-book interface and users’ rating of usability principles. Both qualitative and quantitative data analyses were performed. By applying protocol analysis, key attributes affecting users’ behaviour of operation were determined.

Evaluating Coding Accuracy in General Surgery Residents' Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Procedural Case Logs.

PubMed

Balla, Fadi; Garwe, Tabitha; Motghare, Prasenjeet; Stamile, Tessa; Kim, Jennifer; Mahnken, Heidi; Lees, Jason

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) case log captures resident operative experience based on Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and is used to track operative experience during residency. With increasing emphasis on resident operative experiences, coding is more important than ever. It has been shown in other surgical specialties at similar institutions that the residents' ACGME case log may not accurately reflect their operative experience. What barriers may influence this remains unclear. As the only objective measure of resident operative experience, an accurate case log is paramount in representing one's operative experience. This study aims to determine the accuracy of procedural coding by general surgical residents at a single institution. Data were collected from 2 consecutive graduating classes of surgical residents' ACGME case logs from 2008 to 2014. A total of 5799 entries from 7 residents were collected. The CPT codes entered by residents were compared to departmental billing records submitted by the attending surgeon for each procedure. Assigned CPT codes by institutional American Academy of Professional Coders certified abstract coders were considered the "gold standard." A total of 4356 (75.12%) of 5799 entries were identified in billing records. Excel 2010 and SAS 9.3 were used for analysis. In the event of multiple codes for the same patient, any match between resident codes and billing record codes was considered a "correct" entry. A 4-question survey was distributed to all current general surgical residents at our institution for feedback on coding habits, limitations to accurate coding, and opinions on ACGME case log representation of their operative experience. All 7 residents had a low percentage of correctly entered CPT codes. The overall accuracy proportion for all residents was 52.82% (range: 43.32%-60.07%). Only 1 resident showed significant improvement in accuracy during his/her training (p = 0.0043). The survey response rate was 100%. Survey results indicated that inability to find the precise code within the ACGME search interface and unfamiliarity with available CPT codes were by far the most common perceived barriers to accuracy. Survey results also indicated that most residents (74%) believe that they code accurately most of the time and agree that their case log would accurately represent their operative experience (66.6%). This is the first study to evaluate correctness of residents' ACGME case logs in general surgery. The degree of inaccuracy found here necessitates further investigation into the etiology of these discrepancies. Instruction on coding practices should also benefit the residents after graduation. Optimizing communication among attendings and residents, improving ACGME coding search interface, and implementing consistent coding practices could improve accuracy giving a more realistic view of residents' operative experience. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Making Human Spaceflight Practical and Affordable: Spacecraft Designs and their Degree of Operability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crocker, Alan R.

2011-01-01

As we push toward new and diverse space transportation capabilities, reduction in operations cost becomes increasingly important. Achieving affordable and safe human spaceflight capabilities will be the mark of success for new programs and new providers. The ability to perceive the operational implications of design decisions is crucial in developing safe yet cost competitive space transportation systems. Any human spaceflight program - government or commercial - must make countless decisions either to implement spacecraft system capabilities or adopt operational constraints or workarounds to account for the lack of such spacecraft capabilities. These decisions can benefit from the collective experience that NASA has accumulated in building and operating crewed spacecraft over the last five decades. This paper reviews NASA s history in developing and operating human rated spacecraft, reviewing the key aspects of spacecraft design and their resultant impacts on operations phase complexity and cost. Specific examples from current and past programs - including the Space Shuttle and International Space Station - are provided to illustrate design traits that either increase or increase cost and complexity associated with spacecraft operations. These examples address factors such as overall design performance margins, levels of redundancy, degree of automated failure response, type and quantity of command and telemetry interfaces, and the definition of reference scenarios for analysis and test. Each example - from early program requirements, design implementation and resulting real-time operations experience - to tell the end-to-end "story" Based on these experiences, specific techniques are recommended to enable earlier and more effective assessment of operations concerns during the design process. A formal method for the assessment of spacecraft operability is defined and results of such operability assessments for recent spacecraft designs are provided. Recent experience in applying these techniques to Orion spacecraft development is reviewed to highlight the direct benefits of early operational assessment and collaborative development efforts.

Collaborative engagement experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mullens, Katherine; Troyer, Bradley; Wade, Robert; Skibba, Brian; Dunn, Michael

2006-05-01

Unmanned ground and air systems operating in collaboration have the potential to provide future Joint Forces a significant capability for operations in complex terrain. Collaborative Engagement Experiment (CEE) is a consolidation of separate Air Force, Army and Navy collaborative efforts within the Joint Robotics Program (JRP) to provide a picture of the future of unmanned warfare. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Material and Manufacturing Directorate, Aerospace Expeditionary Force Division, Force Protection Branch (AFRL/MLQF), The Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) Joint Technology Center (JTC)/Systems Integration Laboratory (SIL), and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center - San Diego (SSC San Diego) are conducting technical research and proof of principle experiments for an envisioned operational concept for extended range, three dimensional, collaborative operations between unmanned systems, with enhanced situational awareness for lethal operations in complex terrain. This paper describes the work by these organizations to date and outlines some of the plans for future work.

Key results from the first plasma operation phase and outlook for future performance in Wendelstein 7-X

PubMed Central

Dinklage, Andreas; Turkin, Yuriy; Bozhenkov, Sergey; Geiger, Joachim; Fuchert, Golo; Bosch, Hans-Stephan; Rahbarnia, Kian; Thomsen, Henning; Neuner, Ulrich; Klinger, Thomas; Langenberg, Andreas; Trimiño Mora, Humberto; Kornejew, Petra; Hirsch, Matthias; Pablant, Novimir

2017-01-01

The first physics operation phase on the stellarator experiment Wendelstein 7-X was successfully completed in March 2016 after about 10 weeks of operation. Experiments in this phase were conducted with five graphite limiters as the primary plasma-facing components. Overall, the results were beyond the expectations published shortly before the start of operation [Sunn Pedersen et al., Nucl. Fusion 55, 126001 (2015)] both with respect to parameters reached and with respect to physics themes addressed. We report here on some of the most important plasma experiments that were conducted. The importance of electric fields on global confinement will be discussed, and the obtained results will be compared and contrasted with results from other devices, quantified in terms of the fusion triple product. Expected values for the triple product in future operation phases will also be described and put into a broader fusion perspective. PMID:29104420

NASA/ESA CV-990 spacelab simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

Due to interest in the application of simplified techniques used to conduct airborne science missions at NASA's Ames Research Center, a joint NASA/ESA endeavor was established to conduct an extensive Spacelab simulation using the NASA CV-990 airborne laboratory. The scientific payload was selected to perform studies in upper atmospheric physics and infrared astronomy with principal investigators from France, the Netherlands, England, and several groups from the United States. Communication links between the 'Spacelab' and a ground based mission operations center were limited consistent with Spacelab plans. The mission was successful and provided extensive data relevant to Spacelab objectives on overall management of a complex international payload; experiment preparation, testing, and integration; training for proxy operation in space; data handling; multiexperimenter use of common experimenter facilities (telescopes); multiexperiment operation by experiment operators; selection criteria for Spacelab experiment operators; and schedule requirements to prepare for such a Spacelab mission.

[Experience with games in operative groups as part of health education for diabetics].

PubMed

Torres, Heloisa de Carvalho; Hortale, Virginia Alonso; Schall, Virginia

2003-01-01

This paper presents and discusses an educational strategy implemented in a specialized hospital clinic. The goal was to stimulate individuals to reflect on their everyday lifestyles as related to their disease, specifically diabetes mellitus. The strategy can be characterized as an educational tool from the perspective of health promotion and disease prevention and control. The experience was implemented on an interactive basis (health professionals and individual patients) with educational games in operative groups. Pedagogical techniques were used: orientation concerning diabetes mellitus, individual consultation, the operative group, and educational games (communications and learning). The techniques enabled participants to improve knowledge and exchange experiences. In addition, the health professionals gained a better understanding of the participants' experience with their illness.

Accelerator/Experiment Operations - FY 2015

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

Czarapata, P.

2015-10-01

This Technical Memorandum summarizes the Fermilab accelerator and experiment operations for FY 2015. It is one of a series of annual publications intended to gather information in one place. In this case, the information concerns the FY 2015 NOvA, MINOS+ and MINERvA experiments using the Main Injector Neutrino Beam (NuMI), the activities in the SciBooNE Hall using the Booster Neutrino Beam (BNB), and the SeaQuest experiment and Meson Test Beam (MTest) activities in the 120 GeV external Switchyard beam (SY120).

The 30/20 GHz flight experiment system, phase 2. Volume 2: Experiment system description

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bronstein, L.; Kawamoto, Y.; Ribarich, J. J.; Scope, J. R.; Forman, B. J.; Bergman, S. G.; Reisenfeld, S.

1981-01-01

A detailed technical description of the 30/20 GHz flight experiment system is presented. The overall communication system is described with performance analyses, communication operations, and experiment plans. Hardware descriptions of the payload are given with the tradeoff studies that led to the final design. The spacecraft bus which carries the payload is discussed and its interface with the launch vehicle system is described. Finally, the hardwares and the operations of the terrestrial segment are presented.

The 1980 Aircraft Safety and Operating Problems, Part 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stickle, J. W. (Compiler)

1981-01-01

Terminal area operations, avionics and human factors, atmospheric environment, and operating problems and potential solutions are discussed. Other topics include flight experiences, ground operations, and acoustics and noise reduction.

Study of airborne science experiment management concepts for application to space shuttle. Volume 1: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mulholland, D. R.; Reller, J. O., Jr.; Neel, C. B.; Haughney, L. C.

1973-01-01

The management concepts and operating procedures are documented as they apply to the planning of shuttle spacelab operations. Areas discussed include: airborne missions; formulation of missions; management procedures; experimenter involvement; experiment development and performance; data handling; safety procedures; and applications to shuttle spacelab planning. Characteristics of the airborne science experience are listed, and references and figures are included.

Mission Success for Combustion Science

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weiland, Karen J.

2004-01-01

This presentation describes how mission success for combustion experiments has been obtained in previous spaceflight experiments and how it will be obtained for future International Space Station (ISS) experiments. The fluids and combustion facility is a payload planned for the ISS. It is composed of two racks: the fluids Integrated rack and the Combustion INtegrated Rack (CIR). Requirements for the CIR were obtained from a set of combustion basis experiments that served as surrogates for later experiments. The process for experiments that fly on the ISS includes proposal selection, requirements and success criteria definition, science and engineering reviews, mission operations, and postflight operations. By following this process, the microgravity combustion science program has attained success in 41 out of 42 experiments.

High-power S-band experiment study: Objectives, description, planning and operation of experiment for ATS-G spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walp, R. M.

1972-01-01

The results of a study to develop and define requirements for the high power S-band experiment for the ATS-G are summarized. The objectives of the experiment are: (1) to demonstrate high power technology at S-band frequencies in orbiting spacecraft, (2) to employ high power carrier from the spacecraft for conducting interference measurements with Instructional Television Fixed Service systems, and (3) to provide means for performing educationally oriented applications experiments. Experiment organization and operation, and hardware for flight on the ATS-G spacecraft are described. Earth stations designed for the experiment as well as other special ground equipment are also described.

Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) Used for Inclined Orbit Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauer, Robert A.

2000-01-01

The Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) is operated by the NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. ACTS, which was launched in September 1993, is in its 7th year of operations, far exceeding the system s planned 2 years of operations and 4 years of designed mission life. After 5 successful years of operating as a geostationary satellite, the spacecraft s North-South stationkeeping was discontinued in August 1998. The system is now operating in an inclined orbit that increases at a rate of 0.8 /yr. With only scarce fuel remaining, operating in this mode extends the usage of the still totally functional payload. Although tracking systems are now needed on the experimenter Earth stations, experiment operations have continued with very little disruption. This is the only known geosynchronous Ka-band (30/20 GHz) spot-beam satellite operating in an inclined orbit. The project began its transition from geostationary operations to inclined operations in August 1998. This did not interrupt operations and was transparent to the experimenters on the system. For the space segment, new daily procedures were implemented to maintain the pointing of the system s narrow 0.3 spot beams while the spacecraft drifts in the North-South direction. For the ground segment, modifications were designed, developed, and fielded for the three classes of experimenter Earth stations. With the next generation of commercial satellite systems still being developed, ACTS remains the only operational testbed for Ka-band geosynchronous satellite communications over the Western hemisphere. Since inclined orbit operations began, the ACTS experiments program has supported 43 investigations by industry, Government, and academic organizations, as well as four demonstrations. The project s goals for inclined-orbit operations now reflect a narrower focus in the types of experiments that will be done. In these days of "faster, better, cheaper," NASA is seeking to gain greater relevance to the agency s mission from these experiments. One area that is of much interest both to NASA and the commercial world is the investigation of protocol issues related to the interoperability of satellites with terrestrial networks, such as Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) over wideband satellites. Other experiment areas of interest are supporting the U.S. Government and NASA as they begin using commercial space assets to meet their communications needs, evaluating issues related to operating a spot-beam satellite in inclined orbit, and evaluating new Ka-band hardware that requires a satellite link. ACTS is now in its last year of operations. Operations are planned through June 2000, when after 81 months of operations, this very successful spacecraft will be superorbited and made inert.

Skylab: A chronology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newkirk, R. W.; Ertel, I. D.; Brooks, C. G.

1977-01-01

The Skylab Program was specifically designed to conduct a series of experiments from beyond the earth's atmosphere. Since the number and types of experiments conducted during the operational phase of Skylab were constantly changing, rather than encumber the body of the chronology with these changes, a lengthy appendix on experiments is included in this document. This appendix identifies the principle investigators and coinvestigators; gives the types, numbers, and descriptions of the experiments; explains the purpose of the various experiments; and, where possible, gives the results or findings of the experiments. The body of the Skylab chronology is divided into three parts; early space station activities, Apollo applications, and Skylab development and operations.

Cost Experience of Automated Guideway Transit Systems. (Supplement V) Costs and Trends for the Period 1976-1982.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1984-04-01

This report summarizes the cost experiences and trends of sixteen domestic AGT systems. Capital costs, operation and maintenance costs, system characteristics, operational statistics, and unit cost measures are presented to provide useful information...

The Gerbil Jar: A Basic Home Experience in Operant Conditioning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Plant, L.

1980-01-01

Explains how a teaching method such as allowing students to raise gerbils at home can encourage students to gain experience with the fundamental techniques of operant conditioning which are otherwise generally unavailable to students in large introductory psychology courses. (DB)

Operating experience feedback report: New plants, Commercial power reactors

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

Dennig, R.L.; O'Reilly, P.D.

1987-07-01

This report documents a detailed review of the cause of unplanned events during the early months of licensed operation for plants licensed between March 1983 and April 1986. The major lessons and corrective actions that appear to have the greatest potential for improving the effectiveness of plant startups are provided for consideration through the operating experience feedback programs and activities of the industry and the NRC staff.

CF Training for Moral and Ethical Decision Making in an Operational Context

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-08-16

operational experience and providing strong mentorship; evaluating and promoting individuals who consistently demonstrate high ethical conduct...they can gain first-hand operational experience. As one SME stated, “program planners need to walk a mile in soldier’s shoes . That will make them a...understanding of how their work can more effectively contribute to actual CF performance , and will provide program development efforts with the gravity of

Methods of Collection of Biological Information for Fatigue Evaluation during Visual Display Terminals (VDT) Operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hachiya, Yuriko; Ogai, Harutoshi; Okazaki, Hiroko; Fujisaki, Takeshi; Uchida, Kazuhiko; Oda, Susumu; Wada, Futoshi; Mori, Koji

A method for the analysis of fatigue parameters has been rarely researched in VDT operation. Up to now, fatigue was evaluated by changing of biological information. If signals regarding fatigue are detected, fatigue can be measured. The purpose of this study proposed experiment and analysis method to extract parameters related to fatigue from the biological information during VDT operation using the Independent Component Analysis (ICA). An experiment had 11 subjects. As for the experiment were light loaded VDT operation and heavy loaded VDT operation. A measurement item were amount of work, a mistake number, subjective symptom, surface skin temperature (forehead and apex nasi), heart rate, skin blood flow of forearm and respiratory rate. In the heavy loaded operation group, mistake number and subjective symptom score were increased to compare with the other. And Two-factor ANOVA was used for analysis. The result of mistake number was confirmed that heavy loaded. After the moving averages of waveshape were calculated, it was made to extract independent components by using the ICA. The results of the ICA suggest that the independent components increase according to accumulation of fatigue. Thus, the independent components would be a possible parameter of fatigue. However, further experiments should continue in order to obtain the conclusive finding of our research.

Around Marshall

NASA Image and Video Library

1990-12-04

The primary objective of the STS-35 mission was round the clock observation of the celestial sphere in ultraviolet and X-Ray astronomy with the Astro-1 observatory which consisted of four telescopes: the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope (HUT); the Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment (WUPPE); the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UIT); and the Broad Band X-Ray Telescope (BBXRT). The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Teams of controllers and researchers directed on-orbit science operations, sent commands to the spacecraft, received data from experiments aboard the Space Shuttle, adjusted mission schedules to take advantage of unexpected science opportunities or unexpected results, and worked with crew members to resolve problems with their experiments. Due to loss of data used for pointing and operating the ultraviolet telescopes, MSFC ground teams were forced to aim the telescopes with fine tuning by the flight crew. This photo captures the activity of WUPPE (Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment) data review at the Science Operations Area during the mission. This image shows mission activities at the Broad Band X-Ray Telescope (BBXRT) Work Station in the Science Operations Area (SOA).

Optimization of identity operation in NMR spectroscopy via genetic algorithm: Application to the TEDOR experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manu, V. S.; Veglia, Gianluigi

2016-12-01

Identity operation in the form of π pulses is widely used in NMR spectroscopy. For an isolated single spin system, a sequence of even number of π pulses performs an identity operation, leaving the spin state essentially unaltered. For multi-spin systems, trains of π pulses with appropriate phases and time delays modulate the spin Hamiltonian to perform operations such as decoupling and recoupling. However, experimental imperfections often jeopardize the outcome, leading to severe losses in sensitivity. Here, we demonstrate that a newly designed Genetic Algorithm (GA) is able to optimize a train of π pulses, resulting in a robust identity operation. As proof-of-concept, we optimized the recoupling sequence in the transferred-echo double-resonance (TEDOR) pulse sequence, a key experiment in biological magic angle spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR for measuring multiple carbon-nitrogen distances. The GA modified TEDOR (GMO-TEDOR) experiment with improved recoupling efficiency results in a net gain of sensitivity up to 28% as tested on a uniformly 13C, 15N labeled microcrystalline ubiquitin sample. The robust identity operation achieved via GA paves the way for the optimization of several other pulse sequences used for both solid- and liquid-state NMR used for decoupling, recoupling, and relaxation experiments.

Judgements of relative noisiness of a supersonic transport and several commercial-service aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Powell, C. A.

1977-01-01

Two laboratory experiments were conducted on the relative noisiness of takeoff and landing operations of a supersonic transport and several other aircraft in current commercial service. A total of 96 subjects made noisiness judgments on 120 tape-recorded flyover noises in the outdoor-acoustic-simulation experiment; 32 different subjects made judgments on the noises in the indoor-acoustic-simulation experiment. The judgments were made by using the method of numerical category scaling. The effective perceived noise level underestimated the noisiness of the supersonic transport by 3.5 db. For takeoff operations, no difference was found between the noisiness of the supersonic transport and the group of other aircraft for the A-weighted rating scale; however, for landing operations, the noisiness of the supersonic transport was overestimated by 3.7 db. Very high correlation was found between the outdoor-simulation experiment and the indoor-simulation experiment.

Remote Operations Control Center (ROCC)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

Undergraduate students Kristina Wines and Dena Renzo at Rensselaer Poloytech Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY, monitor the progress of the Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment (IDGE) during the U.S. Microgravity Payload-4 (USMP-4) mission (STS-87), Nov. 19 - Dec.5, 1997). Remote Operations Control Center (ROCC) like this one will become more common during operations with the International Space Station. The Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment (IDGE), flown on three Space Shuttle missions, is yielding new insights into virtually all industrially relevant metal and alloy forming operations. Photo credit: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)

Science Support Room Operations During Desert RATS 2009

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lofgren, G. E.; Horz, F.; Bell, M. S.; Cohen, B. A.; Eppler,D. B.; Evans, C. a.; Hodges, K. V.; Hynek, B. M.; Gruener, J. E.; Kring, D. A.;

Operation and Applications of the Boron Cathodic Arc Ion Source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, J. M.; Klepper, C. C.; Chivers, D. J.; Hazelton, R. C.; Freeman, J. H.

2008-11-01

The boron cathodic arc ion source has been developed with a view to several applications, particularly the problem of shallow junction doping in semiconductors. Research has included not only development and operation of the boron cathode, but other cathode materials as well. Applications have included a large deposition directed toward development of a neutron detector and another deposition for an orthopedic coating, as well as the shallow ion implantation function. Operational experience is described and information pertinent to commercial operation, extracted from these experiments, is presented.

Design and operating experience on the US Department of Energy experimental Mod-0 100-kW wind turbine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glasgow, J. C.; Birchenough, A. G.

1978-01-01

The experimental wind turbine was designed and fabricated to assess technology requirements and engineering problems of large wind turbines. The machine has demonstrated successful operation in all of its design modes and served as a prototype developmental test bed for the Mod-0A operational wind turbines which are currently used on utility networks. The mechanical and control system are described as they evolved in operational tests and some of the experience with various systems in the downwind rotor configurations are elaborated.

Karydakis operation for sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease: experience in a district general hospital.

PubMed Central

Anyanwu, A. C.; Hossain, S.; Williams, A.; Montgomery, A. C.

1998-01-01

Asymmetrical excision of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus has been shown to be associated with low recurrence rates. We report our experience with an asymmetric technique--the Karydakis operation. Of 28 patients who had the operation over a 4-year period, no recurrences were observed in 27 patients available for follow-up (median follow-up 3 years). Three patients had complications requiring surgical intervention. The operation is easy to teach and learn and is worth considering by both specialist and non-specialist surgeons. PMID:9682644

Commercial Experiment Transporter: COMET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wessling, Francis C.; Robinson, Michael; Martinez, Ramiro S.; Gallimore, Thomas; Combs, Nick

1994-09-01

A launch system consisting of ground-support equipment, a four-stage rocket, a service module, a recovery system and a recovery site, and an orbital operations center is being assembled. The system is designed to launch 818 kg (1800 lb) to a 552-km (300-n.mi.) low earth orbit at a 40-deg inclination. Experiment space exists in both the service module and the recovery system. The service module provides space for 68 kg (150 lb) of experiments plus telemetry services, attitude control, and power and uses no consumables to maintain attitude. Consequently, the service module can maintain orbit attitude for years. Power of 400 W is supplied by solar cells and batteries for both experiment operation and housekeeping. The recovery system houses an experiment carrier for 136 kg (300 lb) of experiments, a retro rocket, a heat shield, and a parachute. An orbital operations control center provides tracking, telemetry, and commanding for the satellite. The payloads are also briefly described. The first launch was scheduled for 1995.

Pump-probe experiments at the TEMPO beamline using the low-α operation mode of Synchrotron SOLEIL.

PubMed

Silly, Mathieu G; Ferté, Tom; Tordeux, Marie Agnes; Pierucci, Debora; Beaulieu, Nathan; Chauvet, Christian; Pressacco, Federico; Sirotti, Fausto; Popescu, Horia; Lopez-Flores, Victor; Tortarolo, Marina; Sacchi, Maurizio; Jaouen, Nicolas; Hollander, Philippe; Ricaud, Jean Paul; Bergeard, Nicolas; Boeglin, Christine; Tudu, Bharati; Delaunay, Renaud; Luning, Jan; Malinowski, Gregory; Hehn, Michel; Baumier, Cédric; Fortuna, Franck; Krizmancic, Damjan; Stebel, Luigi; Sergo, Rudi; Cautero, Giuseppe

2017-07-01

The SOLEIL synchrotron radiation source is regularly operated in special filling modes dedicated to pump-probe experiments. Among others, the low-α mode operation is characterized by shorter pulse duration and represents the natural bridge between 50 ps synchrotron pulses and femtosecond experiments. Here, the capabilities in low-α mode of the experimental set-ups developed at the TEMPO beamline to perform pump-probe experiments with soft X-rays based on photoelectron or photon detection are presented. A 282 kHz repetition-rate femtosecond laser is synchronized with the synchrotron radiation time structure to induce fast electronic and/or magnetic excitations. Detection is performed using a two-dimensional space resolution plus time resolution detector based on microchannel plates equipped with a delay line. Results of time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, circular dichroism and magnetic scattering experiments are reported, and their respective advantages and limitations in the framework of high-time-resolution pump-probe experiments compared and discussed.

Payload Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cissom, R. D.; Melton, T. L.; Schneider, M. P.; Lapenta, C. C.

1999-01-01

The objective of this paper is to provide the future ISS scientist and/or engineer a sense of what ISS payload operations are expected to be. This paper uses a real-time operations scenario to convey this message. The real-time operations scenario begins at the initiation of payload operations and runs through post run experiment analysis. In developing this scenario, it is assumed that the ISS payload operations flight and ground capabilities are fully available for use by the payload user community. Emphasis is placed on telescience operations whose main objective is to enable researchers to utilize experiment hardware onboard the International Space Station as if it were located in their terrestrial laboratory. An overview of the Payload Operations Integration Center (POIC) systems and user ground system options is included to provide an understanding of the systems and interfaces users will utilize to perform payload operations. Detailed information regarding POIC capabilities can be found in the POIC Capabilities Document, SSP 50304.

Accelerator/Experiment Operations - FY 2014

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

Czarapata, P.; Geer, S.; Geesaman, D.

2014-10-01

This Technical Memorandum (TM) summarizes the Fermilab accelerator and accelerator experiment operations for FY 2014. It is one of a series of annual publications intended to gather information in one place. In this case, the information concerns the FY 2014 MINOS and MINERvA experiments using the Main Injector Neutrino Beam (NuMI), the MiniBooNE experiment running in the Booster Neutrino Beam (BNB), and the SeaQuest experiment and Meson Test Beam (MTest) activities in the 120 GeV external Switchyard beam (SY120). Each section was prepared by the relevant authors, and was somewhat edited for inclusion in this summary.

Shuttle sortie simulation using a Lear jet aircraft: Mission no. 1 (assess program)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mulholland, D. R.; Reller, J. O., Jr.; Nell, C. B., Jr.; Mason, R. H.

1972-01-01

The shuttle sortie simulation mission of the Airborne Science/Shuttle Experiments System Simulation Program which was conducted using the CV-990 aircraft is reported. The seven flight, five day mission obtained data on experiment preparation, type of experiment components, operation and maintenance, data acquisition, crew functions, timelines and interfaces, use of support equipment and spare parts, power consumption, work cycles, influence of constraints, and schedule impacts. This report describes the experiment, the facilities, the operation, and the results analyzed from the standpoint of their possible use in aiding the planning for experiments in the Shuttle Sortie Laboratory.

Built But Not Used, Needed But Not Built: Ground System Guidance Based On Cassini-Huygens Experience

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Larsen, Barbara S.

2006-01-01

These reflections share insight gleaned from Cassini-Huygens experience in supporting uplink operations tasks with software. Of particular interest are developed applications that were not widely adopted and tasks for which the appropriate application was not planned. After several years of operations, tasks are better understood providing a clearer picture of the mapping of requirements to applications. The impact on system design of the changing user profile due to distributed operations and greater participation of scientists in operations is also explored. Suggestions are made for improving the architecture, requirements, and design of future systems for uplink operations.

Simulation of Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service Operations by Model and Experiment

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1980-09-01

A technique for computer simulation of operations of U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Services is described and verified with data obtained in four field studies. Uses of the Technique are discussed and illustrated. A field experiment is described in ...

42 CFR 417.413 - Qualifying condition: Operating experience and enrollment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICARE PROGRAM HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS, COMPETITIVE MEDICAL PLANS, AND HEALTH CARE PREPAYMENT PLANS Qualifying Conditions for Medicare Contracts § 417.413..., as appropriate. (b) Standard: Enrollment and operating experience for HMOs or CMPs to contract on a...

Managing operational documentation in the ALICE Detector Control System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lechman, M.; Augustinus, A.; Bond, P.; Chochula, P.; Kurepin, A.; Pinazza, O.; Rosinsky, P.

2012-12-01

ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) is one of the big LHC (Large Hadron Collider) experiments at CERN in Geneve, Switzerland. The experiment is composed of 18 sub-detectors controlled by an integrated Detector Control System (DCS) that is implemented using the commercial SCADA package PVSSII. The DCS includes over 1200 network devices, over 1,000,000 monitored parameters and numerous custom made software components that are prepared by over 100 developers from all around the world. This complex system is controlled by a single operator via a central user interface. One of his/her main tasks is the recovery of anomalies and errors that may occur during operation. Therefore, clear, complete and easily accessible documentation is essential to guide the shifter through the expert interfaces of different subsystems. This paper describes the idea of the management of the operational documentation in ALICE using a generic repository that is built on a relational database and is integrated with the control system. The experience gained and the conclusions drawn from the project are also presented.

Calculation of impulse laser rangefinders' utmost operating range with sensitivity in different weather

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yu-dan; Zhou, Bing; Ying, Jia-ju; Mao, Shao-juan; Qian, Xian-mei

2015-10-01

As one of the main weapons, impulse laser rangefinders have become the main object of the electro-optical countermeasures. So its real maximum range (defined as utmost operating range in the paper) becomes the most concerned index to evaluate the performance of electro-optical countermeasure weapons. A method for calculating laser rangefinders' utmost operating range by its sensitivity in different weather is obtained. Then a method by experiment for getting the sensitivity is supplied. By analyzing the experiment data which the detectivity is 40%-60%, the laser rangefinders' sensitivity is in the range of 1.7×10-5 W to 9.8×10-5 W. For the reason that in order to get an exact utmost operating range, the experiment accuracy of sensitivity is very important, in the last part of paper, the factors which influence the experiment accuracy of sensitivity are analyzed, such as circuit of automatic gain control, the fluctuation of laser power, incident angle of laser.

The Relationship Between Microscopic Grain Surface Structure and the Dynamic Capillary-Driven Advance of Water Films over Individual Dry Natural Sand Grains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kibbey, T. C. G.; Adegbule, A.; Yan, S.

2017-12-01

The movement of nonvolatile solutes in unsaturated porous media at low water contents depends on transport in surface-associated water films. The focus of the work described here was on studying solute movement in water films advancing by capillary forces over initially-dry grain surfaces, to understand how microscopic surface roughness features influence the initial velocity of water film advance. For this work, water containing a non-adsorbing conservative tracer was used to track the movement of advancing water films. A stainless steel capillary tube connected to an external reservoir a fixed distance below the grain surface was used to transmit solution to the grain surface under negative pressure (positive capillary pressure), consistent with conditions that might be expected in the unsaturated zone. The small internal diameter of the capillary prevents solution from draining out of the capillary back into the reservoir. When the capillary is contacted with a grain surface, capillary forces that result from contact between the fluid and the rough grain surface cause water films to wick across the grain surface. Multiple experiments were conducted on the same grain, rotating the grain and varying the capillary contact point around the circumference of the grain. Imaging was conducted at fixed intervals using an automated Extended Depth of Field (EDF) imaging system, and images were analyzed to determine initial velocity. Grain surfaces were then characterized through scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging, using a hybrid stereoscopic reconstruction method designed to extract maximum detail in creating elevation maps of geologic surfaces from tilted pairs of SEM images. The resulting elevation maps were used to relate surface roughness profiles around the grain with initial velocities. Results suggest that velocity varies significant with contact point around an individual grain, and correlates quantitatively with the local grain surface structure. Preliminary simulation results will also be discussed.

STS-29 crewmembers receive briefing on Student Experiment (SE) 83-9

NASA Image and Video Library

1988-08-13

S88-44517 (13 Aug 1988) --- Student experimenter John C. Vellinger, right, explains operation of an incubator used in his experiment to be carried onboard the Discovery for NASA's STS-29 mission next year. His primary audience is made up of STS-29's five-man crew, who will monitor in-space operation of the experiment, titled "Chicken Embryo Development in Space." Kentucky Fried Chicken.

The JPL isolated application experiment series

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levin, R. R.

1981-01-01

The technical, operational, and economic readiness of parabolic dish power systems for a variety of applications in the power range below 10 MWe are discussed. Power systems are developed and tested to the point where commercialization efforts lead to successful market penetration. A key element in this strategy is the use of experiments to test hardware and assess operational readiness. The Isolated Application Experiments are described and their objectives discussed.

The Cooney Ridge Fire Experiment: An early operation to relate pre-, active, and post-fire field and remotely sensed measurements

Treesearch

Andrew T. Hudak; Patrick H. Freeborn; Sarah A. Lewis; Sharon M. Hood; Helen Y. Smith; Colin C. Hardy; Robert J. Kremens; Bret W. Butler; Casey Teske; Robert G. Tissell; Lloyd P. Queen; Bryce L. Nordgren; Benjamin C. Bright; Penelope Morgan; Philip J. Riggan; Lee Macholz; Leigh B. Lentile; James P. Riddering; Edward E. Mathews

2018-01-01

The Cooney Ridge Fire Experiment conducted by fire scientists in 2003 was a burnout operation supported by a fire suppression crew on the active Cooney Ridge wildfire incident. The fire experiment included measurements of pre-fire fuels, active fire behavior, and immediate post-fire effects. Heat flux measurements collected at multiple scales with multiple ground and...

STS-107 Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT)activities at SPACEHAB

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- During Crew Equipment Interface Test activities at SPACEHAB, Cape Canaveral, Fla., STS-107 Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla trains on a glove box experiment. As a research mission, STS-107 will carry the SPACEHAB Double Module in its first research flight into space and a broad collection of experiments ranging from material science to life science. CEIT activities enable the crew to perform certain flight operations, operate experiments in a flight-like environment, evaluate stowage locations and obtain additional exposure to specific experiment operations. Other STS-107 crew members are Commander Rick Douglas Husband; Pilot William C. McCool; Payload Commander Michael P. Anderson; Mission Specialists Laurel Blair Salton Clark and David M. Brown; and Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, of Israel. STS-107 is scheduled for launch May 23, 2002

Development and Operation of a MUMPS Laboratory Information System: A Decade's Experience

PubMed Central

Miller, R. E.; Causey, J. P.; Moore, G. W.; Wilk, G. E.

1988-01-01

We describe more than a decade's experience with inhouse development and operation of a clinical laboratory computer system written in the MUMPS programming language for a 1000 bed teaching hospital. The JHLIS is a networked minicomputer system that supports accessioning, instrument monitoring, and result reporting for over 3000 specimens and 30,000 test results daily. Development and operation of the system accounts for 6% of the budget of the laboratories which have had a 70% increase in workload over the past decade. Our experience with purchased MUMPS software maintained and enhanced inhouse suggests an attractive alternative to lengthy inhouse development.

A Definition of STS Accommodations for Attached Payloads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Echols, F. L.; Broome, P. A.

1983-01-01

An input to a study conducted to define a set of carrier avionics for supporting large structures experiments attached to the Space Shuttle Orbiter is reported. The "baseline" Orbier interface used in developing the avionics concept for the Space Technology Experiments Platform, STEP, which Langley Research Center has proposed for supporting experiments of this sort is defined. Primarily, flight operations capabilities and considerations and the avionics systems capabilities that are available to a payload as a "mixed cargo" user of the Space Transportation System are addressed. Ground operations for payload integration at Kennedy Space Center, and ground operations for payload support during the mission are also discussed.

Modelling welded material for ultrasonic testing using MINA: Theory and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moysan, J.; Corneloup, G.; Chassignole, B.; Gueudré, C.; Ploix, M. A.

2012-05-01

Austenitic steel multi-pass welds exhibit a heterogeneous and anisotropic structure that causes difficulties in the ultrasonic testing. Increasing the material knowledge is a long term research field for LCND laboratory and EDF Les Renardières in France. A specific model has been developed: the MINA model (Modelling an Isotropy from Notebook of Arc welding). Welded material is described in 2D for flat position arc welding with shielded electrode (SMAW) at a functional scale for UT modeling. The grain growth is the result of three physical phenomena: epitaxial growth, influence of temperature gradient, and competition between the grains. The model uses phenomenological rules to combine these three phenomena. A limited number of parameters is used to make the modelling possible from the information written down in a notebook of arc welding. We present all these principles with 10 years' hindsight. To illustrate the model's use, we present conclusions obtained with two recent applications. In conclusion we give also insights on other research topics around this model : inverse problem using a F.E.M. code simulating the ultrasonic propagation, in position welding, 3D prospects, GTAW.

All fiber passively mode locked zirconium-based erbium-doped fiber laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, H.; Awang, N. A.; Paul, M. C.; Pal, M.; Latif, A. A.; Harun, S. W.

2012-04-01

All passively mode locked erbium-doped fiber laser with a zirconium host is demonstrated. The fiber laser utilizes the Non-Linear Polarization Rotation (NPR) technique with an inexpensive fiber-based Polarization Beam Splitter (PBS) as the mode-locking element. A 2 m crystalline Zirconia-Yttria-Alumino-silicate fiber doped with erbium ions (Zr-Y-Al-EDF) acts as the gain medium and generates an Amplified Spontaneous Emission (ASE) spectrum from 1500 nm to 1650 nm. The generated mode-locked pulses have a spectrum ranging from 1548 nm to more than 1605 nm, as well as a 3-dB bandwidth of 12 nm. The mode-locked pulse train has an average output power level of 17 mW with a calculated peak power of 1.24 kW and energy per pulse of approximately 730 pJ. The spectrum also exhibits a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of 50 dB as well as a repetition rate of 23.2 MHz. The system is very stable and shows little power fluctuation, in addition to being repeatable.

Bilastine: a new H1 -antihistamine with an optimal profile for updosing in urticaria.

PubMed

Church, M K; Labeaga, L

2017-09-01

This review set out to examine published papers detailing the efficacy of bilastine in skin models and urticaria to assess whether it meets the optimal profile for updosing in urticaria, that is, strong clinical efficacy and freedom from unwanted side effects, particularly sedation. Bilastine is a highly effective H 1 -antihistamine even when used at the basic dose of 20 mg daily. Its facilitated uptake after oral dosage gives it a rapid onset and long duration of action. In both wheal and flare studies and in urticaria updosing fourfold showed increased effectiveness. With respect to somnolence, bilastine is a substrate for P-glycoprotein, a membrane pump which prevents it crossing the blood-brain barrier. Consequently, bilastine is a practically 'non-sedating' H 1 -antihistamine. In conclusion, the excellent profile of bilastine in both efficacy and safety make it the ideal H 1 -antihistamine for updosing the daily dose fourfold in difficult-to-treat urticaria as recommended by the EAACI/GA 2 LEN/EDF/WAO guideline for the management of urticaria. © 2017 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Development of autonomous controller system of high speed UAV from simulation to ready to fly condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yudhi Irwanto, Herma

2018-02-01

The development of autonomous controller system that is specially used in our high speed UAV, it’s call RKX-200EDF/TJ controlled vehicle needs to be continued as a step to mastery and to developt control system of LAPAN’s satellite launching rocket. The weakness of the existing control system in this high speed UAV needs to be repaired and replaced using the autonomous controller system. Conversion steps for ready-to-fly system involved controlling X tail fin, adjusting auto take off procedure by adding X axis sensor, procedure of way points reading and process of measuring distance and heading to the nearest way point, developing user-friendly ground station, and adding tools for safety landing. The development of this autonomous controller system also covered a real flying test in Pandanwangi, Lumajang in November 2016. Unfortunately, the flying test was not successful because the booster rocket was blown right after burning. However, the system could record the event and demonstrated that the controller system had worked according to plan.

The Potential of Different Concepts of Fast Breeder Reactor for the French Fleet Renewal

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

Massara, Simone; Tetart, Philippe; Lecarpentier, David

2006-07-01

The performances of different concepts of Fast Breeder Reactor (Na-cooled, He-cooled and Pb-cooled FBR) for the current French fleet renewal are analyzed in the framework of a transition scenario to a 100% FBR fleet at the end of the 21. century. Firstly, the modeling of these three FBR types by means of a semi-analytical approach in TIRELIRE - STRATEGIE, the EDF fuel cycle simulation code, is presented, together with some validation elements against ERANOS, the French reference code system for neutronic FBR analysis (CEA). Afterwards, performances comparisons are made in terms of maximum deployable power, natural uranium consumption and wastemore » production. The results show that the FBR maximum deployable capacity, independently from the FBR technology, is highly sensitive to the fuel cycle options, like the spent nuclear fuel cooling time or the Minor Actinides management strategy. Thus, some of the key parameters defining the dynamic of FBR deployment are highlighted, to inform the orientation of R and D in the development and optimization of these systems. (authors)« less

Current and planned numerical development for improving computing performance for long duration and/or low pressure transients

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

Faydide, B.

1997-07-01

This paper presents the current and planned numerical development for improving computing performance in case of Cathare applications needing real time, like simulator applications. Cathare is a thermalhydraulic code developed by CEA (DRN), IPSN, EDF and FRAMATOME for PWR safety analysis. First, the general characteristics of the code are presented, dealing with physical models, numerical topics, and validation strategy. Then, the current and planned applications of Cathare in the field of simulators are discussed. Some of these applications were made in the past, using a simplified and fast-running version of Cathare (Cathare-Simu); the status of the numerical improvements obtained withmore » Cathare-Simu is presented. The planned developments concern mainly the Simulator Cathare Release (SCAR) project which deals with the use of the most recent version of Cathare inside simulators. In this frame, the numerical developments are related with the speed up of the calculation process, using parallel processing and improvement of code reliability on a large set of NPP transients.« less

Exploring remote operation for ALMA Observatory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Tzu-Chiang; Soto, Ruben; Ovando, Nicolás.; Velez, Gaston; Fuica, Soledad; Schemrl, Anton; Robles, Andres; Ibsen, Jorge; Filippi, Giorgio; Pietriga, Emmanuel

2014-08-01

The Atacama Large Millimeter /submillimeter Array (ALMA) will be a unique research instrument composed of at least 66 reconfigurable high-precision antennas, located at the Chajnantor plain in the Chilean Andes at an elevation of 5000 m. The observatory has another office located in Santiago of Chile, 1600 km from the Chajnantor plain. In the Atacama desert, the wonderful observing conditions imply precarious living conditions and extremely high operation costs: i.e: flight tickets, hospitality, infrastructure, water, electricity, etc. It is clear that a purely remote operational model is impossible, but we believe that a mixture of remote and local operation scheme would be beneficial to the observatory, not only in reducing the cost but also in increasing the observatory overall efficiency. This paper describes the challenges and experience gained in such experimental proof of the concept. The experiment was performed over the existing 100 Mbps bandwidth, which connects both sites through a third party telecommunication infrastructure. During the experiment, all of the existent capacities of the observing software were validated successfully, although room for improvement was clearly detected. Network virtualization, MPLS configuration, L2TPv3 tunneling, NFS adjustment, operational workstations design are part of the experiment.

Droplet combustion experiment drop tower tests using models of the space flight apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haggard, J. B.; Brace, M. H.; Kropp, J. L.; Dryer, F. L.

1989-01-01

The Droplet Combustion Experiment (DCE) is an experiment that is being developed to ultimately operate in the shuttle environment (middeck or Spacelab). The current experiment implementation is for use in the 2.2 or 5 sec drop towers at NASA Lewis Research Center. Initial results were reported in the 1986 symposium of this meeting. Since then significant progress was made in drop tower instrumentation. The 2.2 sec drop tower apparatus, a conceptual level model, was improved to give more reproducible performance as well as operate over a wider range of test conditions. Some very low velocity deployments of ignited droplets were observed. An engineering model was built at TRW. This model will be used in the 5 sec drop tower operation to obtain science data. In addition, it was built using the flight design except for changes to accommodate the drop tower requirements. The mechanical and electrical assemblies have the same level of complexity as they will have in flight. The model was tested for functional operation and then delivered to NASA Lewis. The model was then integrated into the 5 sec drop tower. The model is currently undergoing initial operational tests prior to starting the science tests.

BRIC - Brown works with middeck experiment

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-08-12

S85-E-5058 (12 August 1997) --- Astronaut Curtis L. Brown, Jr., commander, performs operations with an experiment called Biological Research in Canisters (BRIC) operations on the mid-deck of the Space Shuttle Discovery during flight day six. The photograph was taken with the Electronic Still Camera (ESC).

NASA Lewis' Telescience Support Center Supports Orbiting Microgravity Experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hawersaat, Bob W.

1998-01-01

The Telescience Support Center (TSC) at the NASA Lewis Research Center was developed to enable Lewis-based science teams and principal investigators to monitor and control experimental and operational payloads onboard the International Space Station. The TSC is a remote operations hub that can interface with other remote facilities, such as universities and industrial laboratories. As a pathfinder for International Space Station telescience operations, the TSC has incrementally developed an operational capability by supporting space shuttle missions. The TSC has evolved into an environment where experimenters and scientists can control and monitor the health and status of their experiments in near real time. Remote operations (or telescience) allow local scientists and their experiment teams to minimize their travel and maintain a local complement of expertise for hardware and software troubleshooting and data analysis. The TSC was designed, developed, and is operated by Lewis' Engineering and Technical Services Directorate and its support contractors, Analex Corporation and White's Information System, Inc. It is managed by Lewis' Microgravity Science Division. The TSC provides operational support in conjunction with the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and NASA Johnson Space Center. It enables its customers to command, receive, and view telemetry; monitor the science video from their on-orbit experiments; and communicate over mission-support voice loops. Data can be received and routed to experimenter-supplied ground support equipment and/or to the TSC data system for display. Video teleconferencing capability and other video sources, such as NASA TV, are also available. The TSC has a full complement of standard services to aid experimenters in telemetry operations.

Applied Research on Laparoscopic Simulator in the Resident Surgical Laparoscopic Operation Technical Training.

PubMed

Fu, Shangxi; Liu, Xiao; Zhou, Li; Zhou, Meisheng; Wang, Liming

2017-08-01

The purpose of this study was to estimate the effects of surgical laparoscopic operation course on laparoscopic operation skills after the simulated training for medical students with relatively objective results via data gained before and after the practice course of laparoscopic simulator of the resident standardized trainees. Experiment 1: 20 resident standardized trainees with no experience in laparoscopic surgery were included in the inexperienced group and finished simulated cholecystectomy according to simulator videos. Simulator data was collected (total operation time, path length, average speed of instrument movement, movement efficiency, number of perforations, the time cautery is applied without appropriate contact with adhesions, number of serious complications). Ten attending doctors were included in the experienced group and conducted the operation of simulated cholecystectomy directly. Data was collected with simulator. Data of two groups was compared. Experiment 2: Participants in inexperienced group were assigned to basic group (receiving 8 items of basic operation training) and special group (receiving 8 items of basic operation training and 4 items of specialized training), and 10 persons for each group. They received training course designed by us respectively. After training level had reached the expected target, simulated cholecystectomy was performed, and data was collected. Experimental data between basic group and special group was compared and then data between special group and experienced group was compared. Results of experiment 1 showed that there is significant difference between data in inexperienced group in which participants operated simulated cholecystectomy only according to instructors' teaching and operation video and data in experienced group. Result of experiment 2 suggested that, total operation time, number of perforations, number of serious complications, number of non-cauterized bleeding and the time cautery is applied without appropriate contact with adhesions in special group were all superior to those in basic group. There was no statistical difference on other data between special group and basic group. Comparing special group with experienced group, data of total operation time and the time cautery is applied without appropriate contact with adhesions in experienced group was superior to that in special group. There was no statistical difference on other data between special group and experienced group. Laparoscopic simulators are effective for surgical skills training. Basic courses could mainly improve operator's hand-eye coordination and perception of sense of the insertion depth for instruments. Specialized training courses could not only improve operator's familiarity with surgeries, but also reduce operation time and risk, and improve safety.

Development of user guidelines for ECAS display design, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dodson, D. W.; Shields, N. L., Jr.

1978-01-01

Experiment computer application software (ECAS) display design and command usage guidelines were developed, which if followed by spacelab experiments, would standardize methods and techniques for data presentation and commanding via ECAS. These guidelines would provide some commonality among experiments which would enhance crew training and flight operations. The guidelines are applicable to all onboard experiment displays, whether allocated by ECAS or a dedicated experiment processor. A brief description of the spacelab data display system characteristics and of the services provided by the experiment computer operating system is included. Guidelines concerning data presentation and layout of alphanumeric and graphic information are presented along with guidelines concerning keyboard commanding and command feedback.

Accelerator/Experiment Operations - FY 2016

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

Blake, A.; Convery, M.; Geer, S.

2016-10-01

This Technical Memorandum summarizes the Fermilab accelerator and experiment operations for FY 2016. It is one of a series of annual publications intended to gather information in one place. In this case, the information concerns the FY 2016 NOvA, MINOS+ and MINERvA experiments using the Main Injector Neutrino Beam (NuMI), the MicroBooNE experiment and the activities in the SciBooNE Hall using the Booster Neutrino Beam (BNB), and the SeaQuest experiment, LArIAT experiment and Meson Test Beam activities in the 120 GeV external switchyard beam (SY120). Each section was prepared by the relevant authors, and was then edited for inclusion inmore » this summary.« less

Man-machine cooperation in advanced teleoperation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fiorini, Paolo; Das, Hari; Lee, Sukhan

1993-01-01

Teleoperation experiments at JPL have shown that advanced features in a telerobotic system are a necessary condition for good results, but that they are not sufficient to assure consistently good performance by the operators. Two or three operators are normally used during training and experiments to maintain the desired performance. An alternative to this multi-operator control station is a man-machine interface embedding computer programs that can perform some of the operator's functions. In this paper we present our first experiments with these concepts, in which we focused on the areas of real-time task monitoring and interactive path planning. In the first case, when performing a known task, the operator has an automatic aid for setting control parameters and camera views. In the second case, an interactive path planner will rank different path alternatives so that the operator will make the correct control decision. The monitoring function has been implemented with a neural network doing the real-time task segmentation. The interactive path planner was implemented for redundant manipulators to specify arm configurations across the desired path and satisfy geometric, task, and performance constraints.

Bidirectional associations in multiplication memory: conditions of negative and positive transfer.

PubMed

Campbell, Jamie I D; Robert, Nicole D

2008-05-01

A variety of experimental evidence indicates that the memory representation for multiplication facts (e.g., 6 x 9 = 54) incorporates bidirectional links with a forward association from factors to product and a reverse association from product to factors. Surprisingly, the authors did not find evidence in Experiment 1 of facilitative transfer-of-practice from multiplication (6 x 9 = ?) to factoring (54 = ? x ?); in fact, multiplication practice produced item-specific interference with factoring. Similarly, the authors found no evidence in Experiment 2 that repetition of specific factoring problems (54 = ? x ?) facilitated performance of corresponding multiplication problems (6 x 9 = ?). In Experiment 3, participants practiced both multiplication and factoring and presented facilitative transfer in both directions. Thus, bidirectional facilitation occurred if both operations were practiced, but interference occurred when only one operation was practiced. We propose that this seemingly paradoxical behavior occurs because it is adaptive for the bidirectional retrieval structure to retain operational flexibility in the context of practicing both operations, whereas it is adaptive to specialize the memory representation for the practiced operation (i.e., factoring or multiplication) when only one operation is practiced.

Learning from Trending, Precursor Analysis, and System Failures

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

Youngblood, R. W.; Duffey, R. B.

2015-11-01

Models of reliability growth relate current system unreliability to currently accumulated experience. But “experience” comes in different forms. Looking back after a major accident, one is sometimes able to identify previous events or measurable performance trends that were, in some sense, signaling the potential for that major accident: potential that could have been recognized and acted upon, but was not recognized until the accident occurred. This could be a previously unrecognized cause of accidents, or underestimation of the likelihood that a recognized potential cause would actually operate. Despite improvements in the state of practice of modeling of risk and reliability,more » operational experience still has a great deal to teach us, and work has been going on in several industries to try to do a better job of learning from experience before major accidents occur. It is not enough to say that we should review operating experience; there is too much “experience” for such general advice to be considered practical. The paper discusses the following: 1. The challenge of deciding what to focus on in analysis of operating experience. 2. Comparing what different models of learning and reliability growth imply about trending and precursor analysis.« less

Operator adaptation to changes in system reliability under adaptable automation.

PubMed

Chavaillaz, Alain; Sauer, Juergen

2017-09-01

This experiment examined how operators coped with a change in system reliability between training and testing. Forty participants were trained for 3 h on a complex process control simulation modelling six levels of automation (LOA). In training, participants either experienced a high- (100%) or low-reliability system (50%). The impact of training experience on operator behaviour was examined during a 2.5 h testing session, in which participants either experienced a high- (100%) or low-reliability system (60%). The results showed that most operators did not often switch between LOA. Most chose an LOA that relieved them of most tasks but maintained their decision authority. Training experience did not have a strong impact on the outcome measures (e.g. performance, complacency). Low system reliability led to decreased performance and self-confidence. Furthermore, complacency was observed under high system reliability. Overall, the findings suggest benefits of adaptable automation because it accommodates different operator preferences for LOA. Practitioner Summary: The present research shows that operators can adapt to changes in system reliability between training and testing sessions. Furthermore, it provides evidence that each operator has his/her preferred automation level. Since this preference varies strongly between operators, adaptable automation seems to be suitable to accommodate these large differences.

Contextual Control of Discriminated Operant Behavior

PubMed Central

Bouton, Mark E.; Todd, Travis P.; León, Samuel P.

2014-01-01

Previous research suggests that changing the context after instrumental (operant) conditioning can weaken the strength of the operant response. That result contrasts with the results of studies of Pavlovian conditioning, where a context switch often does not affect the response elicited by a conditioned stimulus. To begin to make the methods more similar, Experiments 1–3 tested the effects of a context switch in rats on a discriminated operant response (R, lever pressing or chain pulling) that had been reinforced only in the presence of a 30-s discriminative stimulus (S, tone or light). As in Pavlovian conditioning, responses and reinforcers became confined to presentations of the S during training. However, in Experiment 1, after training in Context A, a switch to Context B caused a decrement in responding during S. In Experiment 2, a switch to Context B likewise decreased responding in S when Context B was equally familiar, equally associated with reinforcement, or equally associated with the training of a discriminated operant (a different R reinforced in a different S). However, there was no decrement if Context B had been associated with the same response that was trained in Context A (Experiments 2 and 3). The effectiveness of S transferred across contexts, whereas the strength of the response did not. Experiment 4 found that a continuously reinforced response was also disrupted by context change when the same response manipulandum was used in both training and testing. Overall, the results suggest that the context can have a robust general role in the control of operant behavior. Mechanisms of contextual control are discussed. PMID:24000907

Contextual control of discriminated operant behavior.

PubMed

Bouton, Mark E; Todd, Travis P; León, Samuel P

2014-01-01

Previous research has suggested that changing the context after instrumental (operant) conditioning can weaken the strength of the operant response. That result contrasts with the results of studies of Pavlovian conditioning, in which a context switch often does not affect the response elicited by a conditioned stimulus. To begin to make the methods more similar, Experiments 1-3 tested the effects of a context switch in rats on a discriminated operant response (R; lever pressing or chain pulling) that had been reinforced only in the presence of a 30-s discriminative stimulus (S; tone or light). As in Pavlovian conditioning, responses and reinforcers became confined to presentations of the S during training. However, in Experiment 1, after training in Context A, a switch to Context B caused a decrement in responding during S. In Experiment 2, a switch to Context B likewise decreased responding in S when Context B was equally familiar, equally associated with reinforcement, or equally associated with the training of a discriminated operant (a different R reinforced in a different S). However, there was no decrement if Context B had been associated with the same response that was trained in Context A (Experiments 2 and 3). The effectiveness of S transferred across contexts, whereas the strength of the response did not. Experiment 4 found that a continuously reinforced response was also disrupted by context change when the same response manipulandum was used in both training and testing. Overall, the results suggest that the context can have a robust general role in the control of operant behavior. Mechanisms of contextual control are discussed.

Space Environments Testbed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leucht, David K.; Koslosky, Marie J.; Kobe, David L.; Wu, Jya-Chang C.; Vavra, David A.

2011-01-01

The Space Environments Testbed (SET) is a flight controller data system for the Common Carrier Assembly. The SET-1 flight software provides the command, telemetry, and experiment control to ground operators for the SET-1 mission. Modes of operation (see dia gram) include: a) Boot Mode that is initiated at application of power to the processor card, and runs memory diagnostics. It may be entered via ground command or autonomously based upon fault detection. b) Maintenance Mode that allows for limited carrier health monitoring, including power telemetry monitoring on a non-interference basis. c) Safe Mode is a predefined, minimum power safehold configuration with power to experiments removed and carrier functionality minimized. It is used to troubleshoot problems that occur during flight. d) Operations Mode is used for normal experiment carrier operations. It may be entered only via ground command from Safe Mode.

Occasional Reinforced Responses during Extinction Can Slow the Rate of Reacquisition of an Operant Response

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woods, Amanda M.; Bouton, Mark E.

2007-01-01

Three experiments with rats examined reacquisition of an operant response after either extinction or a response-elimination procedure that included occasional reinforced responses during extinction. In each experiment, reacquisition was slower when response elimination had included occasional reinforced responses, although the effect was…

AN ADJUNCT TO SELF STUDY.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

MEYER, DONALD E.

TWO EXPERIMENTS WERE CONDUCTED TO EVALUATE A SELF-STUDY PROGRAM PREPARED WITHIN TWO OPERATIONAL FIGHTER-INTERCEPTOR SQUADRONS. BASED ON A TECHNICAL ORDER MANUAL, IT CONSISTED OF SEQUENCED MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS WITH A SIMPLE PUNCHBOARD AS A CONFIRMING DEVICE. IN EXPERIMENT ONE, TWO OPERATIONAL SQUADRONS WERE DIVIDED INTO TWO GROUPS JUDGED TO BE…

Implementation and Analysis of Hemodialysis in the Unit Operations Laboratory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Madihally, Sundararajan V.; Lewis, Randy S.

2007-01-01

To enhance bioengineering in the chemical engineering curriculum, a Unit Operations experiment simulating the hemodialysis of creatinine was implemented. The blood toxin creatinine was used for developing a more realistic dialysis experiment. A dialysis model is presented that allows students to assess the validity of model assumptions. This work…

A Quantitative Analysis of Children's Splitting Operations and Fraction Schemes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Norton, Anderson; Wilkins, Jesse L. M.

2009-01-01

Teaching experiments with pairs of children have generated several hypotheses about students' construction of fractions. For example, Steffe (2004) hypothesized that robust conceptions of improper fractions depends on the development of a splitting operation. Results from teaching experiments that rely on scheme theory and Steffe's hierarchy of…

10 CFR 60.44 - Changes, tests, and experiments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... REPOSITORIES Licenses License Issuance and Amendment § 60.44 Changes, tests, and experiments. (a)(1) Following authorization to receive and possess source, special nuclear, or byproduct material at a geologic repository operations area, the DOE may (i) make changes in the geologic repository operations area as described in the...

A review of ventilated storage cask (VSC) system projects and experience

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

McConaghy, W.

1995-12-31

First, the author discusses the ventilated storage cask (VSC) design and an operations summary is given. Next VSC project status at Palisades, Point Beach, Arkansas Nuclear One, Fast Flux Test Facility and Zaporozhye is discussed. Lastly, VSC operational experience and VSC transportation interfaces are reviewed.

STS-4 test mission simulates operational flight: President terms success golden spike in space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

The fourth Space Shuttle flight is summarized. STS certification as operational, applications experiments, experiments involving crew, the first Getaway Special, a lightning survey. Shuttle environment measurement, prelaunch rain and hail, loss of solid rocket boosters, and modification of the thermal test program are reviewed.

Inference for an Experiment based on Repeated Majority Votes.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-10-15

with the experimental setup used, if paranormal abilities do exist they may operate on the sequence as a whole, and the trials may not be independent so...assumption in the ESP experiment, since paranormal abilities, if they exist, may operate on the entire sequence as a whole. With this assumption

Navy Health Care Executive Competencies

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-04-04

Understanding 10 Information 1 Familiarization with Civilian Health Care and Other Understanding Business 9 Government Systems I Understanding TRICARE 3...Operational Experience/Understanding 10* Acquisitions/Contracting I Understanding Business 9 Automated Health System Information I Understanding TRICARE...Operational Experience/Understanding 10* Acquisitions/Contracting Understanding Business 9 Automated Health System Information Understanding TRICARE 3

Designing Curricular Experiences that Promote Young Adolescents' Cognitive Growth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Dave F.; Canniff, Mary

2007-01-01

One of the most challenging daily experiences of teaching young adolescents is helping them transition from Piaget's concrete to the formal operational stage of cognitive development during the middle school years. Students who have reached formal operations can design and test hypotheses, engage in deductive reasoning, use flexible thinking,…

Simulating Sustainment for an Unmanned Logistics System Concept of Operation in Support of Distributed Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-01

designed experiment to model and explore a ship-to-shore logistics process supporting dispersed units via three types of ULSs, which vary primarily in...systems, simulation, discrete event simulation, design of experiments, data analysis, simplekit, nearly orthogonal and balanced designs 15. NUMBER OF... designed experiment to model and explore a ship-to-shore logistics process supporting dispersed units via three types of ULSs, which vary primarily

Operational Improvements From the In-Trail Procedure in the North Atlantic Organized Track System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chartrand, Ryan C.; Bussink, Frank J. L.; Graff, Thomas J.; Murdoch, Jennifer L.; Jones, Kenneth M.

2008-01-01

This paper explains the computerized batch processing experiment examining the operational impacts of the introduction of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment and the In-Trail Procedure (ITP) to the North Atlantic Organized Track System (NATOTS). This experiment was conducted using the Traffic Manager (TMX), a desktop simulation capable of simulating airspace environments and aircraft operations. ADS-B equipment can enable the use of new ground and airborne procedures, such as the ITP. The ITP is among the first of these new procedures, which will make use of improved situation awareness in the local surrounding airspace of ADS-B equipped aircraft to enable more efficient oceanic flight level changes. The data collected were analyzed with respect to multiple operationally relevant parameters including fuel burn, request approval rates, and the distribution of fuel savings. This experiment showed that through the use of ADS-B or ADS-B and the ITP that operational improvements and benefits could be achieved.

Operational Improvements From Using the In-Trail Procedure in the North Atlantic Organized Track System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chartrand, Ryan C.; Bussink, Frank J.; Graff, Thomas J.; Jones, Kenneth M.

2009-01-01

This paper explains the computerized batch processing experiment examining the operational impacts of the introduction of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment and the In-Trail Procedure (ITP) to the North Atlantic Organized Track System. This experiment was conducted using the Traffic Manager (TMX), a desktop simulation capable of simulating airspace environments and aircraft operations. ADS-B equipment can enable the use of new ground and airborne procedures, such as the ITP. ITP is among the first of these new procedures, which will make use of improved situation awareness in the local surrounding airspace of ADS-B equipped aircraft to enable more efficient oceanic flight level changes. The collected data were analyzed with respect to multiple operationally relevant parameters including fuel burn, request approval rates, and the distribution of fuel savings. This experiment showed that through the use of ADS-B or ADS-B and the ITP that operational improvements and benefits could be achieved.

Orphan spin operators enable the acquisition of multiple 2D and 3D magic angle spinning solid-state NMR spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gopinath, T.; Veglia, Gianluigi

2013-05-01

We propose a general method that enables the acquisition of multiple 2D and 3D solid-state NMR spectra for U-13C, 15N-labeled proteins. This method, called MEIOSIS (Multiple ExperIments via Orphan SpIn operatorS), makes it possible to detect four coherence transfer pathways simultaneously, utilizing orphan (i.e., neglected) spin operators of nuclear spin polarization generated during 15N-13C cross polarization (CP). In the MEIOSIS experiments, two phase-encoded free-induction decays are decoded into independent nuclear polarization pathways using Hadamard transformations. As a proof of principle, we show the acquisition of multiple 2D and 3D spectra of U-13C, 15N-labeled microcrystalline ubiquitin. Hadamard decoding of CP coherences into multiple independent spin operators is a new concept in solid-state NMR and is extendable to many other multidimensional experiments. The MEIOSIS method will increase the throughput of solid-state NMR techniques for microcrystalline proteins, membrane proteins, and protein fibrils.

Trauma and emergency surgery: an evolutionary direction for trauma surgeons.

PubMed

Scherer, Lynette A; Battistella, Felix D

2004-01-01

The success of nonoperative management of injuries has diminished the operative experience of trauma surgeons. To enhance operative experience, our trauma surgeons began caring for all general surgery emergencies. Our objective was to characterize and compare the experience of our trauma surgeons with that of our general surgeons. We reviewed records to determine case diversity, complexity, time of operation, need for intensive care unit care, and payor mix for patients treated by the trauma and emergency surgery (TES) surgeons and elective practice general surgery (ELEC) surgeons over a 1-year period. TES and ELEC surgeons performed 253 +/- 83 and 234 +/- 40 operations per surgeon, respectively (p = 0.59). TES surgeons admitted more patients and performed more after-hours operations than their ELEC colleagues. Both groups had a mix of cases that was diverse and complex. Combining the care of patients with trauma and general surgery emergencies resulted in a breadth and scope of practice for TES surgeons that compared well with that of ELEC surgeons.

A scientific operations plan for the NASA space telescope. [ground support systems, project planning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

West, D. K.; Costa, S. R.

1975-01-01

A ground system is described which is compatible with the operational requirements of the space telescope. The goal of the ground system is to minimize the cost of post launch operations without seriously compromising the quality and total throughput of space telescope science, or jeopardizing the safety of the space telescope in orbit. The resulting system is able to accomplish this goal through optimum use of existing and planned resources and institutional facilities. Cost is also reduced and efficiency in operation increased by drawing on existing experience in interfacing guest astronomers with spacecraft as well as mission control experience obtained in the operation of present astronomical spacecraft.

CTS (Hermes): United States experiments and operations summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Donoughe, P. L.; Hunczak, H. R.

1977-01-01

The Communications Technology Satellite, launched in January 1976 and embodying the highest power transmitter in a communications satellite, was considered. As a joint program between the U.S. and Canada, close coordination of the two countries was necessitated since the management and control of experiments were done in real time. Criteria used by NASA for acceptance of the United States experiments are noted and acceptance procedures are discussed. The category for each accepted experiment is given. The modus operandi employed for the U.S. experiments in the areas of management, coordination, liaison, and real time operation are described. Some of the highlights associated with satellite utilization are given.

Structural assembly demonstration experiment, phase 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akin, David L.; Bowden, Mary L.; Miller, Rene H.

1983-03-01

The goal of this phase of the structural assembly and demonstration experiment (SADE) program was to begin to define a shuttle flight experiment that would yield data to compare on-orbit assembly operations of large space structures with neutral buoyancy simulations. In addition, the experiment would be an early demonstration of structural hardware and human capabilities in extravehicular activity (EVA). The objectives of the MIT study, as listed in the statement of work, were: to provide support in establishing a baseline neutral buoyancy testing data base, to develop a correlation technique between neutral buoyancy test results and on-orbit operations, and to prepare the SADE experiment plan (MSFC-PLAN-913).

Experience with modified aerospace reliability and quality assurance method for wind turbines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klein, W. E.

1982-01-01

The SR&QA approach assures that the machine is not hazardous to the public or operating personnel, can operate unattended on a utility grid, demonstrates reliability operation, and helps establish the quality assurance and maintainability requirements for future wind turbine projects. The approach consisted of modified failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) during the design phase, minimal hardware inspection during parts fabrication, and three simple documents to control activities during machine construction and operation. Five years experience shows that this low cost approach works well enough that it should be considered by others for similar projects.

ATS-6 - Technical aspects of the Health/Education Telecommunications Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boor, J. L.; Braunstein, J.; Janky, J. M.; Ogden, D.; Potter, J. G.; Harper, E. L.; Volkmer, E.; Whalen, A. A.; Henderson, E.; Hupe, H. H.

1975-01-01

An overview is given of the HET experiment on ATS-6. The paper is divided into nine parts, including a technical overview, a preliminary evaluation of the HET demonstration, a review of operations at the Denver uplink terminal, a discussion of remote ground terminals, a review of C-band comprehensive terminals and of S-band comprehensive terminals, and parts devoted to general network operations, technical management and effectiveness of the network, and the site equipment operator.

Penciled into History: The U.S. Army’s Occupation of Korea and Lessons for the Operational Artist

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-22

until governance could be transferred to a legitimate Korean authority. The present day operational artist can learn much from the experience of...Director, School of Advanced Military Studies Henry A. Arnold III, COL Accepted this 22nd day of May 2014 by...Korean authority. The present day operational artist can learn much from the experience of the U.S. Army and its occupation of the Korean

Utility interconnection experience with an operating central station MW-sized photovoltaic plant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patapoff, N. W., Jr.; Mattijetz, D. R.

1985-08-01

Utility experience to date with photovoltaic systems has been with small dispersed systems designed primarily as demonstration projects. The 1 MW photovoltaic plant at Lugo Substation in Hesperia, California, has been designed and is operated as a central station power plant. The performance of the system has been monitored since first coming on line in November 1982. The potential impact of this and similar systems upon the operation of the utility is discussed.

The US Military’s Experience in Stability Operations, 1789-2005

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

better trained in IO technical procedures than they were in how to produce a persuasive message . In the Dominican Republic in 1965, for example, the ...Yates, provides his thoughts and analysis of the US Army’s participation in stability operations (SO) since 1789. Dr. Yates, a member of the CSI Team...experience in the conduct of stability operations prior to the Global War on Terrorism can be divided chronologically into four periods: the country’s

Parabolic dish test site: History and operating experience

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Selcuk, M. K. (Compiler)

1985-01-01

The parabolic dish test site (PDTS) was established for testing point-focusing solar concentrator systems operating at temperatures approaching 1650 C. Among tests run were evaluation and performance characterization of parabolic dish concentrators, receivers, power conversion units, and solar/fossil-fuel hybrid systems. The PDTS was fully operational until its closure in June, 1984. The evolution of the test program, a chronological listing of the experiments run, and data summaries for most of the tests conducted are presented.

SATS HVO Concept Validation Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Consiglio, Maria; Williams, Daniel; Murdoch, Jennifer; Adams, Catherine

2005-01-01

A human-in-the-loop simulation experiment was conducted at the NASA Langley Research Center s (LaRC) Air Traffic Operations Lab (ATOL) in an effort to comprehensively validate tools and procedures intended to enable the Small Aircraft Transportation System, Higher Volume Operations (SATS HVO) concept of operations. The SATS HVO procedures were developed to increase the rate of operations at non-towered, non-radar airports in near all-weather conditions. A key element of the design is the establishment of a volume of airspace around designated airports where pilots accept responsibility for self-separation. Flights operating at these airports, are given approach sequencing information computed by a ground based automated system. The SATS HVO validation experiment was conducted in the ATOL during the spring of 2004 in order to determine if a pilot can safely and proficiently fly an airplane while performing SATS HVO procedures. Comparative measures of flight path error, perceived workload and situation awareness were obtained for two types of scenarios. Baseline scenarios were representative of today s system utilizing procedure separation, where air traffic control grants one approach or departure clearance at a time. SATS HVO scenarios represented approaches and departure procedures as described in the SATS HVO concept of operations. Results from the experiment indicate that low time pilots were able to fly SATS HVO procedures and maintain self-separation as safely and proficiently as flying today's procedures.

Basic surgical training in Ireland: the impact of operative experience, training program allocation and mentorship on trainee satisfaction.

PubMed

O'Sullivan, K E; Byrne, J S; Walsh, T N

2013-12-01

Application to the Irish basic surgical training (BST) program in Ireland has decreased progressively over the past 5 years. We hypothesised that this decline was secondary to dissatisfaction with training correlated with reduced operative experience and lack of mentorship among BSTs. An anonymous 15 question electronic survey was circulated to all BSTs appraising their impression of the operative experience available to them, their mentorship and their opinions of critical aspects of training. Fifty trainees responded to the survey. At the commencement of training 98 % (n = 43) intended to stay in surgery, decreasing to 79 % (n = 34) during the BST. Trainees who felt they had a mentor were three times more likely to be content in surgical training (OR 3.11; 95 % CI 0.94-10.25, P = 0.06). Trainees satisfied with their allocated rotation were more likely to be content in surgical training (OR 4.5; 95 % CI 1.03-19.6, P = 0.045). Individual trainee comments revealed dissatisfaction with operative exposure. Mentorship and satisfaction with allocated training rotation had a positive impact on trainee satisfaction and correlated with contentedness in surgical training. Operative experience is the main element that trainees report as lacking. This highlights the need for reform of the training system to improve current levels of mentorship and increase operative exposure to enhance its attractiveness to the best quality medical graduates.

Feasibility Study of the Superconducting Gravity Gradiometer (SGG) Flight Test on the European Retrievable Carrier (EURECA)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

A study was performed to determine the feasibility of conducting a flight test of the Superconducting Gravity Gradiometer (SGG) Experiment Module on one of the reflights of the European Retrievable Carrier (EURECA). EURECA was developed expressly to accommodate space science experimentation, while providing a high quality microgravity environment. As a retrievable carrier, it offers the ability to recover science experiments after a nominal six months of operations in orbit. The study concluded that the SGG Experiment Module can be accommodated and operated in a EURECA reflight mission. It was determined that such a flight test would enable the verification of the SGG Instrument flight performance and validate the design and operation of the Experiment Module. It was also concluded that a limited amount of scientific data could be obtained on this mission.

STS-107 Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT)activities at SPACEHAB

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- During Crew Equipment Interface Test activities at SPACEHAB, Cape Canaveral, Fla., STS-107 Mission Specialist Laurel Blair Salton Clark gets hands-on training on a glove box experiment inside the training module. As a research mission, STS-107 will carry the SPACEHAB Double Module in its first research flight into space and a broad collection of experiments ranging from material science to life science. CEIT activities enable the crew to perform certain flight operations, operate experiments in a flight-like environment, evaluate stowage locations and obtain additional exposure to specific experiment operations. Other STS-107 crew members are Commander Rick Douglas Husband; Pilot William C. McCool; Payload Commander Michael P. Anderson; Mission Specialists Kalpana Chawla and David M. Brown; and Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, of Israel. STS-107 is scheduled for launch May 23, 2002

STS-107 Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT)activities at SPACEHAB

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At SPACEHAB, Cape Canaveral, Fla., Mission Specialist Laurel Blair Salton Clark practices an experiment while Commander Rick Douglas Husband and Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla observe. They and other crew members Pilot William C. McCool; Payload Commander Michael P. Anderson; and Mission Specialists David M. Brown and Ilan Ramon, of Israel, are at SPACEHAB for Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT) activities. The CEIT enables the crew to perform certain flight operations, operate experiments in a flight-like environment, evaluate stowage locations and obtain additional exposure to specific experiment operations. As a research mission, STS-107 will carry the Spacehab Double Module in its first research flight into space and a broad collection of experiments ranging from material science to life science. STS-107 is scheduled for launch May 23, 2002

Reflux physics and an operational scenario for the spheromak

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

Hooper, E. B.

2010-07-20

The spheromak [1] is a toroidal magnetic confinement geometry for plasma with most of the magnetic field generated by internal currents. It has been demonstrated to have excellent energy confinement properties: A peak electron temperature of 0.4 keV was achieved in the Compact Torus Experiment (CTX) experiment [2] and of 0.5 keV in the Sustained Spheromak Physics Experiment (SSPX) [3]. In both cases the plasmas were decaying slowly following formation and (in SSPX) sustainment by coaxial helicity injection (CHI) [4]. In SSPX, power balance analysis during this operational phase yielded electron thermal conductivities in the core plasma in the rangemore » of 1-10 m 2/s [5, 6], comparable to the tokamak L-mode. These results motivate the consideration of possible operating scenarios for future fusion experiments or even reactors.« less

Design and operating experience on the U.S. Department of Energy Experimental Mod-O 100 kW Wind Turbine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glasgow, J. C.; Birchenough, A. G.

1978-01-01

The Mod-O 100 kW Experimental Wind Turbine was designed and fabricated by NASA, as part of the Federal Wind Energy Program, to assess technology requirements and engineering problems of large wind turbines. The machine became operational in October 1975 and has demonstrated successful operation in all of its design modes. During the course of its operations the machine has generated a wealth of experimental data and has served as a prototype developmental test bed for the Mod-OA operational wind turbines which are currently used on utility networks. This paper describes the mechanical and control systems as they evolved in operational tests and describes some of the experience with various systems in the downwind rotor configuration.

Kinematic Evolution of the North-Tehran Fault (NTF), Alborz Mountains, Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Landgraf, A.; Ballato, P.; Strecker, M. R.; Shahpasandzadeh, M.; Friedrich, A.; Tabatabaei, S. H.

2007-12-01

The ENE-to NW-striking NTF is an active frontal thrust that delimits the Alborz Mountain range to the south with an up to 2000 m topographic break with respect to the adjacent Tehran plain. Eocene rocks of the Alborz range are thrusted over Neogene and Quaternary sediments of the alluvial Tehran embayment. The fault consists of right- stepping segments and merges to the east with the active Mosha-Fasham strike-slip fault (MFF). The complex tectonic history, involving changes in the direction of SHmax, has resulted in a composite tectonic landscape with inherited topographic and fault-kinematic fingerprints along the NTF. We therefore used a combination of fault-kinematic measurements and geomorphic observations to unravel the temporal tectonic evolution of this fault. Presently, the NTF is virtually inactive, although the tectonically overprinted landforms reflect tectonic activity on longer time scales during the Quaternary. Being located adjacent north of the Tehran megacity, there is thus considerable interest to decipher its youngest tectonic evolution and to better understand the relation with other fault systems. Our fault kinematic study has revealed an early dextral kinematic history for the NTF. Dextral strike-slip and oblique reverse faulting took place during NW-oriented shortening. The overall fault-geometry of the NTF suggests that it has evolved in relation to dextral transpression along the MFF. This early kinematic regime was superseded by NE-oriented shortening, associated with sinistral-oblique thrusting along the fault segments. Fault linkage between the semi-independent ENE-striking NTF-segments and NW-striking thrusts (Emamzadeh Davud Fault [EDF], Purkan Vardij Thrust [PVT], NTF-prolongation) point towards an evolution into a nascent transpressional duplex. In this scenario the NTF segments constitute lateral ramps and the NW-striking faults act as frontal ramps. Topographic residuals, as an expression of high-uplift zones, indicate that the central segment of the NTF, incorporating the EDF was most effective in accommodating oblique convergence during this time. However, subtle knickpoints in the longitudinal river profiles crossing the PVT may indicate a relatively recent transfer of deformation onto this block. The youngest manifestations of deformation along the NTF, however, are left-lateral and normal faulting. This youngest phase of activity is documented by numerous striated and rotated conglomeratic clasts, meter-scale fault gouge zones with shear-sense indicators of oblique normal faulting, and multiple colluvial wedges with drag phenomena. Rupture traces and filled extensional cracks reaching the surface also document the seismogenic nature of these features. Since recent left-lateral transtension is also known from neighboring faults, e.g., the eastern MFF, our observations suggest that this youngest phase of tectonic activity of the NTF is a regional phenomenon, rather than the result of locally-determined geometries.

The Historical and InstruMental SEismic cataLogue for France (HIMSELF)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manchuel, Kevin; Traversa, Paola; Baumont, David; Cara, Michel; Nayman, Emmanuelle; Durouchoux, Christophe

2017-04-01

In regions that undergo low deformation rates, as it is the case for metropolitan France, the use of historical seismicity, in addition to instrumental one, is necessary when dealing with seismic hazard assessment. The goal is to extend the observation time window to better assess the seismogenic behavior of the crust and of specific geological structures. This paper presents the strategy adopted to develop a parametric earthquake catalogue using Mw as the reference magnitude scale that covers the Metropolitan France for both instrumental and historical times. Works performed in the frame of the SiHex (Cara et al., 2015) and SIGMA projects (EDF-CEA-AREVA-ENEL), respectively on instrumental and historical earthquakes, are combined to produce the Historical and InstruMental SEismic cataLogue for France (HIMSELF). The SiHex catalogue is composed of 40 000 natural earthquakes, for which hypocentral location (inferred from 1D homogeneous location process and observatories regional estimates) and Mw magnitude (from specific analysis on crustal waves coda - ML-LDG> 4.0 - and magnitudes conversions laws) are given. In the frame of the SIGMA research program, an integrated study is realized on historical seismicity from Empirical Macroseismic Prediction Equations (EMPEs) calibration in Mw (Baumont et al., submitted) to their application to earthquakes of the SISFRANCE macroseismic database (BRGM, EDF, IRSN), through a dedicated strategy developed by Traversa et al. (submitted) to compute their Mw magnitude and depth. This inversion process allows taking into account the main macroseismic field specificities reported by SISFRANCE with a Logic Tree (LT) approach. It also permits to capture epistemic uncertainties associated to macroseismic data and to EMPEs selection. For events that exhibit a poorly constrained macroseismic field (mainly old, cross border or at sea earthquakes) joint inversion of Mw and depth is not possible and a priori depth needs to be set to calculate Mw. Regional a priori depths are defined here based on analysis of the distribution of depths computed for earthquakes with a well constrained macroseismic field and for which joint inversion of Mw and depth is possible. At the end, 27% of SISFRANCE earthquake seismological parameters are jointly inverted and for the other 73% Mw are calculated assuming a priori depths. The HIMSELF catalogue is composed of the SIGMA historical parametric catalogue from 463 to 1965 and of the SiHex instrumental one from 1965 to 2009. All magnitudes are expressed in Mw which makes this catalogue directly usable as an input for seismic hazard studies, carried out both through a probabilistic or deterministic way. Uncertainties on magnitudes and depths are provided in this study for historical earthquakes following calculation scheme presented in Traversa et al. (submitted). Uncertainties on magnitudes for instrumental events are from Cara et al. (2016).

2014 Summer Series - Robert Carvalho - Pursuing the Mysteries of the Sun: The IRIS Mission

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-06-19

Pursuing the Mysteries of the Sun: The Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) Mission. Flight controllers from the IRIS mission will present their individual experiences on IRIS from development through the first year of flight. This will begin with a discussion of the unique nature of IRIS's mission and science, and how it fits into NASA's fleet of solar observatories. Next will be a discussion of the critical roles Ames contributed in the mission including spacecraft and flight software development, ground system development, and training for launch. This will be followed by experiences from launch, early operations, ongoing operations, and unusual operations experiences. The presentation will close with IRIS science imagery and questions.

It's Indisputable: Five Facts About Planning and Operating Modern Power Systems

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

Bloom, Aaron; Helman, Udi; Holttinen, Hannele

An indisputable fact cannot be rebutted. It is supported by theory and experience. Over the past 25 years, wind and solar generation has undergone dramatic growth, resulting in a variety of experiences that model the integration of wind and solar into the planning and operation of modern electric power systems. In this article, we bring together examples from Europe, North America, and Australia to identify five indisputable facts about planning and operating modern power systems. Taken together, we hope these experiences can help build consensus among the engineering and public policy communities about the current state of wind and solarmore » integration and also facilitate conversations about evolving future challenges.« less

Quiet Short-Haul Research Airplane (QSRA) model select panel functional description

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, D. M.

1982-01-01

The QSRA, when equipped with programmable color cathode ray tube displays, a head up display, a general purpose digital computer and a microwave landing system receiver, will provide a capability to do handling qualities studies and terminal area operating systems experiments as well as to enhance an experimenter's ability to obtain repeatable aircraft performance data. The operating systems experiments include the capability to generate minimum fuel approach and departure paths and to conduct precision approaches to a STOLport runway. The mode select panel is designed to provide both the flexibility needed for a variety of flight test experiments and the minimum workload operation required by pilots flying into congested terminal traffic areas.

Introduction to special session on "ultrasonic transducers for harsh environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tittmann, B. R.; Reinhardt, B.; Daw, J.

2018-04-01

This work describes the results of experiments conducted as part of an instrumented lead test in-core in a nuclear reactor with the piezoelectric and magnetostrictive materials. The experiments exposed AlN, ZnO, BiT, Remendur, and Galfenol to more neutron radiation than found in the literature. The magnetostrictive sensors produce stable ultrasonic pulse-echoes throughout much of the irradiation. The BiT transducers could operate up until approximate 5 × 10^20 n/cm^2 (E>1MeV). The piezoelectric AlN operated well during the entire experiment. The results imply that now available are candidates for operation in harsh environments found in nuclear reactors and steam generator plants.

The two-visual-systems hypothesis and the perspectival features of visual experience.

PubMed

Foley, Robert T; Whitwell, Robert L; Goodale, Melvyn A

2015-09-01

Some critics of the two-visual-systems hypothesis (TVSH) argue that it is incompatible with the fundamentally egocentric nature of visual experience (what we call the 'perspectival account'). The TVSH proposes that the ventral stream, which delivers up our visual experience of the world, works in an allocentric frame of reference, whereas the dorsal stream, which mediates the visual control of action, uses egocentric frames of reference. Given that the TVSH is also committed to the claim that dorsal-stream processing does not contribute to the contents of visual experience, it has been argued that the TVSH cannot account for the egocentric features of our visual experience. This argument, however, rests on a misunderstanding about how the operations mediating action and the operations mediating perception are specified in the TVSH. In this article, we emphasize the importance of the 'outputs' of the two-systems to the specification of their respective operations. We argue that once this point is appreciated, it becomes evident that the TVSH is entirely compatible with a perspectival account of visual experience. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Preliminary flight results from the second U.S. Microgravity Payload (USMP-2)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Curreri, Peter; Reiss, Donald

1994-01-01

The second U.S. Microgravity Payload (USMP-2) was flown on the Space Shuttle in March 1994. It carried four major microgravity experiments plus a sophisticated accelerometer system to record the microgravity environment during USMP-2 operations. The USMP program is designed to accommodate experiments requiring extensive resources short of a full Spacelab mission, and the experiments are remotely operated and monitored. Results are reviewed from the four experiments: the Advanced Automated Directional Solidification Facility (AADSF), the Isothermal Dendrite Growth Experiment (IDGE), the Materiel por Etude des Phenomenes Interessant la Soldification sur Terre et en Orbite (MEPHISTO), and the Critical Fluid Light Scattering Experiment (Zeno). AASDF grew what is expected to be the largest steady-state sample ever of HgCdTe during 240 hours of operation. IDGE provided 60 growth cycles over a wide range of supercooling conditions studying the dendritic solidification of succinonitrile. MEPHISTO achieved 55 melt-solidify cycles and grew over 1 m of Bi/Sn alloy. Zeno located the critical point temperature for liquid Xe to 0.00001 K. IDGE and Zeno also provided the most extensive demonstrations to date of telescience.

Coarsening in Solid-Liquid Mixtures-2: A Materials Science Experiment for the ISS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hickman, J. Mark; Voorhees, Peter W.; Kwon, Yongwoo; Lorik, Tibor

2004-01-01

A materials science experiment has been developed and readied for operation aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Components of this experiment are onboard ISS and area awaiting the flight of science samples. The goal of the experiment is to understand the dynamics of Ostwald ripening, also known as coarsening, a process that occurs in nearly any two-phase mixture found in nature. Attempts to obtain experimental data in ground-based laboratories are hindered due to the presence of gravity, which introduces material transport modes other than that of the coarsening phenomenon. This introduces adjustable parameters in the formulation of theory. The original Coarsening in Solid-Liquid Mixtures (CSLM) mission, which flew on the Space Shuttle in 1997, produced data from a coarsened eutectic alloy. Unfortunately, both the science matrix and the hardware, while nominally functional, did not account adequately for operations in microgravity. A significantly redesigned follow-on experiment, CSLM-2 has been developed to redress the inadequacies of the original experiment. This paper reviews the CSLM-2 project: its history, science goals, flight hardware implementation, and planned operations and analysis

Analysing the operative experience of basic surgical trainees in Ireland using a web-based logbook

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background There is concern about the adequacy of operative exposure in surgical training programmes, in the context of changing work practices. We aimed to quantify the operative exposure of all trainees on the National Basic Surgical Training (BST) programme in Ireland and compare the results with arbitrary training targets. Methods Retrospective analysis of data obtained from a web-based logbook (http://www.elogbook.org) for all general surgery and orthopaedic training posts between July 2007 and June 2009. Results 104 trainees recorded 23,918 operations between two 6-month general surgery posts. The most common general surgery operation performed was simple skin excision with trainees performing an average of 19.7 (± 9.9) over the 2-year training programme. Trainees most frequently assisted with cholecystectomy with an average of 16.0 (± 11.0) per trainee. Comparison of trainee operative experience to arbitrary training targets found that 2-38% of trainees achieved the targets for 9 emergency index operations and 24-90% of trainees achieved the targets for 8 index elective operations. 72 trainees also completed a 6-month post in orthopaedics and recorded 7,551 operations. The most common orthopaedic operation that trainees performed was removal of metal, with an average of 2.90 (± 3.27) per trainee. The most common orthopaedic operation that trainees assisted with was total hip replacement, with an average of 10.46 (± 6.21) per trainee. Conclusions A centralised web-based logbook provides valuable data to analyse training programme performance. Analysis of logbooks raises concerns about operative experience at junior trainee level. The provision of adequate operative exposure for trainees should be a key performance indicator for training programmes. PMID:21943313

Advanced gamma ray balloon experiment ground checkout and data analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blackstone, M.

1976-01-01

A software programming package to be used in the ground checkout and handling of data from the advanced gamma ray balloon experiment is described. The Operator's Manual permits someone unfamiliar with the inner workings of the software system (called LEO) to operate on the experimental data as it comes from the Pulse Code Modulation interface, converting it to a form for later analysis, and monitoring the program of an experiment. A Programmer's Manual is included.

National Centers for Environmental Prediction

Science.gov Websites

/ VISION | About EMC EMC > NAM > Home NAM Operational Products HIRESW Operational Products Operational Forecast Graphics Experimental Forecast Graphics Verification and Diagnostics Model Configuration Collaborators Documentation and Code FAQ Operational Change Log Parallel Experiment Change Log Contacts

Perceptions of perioperative nursing competence: a cross-country comparison.

PubMed

Gillespie, Brigid M; Harbeck, Emma B; Falk-Brynhildsen, Karin; Nilsson, Ulrica; Jaensson, Maria

2018-01-01

Throughout many countries, professional bodies rely on yearly self-assessment of competence for ongoing registration; therefore, nursing competence is pivotal to safe clinical practice. Our aim was to describe and compare perioperative nurses' perceptions of competence in four countries, while examining the effect of specialist education and years of experience in the operating room. We conducted a secondary analysis of cross-sectional surveys from four countries including; Australia, Canada, Scotland, and Sweden. The 40-item Perceived Perioperative Competence Scale-Revised (PPCS-R), was used with a total sample of 768 respondents. We used a factorial design to examine the influence of country, years of experience in the operating room and specialist education on nurses' reported perceived perioperative competence. Regardless of country origin, nurses with specialist qualifications reported higher perceived perioperative competence when compared to nurses without specialist education. However, cross-country differences were dependent on nurses' number of years of experience in the operating room. Nurses from Sweden with 6-10 years of experience in the operating room reported lower perceived perioperative competence when compared to Australian nurses. In comparing nurses with > 10 years of experience, Swedish nurses reported significantly lower perceived perioperative competence when compared to nurses from Australia, Canada and Scotland. Researchers need to consider educational level and years of experience in the perioperative context when examining constructs such as competence.

The lived experiences of operating theatre scrub nurses learning technical scrub skills 'I'm doing this right, aren't I? Am I doing this right?'

PubMed

Radford, Eleanor J; Fotis, Theo

2018-01-01

Operating theatre scrub nurses (OTSNs) are not required to have undertaken a secondary or specialist post-registration theatre qualification to work in the operating theatre (OT) setting in the UK. From the systematic review there is only very limited literature or research in how technical scrub skills are acquired. This study explores the lived experiences of OTSNs learning technical scrub skills. The study employed the qualitative methodology of interpretative phenomenological analysis. Data was collected from six participating OTSNs using semi-structured interviews. Four superordinate themes emerged: How technical scrub skills are established, Gatekeepers, How the learner feels whilst learning and, Reflections of the experienced scrub nurse. The study found that the experiences of OTSNs learning technical scrub skills are varied and a variety of teaching and learning methods are utilised. These experiences were influenced by the team, mentor and surgeon within the OT environment. Lived experiences were also influenced by organisational structure and service pressures within the NHS.

Large-scale flow experiments for managing river systems

USGS Publications Warehouse

Konrad, Christopher P.; Olden, Julian D.; Lytle, David A.; Melis, Theodore S.; Schmidt, John C.; Bray, Erin N.; Freeman, Mary C.; Gido, Keith B.; Hemphill, Nina P.; Kennard, Mark J.; McMullen, Laura E.; Mims, Meryl C.; Pyron, Mark; Robinson, Christopher T.; Williams, John G.

2011-01-01

Experimental manipulations of streamflow have been used globally in recent decades to mitigate the impacts of dam operations on river systems. Rivers are challenging subjects for experimentation, because they are open systems that cannot be isolated from their social context. We identify principles to address the challenges of conducting effective large-scale flow experiments. Flow experiments have both scientific and social value when they help to resolve specific questions about the ecological action of flow with a clear nexus to water policies and decisions. Water managers must integrate new information into operating policies for large-scale experiments to be effective. Modeling and monitoring can be integrated with experiments to analyze long-term ecological responses. Experimental design should include spatially extensive observations and well-defined, repeated treatments. Large-scale flow manipulations are only a part of dam operations that affect river systems. Scientists can ensure that experimental manipulations continue to be a valuable approach for the scientifically based management of river systems.

Assessment of post-operative pain management among acutely and electively admitted patients - a Swedish ward perspective.

PubMed

Magidy, Mahnaz; Warrén-Stomberg, Margareta; Bjerså, Kristofer

2016-04-01

Swedish health care is regulated to involve the patient in every intervention process. In the area of post-operative pain, it is therefore important to evaluate patient experience of the quality of pain management. Previous research has focused on mapping this area but not on comparing experiences between acutely and electively admitted patients. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of post-operative pain management quality among acutely and electively admitted patients at a Swedish surgical department performing soft-tissue surgery. A survey study design was used as a method based on a multidimensional instrument to assess post-operative pain management: Strategic and Clinical Quality Indicators in Postoperative Pain Management (SCQIPP). Consecutive patients at all wards of a university hospital's surgical department were included. Data collection was performed at hospital discharge. In total, 160 patients participated, of whom 40 patients were acutely admitted. A significant difference between acutely and electively admitted patients was observed in the SCQIPP area of environment, whereas acute patients rated the post-operative pain management quality lower compared with those who were electively admitted. There may be a need for improvement in the areas of post-operative pain management in Sweden, both specifically and generally. There may also be a difference in the experience of post-operative pain quality between acutely and electively admitted patients in this study, specifically in the area of environment. In addition, low levels of the perceived quality of post-operative pain management among the patients were consistent, but satisfaction with analgesic treatment was rated as good. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Development and Deployment of a Virtual Unit Operations Laboratory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vaidyanath, Sreeram; Williams, Jason; Hilliard, Marcus; Wiesner, Theodore

2007-01-01

Computer-simulated experiments offer many benefits to engineering curricula in the areas of safety, cost, and flexibility. We report our experience in developing and deploying a computer-simulated unit operations laboratory, driven by the guiding principle of maximum fidelity to the physical lab. We find that, while the up-front investment in…

CRITICAL EXPERIMENT TANK (CET) REACTOR HAZARDS SUMMARY

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

Becar, N.J.; Kunze, J.F.; Pincock, G..D.

1961-03-31

The Critical Experiment Tank (CET) reactor assembly, the associated systems, and the Low Power Test Facility in which the reactor is to be operated are described. An evaluation and summary of the hazards associated with the operation of the CET reactor in the LPTF at the ldsho Test Station are also presented. (auth)

MSFC Doppler Lidar Science experiments and operations plans for 1981 airborne test flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fichtl, G. H.; Bilbro, J. W.; Kaufman, J. W.

1981-01-01

The flight experiment and operations plans for the Doppler Lidar System (DLS) are provided. Application of DLS to the study of severe storms and local weather penomena is addressed. Test plans involve 66 hours of flight time. Plans also include ground based severe storm and local weather data acquisition.

Five Years of Cyclotron Radioisotope Production Experiences at the First PET-CT in Venezuela

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

Colmenter, L.; Coelho, D.; Esteves, L. M.

2007-10-26

Five years operation of a compact cyclotron installed at PET-CT facility in Caracas, Venezuela is given. Production rate of {sup 18}F labeled FDG, operation and radiation monitoring experience are included. We conclude that {sup 18}FDG CT-PET is the most effective technique for patient diagnosis.

Connected Learning in Co-Operative Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Jeela

2007-01-01

This qualitative research study explored the experiences of students who had attended a co operative (co-op) education program, with a focus on what makes the experience meaningful to them. Utilizing a basic interpretive research design, students who graduated from a co-op program were interviewed using an open-ended interview protocol. Both male…

76 FR 58311 - Draft License Renewal Interim Staff Guidance LR-ISG-2011-05; Ongoing Review of Operating Experience

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-20

... nuclear power plants. In response to a request from the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), the NRC is... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [NRC-2011-0191] Draft License Renewal Interim Staff Guidance LR-ISG-2011-05; Ongoing Review of Operating Experience AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Draft...

NREL Document Profiles Natural Gas Fueling, Fleet Operation

Science.gov Websites

, Waste Management's LNG Truck Fleet Start-Up Experience, offers solid evidence that LNG-powered vehicles program from concept to start-up to present-day operation, describing the vehicle, engine and fueling . The document Waste Management's LNG Truck Fleet Start-Up Experience is one of a series of NREL

Pilot Performance on New ATM Operations: Maintaining In-Trail Separation and Arrival Sequencing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pritchett, Amy R.; Yankosky, L. J.; Johnson, Walter (Technical Monitor)

1999-01-01

Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) may enable new Air Traffic Management (ATM) operations. However, CDTI is not the only source of traffic information in the cockpit; ATM procedures may provide information, implicitly and explicitly, about other aircraft. An experiment investigated pilot ability to perform two new ATM operations - maintaining in-trail separation from another aircraft and sequencing into an arrival stream. In the experiment, pilots were provided different amounts of information from displays and procedures. The results are described.

AMO EXPRESS: A Command and Control Experiment for Crew Autonomy Onboard the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cornelius, Randy; Frank, Jeremy; Garner, Larry; Haddock, Angie; Stetson, Howard; Wang, Lui

2015-01-01

The Autonomous Mission Operations project is investigating crew autonomy capabilities and tools for deep space missions. Team members at Ames Research Center, Johnson Space Center and Marshall Space Flight Center are using their experience with ISS Payload operations and TIMELINER to: move earth based command and control assets to on-board for crew access; safely merge core and payload command procedures; give the crew single action intelligent operations; and investigate crew interface requirements.

Safety consequences of local initiating events in an LMFBR

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

Crawford, R.M.; Marr, W.W.; Padilla, A. Jr.

1975-12-01

The potential for fuel-failure propagation in an LMFBR at or near normal conditions is examined. Results are presented to support the conclusion that although individual fuel-pin failure may occur, rapid failure-propagation spreading among a large number of fuel pins in a subassembly is unlikely in an operating LMFBR. This conclusion is supported by operating experience, mechanistic analyses of failure-propagation phenomena, and experiments. In addition, some of the consequences of continued operation with defected fuel are considered.

30 CFR 48.7 - Training of miners assigned to a task in which they have had no previous experience; minimum...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... to new work tasks as mobile equipment operators, drilling machine operators, haulage and conveyor systems operators, roof and ground control machine operators, and those in blasting operations shall not... duties at times or places where production is not the primary objective; on (ii) Supervised operation...

30 CFR 48.7 - Training of miners assigned to a task in which they have had no previous experience; minimum...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... to new work tasks as mobile equipment operators, drilling machine operators, haulage and conveyor systems operators, roof and ground control machine operators, and those in blasting operations shall not... duties at times or places where production is not the primary objective; on (ii) Supervised operation...

30 CFR 48.7 - Training of miners assigned to a task in which they have had no previous experience; minimum...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... to new work tasks as mobile equipment operators, drilling machine operators, haulage and conveyor systems operators, roof and ground control machine operators, and those in blasting operations shall not... duties at times or places where production is not the primary objective; on (ii) Supervised operation...

30 CFR 48.7 - Training of miners assigned to a task in which they have had no previous experience; minimum...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... to new work tasks as mobile equipment operators, drilling machine operators, haulage and conveyor systems operators, roof and ground control machine operators, and those in blasting operations shall not... duties at times or places where production is not the primary objective; on (ii) Supervised operation...

Recent GE BWR fuel experience and design evolution

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

Wood, J.E.; Potts, G.A.; Proebstle, R.A.

1992-01-01

Reliable fuel operation is essential to the safe, reliable, and economic power production by today's commercial nuclear reactors. GE Nuclear Energy is committed to maximize fuel reliability through the progressive development of improved fuel design features and dedication to provide the maximum quality of the design features and dedication to provide the maximum quality of the design, fabrication, and operation of GE BWR fuel. Over the last 35 years, GE has designed, fabricated, and placed in operation over 82,000 BWR fuel bundles containing over 5 million fuel rods. This experience includes successful commercial reactor operation of fuel assemblies to greatermore » than 45000 MWd/MTU bundle average exposure. This paper reports that this extensive experience base has enabled clear identification and characterization of the active failure mechanisms. With this failure mechanism characterization, mitigating actions have been developed and implemented by GE to provide the highest reliability BWR fuel bundles possible.« less

Mission Manager Area of the Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

The primary objective of the STS-35 mission was round the clock observation of the celestial sphere in ultraviolet and X-Ray astronomy with the Astro-1 observatory which consisted of four telescopes: the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope (HUT); the Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment (WUPPE); the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UIT); and the Broad Band X-Ray Telescope (BBXRT). The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Teams of controllers and researchers directed on-orbit science operations, sent commands to the spacecraft, received data from experiments aboard the Space Shuttle, adjusted mission schedules to take advantage of unexpected science opportunities or unexpected results, and worked with crew members to resolve problems with their experiments. Pictured is Jack Jones in the Mission Manager Area.

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

Jonathan Gray; Robert Anderson; Julio G. Rodriguez

Abstract: Identifying and understanding digital instrumentation and control (I&C) cyber vulnerabilities within nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities, is critical if nation states desire to operate nuclear facilities safely, reliably, and securely. In order to demonstrate objective evidence that cyber vulnerabilities have been adequately identified and mitigated, a testbed representing a facility’s critical nuclear equipment must be replicated. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has built and operated similar testbeds for common critical infrastructure I&C for over ten years. This experience developing, operating, and maintaining an I&C testbed in support of research identifying cyber vulnerabilities has led the Korean Atomic Energymore » Research Institute of the Republic of Korea to solicit the experiences of INL to help mitigate problems early in the design, development, operation, and maintenance of a similar testbed. The following information will discuss I&C testbed lessons learned and the impact of these experiences to KAERI.« less

Around Marshall

NASA Image and Video Library

1990-12-07

The primary objective of the STS-35 mission was round the clock observation of the celestial sphere in ultraviolet and X-Ray astronomy with the Astro-1 observatory which consisted of four telescopes: the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope (HUT); the Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment (WUPPE); the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UIT); and the Broad Band X-Ray Telescope (BBXRT). The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Teams of controllers and researchers directed on-orbit science operations, sent commands to the spacecraft, received data from experiments aboard the Space Shuttle, adjusted mission schedules to take advantage of unexpected science opportunities or unexpected results, and worked with crew members to resolve problems with their experiments. This photo is of Space classroom students in the Discovery Optics Lab at MSFC during STS-35, ASTRO-1 mission payload operations.

ARC-2009-ACD09-0269-040

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-12-08

TROPI-2; Preparation of experiment containers in EMCS (European Modular Cultivation System) Lab, N-236 Sixten Experiment Containers (ECs) being prepared with flight seeds in December and January will be hand carried to KSC for deployment on STS-130 (shuttle flight 20A). During the ISS (international Space Station) operations the two TROPi-2 experiments to begin by mid Feburary and be completed by early March will monitor by the payload team at Ames from our Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC) The experiment samples are scheduled to return on shuttle fight 19A. Left to right are Prem Kumar, Katherine Millar, Bob Bowman

Early tracking would improve the operative experience of general surgery residents.

PubMed

Stain, Steven C; Biester, Thomas W; Hanks, John B; Ashley, Stanley W; Valentine, R James; Bass, Barbara L; Buyske, Jo

2010-09-01

High surgical complexity and individual career goals has led most general surgery (GS) residents to pursue fellowship training, resulting in a shortage of surgeons who practice broad-based general surgery. We hypothesize that early tracking of residents would improve operative experience of residents planning to be general surgeons, and could foster greater interest and confidence in this career path. Surgical Operative Log data from GS and fellowship bound residents (FB) applying for the 2008 American Board of Surgery Qualifying Examination (QE) were used to construct a hypothetical training model with 6 months of early specialization (ESP) for FB residents in 4 specialties (cardiac, vascular, colorectal, pediatric); and presumed these cases would be available to GS residents within the same program. A total of 142 training programs had both FB residents (n = 237) and GS residents (n = 402), and represented 70% of all 2008 QE applicants. The mean numbers of operations by FB and GS residents were 1131 and 1091, respectively. There were a mean of 252 cases by FB residents in the chief year, theoretically making 126 cases available for each GS resident. In 9 defined categories, the hypothetical model would result in an increase in the 5-year operative experience of GS residents (mastectomy 6.5%; colectomy 22.8%; gastrectomy 23.4%; antireflux procedures 23.4%; pancreatic resection 37.4%; liver resection 29.3%; endocrine procedures 19.6%; trauma operations 13.3%; GI endoscopy 6.5%). The ESP model improves operative experience of GS residents, particularly for complex gastrointestinal procedures. The expansion of subspecialty ESP should be considered.

Operation condition for continuous anti-solvent crystallization of CBZ-SAC cocrystal considering deposition risk of undesired crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishimaru, Momoko; Nakasa, Miku; Kudo, Shoji; Takiyama, Hiroshi

2017-07-01

Crystallization operation of cocrystal production has deposition risk of undesired crystals. Simultaneously, continuous manufacturing processes are focused on. In this study, conditions for continuous cocrystallization considering risk reduction of undesired crystals deposition were investigated on the view point of thermodynamics and kinetics. The anti-solvent cocrystallization was carried out in four-component system of carbamazepine, saccharin, methanol and water. From the preliminary batch experiment, the relationships among undesired crystal deposition, solution composition decided by mixing ratio of solutions, and residence time for the crystals were considered, and then the conditions of continuous experiment were decided. Under these conditions, the continuous experiment was carried out. The XRD patterns of obtained crystals in the continuous experiment showed that desired cocrystals were obtained without undesired crystals. This experimental result was evaluated by using multi-component phase diagrams from the view point of the operation point's movement. From the evaluation, it was found that there is a certain operation condition which the operation point is fixed with time in the specific domain without the deposition risk of undesired single component crystals. It means the possibility of continuous production of cocrystals without deposition risk of undesired crystals was confirmed by using multi-component phase diagrams.

Head-Worn Display Concepts for Surface Operations for Commerical Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arthur, Jarvis J., III; Prinzel, Lawrence J., III; Bailey, Randall E.; Shelton, Kevin J.; Williams, Steven P.; Kramer, Lynda J.; Norman, Robert M.

2008-01-01

Experiments and flight tests have shown that a Head-Up Display (HUD) and a head-down electronic moving map (EMM) can be enhanced with Synthetic Vision for airport surface operations. While great success in ground operations was demonstrated with a HUD, the research noted that two major HUD limitations during ground operations were its monochrome form and limited, fixed field-of-regard. A potential solution to these limitations found with HUDs may be emerging with Head Worn Displays (HWDs). HWDs are small display devices that may be worn without significant encumbrance to the user. By coupling the HWD with a head tracker, unlimited field-of-regard may be realized. The results of three ground simulation experiments conducted at NASA Langley Research Center are summarized. The experiments evaluated the efficacy of head-worn display applications of Synthetic Vision and Enhanced Vision technology to improve transport aircraft surface operations. The results of the experiments showed that the fully integrated HWD provided greater pilot performance with respect to staying on the path compared to using paper charts alone. Further, when comparing the HWD with the HUD concept, there were no differences in path performance. In addition, the HWD and HUD concepts were rated via paired-comparisons the same in terms of situation awareness and workload.

Notes on Experiments.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Physics Education, 1984

1984-01-01

Describes: (1) experiments using a simple phonocardiograph; (2) radioactivity experiments involving a VELA used as a ratemeter; (3) a 25cm continuously operating Foucault pendulum; and (4) camera control of experiments. Descriptions of equipment needed are provided when applicable. (JN)

The Wallsend Owenites

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Todd, Nigel

2013-01-01

The nineteenth-century British Co-operative Movement included a commitment to education. Although only a minority of consumer co-operative societies offered educational facilities for their members, there was a willingness to experiment among those Co-operators whose grasp of Co-operation extended ideologically beyond remaining content with…

Analyses of requirements for computer control and data processing experiment subsystems. Volume 2: ATM experiment S-056 image data processing system software development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

The IDAPS (Image Data Processing System) is a user-oriented, computer-based, language and control system, which provides a framework or standard for implementing image data processing applications, simplifies set-up of image processing runs so that the system may be used without a working knowledge of computer programming or operation, streamlines operation of the image processing facility, and allows multiple applications to be run in sequence without operator interaction. The control system loads the operators, interprets the input, constructs the necessary parameters for each application, and cells the application. The overlay feature of the IBSYS loader (IBLDR) provides the means of running multiple operators which would otherwise overflow core storage.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy: the effect of the learning curve, and concentrating expertise, on operating times.

PubMed

Skinner, Adrian; Maoate, Kiki; Beasley, Spencer

2010-05-01

Laparoscopic nephrectomy is an accepted alternative to open nephrectomy. We analyzed our first 80 procedures of laparoscopic nephrectomy to evaluate the effect of experience and configuration of service on operative times. A retrospective review of 80 consecutive children who underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy or heminephrectomy during an 11-year period from 1997 at Christchurch Hospital (Christchurch, New Zealand) was conducted. Operative times, in relation to the experience of the surgeon for this procedure, were analyzed. Four surgeons, assisted by an annually rotating trainee registrar, performed the procedure in 26 girls and 54 boys (range, 8 months to 15 years). Operating times ranged from 38 to 225 minutes (mean, 104). The average operative time fell from 105 to 90 minutes. One surgeon performed 40% of the procedures and assisted with a further 55%. The operative times for all surgeons showed a tendency to reduce, but this was not marked. Most procedures were performed by two surgeons working together, although one surgeon was involved in the majority of cases. The lead surgeon is often assisted by a fellow consultant colleague. Operative times were influenced by experience, but not markedly so. The shorter operative times and minimal "learning curve," compared with other reported series, may, in part, be due to the involvement of two surgeons experienced in laparoscopy for the majority of cases.

Functional Allocation with Airborne Self-Separation Evaluated in a Piloted Simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wing, David J.; Murdoch, Jennifer L.; Chamberlain, James P.; Consiglio, Maria C.; Hoardley, Sherwood T.; Hubbs, Clay E.; Palmer, Michael T.

2010-01-01

A human-in-the-loop simulation experiment was designed and conducted to evaluate an airborne self-separation concept. The activity supports the National Aeronautics and Space Administration s (NASA) research focus on function allocation for separation assurance. The objectives of the experiment were twofold: (1) use experiment design features in common with a companion study of ground-based automated separation assurance to promote comparability, and (2) assess agility of self-separation operations in managing trajectory-changing events in high traffic density, en-route operations with arrival time constraints. This paper describes the experiment and presents initial results associated with subjective workload ratings and group discussion feedback obtained from the experiment s commercial transport pilot participants.

Syncom 4 deploy, LDEF retrieval highlight 10-day Columbia flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1989-01-01

The objectives of Space Shuttle Mission STS-32 are described along with major flight activities, prelaunch and launch operations, trajectory sequence of events, and landing and post-landing operations. The primary objectives of STS-32 are the deployment of a Navy synchronous communications satellite (Syncom 4) and the retrieval of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) launched from the Challenger in April 1984. Secondary STS-32 payloads include a protein crystal growth experiment, the Fluids Experiment Apparatus (FEA) for the investigation of microgravity materials processing, the Mesoscale Lighting Experiment, the Latitude-Longitude Locator Experiment, the Americal Flight Echocardiograph, and an experiment to investigate neurospora circadian rhythms in a microgravity environment.

Science operations planning and implementation for Rosetta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koschny, Detlef; Sweeney, Mark; Montagon, Elsa; Hoofs, Raymond; van der Plas, Peter

2002-07-01

The Rosetta mission is a cornerstone mission of the Horizon 2000 programme of the European Space Agency. It will be launched to comet 46P/Wirtanen in January 2003. This mission is the first of a series of planetary missions, including Mars Express, Smart-I (to the Moon), and BepiColombo (to Mercury). All these missions have similar requirements for their scientific operations. The Experiments H/W and S/W are developed by Principal Investigators, working at scientific institutes. They are also responsible for the operation of their experiments and for the generation of related operational documentation. The Science Operations Centre (SOC) has the task to consolidate the inputs of the different experimenters and the Lander and ensure that the resulting science operations timeline is free of conflicts. It forwards this timeline to the Mission Operations Centre (MOC) which combines the science operations with the operations of the other spacecraft subsystems and the orbit and attitude of the spacecraft. The MOC is also responsible for uplinking the operational command sequences to the spacecraft and for returning the received telemetry to the user. In a collaboration between the team of the Rosetta Project Scientist at the Research and Science Support Department of ESA/ESTEC and the European Space Operations Centre (ESA/ESOC), a concept for the SOC/MOC and their interfaces was developed for the Rosetta mission. This concept is generic enough to allow its implementation also for the other planetary missions. The design phase is now complete, and implementation is on-going. This paper briefly presents the architecture of the complex ground segment, concentrating on the elements required for planning of scientific operations, and then details the software tools EPS (Experiment Planning System) and PTB (Project Test Bed) which are used in the planning process.

STS-107 Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT)activities at SPACEHAB

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At SPACEHAB, Cape Canaveral, Fla., members of the STS-107 crew discuss the experiments in the Spacehab module. Seated, in the foreground, is Mission Specialist Laurel Blair Salton Clark; standing behind her are Commander Rick Douglas Husband and Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla. They and other crew members Pilot William C. McCool; Payload Commander Michael P. Anderson; and Mission Specialists David M. Brown and Ilan Ramon, of Israel, are at SPACEHAB for Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT) activities. The CEIT enables the crew to perform certain flight operations, operate experiments in a flight-like environment, evaluate stowage locations and obtain additional exposure to specific experiment operations. As a research mission, STS-107 will carry the Spacehab Double Module in its first research flight into space and a broad collection of experiments ranging from material science to life science. STS-107 is scheduled for launch May 23, 2002

STS-107 Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT)activities at SPACEHAB

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At SPACEHAB, Cape Canaveral, Fla., STS-107 Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon (foreground), of Israel, and Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla (background) check out experiments inside the Spacehab module. They and other crew members are taking part in Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT) activities that enable the crew to perform certain flight operations, operate experiments in a flight-like environment, evaluate stowage locations and obtain additional exposure to specific experiment operations. As a research mission, STS-107 will carry the Spacehab Double Module in its first research flight into space and a broad collection of experiments ranging from material science to life science. . Other STS-107 crew members are Commander Rick Douglas Husband, Pilot William C. McCool; Payload Commander Michael P. Anderson; and Mission Specialists Laurel Blair Salton Clark and David M. Brown. STS-107 is scheduled for launch May 23, 2002

Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) scanner instrument anomaly investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, N. D.; Miller, J. B.; Taylor, L. V.; Lovell, J. B.; Cox, J. W.; Fedors, J. C.; Kopia, L. P.; Holloway, R. M.; Bradley, O. H.

1985-01-01

The results of an ad-hoc committee investigation of in-Earth orbit operational anomalies noted on two identical Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) Scanner instruments on two different spacecraft busses is presented. The anomalies are attributed to the bearings and the lubrication scheme for the bearings. A detailed discussion of the pertinent instrument operations, the approach of the investigation team and the current status of the instruments now in Earth orbit is included. The team considered operational changes for these instruments, rework possibilities for the one instrument which is waiting to be launched, and preferable lubrication considerations for specific space operational requirements similar to those for the ERBE scanner bearings.

Nomad rover field experiment, Atacama Desert, Chile 1. Science results overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cabrol, N. A.; Thomas, G.; Witzke, B.

2001-04-01

Nomad was deployed for a 45 day traverse in the Atacama Desert, Chile, during the summer of 1997. During this traverse, 1 week was devoted to science experiments. The goal of the science experiments was to test different planetary surface exploration strategies that included (1) a Mars mission simulation, (2) a science on the fly experiment, where the rover was kept moving 75% of the operation time. (The goal of this operation was to determine whether or not successful interpretation of the environment is related to the time spent on a target. The role of mobility in helping the interpretation was also assessed.) (3) a meteorite search using visual and instrumental methods to remotely identify meteorites in extreme environments, and (4) a time-delay experiment with and without using the panospheric camera. The results were as follow: the remote science team positively identified the main characteristics of the test site geological environment. The science on the fly experiment showed that the selection of appropriate targets might be even more critical than the time spent on a study area to reconstruct the history of a site. During the same operation the science team members identified and sampled a rock from a Jurassic outcrop that they proposed to be a fossil. The presence of paleolife indicators in this rock was confirmed later by laboratory analysis. Both visual and instrumental modes demonstrated the feasibility, in at least some conditions, of carrying out a field search for meteorites by using remote-controlled vehicles. Finally, metrics collected from the observation of the science team operations, and the use team members made of mission data, provided critical information on what operation sequences could be automated on board rovers in future planetary surface explorations.

Drift chamber readout system of the DIRAC experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afanasyev, L.; Karpukhin, V.

2002-10-01

A drift chamber readout system of the DIRAC experiment at CERN is presented. The system is intended to read out the signals from planar chambers operating in a high current mode. The sense wire signals are digitized in the 16-channel time-to-digital converter boards which are plugged in the signal plane connectors. This design results in a reduced number of modules, a small number of cables and high noise immunity. The system has been successfully operating in the experiment since 1999.

Operational Experience with the MICE Spectrometer Solenoid System

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

Feher, Sandor; Bross, Alan; Hanlet, Pierrick

The Muon Ionization Cooling Experiment located at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in England utilizes a supercon-ducting solenoid system for the muon cooling channel that also holds particle tracking detectors and muon absorbers inside their bores. The solenoid system installation was completed in summer of 2015 and after commissioning the system it has been running successfully. As a result, this paper summarizes the commissioning results and operational experience with the magnets focusing on the per-formance of the two Spectrometer Solenoids built by the US.

Operational Experience with the MICE Spectrometer Solenoid System

DOE PAGES

Feher, Sandor; Bross, Alan; Hanlet, Pierrick

2018-01-11

The Muon Ionization Cooling Experiment located at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in England utilizes a supercon-ducting solenoid system for the muon cooling channel that also holds particle tracking detectors and muon absorbers inside their bores. The solenoid system installation was completed in summer of 2015 and after commissioning the system it has been running successfully. As a result, this paper summarizes the commissioning results and operational experience with the magnets focusing on the per-formance of the two Spectrometer Solenoids built by the US.

Standard-resolution TOVS observations for the FIRE/SRB Wisconsin experiment region from October 9 through November 2, 1986

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whitlock, Charles H.; Lecroy, Stuart R.; Darnell, Wayne L.

1987-01-01

Maps and concise tables are presented which show TIROS Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS) box centroid locations, box size, and vertical sounding products from the NOAA-6 and -9 satellites for the FIRE/SRB (First ISCCP Regional Experiment/Surface Radiation Budget) Wisconsin experiment region during October 9 through November 2, 1986. In addition to the operational standard products, relative reflectance is calculated and presented based on values from HIRS/2 Band 20 measurements.

ATS-6 engineering performance report. Volume 2: Orbit and attitude controls

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wales, R. O. (Editor)

1981-01-01

Attitude control is reviewed, encompassing the attitude control subsystem, spacecraft attitude precision pointing and slewing adaptive control experiment, and RF interferometer experiment. The spacecraft propulsion system (SPS) is discussed, including subsystem, SPS design description and validation, orbital operations and performance, in-orbit anomalies and contingency operations, and the cesium bombardment ion engine experiment. Thruster failure due to plugging of the propellant feed passages, a major cause for mission termination, are considered among the critical generic failures on the satellite.

Visual display aid for orbital maneuvering - Experimental evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grunwald, Arthur J.; Ellis, Stephen R.

1993-01-01

An interactive proximity operations planning system, which allows on-site planning of fuel-efficient, multiburn maneuvers in a potential multispacecraft environment, has been experimentally evaluated. An experiment has been carried out in which nonastronaut operators with brief initial training were required to plan a trajectory to retrieve an object accidentally separated from a dual-keel Space Station, for a variety of different orbital situations. The experiments have shown that these operators were able to plan workable trajectories, satisfying a number of operational constraints. Fuel use and planning time were strongly correlated, both with the angle at which the object was separated and with the existence of spatial constraints. Planning behavior was found to be strongly operator-dependent. This finding calls for the need for standardizing planning strategies through operator training or the use of semiautomated planning schemes.

Space processing economics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bredt, J. H.

1974-01-01

Two types of space processing operations may be considered economically justified; they are manufacturing operations that make profits and experiment operations that provide needed applied research results at lower costs than those of alternative methods. Some examples from the Skylab experiments suggest that applied research should become cost effective soon after the space shuttle and Spacelab become operational. In space manufacturing, the total cost of space operations required to process materials must be repaid by the value added to the materials by the processing. Accurate estimates of profitability are not yet possible because shuttle operational costs are not firmly established and the markets for future products are difficult to estimate. However, approximate calculations show that semiconductor products and biological preparations may be processed on a scale consistent with market requirements and at costs that are at least compatible with profitability using the Shuttle/Spacelab system.

Maternal Adverse Childhood Experience and Infant Health: Biomedical and Psychosocial Risks as Intermediary Mechanisms.

PubMed

Madigan, Sheri; Wade, Mark; Plamondon, Andre; Maguire, Jonathon L; Jenkins, Jennifer M

2017-08-01

To assess the mechanisms accounting for the transfer of risk from one generation to the next, especially as they relate to maternal adverse childhood experiences and infant physical and emotional health outcomes. Participants were 501 community mother-infant dyads recruited shortly after the birth and followed up at 18 months. Mothers retrospectively reported on their adverse childhood experiences. The main outcome measures were parent-reported infant physical health and emotional problems. Potential mechanisms of intergenerational transmission included cumulative biomedical risk (eg, prenatal and perinatal complications) and postnatal psychosocial risk (eg, maternal depression, single parenthood, marital conflict). Four or more adverse childhood experiences were related to a 2- and 5-fold increased risk of experiencing any biomedical or psychosocial risk, respectively. There was a linear association between number of adverse childhood experiences and extent of biomedical and psychosocial risk. Path analysis revealed that the association between maternal adverse childhood experiences and infant physical health operated specifically through cumulative biomedical risk, while the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and infant emotional health operated specifically through cumulative psychosocial risk. This pattern was not explained by maternal childhood disadvantage or current neighborhood poverty. Maternal adverse childhood experiences confer vulnerability to prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal psychosocial health. The association between adverse childhood experiences and offspring physical and emotional health operates through discrete intermediary mechanisms. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Joint operations planning for space surveillance missions on the MSX satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stokes, Grant; Good, Andrew

1994-01-01

The Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) satellite, sponsored by BMDO, is intended to gather broad-band phenomenology data on missiles, plumes, naturally occurring earthlimb backgrounds and deep space backgrounds. In addition the MSX will be used to conduct functional demonstrations of space-based space surveillance. The JHU/Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), located in Laurel, MD, is the integrator and operator of the MSX satellite. APL will conduct all operations related to the MSX and is charged with the detailed operations planning required to implement all of the experiments run on the MSX except the space surveillance experiments. The non-surveillance operations are generally amenable to being defined months ahead of time and being scheduled on a monthly basis. Lincoln Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (LL), located in Lexington, MA, is the provider of one of the principle MSX instruments, the Space-Based Visible (SBV) sensor, and the agency charged with implementing the space surveillance demonstrations on the MSX. The planning timelines for the space surveillance demonstrations are fundamentally different from those for the other experiments. They are generally amenable to being scheduled on a monthly basis, but the specific experiment sequence and pointing must be refined shortly before execution. This allocation of responsibilities to different organizations implies the need for a joint mission planning system for conducting space surveillance demonstrations. This paper details the iterative, joint planning system, based on passing responsibility for generating MSX commands for surveillance operations from APL to LL for specific scheduled operations. The joint planning system, including the generation of a budget for spacecraft resources to be used for surveillance events, has been successfully demonstrated during ground testing of the MSX and is being validated for MSX launch within the year. The planning system developed for the MSX forms a model possibly applicable to developing distributed mission planning systems for other multi-use satellites.

ARC EMCS Experiments (Seedling Growth-2) Experiment Status

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heathcote, David; Steele, Marianne

2015-01-01

Presentation of the status of the ARC ISS (International Space Station) Experiment, Seedling Growth-2 to the Payload Operations Investigator Working Group meeting at MSFC, Huntsville AL. The experiment employs the European Modular Cultivation System (ECMS).